Breaking down in a boat on the water

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There are a few basic things you can check if your boat breaks down on the water. There are also a some basic tools that are worth carrying with you each time you head out on the water. Start by looking for the simple things - running out of fuel, pulling the lanyard out by mistake then move on to looking under the cowling for anything wrong.
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[@pitsmcgoo]

Probably the goofiest time I got stranded I was about 1/4 mile from the marina with a slight breeze blowing towards the marina. I had an umbrella and used it as a sail. Pulled me right up to the dock. Some people were watching and they started clapping when I docked it. I felt embarrassed but hey it worked.

[@cats400]

Pits McGoo I broke down about a quarter mile from my slip and my father jumped in with a rope and swam the boat to the dock.

[@DangarMarine]

Ha! That should be a scene in a movie, I love it. What a great entrance! :)

[@jonathanmeasamer7833]

I have done that once, always keep a trolling motor on the boat now.

[@prb-vp9ku]

Classic

[@jazldazl9193]

Awesome!

[@PeteT2475]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you !! Wish I had watched this 5 years ago before owning my own boat. I have now watched several of you videos and all of them have been very interesting and helpful. This is the sort of info one must have before buying your own boat, it will save one, lots of headaches and frustration. Thank you for sharing.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Pete, glad you've been finding the videos helpful. :)

[@mitch_the_-itch]

Of all the videos Ive watched as we "flatten the curve for two weeks" for the past year this may have been one of the most helpful Ive seen on the youtubes.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad you found it helpful.

[@markolav7017]

Mate...I have broken a drive shaft, lost a prop that sank to the bottom, found my fuel pick up floating around in the tank, had magnetic choke stuck in with corrosion, pull started with a rope more times than I care to remember but after rowing for a while there has always been a friendly comrade out on the water to help me get home... thats the great part about boating. Oh..I forgot...I have also tilted the plastic tank to get back to the ramp on many occasions and that works a treat too. I now have a brand new outboard but am thankful for all the "lessons learnt" over many years.. Cheers

[@DangarMarine]

So it sounds like you're boating has been pretty smooth compared to most. ;) You are right though, boating is like motorcycling, there is a strong sense of community and if anyone else is there they will almost always give you a hand.

[@prb-vp9ku]

Great video that covers just about every situation. I think the main thing to consider is not to panic and diagnose the problem in a logical order. If the weather turns bad that can bring about a totally different strategy. I think lighting such as a torch is important especially if its close to the evening. Best rule of thumb is to make sure you have a good look over your equipment before heading out.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. You are dead right about checking everything before you head out being the best option. About the only thing I'm kicking myself for not mentioning is checking that the gear selector is in neutral if it isn't cranking.

[@prb-vp9ku]

:)@@DangarMarine

[@ryananey7626]

Rectifier went out on my big motor and drained my battery. Had to call my dad, he said use a string to start my kicker motor. It worked. Used the little motor to charge the battery then fired the big motor and ran back to the launch. I now have a spare battery fully charged on board and know how to test a rectifier regulator! Win win

[@mathewcampbell8479]

Great vid Stu. I'll be upgrading my toolkit The neutral thing has got me more than once too!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Matthew. I'm kicking myself for not including a mention of the neutral problem in that video.

[@Fireship1]

This was a very detailed and well explained video Stu. You covered lots of topics, I think you covered most issues anyone would have happen. This is one of my big fears when I have my kids aboard. Breaking down and not being able to get her going again. Ive been contemplating investing in a small kicker just to get home on, just in case!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Jack, yes, a smaller kicker is a good investment I think, particularly if you are in an area where there aren't many other boaters around that can give you a tow if needed.

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

SITTING ON THE BOW PADDLING IS THE BEST WAY TO GET HELP! I've proven this to my Pop and several friends with a good running boat! I've even won bets with it by saying I bet you I can get another boat to come to us without saying a word or calling them over. The usual response is "BS!" So I grab a paddle sit on the bow and start paddling and usually the first or second boat will swing right over.

[@mr.fatbasstard648]

I have a 1978 15hp Johnson on my 14' tinny. Towed quite a few people to safety in my time. The wealthiest of them, a recreation boater, didn't even offer a thank you handshake. On a separate occasion two head-to-toe tattoo gents in a beat-up old fishing boat asked us to remain at the marina for a bit after we towed them in. My first thought was they're going to need help with a beat-up old pickup too lol. When they came back to the marina dock they had a brand new large ice chest with the stickers still on it filled with expensive beer and fresh ice and they refused to let us refuse it. :- ) :-)

[@DangarMarine]

How often is that the case. Money doesn't make you a nice person!

