I Bought a $169,000 Boat and It's Complete Trash! (What Do I Do Now?)

[@BluegabeArrington]

Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/bluegabe to get 20% off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows. Offers subject to change. #helixsleep

[@TimeToBeKind]

Not only did everything broke on the boat, even your account nearly went broke.

[@macmccollum6064]

A qualified and honest marine mechanic is worth the money. My 50 years' experience owning boats is they are hard to find.

[@cliffordtillman]

Winged 🦄. I’ve heard of these mythical creatures….. “Qualified & Honest Marine Mechanic”. Never actually seen one with my own eyes though.

[@br5498]

Yep and unicorns are real !

[@chiphill4856]

Most boat owners are so focused on the price of everything, they pressure the mechanic to cut corners. The best maintained boats have an honest mechanic AND an open checkbook.

[@assocrec]

Plus the KZbin channel finances what you are most passionate about, fishing/boating, hunting, cooking, traveling and spending time with your boys! Not a bad trade off considering the majority of us has to work anyway (So do what you love in front of a camera)

[@trevortanner4518]

A lot of people would have gave up or put it the side, but with hard work and determination, anything can be done. “The first step to success is making your bed in the morning, so no matter how bad the day was, you come home to a made bed”. Forgot who said that, but thank you for all you do with blood sweat and hard work! Prayers to you and the family

[@southernyankee870]

I also just started my own KZbin channel called southern yankee. I have watched your channel for years now. I appreciate the honesty!! The breakdown of what KZbin pays was also great to hear. I appreciate it and wish you many years of success!!

[@thecoach21]

Gabe, thanks for sharing the quality info in this video, not only regarding your boat and cost but the background info on how you and other KZbinrs make a living. I respect you and all the other folks I follow daily a lot more after what I just learned. You did not need to share that information but you did which is why I love your channel.

[@johngauntlett4915]

Gabe, a job is a job but when you love your job you love life. People have to remember that KZbin is a job when you're doing it right and there is always overhead costs. The downfall with a lot of KZbinrs is that they do not get to spend time with their family, however, you and Robert managed to do the complete opposite and really love and adore your family and incorporate them into the videos as well as instilling life learning lessons to the children. God bless both of you and your families!

[@badfrog251]

What a great update. Squirrels ate the gas lines and tank on my new 2022 Silverado. Not covered by warranty. It was expensive to repair. Just part of life. Keep up the great content Blugab

[@rtman70]

Not that you owe anyone an explanation… but the transparency is certainly appreciated! It seems like the only way to make it really big on KZbin anymore is to buy expensive stuff and destroy it or stage fake pranks. I’m glad you are able to make a wholesome video that is entertaining and still keep it real with the audience. One thing, as I’m sure you know, doing a blog style video showing more of your daily life rather than big trips is generally a hit, and it costs way less! Keep it up amigo!

[@jonathanbrock6858]

Gabe, thanks for sharing some of the behind the scenes that we don’t think about. You are doing a great job with your channel while being a great Dad too. It is like I told you at the turkey show in Nashville, it is the variety of things you do from the water to the woods to the kitchen to the Family that set you apart. Only you and your brother Robert do so many different things at an expert level! Keep up the great work 😊 Praying for your continued success.

[@NateA80]

Gabe, please understand for some of us you are doing alot more than just giving us something to watch.. I look forward to your videos for a get away and stress relief.. on top of that you have taught me and many others alot of things.. for me it's fishing.. I know hunting very well but I also learned better ways to dress animals from you.. but for fishing you have taught me alot.. I can't express my gratitude enough.. you have encouraged me to be out more in the wild and spend more time with my niece's and nephews and teach them what you have taught me.. so this crazy amount of money, blood, sweat, and tears, you have put into this has done alot for alot of people.. and on top of that seeing you be a great family man and father has taught alot of lessons also.... I am an electrician and I feel I am hard working.. but your can do attitude and endless Go for it outlook pushes us to do even more.... I don't want to sound like a kiss ass fan boy but man.... sometimes it takes another hard working successful man to push us to that next step.... TGBTG and best of luck my man!!

[@patcrowe9780]

You would have better off buying a brand new boat

[@warlordop713]

@@patcrowe9780 Nope. Still costs less to buy used and fix up. Then again problem number 1 is he bought an overpriced brand. 😂

[@markmcquitty5172]

Thanks for letting us know about the boat can't wait to u get it fixed to c what u come up with great job can't wait to see the next looking forward to it

[@JupiterMoJo]

Feel your pain Gabe. Had to replace both tanks lifting deck on an older 28 Pursuit. Also dumped $50k in an Everglades 255cc to get it up to snuff. Moral of story, BOAT. T is now $10k.

