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You're welcome, Chris. Thanks for watching! There are a lot of steps to getting a good result, but it's not difficult. You may want to check out our gelcoat repair playlist. There are some additional techniques, tips, and information that might be helpful depending on the type of repair(s) needed. Good luck with your project!

Great tip, Dave! Who doesn't have a few wayward tubes of lip balm rolling around? I'd make sure to wipe off any excess so it doesn't attract dirt. Of the commercial products available, one of our faves is Snappi because you can use it remove any existing dirt or corrosion before adding the lubricant.

Great one, Aaron! And keep spare fuses aboard. Thanks for watching!

Good tip! Thanks for sharing your experience, Zachary

Thanks for sharing your tip, Maleko!

We love to hear this, Jerry! We're so glad we could help -- and even happier it was a simple fix. Thanks for sharing!

Nope. They're waterproof. Promise. Thanks for watching!

We can't win ’em all, Greg. Had the B-team (aka, me) on the camera for this one. We've upped our production value considerably since then.

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

Thanks so much FST! I will pass along your kind comments to the team. They mean a lot. Here's to keeping your record spotless! (But know we'll be there if you need us.)

Glad we could help! Thanks for watching.

You're very welcome. Glad you found it helpful!

Hi Anthony. Can you clarify: Are you looking for the location of the bilge pump in your boat, or are you having trouble getting access to it because of the location and other stuff in the way?

Should we look for you on one of the boat ramp fail videos, Jason? 😅

Thanks for sharing, Gustavo! I wasn't familiar with Vapor but I just looked them up. Great combo of price, options, and awesome graphics! I might need to order one (or several) for myself.

Thanks for your concern, Michael. It seems that every time someone in our videos wears sunglasses to protect their vision on a super bright day, we get people complaining about not being able to see their eyes. For a similar reason, we try to avoid hats while filming because they can cast dark shadows on faces. We can't make everyone happy all of the time, but if it makes you feel any better, the videographer and I were both wearing hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, AND UPF clothing while we were filming that day.

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: czcams.com/video/hLbgmJAcGX8/video.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. czcams.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 CZcams. 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: czcams.com/video/NB77LPB8U8c/video.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.