[@mr.fatbasstard648]

Dangar Marine I guess not and by the way great video. And thanks for getting us back on the water last year my friend.

[@circe42]

I learned when I was 16 years old someday somewhere it is going to be you who is stuck . I ALWAYS offer a tow or assistance when it their turn Karma is alive and well . Trust me I am a 73 YO now ..

[@Fluid36]

Good bastards.

[@Fluid36]

@@circe42 Experience in life my friend.

[@daynecowan]

Haha, thanks for the shout out mate! It's Keppel Bay Marina... and definitely not my boat. 😀 that was a crazy year with you guys... Lives long in the memory (most of it!)

[@DangarMarine]

I felt like we lived that year onboard Red Dwarf! ;) Hope to catch up soon mate, it's been waaaayyyy too long.

[@daynecowan]

For sure! Looking forward to seeing the green machine and your workshop too! I miss the home workshop from the old videos though, with the chickens. 😀

[@Fluid36]

@@daynecowan Bongs and red dwarf?

[@stephenjohnston6623]

You're good Stu. Everything the blokes above me said too ! Well done again.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Stephen!

[@91gsixty]

Other safety tools - A mirror could help siginal on shore help from sun, and Flashlight for when the sun goes down.

[@Josephguestable]

Great video, Just wanted to say thanks for sparking ny intrest in the marine world. Im currently enrolled at Marine Mechanics Institute and chasing my dreams. I really appreciate this channel.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, good luck with your studies. Always great to hear of people following their passions. :)

[@googleplusisdead]

Great, informative summary video, thanks. All the plastic (not old metal type) non-fixed fuel tanks I've seen have that "reserve" built in. Usually just a hump in the bottom of the tank so one side with pickup will empty, but there's still some (quart? half gallon?) on the other side of the hump. So just tilting the tank to the pickup side so the fuel runs over the hump, refills that side and you're good to go (after priming with fuel line pump, of course). Not perfect, of course, as rough going can spill most of that reserve over the hump, or if tank isn't essentially flat in the boat, that may defeat the hump's purpose, but it's an excellent feature. Don't forget to carry a clean rag, and possibly some waterless hand cleaner as well. As for a dead battery, lead acid batteries WILL (usually) recover somewhat if all drains are removed after 10-30 min. So if not critical for time, try turning everything off, waiting that half hour. Might be enough juice to get an otherwise well running/easy starting engine going. (I've actually done this). I'd also recommend a couple extra screw clamps. Lastly, a small bit of rag or something, slightly oily, at the bottom of the tin or whatever with your sockets in it will help a LOT in keeping them from corroding, especially near salt water. RichE

[@DangarMarine]

Hi mate. Great tip about removing all the drains from the battery and waiting. It's always nice to know there is something you can do if you don't have a jump starter with you. Rag is another good idea, particularly the oily one in tin. I remember my uncle used to have one on the top of his tin of fishing hooks, but I presume that had fish oil rather than engine one in it! Hose clamps are nice and handy too, although you can get away with cable ties in most situation.

[@verlonbrickey1409]

thanks for that video and yes! every boat owner should see this before trying to be a skipper wow!

[@gbcrofton]

So useful and thoughtful. I love your videos. I've learned a lot ! Many thanks from Manchester, MA, USA - Gary

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Gary, glad you enjoyed. :)

[@Ramshackle6984]

Great video as usual! One thing of note. I was working on a 1970s 70hp outboard a couple years ago and took the spark plug out and held it against the engine block to see if I had spark and it shocked the daylights out of me and took me to my knees. I read in the manual that the coil puts out 30,000 volts to the plug and I'm not sure how many amps (the more concerning part). Be careful.

[@googleplusisdead]

Amperage is very low. RichE

[@DangarMarine]

Yeah, you can get quite a shock from ignition systems that's for sure. It's another reason why quite like cable tying it to the block instead of holding it!

[@mikemuir4549]

I also carry a fuel filter removal tool as it can be hard to remove. Emptying the fuel filter fixed a problem where the engine would start but not run for long or with much power.