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

The skill and knowledge the boat doctor has is awesome!! I freakin love listening and watching a man that knows his craft!! It's what makes the world go round!! Lots of money of course, but cheap work ain't good and good work ain't cheap!! That Contender should last a lifetime now brother, think of it like that....ONLY lol

[@gunnerwaldmann6337]

He’ll never get what his money back when he sells it…

[@nicholasbaker2866]

Keep it going for the family and your as a dad and job on KZbin

[@dabeast6923]

Keep up the great work! Yours and brothers channels are the best

[@jacobbouser4190]

Great video as always, Gabe. As far as the Stevens shotgun is concerned, I have a single barrel that was given to my father by his dad, who then gave it to me when I was 14. I think my late grandfather bought it at Sears for about $60. That's the best turkey gun I own. I'll put it up against a $1,200 Benelli any day.

[@janhorton5197]

Turmeric capsules and Gabe it relieves inflammation. I lectured using science-based evidence at the university so for me to recommend turmeric defies my usual beliefs. Give it a go. Gabe your videos are fascinating, fishing, hunting, parenting, and cooking. Way to go . Your personal life is just that, personal. The boys are growing beautifully and I tear up sometimes when they are saying grace.

[@richardporter154]

Totally appreciate what you do and I am sure your family and subscribers appreciate it as well. You are a blessed man and honestly take these few days off while the boat is being repaired to relax a little, let us see you in your “Off time”. God bless sir!

[@charlesferguson706]

Gabe, you are my favorite and go to KZbin channel. Thanks for all you do as you teach, entertain, show how important family is and so much more. Don’t you dare stop!

[@bogachum]

Forget these contenders then !!! Moving on to look at other boats !

[@spurbronc9449]

Bluegabe does do a great job with hard work and variety in his content in building his library. I dont pocket watch but im sure he is deserving of whatever he makes on KZbin. Obviously depending on your content, expenses vary tremendously. Then you figure though that you can have have sponsors and merchandise . At the end of the day its about doing what you love. Guys like Bluegabe are just hard working and a lifestyle of it have paid off and it's all well deserved but I know they put in so much work in bringing us content. That is why I dont contribute to the negativity that can come with the KZbin world and people attacking them personally etc. I try to like and comment and share and subscribe all the videos and channels to help out as much as possible.

[@chrism2042]

I have purchased 2 used boats in my life, both were a nightmare from start to end. I now have my 2nd new bay boat from a company that builds quality boats and stand behind their product, first one had one minor issue and the company was on it as soon as I made them aware of the problem. New boats are expensive but built by a company with excellent customer service and warranty, plus 6 year engine warranty with me in control of service intervals and using 100% non-ethanol fuel, it's a piece of mind.

[@taz58]

I like all your videos it's really interesting to see the whole picture the good and the bad you do a awesome job keep it up

[@RH-qk5lt]

This is the first video of yours I've ever watched. That sucks dude. So bad, that you just got another subscriber, I'll watch & like all of them and buy as many items as I can after watching. Your attitude with this nightmare is amazing.

[@shawndcummings]

You do a great job making quality content. I get to live vicariously through you because I’m an old crippled man. Keep up the good work. I love watching your videos.

[@primetimefishing2436]

Your bayboat is so awesome! Simple, easy to clean, easy on gas, go anywhere boat. That's a bad little boat!

[@garyfrederick9107]

Gabe i bought a Trailer house for 5 bucks. Had it moved for a 100 dollars and i did all the work myself. which was extensive and i live in it. you should have heard the people laughing hahahaha and now they aren't. So do what you can, and what your heart tells you, and you will always come out on top and the Hell with other people.

[@carlbrown9082]

Like with all social media, we get to see the highlights and the fun. We don't often get to see the cost. Thanks for being real and open about stuff. This is why I'm a fan. There's no fakery here.

[@1958werewolf]

You’ll always have Pearl and I watching and a bunch of her 28 grand kids. Keep up the good spirit!

[@thewaterwanderer]

Thanks for always being you and for being transparent, Gabe! Love to see the real behind the scenes and all of the hard work that goes into the adventures

[@captpepin]

Wow similar situation with me. I bought a Contender that had a "Fresh Re-Do" and like you EVERYTHING the previous owner did went bad, wiring, plumbing and he even had the tanks done and guess what the tanks only 18 months old went bad, same issue they used Great Stuff foam and non-fuel rated teflon tape on the connections. Just like you I paid a visit to Dustin at TCC to get my tanks done. Piece by pice I have re-done the re-do, wiring, electronics, power, fuel tanks, soft goods, I had cracks in the top, had that welded and powder coated.

