Hurricane Ian Boat Recovery

After sitting on land for one month after Hurricane Ian ripped her from the dock and blew her ashore, TowBoatUS arrives in an attempt to lift Happy Ours off her perch in the neighbors yard and put her back in the water.
The 60 ton crane was pushed to the limit. A 2006 Meridian 341 sport bridge weighs 18500 pounds dry. With fuel, water and gear it’s weight can be well over 20000 pounds. There was also an undetermined amount of water still trapped in the bilge due to the precarious angle the boat was sitting at. No one knew how much more that would weigh, and the distance from shore was an issue. Will it survive? Will it sink?
Many thanks to the crew from TowBoat US who worked this feat!
Get 10% off boating supplies at Boat Gear USA! Use promo code HAPPYOURS @ boatgearusa.co...

[@boatus]

Thank you so much for capturing this harrowing recovery of _Happy Ours_ ! We may be a little biased, but we think our TowBoatUS teams are the best in the business. Your video really highlights the professional work they do. Thank you for putting your trust in us for so many years, and here's to getting _Happy Ours_ back on the water soon.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thank you!

[@monadking2761]

Had BoatUS when I had a boat back the early 90 and they helped me out when my outdrive cooked on a weeked. The inside seal on the gimbal let go and all the bearings got toasted. They covered everything minus my deductible, of course, through the marina where I had my boat. They worked with the marina and I found out it was up and running the next weekend. They were bothgreat I never lost any time boating. Oh those were the days! Good luck with your boat maybe one day I'll have another but I just go on private charters now it's less worries.

[@lynnbowen8842]

Both of my sons boats are with boat us in Ohio, they are wonderful.

[@artsmith103]

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[@artsmith103]

BoatUs, how was the crane attached to the barge such that it didn't slide off?

[@larryguitar5902]

As a fellow boat owner I feel the stress. But it actually looked like the boat did well. Impressed with the professional skill of those guys. Keep us updated on the rehab.

[@roelf8653]

That couldn't have gone any better. Kudos to TowBoat US. It must be a tremendous relief to have Happy Ours back home safe and mostly sound.

[@micheleandheryorkie4496]

It’s always satisfying to watch a well oiled machine at work. TowBoatUS has their game down to a T 😀👍🏼 Happy to see your baby back in her home.

[@leanneadams2549]

I was holding my breath for that beautiful boat and I don’t even know these guys !! Thanks for the vid !!! 👍

[@domenicspano4667]

Glad to see her back in the water and back at the dock! Kudos to the professionals at Sea Tow.

[@549BR]

Not Sea Tow; it was Tow Boat USA.

[@drumlover1687]

Now those men are top professionals! Glad to see she's back home where she belongs. And kudos to Meridian. They build a damn good boat! Congratulations Captain. 🎊

[@ralphholiman7401]

I know how nerve wracking it can be to watch that. Our Catalina 42 (22,000 lbs) blew ashore in Hurricane Issac. It had a fin keel and it was resting perfectly straight up on that and the rudder, like it was in the yard, and had no damage. But, watching the crane and barge, pick it up and swing it back into the water, I know exactly how you feel. The barge and crane that picked ours up was about four times the size of the one they used for yours, but ours was a lot farther from shore, and watching that barge and crane lean over, like it did with yours, I didn't think it was going to work. But, it ended well. Congratulations on getting your baby back in the water. I know how good that feeling is, too!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

That’s promising to hear that! I’m hoping nothing is bent but expect there HAS to be something wrong right? Lol. Expect the worst and hope for the best.

[@rochellehanes4074]

Here hold my beer. WOW!!!! Kudos to the boat owner for his patience, and recovery team for professionalism. 1 boat done - many many more to go.

[@shyman9023]

Not sure of why you think the owner should not have patience? I would be happy seeing them show up.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I certainly was losing patience. Every day on hard another day it could take more damage. But all worked out ok.

[@teresagoodwin7458]

Thank GOD for all BLESSINGS AND MIRACLES 🙏 My friend this is a MIRACLE 🙏🙏🙏 Especially considering all the damage everywhere due to this massive storm!!! Thanks for sharing 🤗💞🤗

[@lakelivingb8409]

I need a heart pill just from watching. As An owner, wishing you the best. Glad I have Tow Boat USA...Bet the neighbors glad for their cnal view. Thanks for sharing.