[@DangarMarine]

Yep, they sure can be hard to undo without some sort of tool and if water is in there you'll definitely need to empty it before you can get going again, good tip.

[@MCEngineeringInc]

I also carry an adjustable wrench, "all 16ths" (Crescent brand). Good video!

[@DangarMarine]

Adjustable wrench is a good call, great for prop nuts and steering cable collars etc.

[@2sheetstothewind484]

I bring 2 adjustable wrenches. One metric and one fractional. bwahaha

[@wish2fish37]

Many good pointers.My motor died(20hp pull start 1985 Johnson) about three weeks ago on the river.Was running great then when I slowed down it idled badley and died.Only got acouple burps when I pulled it.Tried new plugs.No good!After making it back to dock and home on electric motor, I had lost all spark.Did some stator ohm checks,wish I had a DVA adapter you make.Ended up having no continuity on connector(last thing I checked before possibly ordering a new CDI) for ground on CDI to the block.Cleaned connection and got spark back.So hard to look for spark on a pull start by yourself!Strange after running and starting so good.Thanks for the awesome tips.

[@DangarMarine]

It sure is hard to check for spark on pull start motors on your own. If they are smaller motors you can get a drill onto the flywheel nut. Glad you found the problem in the end, nice work! :)

[@wish2fish37]

Would a drill work on my 20hp to turn it?Have a good drill.

[@DangarMarine]

With the spark plugs out it probably would.

[@swissavia8523]

Regardless i am skilled mechanic and can fix tbe Boeing, i watched with pleasure. Very good presentation, bit messy jumping between subjects but overall very good. Not sure if i have seen any better on ytube. Clear and simple, friendly... and on the water... not in the garage. Well done

[@jasonashlaw927]

That was Brilliant. Thanks for all of the tips. I love this channel.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Jason, glad you liked it. :)

[@vetterfellow]

Good advice and recommendations Skipper, Thank u.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome, hope they are tips you never need!

[@James_Innes]

@@DangarMarine maybe print out a trouble shooting list, laminate it and keep it in the glove box.

[@ericdavi1231]

My only breakdown involved the starter bendix not popping up to engage the flywheel. It was still turning, but not popping up. I used the same wrench that I use to screw the plug into the boat and pried it up while my brother turned the key. I was able to pry it high enough to grab the fly wheel long enough to turn the motor over and she fired right up.

[@nathanleach238]

This is a great video. A lot of the diagnostic bits are useful whether on or off the water!

[@Jer0tube]

A bit of crab net rope and a small piece of fuel hose sleeved over the rope to make a handle to protect your hands in the event of a backfire and cutting your hands or rope burning your hands is a great way to make a temporary pull start rope. NEVER wrap the starter rope around your wrist!. I Have used this fuel hose / crab net rope idea a number of times to start my 60hp Tohatsu and the fuel hose is a life saver of an idea!.

[@DangarMarine]

Sounds like good advice. I've hurt my hand from pull starting outboards using the factory handle, I can certainly see how it could get a whole lot worse if you had the rope wrapped around you!

[@benphilippi9325]

Great video. Good idea with the cable tie to open up the killswitch. I carry some hose clamps for fuel line (although cable ties would work too I guess) That probe looks great too I think I'll replace my cheap multimeter with one.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Ben, hose clamps are a good thing to have, and yes, I really love those probes, they are really handy.

[@wysetech2000]

Great tips and tricks, Stu.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate!

[@johnsgarage6622]

Great review of outboard motor diagnostics Stu!, I particularly like the zip tie around the spark plug to ground. Frees up your hand to crank the motor plus you don't get shocked trying to hold the wire.

[@shadowfax1220]

Not sure if this has been said already but pretty sure most tanks have a moulded ridge down the middle inside the tank which acts as a deliberate fuel reserve. (At least the tank I have made by quicksilver has). Fantastic videos by the way.

[@DangarMarine]

It does seem to be a feature most tanks have, but even a flat bottom tank will give you a bit more distance if you tip all to the pick up corner.

[@Fluid36]

Wicked video as always bro, I'd just add vice grips - super effective at a multitude of tasks.

[@DangarMarine]

For sure, vice grips are a very handle tool.

[@tomjohnson9976]

This video will probably save one of sooner or later. Nice work as usual. "Neutral" position comment is a good one for sure.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Tom, I might add that "check neutral" reminder as soon text over the video, it's got to catch many people out.

