I almost lost everything

The story of how my boat was nearly destroyed
I'm getting back into the KZbin Game!
Thanks so much to everybody who's been here since day one. This year will bring some big changes and hopefully a lot more content!

[@adamfischer6768]

I think you missed the point. Losing the boat is not important. What is important is that YOU didn't lose life or limb! Glad everthing turned out OK. You never know what's in the mind of an emotionally disturbed person or what his intention was. Great that you stayed vigilant!

[@Joseph-lx5js]

I know what’s in the mind of an emotionally disturbed person.

[@artlife6210]

Hey Cullen glad you are okay and the boat is safe...Amazon sells these bright little solar landscape lights that activate with motion, you get four for about 35$ and theyre great for liveaboard boats, it will sense anyone before they get on the boat and prevent anyone from camping out next to you unless they like sleeping in full daylight lol!

[@CullenCraft]

That's a good idea! I've got some ideas for added security.

[@brettgerber795]

I was going to suggest this too. I have them on our CC 381 not only for reasons like this, but also when I take the pup out to the bathroom, the cockpit lights up automatically.

[@dbsmith6789]

I'm glad to hear you're planning on new videos. Like most of us boaters, our boats are old, we have lots of projects and you've done some great work getting yours in shape.

[@mikeg0802]

Hey Cullen, good to,see you back and sorry that that happened to you. We routinely take our boat to downtown Nashville and use the dock down there. Even though there is a gate, people boarding boats (and in rare cases untying them) has always been a problem. To keep this from happening, we have a long, plastic coated, braided steel cable that we run through our cleats and stanchions and then use a pad lock to lock the boat to the dock once it’s tied up. Nothing is perfect, but normally rando’s don’t carry bolt cutters with them…. A pistol is always nice to have as well!

[@waynecramer1260]

I have really enjoyed your channel. I'm glad that you haven't let this experience change your outlook on life. One more thing, well done Captain on solo docking your craft.

[@Chas1160]

Cullen, glad things are Ok. Be on your guard, the world is a mess. Sounds like a homeless person that’s not well. I do not live on my boat but I have a live aboard next door to me who keeps watch. My harbor does not have locked gates. So far so good. It’s scary if you are alone. Get a baseball bat and keep it near you. However,as you did, you didn’t over react and was able to defuse the situation. With homeless people it’s better not to engage to much but watch your back. Cameras are an inexpensive way to protect your boat. They are an excellent way to deter theft. At my office, I have an alarm system, motion detectors, dead bolts, doors and locks all bugged, and ADT stickers on all my windows. I recently replaced three large windows that are very thick and nearly impossible to break. So far burglars have passed me by. However, with lack of law enforcement these days, burglars are breaking in even during daylight hours. In California, the police won’t even come out unless it’s over $600 in theft. Best to step up the security and review your insurance policy. Chuck from California.

[@robertfigueiras3609]

yes California once a great state, now just a shithole thanks to. watch yourselves.

[@viesel]

Hey Cullen, get some cameras. I have 14 Wyze cams on my '69 Chris Craft 47 Commander here in Bradenton that I wired to the 12 volt system and record 24/7. Its really nice to log in and see the boat is ok during a storm or the bilge is dry, etc. I did catch a burglar on the boat 2 different times going into the liquor cabinet. Also captured us saving a person from almost drowning in the Tampa Bay shipping channel. Watched the entire hurricane Ian storm tear the jib sail off the neighboring boat. Seen lightning strike another boat. Its so worth it.

[@glenn6229]

You have good restraint i would have shown him Davy Jones's locker.

[@papa.mike01]

You never know who you’re dealing with in a situation like that. I’m glad you ended up safe. Years ago, we were sleeping in our slip and felt to boat move slightly but not like from a wake. Then we heard some thud sounds on the flybridge. Before I could get out there my neighbor started yelling at them and scared them off. We also had our tender stolen once but fortunately it was retrieved by the local coastguard with a little damage but all ended up okay. Be safe brother. I love your channel.

[@gillesgomez3091]

Ho Cullen, When you're docked and sleeping onboard, you should use an app on your phone that warns you in case you're drifting. You can set a maximum distance from your original position and there will be an alarm in case you're moving out of this perimeter. This way, you can start you're engines and take control of the situation in an emergency. That said, happy new year!

[@CullenCraft]

Great idea! I've tried a few apps and unfortunately they haven't been very helpful do you have a favorite?

[@gillesgomez3091]

@@CullenCraft no, I don't. But I've got to see sailors using such apps with great results.

[@ironhorse3497]

I would certainly hope one wouldn't have to use an anchor alarm while securely tied to a marina dock... Seems to me a better solution may be to move marinas..

[@YomamaPVT]

⁠@@CullenCraftI have a 40’ Trojan, my 1st Boat, got it about the same time as you. I use the Anchor App, when we do our over night on the hook.

