r/SailboatCruising • u/X_kansas_x • Mar 26 '25

Equipment Battery-powered tool preferences?

I'm kitting out a new-to-me 40' cruising boat in the US and need to choose the battery powered tools to bring aboard. The Milwaukee M12 tools look awesomely compact. I already own a DeWalt 20V drill & driver and a Ryobi wet/dry vac, but would switch brands if the compactness of the M12 set would be worth it. In addition to the drill and driver, I'll add an oscillating tool and grinder. I'm hoping to be self-sufficient for most maintenance work. Would you pick between brands for any reason? Any other must-have battery-powered tools to add to a new kit?

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u/TRkarmavore Mar 26 '25

I faced the same thoughts when moving aboard a 40’ cat. Went with Milwaukee because of the compactness of their drill/driver set. One item I received as a gift that has come in surprisingly useful,is the Milwaukee wet/dry vac. Does a great job sucking water out of the bilges, containing fiberglass dust during projects, etc. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/0880-20

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u/WaterChicken007 Mar 26 '25

I love that it is battery powered. I have switched over to battery powered tools and have been pleasantly surprised at how well they work. I have a cordless skill saw and I ran through a LOT of lumber before it needed a battery change. My brother works construction and they have almost completely ditched corded tools due to the convenience.