[@dancarter482]

That crane operator is one BRAVE man! I'll never forget the scene during the Japan tsunami with all those boats getting stuffed under that bridge like leaves down a storm drain; I NEVER want to stand on land and watch my vessel getting destroyed and wishing I'd headed out off shore to face the tempest head-on. That's one tough hull you've got there, congratulations.

[@artsmith103]

Agree, hard to believe the crane didn't slide off with the angle and load. I'd like to see what kept that from happening. Bolted to the bardge?

[@dancarter482]

@@artsmith103 And nowhere to RUN!

[@EO.studios]

As a crane operator myself I can say he did a very dangerous thing that crane was why out of level.

[@dancarter482]

@@EO.studios Survived more by luck than judgement!

[@stevebell2999]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with fellow boaters. From far and wide, we other owners can feel some of your amazement and heartbreak in dealing with tragic events and damage to your vessel. While anyone, including boaters can by sympathetic, I think only other owners can truly appreciate the gravity of it all and how it can affect you. Wishing you great success and much future boating happiness. Steve Carver Mariner 360 Ontario, Canada.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Hi Steve thanks. I had a 2000 Carver Mariner that hurricane Sandy swept away also. We were considering getting a 360 if this was a total loss but things are looking good to keep her.

[@mvcharisma]

For what that boat went through, I’m stunned how well the hull faired

[@thomaslemasters6543]

4)6)42

[@keithb6717]

fared

[@brandonhebert5485]

I doubt it went through much. The wind won't really hurt it, the water came up and broke it loose from its dock and set it on the land of the neighbors house. Not really much to damage the boat. If it didn't hit anything during this process it should be fine. I've seen boats discovered a half mile inland and they were ok. Sitting in a parking lot. They were lifted onto a flatbed and put back in the water.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

This one took out an entire boat lift, steel, pilings and all. The next video you get to see the hull damage as we have it on the hard now.

[@billthomas6296]

Tow Boat U.S. did a fantastic job. I remember watching afterstorm videos and saw your boat on your neighbors backyard and thought wow how are they going to get her back in the water. Very good gentlemen, my hats off to you all.

[@TheStiggggg]

Really good job from the TowBoatUS crew. They clearly planned ahead and had plenty of resources on hand if something went wrong.

[@jameshamre8778]

Wow! That was awesome. Thanks for having the patience to share the lift with all of us. Good luck with the with the following repairs.

[@ross6343]

As a boat owner, I breathed a sigh of relief at about the 12:37 mark on...and SUPER happy for you Captain! TowBoatUS has never left me down either [nor Sea\\Tow for that matter]. I'd also bet your 'neighbor' who has hosted 'Happy Ours' is relieved as well. All around...a great video! On to the 'spit and polish' phase. Cheers...

[@captnemo8069]

Happy Hours owner, I didn't realize that was your boat until the end, you stayed calm, I would feel sick and cringing if that was my boat. Glad all worked out.

[@danteach6865]

Professional crew handling it with great care. They made it look easy which I am sure it was not. Glad they were able to recover it and best of luck with the repairs.

[@paulbrancov7037]

So happy to see her right where she belongs back home ! Great job everyone!!! The damage doesn’t look bad at all….

[@shiloh6079]

So happy to see her back where she belongs. Gives me goosebumps from Arizona

[@michaeldrummey2754]

You need to change the name of your boat to "Lucky Lady". To end up sitting on shore like that with so little damage is amazing. Happy for you, hope you get to enjoy her again soon. Thanks for a bright spot, watching her float again. From Vermont!!

[@michaelgreene3080]

Enjoyed being with you on your journey on ICW from NY to FL then so sad with outcome the way things played out. Watching this video as it was playing out, and updated with following videos kind of bring “happy ending” new meaning. Keep up the good work, and interesting videos that truly make a difference.

[@tjborekvideo]

Congratulations on getting Happy Ours back home! Hoping the repairs and dealing with insurance goes smoothly.