[@goodson77784]

You seem like a really great guy. I like cheerful upbeat people. We need more people like you!

[@stevelathrop266]

Always set an anchor alarm app unless you are in an incredibly secure marina.

[@Adam-en4zm]

Glad your boat (and you!) are okay. People are indeed the scariest things on the planet. I'm also happy to hear you're back to posting more!

[@bingbang3318]

Glad your ok

[@OceanST955]

Sorry to hear of your experience. Hope it does not spoil your enjoyment of the boat, or using it single-handed. You handled it well.

[@CullenCraft]

Thank you! At this point there's not much that would get me back to land lol

[@junofluke]

You handled that really well Capt. Keep on enjoying your time on the water along with your family and friends. I obviously have no idea what kind of security that marina has but you may want to bring it to the attention of management. They may have security cameras that recorded the incident. Boaters are generally security conscious people but you can't something like that.

[@WiscoBoater]

Been wondering about ya man! Looking forward to hearing about all this, and your return to YT!

[@CullenCraft]

Happy to be back!

[@timlange531]

Motion alarm with lights, lock your doors at night, O.C. Spray, pistol if you know or will know how to use it reliably. And of course call 911 at the first hint of trouble.

[@CombatDoc54]

Bro, you need to get a couple of security cameras. I bought 2 Roku indoor cameras but I have them outside, one is in my 3 sided carport, the other one is on my covered back deck. Both completely out of the weather. They were around 29 bucks each. Or you could opt for a 49 dollar outdoor camera that is weather resistant. You can pay for their program if you want cloud storage or no plan but will still send you alerts and record on a sim card. The optics are great as well as the night vision.

[@royg.greenlee2538]

I’m looking forward to the adventures to come. Ahoy.

[@dustydigitally9132]

When I stayed in city centres on my ship I would use two bike locks back to back through the cleats. I always felt I slept better at night knowing I was secure :) 💤

[@jeffkutz4917]

Looking forward to following you in the coming year!

[@randyjude8346]

Always glad to see you our KZbin friend. Of course people in general are good, always a chance that the 1 off is not.. We always set our " security system" to notify us of any movement around the boat ( around 5 feet ) that covers the dock fingers on sides, bow, and stern. Oh and even " public docks" if you don't have a boat or any business on that dock is still considered trespassing. Glad everything was okay. Looking forward to future videos 👍

[@andrewkast4087]

Glad you and the boat are ok! You have to listen to our gut feelings and act accordingly, your gut was telling you that you were not comfortable with the person’s actions or proximity. It think I would have gone back to the marina and maybe come back the next day. That guy at worst could have had a gun! The times and people today are not the ones we grew up with! Sad to say but we have to be wary of anyone we do not know. Be safe so you can keep on posting.

[@morgananderson9647]

So happy to see you posting again! Even more happy to see the confidence you've developed while becoming a "Mariner". Your vigilance has served you well, Obi Wan... Looking forward to seeing more posts on your channel in the future. Let's Go! All the best, M-

[@robertpettigrew9042]

Wow, you handled that well. I would have yelled at him and told him to eff off.

[@samiam9365]

welcome back. And you handled yourself well. Looking fw for more videos. Take care.

[@stevestadterman9270]

suggestion,,,use 2 cables & locks,,,,as boater all my life ,i,ve seen boats adrift,,,

[@CullenCraft]

Good idea. The point of this kind of line and knot setup is to be quick and easy to release in an emergency, while also holding very tight Locks get in the way of speed

[@larry-kp9sp]

Living the dream ...good for you.

[@FollowTheJohn]

I hope I get to your CC one day. I will bring the beer.

[@JoanOfArgghh]

Was just wondering where you were! glad you're okay.

[@kimlamb9311]

What a scary situation and you handled it wonderfully. I have read about situations like this on the Great Loop groups (kids untying ropes in the middle of the night). People sometimes use a bike lock with the spring line. I think we are going to start doing that when we dock at municipal marinas. Fair winds!!

[@Hotpink0113]

I'm glad you and your body are okay. Is there any kind of alarm system you can put on the boat? Like a siren sounds if a line is untied?

[@peterdodge6563]

Missed you but always look to see if you have posted anything new. Glad you are back,glad you are safe.

[@FollowTheJohn]

That is scary. I am glad you were on board.

[@Lighthouse6b]

Probably about 20 years ago on the South side of the river, a larger bot was tied up to the river walk cleats. The owners went to dinner. When they came back, all the lines were removed from the cleats and only the power cord was attached to the dock.

[@CullenCraft]

Wow! Scary

[@YomamaPVT]

In Florida you can legally carry coming and going fishing, just carry and have a fishing pole on you boat.

[@skipper260]

How did you get the guy away from the situation? Did you ask him what hell was he doing on your boat? Stay safe and happy boating.

