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Thanks for sharing your experience, Paul. There's no one *right* way, just different options to consider. The maintenance component you mention is a really critical one -- whether you plan to have the boat for a few years or a lifetime. In the end, though, the only thing that really matters is that you enjoyed it!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Royden.

Thanks for the question, Sushidog. It's nearly impossible (and potentially dangerous) to troubleshoot wiring issues from afar, but the first thing we'd suggest is trying the bilge pump with the leads connected directly to a charged battery just to make sure the pump itself wasn't dead on arrival. That does happen occasionally. Beyond that, we recommend finding a trusted technician to have a look at it for you.

@@boatus problem was solved it was corroded fuses blocking power from the dash to the bilge

Thanks for the question, Mike. The trim tab is the small circular item with a fin mounted to the underside of the engine's anti-ventilation plate, that he points at. It's a sacrificial anode, so it essentially wears away over time and needs to be checked annually to see if it needs replacement. You can learn more here: ua-cam.com/video/hLbgmJAcGX8/v-deo.htmlsi=tRULOvujUPwVK1VX Hope this helps.

You're welcome Alec! Glad you found it useful.

Thanks, Alec. If you are looking at doing a gelcoat repair, check out our full playlist. We have more videos that show several different techniques and offer tips that might be helpful depending on the location, size, and depth of the repair. ua-cam.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

Ask three people and get five opinions ... 😂

Your first mate is a smart cookie! If you haven't already done so, be sure to take the BoatUS Foundation's FREE online boating safety course (www.BoatUS.org/Free). It meets boating education requirements in 36 states. Plus we have tons more helpful how-to boating videos for skippers of all levels right here on UA-cam. Looks like you've been watching a few!

Hey, Capt. Rik! I'm guessing you're referring to the Pup Plank? If so, they're available online through West Marine or other retailers: www.westmarine.com/solstice-solstice-inflatable-pup-plank-P020116885.html. The life jacket shown is also available through West Marine. I've seen some other manufacturers making a similar product if you want options. One is dogwaterramp.com

Thanks for watching, Joe. Glad you found it helpful!

Hey, OG. Not sure I understand your comment in relation to this video. Did you comment on the correct one?

😅 Pun not intended

Thanks for the question, SWM! Gasoline outboards have a separate shift handle or mechanism that's not part of the twisting handle/throttle to shift into forward and reverse. There are some very small older designs around, however, for which the whole engine actually swivels 180-degree in the mount in order to "shift" into reverse!

@@boatus Thanks.

@@boatus Do you have any tips for backing up? Lmao I have issues remembering that. Lol

Sure! Turn the motor in the direction you want before shifting into gear. Then shift in and out. Bump the boat back and always turn the motor while it's in neutral (so you don't have directed thrust ever going anywhere except exactly where you want it). Hope that helps!!

@@boatus I meant directions. I can never remember which way to turn the thing to go left or right. Is it the same as going forward? You turn it to the opposite side you wanna go?

Thanks for watching, Frank. Bodhi was a wonderful model for us. Glad seeing him brought back good memories -- our furbabies are always in our hearts.

No solo launching/loading on those kinds of docks! Thanks for watching, Lisa

Excellent reminder, Frostbitten. Those need to be checked, too, if your outboard has them. In fact, they're one of the most frequently overlooked maintenance items. We always recommend reading and following manufacturer recommendations for the specific boat and motor.

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching, Mark.

While not everyone does, David, we recommend flushing your outboard after every use if you want to prolong your outboard's life and help ensure it doesn't leave you calling TowBoatUS for a ride home. This is especially important in saltwater (or brackish water). But it's also critical for helping to clear out any silt or other debris that might get sucked up into the engine. Bottom line: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific outboard. And if you're interested, we have an updated video on this subject: ua-cam.com/video/NB77LPB8U8c/v-deo.htmlsi=Zj1upqj7QwtQqvvJ

Thanks, Michael. We were merely showing how to back it, not launch it. But you're right -- if we were actually backing it with the intent of launching, there are some other steps that need to be attended to.

Thanks, Cathy! Glad you found it helpful.

Thanks for sharing your tips, Joe. Good ones! Sometimes a little throttle is needed if you're dealing with current or wind, but generally it's best to bump in and out of gear as needed. Patience is key. And, 100% on turning your wheel FIRST!!

Good tip, Joe. Like the inboard vid, patience is a virtue. Bump in and out of gear and just glide. And turn that wheel FIRST! That is the biggest issue I had at first.

Right?! Thankfully Bodhi enjoys the boat and was a great model for us. Some pups might not be as happy to hang out on the water. Best to leave them at home.

Thanks, Dwight. You're absolutely correct. The latest U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics report shows that one of the largest contributing factors to boating accidents in 2023 was operator inattention. These technologies are certainly beneficial in a lot of ways, but we also need to use common sense and not fall victim to "video game syndrome." Appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts.

@@boatus 👍

😂

Thanks for watching, Albert! Glad you found it useful.

😂 I think it's the universe telling you you need a boat! Thanks for watching, and we're always here if you ever buy one!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Tommy. We recommend using whichever anchor works best for your boat, boat size, and location.

Glad we could help, Dsm. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for taking the time to share your dad's timeless wisdom with our viewers, Bomanone. Sounds like he is/was a knowledgeable seaman, and clearly those critical lessons have stuck with you. One thing to keep in mind is that red, right. returning is not universal -- it's the opposite in a number of geographic regions. And it can also be confusing in certain situations when it reverses (such as on the Rideau Canal) or in the Gulf. That said, those probably don't apply to your boating, so keep on keeping on! No doubt some folks will find your advice handy.

@@boatus You are absolutely correct that "red, right, returning" does not always apply. I should have mentioned. But it does apply for my boating, in my neck of the woods. 🙂 Thanks again!

Thanks so much, and we're thrilled to hear you found it helpful. Be sure to watch our other gelcoat repair videos. They have some additional techniques that you might find helpful depending on the location and depth of the repairs. ua-cam.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html Good luck with your project, and be sure to document it -- or parts of it -- to share with BoatUS Magazine for consideration as part of a future Makeover article. Before/during/after pics are always great!

@@boatus Will do! Thanks again!

We do say that, and it's not a bad idea to fill out a more formal float plan for longer cruises. However, a text or email works just as well and doesn't require filling out a form. More boating, less paperwork! Bottom line: Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to be home (and when you arrive home) -- whatever form it takes. Thanks for watching. Edward.

Don't disagree with you. Bean. It seems like it would be common sense, but you know as well as we do that's often lacking. While there are many boaters who do this regularly, there are just as many if not more who do not. The point of the video is a quick reminder to boaters -- novice and experienced alike -- not to forget this simple step. Newbies don't think about it; experienced boaters might get too comfortable and forget. If the reminder helps just one boater, it's worthwhile. Thanks for watching!

Oh, Ben. I'm sure that was an incredibly traumatic experience, but we appreciate you taking the time to share with our viewers. Lots of folks think it won't happen to them, but reading how someone was directly affected by this is a powerful reminder that it can and does happen. I was reading about this happening to a family just this past weekend. It's heartbreaking. We hope you and your family were uninjured and that you have been able to get back out on the water again.