[@stevenwamsley2941]

Wow. Nice recovery. Hull was not damaged. A miracle!!!!!.

[@randyclyde4939]

WOW, just WOW... I thought I'd have to replace my seat cushion! That is one professional crew! Stay well, stay safe!

[@michaeldemaio3601]

That’s amazing. I am thrilled that it looks like happy hours will live to sail another day! She must be a tough old girl.

[@runltdan]

Im chillin at my brothers house in Daytona Beach…overlooking a cool waterway. Stumbled back onto this video, this day! Just Wow. Back in the saddle , Livin Life🇺🇸⚓️

[@hines862009]

Surprisingly good condition! ...and you can say the boat is a hurricane survivor too!

[@sharond7512]

So happy for you guys to have her back where she belongs. Great operation to see. I look forward to more videos as you are able. Thank you for sharing.

[@susanswalius7113]

I'm so happy your baby is back in the water. Gave me goose bumps. So happy for you

[@frankm4277]

Tow Boat US to the rescue! Great job! Did not know they had this additional equipment aand barge. Very Good! Next time a Hurricane is expected to hit the Florida coast, move the boat to another state. Lucky you still have a watercraft after all that. Good Luck!

[@EnterpriseRacing]

So happy for you guys! I know it's been a month, but I can't believe they did it so soon! You'll be out on the Gulf in no time!

[@Seaswirl1850Project]

Glad the guys used the spreader bars. So not to pinch the boat. Thanks for posting hope all is well.

[@lewpratt3811]

Wifey and I are patiently saving for our boat. This nail bitter has me totally convinced to invest in a TowBoatUS plan. Wow. Thank you for sharing. Just Subscribed.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Wow!!!!!!!! What a sight to see!!!! bless the yacht being blown there by the Hurricane Ian and not total in pieces to recover!!!!! The weight of the yacht is so there with you saying about look bark and that going down in the canal water!!!! I hope the owners of this yacht really want this back to do additional work to restore it. Plus, paying the towing company as well!!!!! Thank you for sharing this video.

[@richb1128]

A recovery is just that, a recovery. Sometimes damage happens during a recovery but that’s why you pay insurance. These guys did what they could to cause less damage but sometimes it is inevitable. Good crew!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

They did an awesome job! No further damage caused to hull or running gear. Just amazing.

[@UltraMagaFan]

Wow. Considering the fact that your boat went through a hurricane and was thrown on land, it looks pretty great. There’s not as much damage as I thought there would be. If you haven’t already, hopefully you’ll be able to get her repaired and seaworthy again.

[@Bac7777.]

Great job getting the boat back in floating stage 👍👍

[@adriennethenomad]

Wow! Safe landing on the grass! Funnily enough, our boat is Happy Our

[@fol964]

Great job! Crazy angle on that crane!

[@captraykelly]

Wow...glad you are back in the water. Great job and kudos to BoatUS. I have BoatUS. All the best.

[@leversforever9748]

Boat US Is the best for sure!! I've been with them over 30yrs

[@ronz101]

Kudos to the riggers and patient residents. 🎉

[@deepmuscletherapyhealth6776]

what an emotional ride. i didnt realise she was yours. great work on the rescuers effort and your videoing

[@ddmbarkerbarker16]

That was absolutely terrifying to watch‼️ Seeing the cranes front wheels off the ground could trigger a panic attack! I am so happy for you‼️ I’m in Ft. Myers and my entire family relies on Tow Boat USA. The did a phenomenal recovery for you!

[@feversol]

Those wheels were off the deck of the boat before the boat was ever hooked up. Notice the outriggers of the crane were used to provide a wider pivot point.

[@dancarter482]

@@feversol Even so - there's a VERY fine line ..... ... .

[@dottiemccoy3123]

I am happy for you she is back in the water and floating... those guys are awesome they did a great job.

[@markp6334]

Wow! What an operation. Hopefully from here it’s just cosmetic issues. I’m sure you guys are very relieved to have her back at the dock. Best of luck!

[@FamilyFlippers]

Amazing! Thank you guys for a great recovery.