[@highclimber25]

Thanks dangar marine

[@DangarMarine]

Welcome. :)

[@gogs1468]

Great Video, sound advice thanks. One small point at least here in the UK Never use a mobile phone as a replacement for VHF only as last resort, VHF can also give your position.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, phones certainly have their limitations, but as someone mentioned below, there are rescue apps these days that forward your position from the phone's GPS which is kinda cool.

[@MrRainbowrooster]

Another great video.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate.

[@kduborg]

You are a clever man! THANK YOU for the very informative episode. I think you've thought it all through and got it all in the video. Think I'll take that hammer with me in the future (: Always look forward to your videos. Best regards from Denmark

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Ken, probably could have been thought through a bit better, I didn't really plan it and forgot to mention things like checking it is in neutral and taking some spare globes, but I'm glad it helped. :)

[@gyorgyimre7774]

this "starter spray" sometimes could be messy, especially if it's get old... i mean somehow you ending up just spraying residue water out of this can into the throttle body engine sputters, than you have a false lead (what's could be wrong) i use a small medical syringe (40-50ml) with a well long enough plastic tube extension to suck up fresh gas from the tank.. with this, you pump this little bit of gas (about 10-15ml depending the weather) thru the throttle body right at the reed valves (2stroke) ,or the inlet port (4stroke) same effect.. start with 1st pull

[@DangarMarine]

Personally I've never seen a pressurised can get water in it, but I'm sure it happens. A little bit of fuel in a syringe certainly does the same job though as you say.

[@godfreypoon5148]

I think that is 100% physically impossible.

[@buddylewis2743]

Very informative video. Thanks.

[@pywifishingandoutdoors]

This past weekend for j4 my motor wouldnt trim down. Had a panic attack for 5 min teying to asses my situation and what to do. First atrated with my electronics, made sure it wasnt a faulty connection before calling for a rescue. And to my luck it was just a faulty connection.

[@DangarMarine]

Always good when it's a simple fix.

[@pywifishingandoutdoors]

@@DangarMarine Thank god, and thank you for making so many informative boating videos. I learned so much from your videos and my go to lol.

[@crispernator]

Hi mate hahahaha you got me on the first one i had it attached to my belt loop tried to start the engine no go of with the cowling check everything sitting there thinking what is wrong with this engine then looked down to see it hanging of my pants what a d**** but at least i looked like i knew what i was doing hahaha. That is one thing i always carried was an emergency starter rope just made my own up but good insurance if you battery goes flat it will get you going ,as for tools i would carry a number of sockets plug spanner and other bits and peices as well as the rusty can of start ya bastard great video take care .

[@DangarMarine]

We've all been there mate, it is such an easy mistake to make!

[@WillsGarage91]

Nice tips Stu.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Will. :)

[@MrMozex]

thanks for info , really usefull ... last time when my battery was dead beacause of starting and not going anywhere I was trying to start up my Johnson 40hp 2str with rope and that wasn't successful ,so I think to have peddels and extra accu is most important …:D

[@somerandomguy3868]

The US coastguard recommends a 7-1 ratio anchor line to depth of water

[@thorpeboat]

Were not in the USA 🇺🇸. Where in Australia 🇦🇺 thank goodness.

[@tsurkscc]

Hey Stu thanks for your videos. I was wondering if you could advise me on something? I have a 1979 Evinrude 70HP engine. It starts and runs fine on muffs, forward, reverse all good. However in the water it dies as soon as I put it in gear. I find it so strange that it runs smoothly while on the hose but not in the water? Any suggestions what it might be?

[@DangarMarine]

Have you done a compression check? It could be that the extra back pressure on the exhaust when it is in the water is stalling a weak motor or it could be a blown head gasket allowing water into the combustion chambers.

[@tsurkscc]

I did a compression check. Top 2 cylinders were 117, 3rd one was 104. Could that be a reason?

[@lachlanoneil8938]

If you have no spark plug socket wrap it with tape then use pliers

[@v8consumption]

I was diagnosing after doing comrpession test with the lever at wot and tried started the motor, and it wouldnt start because it was at wot. But when it did start damn thing ran up to 10000 rpm lol. didnt blow though

[@vxnova1]

great vid as usual

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate!