[@roryv4854]

Hey Gabe, thanks for the transparency. This was an important video to watch with the kids, we love the adventures, but everyone needs to see that it takes a lot of work. Oh and thanks for introducing us to the @tugtrash content

[@granada025]

Yes I really enjoy Ian and his family a lot too.

[@thomascrawford114]

Hang in there!!! It can only get better!!! Keep the great content coming!!!

[@jaywillinchin5241]

This is my favorite video ever... thank you for helping me understand about y'all KZbinrs...any thanks again God bless you as always and forever

[@richardrobinson675]

Bluegabe you are always up front and honest as far as I know and always put on a great video. But I watch every video you do and I’m never disappointed with them

[@destinbatman]

I feel all of this. I bought a 2005 Glacier Bay 2685 that was surveyed ($1200) and was "Turn Key". Six months and $50k later, new tanks, full repower, new pumps, etc, I'm in the same situation. I'm thankful I'm not very upside down, but I definitely spent more than anticipated.

[@saltydogsusa6382]

What a massive disappointment Gabe. Thing is, those 31 Contenders have a history of tank problems. So sorry your turnkey dream boat turned into such an expensive repair. You have the right attitude though. All the money and time spent and you now have a great boat that will last you for years to come.

[@tdee17]

New fuel tanks, ouch! My mechanic and i were chatting about older Contender's needing fuel tanks. The problem is the aluminum tanks were not encapsulated with heavy duty coatings. Tank protection has improved in recent years, you should be good.

[@corollaae8645]

Thanks for sharing Gabe!

[@BernieDiaz]

Glad to help you make a living. It's not a piece of cake, but you are one of the best content creators out here with the help of your wonderful two boys... and, of course, your dog.

[@oldmanriver1057]

I am glad that you are making videos for everyone to see you!

[@CatchingupwithCam]

Guess naming that boat Mad Chaos allows it to live up to its name! Dang that’s a big price tag. But the videos are great!! Keep up the hard work.

[@vanillagarilla965]

Man that sucks but I get it being an auto mechanic myself I see lots of stuff just like that but on cars . I feel for ya buddy but you’ll be back at it in no time, can’t wait for the upcoming content 👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@ytpython73]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to your family. Cant wait for some brand new old boat videos.

[@mikegilbertmetalartist9334]

Praying for you guys! Thanks for sharing your great videos. Your awesome!

[@kentmalley4321]

Blue Gabe your luck is just like mine. Keep up the great work you are doing. When the boys get older they will know what life is about. Not someone just sitting in a house playing games. Boys you two watch your dad and you will learn lows from him.

[@skiffman10]

Bought my 243cc in Stuart when the boat was 9 years old but it failed inspection with the previous buyer same issue and came back on the market. Everglades was cool and replaced it for free because it fell inside their 10 year window. I hear the powder coated aluminum tanks last about 10 years, give or take, depending on conditions. Don't think I would have known this was a thing otherwise because I only had flats boats and skiffs. Sorry to hear, I know is no fun but at least you literally bullet proofed it now. Nothing left to replace. P.S. hook me up with your rewire guy please.

[@Zerostar369]

Your hard work that brought you 800k subs will make this setback just a bump in the road hopefully.

[@howardlashbrook8500]

The meaning of the word , boat is bring out another thousand. Stay safe and keep bringing the videos

[@tombrown7577]

I'm hoping to get another boat soon and too am considering a used boat at my age, 65 years young. I see so many rigs listed as turn key and great shape and they look like they were pulled out of the mud and never washed. They say only 700 hours but it runs like new. I've been around long enough and know enough to say that is BS...Hope you get yours fixed as you want soon!

[@peterclausen1379]

You mentioned hunting, fishing and cooking, as a chance of a good YT income. But there one other thing, which makes your (and your brothers) channel worth looking at and that is "family life" - most of all us viewers, wants the whole package, which we only get if we can get an insight in your family life as well as the other things you are doing. Thanks for being a part of your life 😀🇩🇰♥️🇺🇲😎.

[@salty_life3652]

Another amazing video brother can’t wait to see the boat all done ready to see it on the water

[@roberttanner4225]

Thanx for sharing the misery part of boat ownership!! I bought a boat 2 years ago knowing that I was going to strip it down to the bare hull and deck. Replacing fuel tanks, engines, drives all wiring, electronics, etc. but to buy a "turnkey" boat and have all these problems just plain sux! keep your head up! love you videos! CHEERS!

[@williampruitt8420]

Hard to find a good marine mechanic so when you do give them many shout outs!

[@brockbandy8488]

Really enjoy you and your brothers channels. I'm always checking every day to see if you've put out another video or going back through your archive's and watching some I haven't seen. Really appreciate all you do and look forward to seeing your latest adventures. God bless you and your families.