[@snownomore803]

Great to see her back in the water. 🌴

[@fritzmeynejr2983]

Amazing Crew. So much could have gone wrong, seems like true Professionals! I hope all goes well for the Boast owner!

[@BuzzSargent]

New subscriber from Winter Garden, FL glad things went so well in this operation. Smart move, moving the barge instead of changing the settings on the crane. That's when things can go south real fast. Happy Trails

[@abiv9821]

Job well done! So happy to see her back in the water.

[@markwilshaw6029]

Brilliant - have been following your adventures from here in UK - we vacation in Fort Lauderdale and love spending time on the ICW... hope everything is ok with Happy Ours and you get back out on the water as soon as possible

[@survivalSC]

I feel your pain watching this video. Im glad you got her back on the water and it will went great. I know it feels when your baby is in a storm.

[@deniseterrell2515]

Happy for you that they put it back in the water! Beautiful boat!

[@AVMamfortas]

Great job. Difficult, Delicate, Expert.

[@robinbrockman2200]

Got to hand it to those guys. Awesome crew!

[@paulsaletnik9864]

Wow that was stressful! Towboat US, the best $300 I spend every year.

[@InTooDeepBro]

Awesome recovery. I am glad to see that the damage was minimal given the circumstances. My boat is on the hard in Port Charlotte. I am headed down there next week to fix her up and get her back into the water. Lets get together if you are in the area! Safe travels! -Gus

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Hey Gus! Sounds good. Ill be back thanksgiving week. Heading back to Ny for some hunting tomorrow.

[@InTooDeepBro]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs enjoy! I should be splashing by the 2nd week of Decmeber.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I’ll be here. If you want company let me know.

[@sandsrepm]

Wow! That’s pretty cool. I saw on the news they are starting to clean some up. Hopefully we will be around to see one

[@martinbowskill5511]

Hell of a job guys well done Marty Australia

[@OutOnTheReef]

That was a awesome job Towboat US did a awesome job i. Also a member, happy for you cap.👍now you can stay on your boat wile you remodeyour home👍👍 that will be awesome savings

[@ikessul1429]

😢 Ian was not nice to us in cape glad you guys got her back in the water

[@billflorio4720]

Great to see! Looks like she’s gonna be fine!

[@dougaranda6187]

Don’t know why, but that made me very happy. Slowly buy surely, the area will come back.

[@mdv2043]

That's awesome she is afloat ...Glad they checked the stuffing boxes and shaft seals when they dropped her in.

[@russwilkerson2741]

Amazing work. Glad you got your boat back

[@ksessa1010]

Pretty wild. Thank god it seems you are back to normal now

[@skyblazer9137]

"WOW" what a mess. Good luck and stay strong we will get through this.

[@shadesofgold24]

As with any major work done below the waterline when it’s out of the water, you hold your breath when it goes back in. I can’t even imagine your anxiety as AoHO went back in hoping nothing sprung a major leak

[@PaulKnox-fd9xi]

In your narration you have not addressed the stability factor at all. The crane may have a rated lifting capacity, BUT, it is on a floating platform which can make it very unstable. Watch the wet water line on the barge change in your vid. Also the fact that you did not necessarily "move " the barge as you described, but you left one spud down and rotated the barge on that spud, helped sustain the stability of the crane on barge scenario. One has to assume Tow Boat US had a naval engineer overseeing this operation. It was not just pull up with your barge and pluck a boat off the beach. Good lift! well done!

[@judybonner8682]

I just watched your boat being lifted off the yard. I am subscribing so I can watch the repair. 💕💕💕

[@jjde8424]

Tommy, New to the channel. You handled this so calmly, your voice seemed "normal". Respect to you! I had to run a get a drink half way through all this. Best of luck to both of you.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks. After all we went through the months prior. This was more of a relief!

[@roberttigani5431]

Started following you the other day and followed you all the way down through my hometown of Stewart cross the lake, and when I realized where you were ending up and what was gonna happen in a few months, I was really concerned for you and Bridget. So happy to see this video Today with your vessel, being recovered fellow boat or from the East Coast to Florida. Bob .

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks Bob! We’re doing great and love our new hometown.