[@bobb2183]

Great video as always. Can I highly suggest an emergency app like, nsw marine rescue or emergency + or others where your gps location can be given to rescue orgs is a possible life saver both on water or land

[@DangarMarine]

Good idea, there are certainly some great apps out there these days and with a GPS in almost every phone it's a great service too.

[@1000mattyb]

Your a legend dude!!!

[@silva-anderida7695]

Great information.Thanks.

[@andrewfalik2504]

Do I have to remove the spark plug to spray the starting fluid into the combustion chamber or can I spray it into the carb intake manifold with the throttle valve wide open while cranking the engine?

[@peterjensen6844]

I first read the title as if you had a meltdown on a boat etc and was really confused. Also, did the Green Machine actually have a real issue or was this a cooking show type of "here's one I've previously prepared" situation?

[@DangarMarine]

I read it that was too. One often leads to the other! No, it was just a video I had been planning to do for a while, but I did laugh when I remembered that the anchoring video Paul and I did that I referred to had a moment when the boat wouldn't start. :)

[@peterjensen6844]

Lol indeed. On a different note, have you ever thought about mounting a solar panel on your bow to keep the battery topped up?

[@ecosseecosse4278]

Hi Stu, great video again :) wonder if you can advise on my breakdown .... my Mercury 9.9 2008 manual tilt has jammed. No idea how to free it.... any ideas?

[@DangarMarine]

There are plenty of places those mechanisms can get jammed. Unfortunately I'd need to see it to say exactly what is going on with yours, but if you get someone to try to lift it up and down will you have a good look you should be able to spot where it is catching.

[@ecosseecosse4278]

That's good advice, thank you, I will

[@weaselrodent7131]

Breaking down in a boat on the water just happen Christmas day was on an 8ton houseboat with 2x F60 2015 Yamaha EFI 4 stroke motors and coming out of port lost one of the motors lucky had the 2nd motor to move the boat in a safer place for the night i change all the fuel it was 4mths old but did not smell to bad but yellow in colour so put new fuel in it starts but runs like it running out of fuel i tried to drain the VST but no fuel come out is there a way to get air in it to drain it, i tried to push the value in still no fuel coming out the line i wish you had a video on the Yamaha F60 i got to have the boat motor running before the 26th and the boat yard in the marina open on the 16th so i have a little time to learn about the motor not sure even how to get error codes if it shows on if its fuel the only one be water in the filter and it had no water n there so is it also where water cooler can make the fuel make more water. some much to look at with a 4 stroke i love my boat with the old 1992 2 stroke Evinrude haha ...............love your video's keep them coming i sure a lot of people get a lot of help from your video's mate Legend Great work.

[@payavon]

Hi Stu! Great video!! I actually have a Honda BF50 tiller model. I was on a very long trip and had to use some very dirty fuel at a point in the trip (no other available). After a while my boat started dying down while going full throttle just like if it had run out of fuel. I would pump the primer, fuel would flow and the boat would start right up and go full speed for a few min till it would die again. Again pump the primer and boat would go full speed. End off story had to keep priming it while driving the boat the entire way back. This was a two week trip and boat was run for many hours a days lucky this problem only happened toward the end of the trip!! My boat has a 2 micron filter. Do you thing the problem would be the fuel pump or maybe the 2 micron filter was clogged with all the dirty fuel and not letting enough fuel flow through?? Oh another important detail is that the primer felt harder than usual when pumping it and it a fuel injected model.

[@DangarMarine]

I would definitely start by changing the filter. If there is a possibility you can rule out easily then it will make the diagnosis easier.

[@walliisch]

Awsome video!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@mattlawry8717]

Great vid. What if your stator or powerpack is fried? Any options for starting?

[@DangarMarine]

Not really. Without spark you are in trouble.

[@brynmitchell5774]

Hi Dangar Marine, I got myself an old Orkney long liner with a 9.9 hp old Mariner 4 stroke engine, running ok but I cannot find the engine oil filler cap or drain nut, I want to change the engine oil [ done the gear oil, thanks to your vids ] but can't find any info on where it might be , can you help please ?

[@DangarMarine]

Can't say I've ever seen one of those, but the filler is almost always on the rocker cover and the drain plug somewhere near the top of the leg.

[@brynmitchell5774]

@@DangarMarine Thanks ..its a bloody mystery !

[@prb-vp9ku]

Hey Stu will a compression test give you a good indication of the condition of an old Johnson outboard? Can it be relied on for good service?

