Tool and parts catcher for boats

A device to prevent the loss of mechanics' tools by dropping into the water while repairing the motor of an outboard motorboat, the device comprising a frame including a pair of cooperative opposing generally C-shaped frame sections which define a generally rectangular frame when disposed in a common plane, the frame sections having parallel longitudinal side members and transverse rear members of equal lengths and the interior ends of the rear members being hingedly joined to permit folding the frame when not in use, the frame sections including foreshortened forward members having equal lengths whose inner ends are spaced apart sufficiently to straddle the sides of an outboard motor mounted on the transom of a boat to which the device is attached, a pair of suspension hooks for the device laterally adjustably mounted on said forward frame members and adapted to engage over the top of a boat transom on opposite sides of an outboard motor, at least one adjustable length flexible suspension element secured to one of said rear frame members and having a forward terminal element adapted for releasable connection with the frame of an outboard motor, whereby said device can be supported substantially horizontally immediately rearwardly of the transom of a boat, and a flexible barrier sheet adapted to intercept falling tools and the like and spanning substantially the rectangular area defined by said frame when the frame is in a use position, said barrier including a plurality of spaced suspension loops around its marginal edges and said loops being engaged with the side, rear and forward members of the frame to support the barrier sheet thereon in a generally taut state, the barrier sheet being divided at its front and transverse center between the forward frame members and said division of the barrier sheet extending longitudinally rearwardly to a point near the center of the barrier sheet, whereby the divided barrier sheet may straddle the descending portion of an outboard motor, and guide elements and a pair of flexible ties on the divided edge portions of the barrier sheet enabling the divided barrier sheet to be drawn snugly around said descending portion of an outboard motor.