[@adk1guy]

wow, smart crew, well equipped and coordinated. , i was curious how the barge would tilt toward the front but moving the barge is brilliant. Probably a no brainer when you've already done it. . It looks like the boat owner is incredibly lucky to have no hull , drive train, or rudder damage.

[@bradaltemeyer4472]

good job, lots of work like that after such a storm/ my brother timed his move a bit east to LaBelle just right/ they had been at several addresses around Fort Myers over the last thirty plus years.

[@Joseph1045]

Yay! So glad Happy Ours was recovered! TowBoat US did a great job, kudos to them and also your skillset. Be looking for to the repairs and I bet you can't wait to get it done so you can get out there. Hopefully you guys never have a hurricane like Ian again! On the positive side after the big trip to Cape Coral, it is probably good you will get the props, axels, keels, and underside cleaned up.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I’m so glad I held off on changing cutlass bearings and shaft seals! Now they will get done.

[@Joseph1045]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs Sometimes things work out for the best.

[@roberthackos7845]

your very lucky glad to see the boat back in the water !

[@susanmitchell9257]

Boat US does a great job very professional

[@babyboy6179]

Awesome recovery from BoatUS

[@dianarodriguez9783]

One of your neighbors posted Happy Ours being pulled out. I was wondering where you were. I would not have been able to watch. Saw that it floated nice as was put down. So glad she is afloat again.

[@ScarabChris]

Impressive. I was looking at the angle of the barge and while it likely would not tip over due to being on the bottom, I was thinking the crane could slide off. But I guess they have chained in place. And yes these guys are the best in the biz. I used to run my boat to Bimini a lot. Once back in I think 2010 or 2011 there was a guy running his 28' center console in the harbor at night. He tried to use the "locals cut" and ended up hitting the rocks at high speed ripping the hull wide open. Tow Boat US was there the next day patching the holes with silicone and plywood so it would float. They they towed it all the way back to Dania Beach. I saw the boat a few weeks later on land at the marina on the Dania Cut off canal just west of 95. I live on the Cut off canal myself.

[@joeytomberlin2277]

Amazing…..I wandered how they would get the boats…….great job!!!

[@mrlatino1964]

Wow that was tense fir a moment, I can only imagine how you were feeling. Good luck on fixing her up. Thank you for taking me with you on your journey, I'm totally hooked on your channel...

[@549BR]

Well, they did let you down today, right back into the canal. Best wishes in getting your craft repaired and cleaned up; just part of the fun of ownership.😎

[@southernbuck101georgia2]

It's only money. Very professional job there, Crane operator, and the rest of the team.

[@EdEdelenbos]

Whew…. Time to breathe a little easier. And, start and prioritize the list of repairs needed. I’m glad it worked out.

[@jgross8572]

Wow!!! Welcome to Florida i guess.. love the videos.

[@markbenninghoff2113]

Congratulations, thanks for posting.

[@scottzorno8414]

We have been rescued by TowBoat twice on the Ohio river. Good folks.

[@joeybayer4460]

Jesus nearly chocked up watching. Way to go.

[@kevinschultz413]

Thnxs for the Capture !! , Thnxs for the share !!

[@jomarkelly3932]

Wow that was amazing! and I am glad you had very little damage to the boat! which to me is unbelievable… Good Luck and Safe future travels!

[@bigtruckbrad]

Amazing that there is enough room in the crane cab for the operator and his festivals.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Spell check got you but I know what you meant! Lol

[@bigtruckbrad]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs Just trying not to get kicked off KZbin.

[@searay7277]

Well that was a nail-biter. I'm glad everything worked out well. It looks like you're going to need a haul out. Hopefully it runs well and you can get it to a marina.

[@albertsheetz2788]

That's the noise the Crane made in Milwaukee at county stadium before it went down

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

😳

[@timharrison9060]

happy to hit the like button this time.... stay safe, Tim and Cat

[@timharrison9060]

just saw another "view" of your boat.... check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/pabIaXmFrJlpfa8

[@bimodal7195]

Great result. Now let's hurry down to the casino. Regards, Bimodal ( safe ashore for winter in Ontario).