[@DangarMarine]

A compression test is a good check of an engine's general health. You can clean a carburettor, change spark plugs etc, but if the compression is down you have a full rebuild ahead of you.

[@diane2193]

I carried an electric motor spare in case the main engine died. It will get you back to shore.

[@dolphinliam888]

Same here.

[@ronvavra]

Here in the States, matey, if I break down I call Sea Tow to get me back to my dock and then call my mechanic.

[@DangarMarine]

We have plenty of Sea Tow franchises around here too but they can be expensive and take a while to arrive.

[@dsr20631]

what brand jump pack is that?

[@Liveaboard12]

I'm looking for a 25 hp motor for an 11 ft Boston whaler What brand do u recommend? I love your videos. Thank you for them. Eric living aboard in Seattle

[@DangarMarine]

These days all the major brands make high-quality outboards. I personally feel the decision about which one to buy should mostly come down to who can give you the best after-sale support. This included things such as which dealer is closest to your home (or work), and which dealer has been the most helpful during the investigation phase as they are likely to also be the most helpful once you have bought the motor.

[@jamesharvey6824]

I have a 1977 Johnson 55 hp. It’s not cranking I put two new cool packs in a power pack Pack what wood be the issue

[@diane2193]

Take the 12 volt red wire to starter and black to ground. Does starter spin?

[@jdgomez40]

Ojalá traducieras al español eres una máquina veo los vídeos pero no entiendo lo que dices

[@rodneyjohnston6280]

The best boat that you can on Is a car boat The reason is when you break down you can always call Triple A😊😊😊😉

[@isaaclaurenson3860]

Wait I can't tell whether he is serious when he says handcuffing pirates

[@mortqqq]

Well, the place was settled by convicts ... you can't be too complacent here!

[@Fluid36]

Pirates don't last long here bud.

[@jimmymeyer7758]

i have a merc bravo 1 question, im n need of a forward clutch cone and cup, HARD TO FIND even for authorized dealers,, im n ohio if anyone can help please pass on the information, thanks

[@DangarMarine]

What year and model number is it?

[@jimmymeyer7758]

Dangar Marine hi it is an 89 year oc731075, merc bravo behind a 454, it is n excellent condition, my email is [e-mail] if u want to move this conversation... thank you so much for the reply

[@jimmymeyer7758]

bravo 1 is model oc731075 is serial #

[@THATHATSALLFOLKS]

is Niagara Falls down river....

[@ramboassgoblin]

I broke down in a bass boat at the skyway in 6- 7 ft waves about ten miles from the ramp, got to a flat that was 4 miles away with a 30lb trolling motor, then jumped in and walked the rest, i got pretty cut up by oysters. When i got to the ramp it was 2 am, then a few miles down the road i heard grinding, it turned out my left bearing on my trailer went bad, luckily i had a spare. Got home at 7 am, i had left at the same time the day before.

[@DangarMarine]

That certainly doesn't sound like the ideal day of boating!

[@gigsterc9971]

11:00

[@redartisanwolf6716]

u rock mate sweet as

[@somerandomguy3868]

Always seemed a bit much to me

[@DangarMarine]

It really depends on conditions, but most small boats in calm waters while you are onboard are find with 2:1.

[@robbynelson3]

Make sure the damn thing is in neutral. Ask me how I know :)

[@DangarMarine]

I was kicking myself for not mentioning that as soon as I got home, it's such a classic thing to go wrong, especially if it looks like it is in neutral but just needs a jiggle to click in.

[@COdrummaCO]

robbynelson3 that one has got me twice on the water haha

[@ApprenticeGM]

Only a Class A Idiot would make such a mistake, not once, but twice. How long does Class A status last? I'm asking for a friend of mine . . . :)

[@peterjensen6844]

This is absolutely the best advice. Had an issue last summer where the previous owner of my outboard had messed with the throttle and timing so that, in order to get it to idle, I had advanced the throttle cable to the point that it was bumping the neutral safety switch so the boat wouldn't start. Once I figured it out, I felt like such an idiot.

[@corywilliams1698]

Lol happened to me as well. I felt pretty dumb when my wife (who is not mechanically inclined) figured it out before I did. 🙄

[@steveviele6064]

That was one of the most informative, comprehensive troubleshooting videos I have ever seen. Well done as usual my friend. I hope your arm is healing well. I’m looking forward to future videos from you.