[@ski69]

Cullen, what you should've done is scream "WTF you're doing on my boat!??!?!?" and call for Gary to come out. Yes, imaginable friend Gary that is. Stepping on someone else's boat/property without proper consent is called TRESPASSING and yes, you can use reasonable force to remove them after proper warning and request to leave immediately. If you dont have proper weapons then maybe you should get some? Even a properly charged paintball or pellet gun would be much better then a closed folding knife. This world is not same as it was even 10 years ago. Keep that in mind and please keep safe while protecting your property that you have worked for so hard.....

[@dabuya]

Thankful that you’re safe. That was a dangerous situation that should have involved law enforcement.

[@LouisBackover]

Lived on a Hatteras/Whitcraft 45 in Philly for 6 years. Took the boat to Chesapeake City and anchored in the cove outside the marina. This guy boards the boat on the night. I think he paddled out in a raft but i dodnt see one. I say get the F off the boat. He says he camt swim. I threw him over the side. Not sure what happened to him and i didnt care. Get rid of yiur useless pocket knife and get a tral one that locks. People that tell you to carry a gun have no idea what thryre talking about with MD/VA gun laws. Carry a short club.

[@bettermost]

Get some ring cameras installed with A TMobile internet tower the motion sensors are incredible

[@Joseph-lx5js]

CullenCraft: …practice and a lot of soul searching Everyone who helped teach him how to dock single handed: 😐

[@robertscranton8293]

God Love Chris Craft.

[@robertscranton8293]

Wacko's at the boat dock.

[@stevebirkelund5912]

You should carry a stainless steel gun on your boat at all times. Always have the police’s phone number handy in your cell phone and don’t hesitate to call the police.

[@stevenholton438]

You're just starting but you ain't seen nuffin' yet!

[@michaelsmith9308]

Sorry for your LEARNING lesson, get a camera motion activated system.............Motion flood lights when your docked and inform anyone that you use night vision security cameras and post it.....!

[@NurseSteve]

real life pirate

[@br5498]

This is why you CARRY ! Why didn’t you call the POLICE!? YOU’LL be that guy screaming help me ! Help me !

[@CullenCraft]

But -notice- it ended with nobody hurt. Nobody in custody. And everybody safe. Scale your response to the situation.

[@jeremystory6981]

😮

[@Corey-pd3mi]

He obviously thought no-one was on the boat and was going to try take it. You probably should have made it known you were there when you first saw him

[@peterdodge6563]

I thought you were going to post EVERY WEEK?????

[@davidrance1494]

I can honestly say that if I found someone on my boat in the middle of the night and he had untied the line ….. he would’ve gotten wet really fast …. And it wouldn’t have been an accident

[@DanielLopez-qf3xq]

1:34 I showed up at 9pm

[@yesimbs]

jesssuuuuusssssssss

[@thomasstanfield1891]

😳😳😳

[@BrianMDIY]

Carry pepper spray.

[@karaDee2363]

I would have called the cops and have them get his name and tell him to leave the docks. Since he has no business being there

[@CullenCraft]

Good idea! I would have loved to have someone come and write a piece of paper for me. Would have solved a lot of problems.

[@karaDee2363]

​@@CullenCraftthe purpose of getting his name an ID is so if anything happened, they would at least know who to investigate. But that's okay you obviously don't want to know . I'm so sorry I ever said anything

[@mvlivinthedream9601]

Not sure how you would have lost the boat. She would have floated away? I would have retired and called the police.

[@karlstreed3698]

You should have called the cops as you had no idea if he was armed and dangerous. Also, you should have something better to protect yourself than a closed pocketknife. How about a baseball bat, a collapsable baton, or bear spray? A firearm would be better, but you have to be willing to use it and state laws have to be followed. If you do go the firearm route, GET TRAINING! And train often with an instructor, not just 50 rounds in a stall once a year.

[@CullenCraft]

All fair points. I have firearms training and made the conscious choice not to use a firearm here.

[@karlstreed3698]

@@CullenCraft That was why I had it as the fourth choice. You can get fighting canes and walking sticks that look like ordinary items but are made with 12 layers of fiberglass or heavy tubing, so they are almost indestructible. Some martial arts studios teach how to use them. I know Tactical Defense Inst. in Ohio does if you want to travel.

[@sjsobol1]

How is this nearly "losing everything"? Even if all the lines were untied, you were ON THE BOAT. Just start it up, maneuver to the dock, and tie up again. It'd been different if the boat was unattended.

[@MrOpaulo]

Clove hitches

[@MrOpaulo]

You can run that boat single handed every day every destination except locks Man up Only go as fast or use enough power that youre willing to hit the dock with ...

[@hezi973]

Bro, it's time to install ring cameras. I am sure you already have starlink. That man was just one of these "if I can't have it why should you?" assholes.