[@jimbogasoline2042]

Great vid bud! The only thing i think you missed is to always have a COLD beer if the need arises. So i guess that counts as 2 items. That damn ice chest!!

[@DangarMarine]

I like your thinking! :)

[@Fluid36]

It's a proven fact, you can certainly think more effectively after a beer than not. It's the pool table rule though, once you get past 3 your game goes down the drain.

[@stephensimpson5283]

Lol, video been up for 15 minutes and already has 183 views. Shows you how much we wait for them. Great Work!!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Stephen. Sorry this one was a bit late. Started it uploading only to come home again to find it had stalled at 7% My internet is rubbish!

[@Fluid36]

@@DangarMarine Like you said, never move to an island.

[@jamesdavis4484]

Hi Stu, Just love your videos. Almost given up on TV. This one though was kind of like, if I happened to have an electric start and not a 40 hp yamaha pull-start here in the Seychelles, it might be a little less theoretical. Pull start is good exercise for hammer throwing, but I use heavy duty gardening gloves for the pulling, otherwise the engine won’t start cos of the blisters. My hands are more used to computer keyboards. I did teach myself a few things pretty fast after I got my boat (20ft open no frills) and friends (hardened fishermen) added a bit. Every time you start just do one, two, three and don’t forget four. One check the thingie that lets the air in on the petrol tank. Two check the U shape clip starter thing (killer thing) is firmly clipped. Three check it aint in neutral, otherwise you are pulling away, maybe flooding the engine and who knows what else, so by the time you have it sorted you just have no strength left, let alone throw a hammer. Then you have number four. Look to see if it is squirting (select your verb) water down the side, otherwise you’re going to overheat. If it won’t start after one, two and three, the simplest and easiest thing to do is take the cowling off and look for petrol in the little glass thing. Then ask yourself why you never got round to buying a paddle. Check lists are boring, but they do work. Me wife says why don’t you write it down and I say, but there are five things on the list if I can only remember four I’ll give you a bell and ask what I’ve forgotten to buy. Jim

[@DangarMarine]

I would happily take my risks in the Seychelles, but I know exactly where I would be throwing that hammer if it didn't start. ;)

[@Joshdavies146]

I personally carry a spare couple of pistons, 2 spare batteries, an extra steering wheel, a driveshaft and a spare steering cable

[@DangarMarine]

I like to throw a crankshaft in for good measure, but unfortunately that also means bringing my press and air compressor along too.

[@TheHitmanuk1]

Josh Davies good thinking, I carry a battery charger, a triangle, spare wheel and a puncture repair kit.

[@jamesdavis4484]

LOL

[@Eldering]

Don't forget to bring a spare hull.

[@dragan3290]

@@DangarMarine lmao 😂

[@Bill23799]

You had me literally Laughing My " A " Off when you said you included in your emergency kit for your boat a starting aerosol called " START YA BASTARD ". Haha.....what a great name for a starting fluid.

[@DangarMarine]

It is a good name. :)

[@Bill23799]

@@DangarMarine I was wondering if I could order this product from Down Under to use here in the US would I have to hold the can upside down for it to work properly?

[@Fluid36]

@@Bill23799 Just like the toilet water spinning the opposite way right.

[@19Dennis53]

As I posted on one of your other videos, your videos are very, very helpful. Being a newbie to boating I am going to put a tool box together with the suggestions you had mentioned. Being that I was in EMS/Rescue for many years I also carry enough for general first aid while help is on the way. Thanks again and looking forward to watching more.

[@ph.d.browne235]

Be sure your extra motor is a pull start that doesn't need a battery. I also have a small portable solar panel for charging batteries.

[@loganl7547]

A blown fuse is sometimes just due to it being old, especially those cylinder type fuses, but all fuses get weaker as they age. However if you have a blown fuse and you replace it and it immediately or shortly after replacing it blows again you might have a short, if you do its best to find the short and fix it. But in the situation where you're stranded, can't find or fix the short to stop the fuses from blowing it can be tempting to just jump the fuse using wire, a better option is just to use a bigger fuse. eg if you keep blowing 15a fuses try a 20a, this will potentially give you enough amperage clearance to get started and where you need to go without exposing you to AS MUCH risk of a fire or melted wiring as if you just opened the circuit up all the way. This is also a good way, when in this type of emergency situation, to determine how bad the short is, if its normally a 5a fuse and it blows anything up to a 30a fuse immediately you've got a major issue, if its a 5a fuse and wont blow 10a fuses you know your issue isn't super severe.

[@AN-kg4ei]

I broke down close(ish) to Niagara Falls. The first order of business was not to panic and get the anchor out. It definitely put having a good anchor on board as vital into perspective. I carry a few extra drain plugs and a bilge pump in addition to most of the stuff you mentioned here. 1 spare anchor, prop also and a spark gap tester plus some fuel hose. Power Probe stays on the boat also. Brilliant trick zip tying the plug electrode to ground it out. Thanks for another awesome video!

[@DangarMarine]

I always consider an anchor as one of the most important bit of safety equipment.

[@ReubenHorner]

Mum and Dad took our boat for a fish last summer and it was running really rough. He just kept going though because it was such a great fishing day. He was full throttle and couldn't even get on to the plane. Once he brought it onto land again we found the fuel tank was shriveling up because he forgot to undo the breather! We did have ancient metal tanks (that didn't have breathers that you need to undo you see) but just bought this new plastic one

[@truckingc]

Extremely useful information! Great video once again!

[@ronaldjtriumph5985]

Probably the most informative down to earth diagnosis and explanation I have ever had the privilege to watch. Thank a million. Say hi to Adrian ✌️

[@gregoryvrooman9546]

Thank you for everything you have done and are still doing for our country. You are the champion of us who have no voice. We are going into a very difficult time for our country. We Americans still have many options available to us and America will prevail. God save America.

[@andyjohnson2397]

Great thanks for the tips I actually been stranded and it was the fuel filter and I have 2 250 on my boat I once was off shore and had to wait 2 hours to be towed back lol

[@DangarMarine]

That's the funny thing, you can have $30K worth of perfectly good motors hanging off the back of the boat and they are held to ransom by a $5 filter.

[@connorwooley5725]

Andy Johnson yes that happen to me too I have a 115 on mine and it shut off and i got it back on put it in gear and off again then it wouldn’t crank thankfully fuel filter was just loose

[@nicholasbaglioni2436]

Don't forget to keep a spare set of trailer bearings in your boat! Saved me a few times! I tend to keep a spare tilt trim relay aswell :)

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, I often forget about trailers as my boat lives in the water, but there would be nothing worse than getting stuck on the way home unable to move.

[@jesteronetime]

another great vid...well done ..i did try too pull start my Yamaha cv85...no chance,,it had the notch for the rope...but you would have to be he man...i just wanted to see if i could do it,,,,nope

[@DangarMarine]

It certainly is tough to pull start anything much bigger than about a 50.

[@chewiepac5932]

Handcuffing pirates hahahha lololol 😆 😂 🤣

[@zanelomas1822]

just wondering if you can do a video on putting in a fuel gauge in a small boat

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Zane, I actually started on a while ago but the sender didn't fit in my tank so I decided I would also make a new fuel tank. I'll get that video finished sooner or later!

[@diane2193]

YOU can purchase boat towing in US for 100 to 200 dollars year.

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

I had a call out from a mate ,, his motor wouldn't crank ,,,, i drove 45 minuets to slip it into neutral , easiest case of beer i have ever earned ,,,, some times the simple things cost a $50

[@DangarMarine]

Ah yes, that is a common one. I'm really kicking myself for not mentioning it in the video.

[@colemattingly6702]

I’ve done it too, knocked it out of neutral while putting the key in and freaked out cuz my motor wouldn’t start

[@Tenbeerz1]

I know this is late but what a great video! I almost made it back in by constantly pumping fuel bulb. Paddling back to a dock with a good breeze sucks.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Jay. Paddling sure can wear you out pretty fast.

[@KevinStokes]

It might have been worth it to remind people to make sure the end of the line is tied to something before throwing the anchor in.

[@philw4977]

good video Stu, brought back many memories of trying to solve my own boating problems on and off the sea.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Phil, glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@johnclarke6647]

The number one thing to do if your boat breaks down on the water is - have a marine radio so you can call the coast guard.

[@Tenorsaurus]

Problem I had when I first started boating was the throttle lever was ever so slightly forward and that cut the starter so turn key and nothing happened. Panic for a second then wiggle the throttle lever and... off we go.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad you figured it out!

[@TitanFallDeath666420]

Miss the green machine it was a great Ship!