[@evilneko555]

Thank you for having your Boat guy explain what happened and how they are going to fix it! It's terrible that this did happen to you. Hopefully we will see a Bran 'New' boat, with all the fixing they are doing. I'd Love to see you guys go catch Sandflea's again, and do a circle of life catch Clean and cook. Thank you so much for posting your video's!

[@chrislnflorida5192]

I got the Brooklyn Bedding. The only problem with this type of bed and the 100 day trial, u have to dispose of your 1st mattress yourself, if u exchange for a different mattress.

[@jamesroyal3389]

It never stops bro buying used is buying someone else headache but the best thing about it is you now have a new boat

[@jasonmcbride4331]

It's awesome you & Deer meat both make a good living doing what you love ... Your parents raised yall right .. Best of luck !! Stay safe & God Bless

[@backtonatureitis]

Good luck bud, stay strong!

[@michaelbriscoe6022]

Thanks for the breakdown gabe a lot of people don’t know ….big up u self …..

[@rwhite715]

Thanks for the update Gabe.

[@macopeland1]

I learn something good everytime I watch and I appreciate it , thanks Gabe.

[@owengudeman8104]

Thanks for sharing Gabe! Good information for everyone to keep in mind. There really isn’t any easy money! Hang in there and keep YouTubing!!

[@hnt4fsh]

I spent 4k for a 27' cc. I then spent 2 1/2 years and 40k stripping it to the skin and completely rebuilding her. Next month my engine goes on and the grouper off Pine Island are already getting nervous!

[@dopey4765]

Thank you for your hard work and great videos

[@padreoutdoors]

Thanks for the transparency!

[@jamesrae8898]

Great video Gabe thanks for sharing a bit of the background of KZbin

[@TeachinTV]

"A boat is a hole in the water into which you throw money." -- My dad

[@jordanhendricks442]

It's just money. Don't give up. I need stuff to watch at work lol

[@jamessheets6604]

Before you know you will be out on that great boat catching anything and everything that comes near your lines. Tight Lines Gabe!

[@stevehood79]

We love you and your family Gabe!

[@davids1033]

Not news to any boat owner. Two happiest days for a boat owner: the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

[@ronsavacool14]

It sounds like this boat has given you a bigger headache than anything! Also put a years salary for some people into the boat…! Glad you got everything all worked out on that thing! It’s name should be “pain of the sea” 🤣 can’t wait to see the awesome videos you put out on that thing!

[@erikmenendez6543]

Brother that sounds like almost every truck, car, boat I’ve purchased. It’s as much an emotional investment as it is financial. Your not alone. SO,… when your bombing back to the islands and everything is working, relax and enjoy it. Sounds like you earned it. 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@rolymedina4015]

Sorry to hear about ur fuel tank but let it be known that contenders are notorious for bad fuel tanks!! I’ve been there too

[@robertmirelez9672]

Great to see the old you back enjoying what you do.Keep up the great videos 👍

[@txmarine82]

With 761k in followers ur killing it Gabe and on top of that u got Kelly bring in the funds too so life is pretty gravy bud!!!!!!

[@cherimills4527]

He's not with Kelly anymore

[@txmarine82]

@@cherimills4527 I had no idea. Hard to keep up with other people’s stuff when I have my own family to worry about. Thanks for the info

[@rdmanone]

Welcome to big boat life.

[@21tiagoba]

I just play the videos on the background while I work. Like you said it just one view but it adds up.

[@raygunn1083]

Thanks for the content. I'm an old guy with a bad back who just lays on the couch most of the day. I live vicariously through your vids.

[@garyammerman2153]

You are so right Gabe, boats are a money pit. Sounds like you found the right person to fix the "now" problem and hears hoping you get a long pause before your next trip to the boat doctor.

[@geraldmoore3686]

Gabe, for sure I will be here following you as long as you choose to do it. Never seen a sportsman as diversified as you and you are good at all of it. Your efforts are appreciated for sure.

[@thethoth1755]

Nice work TIMEX !!!

[@JJ-gd7gf]

Good thing YT is paying you so much. Otherwise, you'd have to do like everyone else and sue the previous owner for false advertisement. This is an excellent video on why NOT to buy a used Contender.

[@kirkhowes3334]

Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Should be your first resource when dropping large coinage! Glad you got her fixed tho.

[@wartheytyurtu]

Just another Whay Whay Vid from Bluegabe LOL.. Keep em coming bro...

[@calvinh.8882]

I've always said that manufacturers should have to install heavier gauged fuel tanks and they should sit them on a thick rubber pad and foam the sides in to hold them in place. If the factory installed the tanks that are being put in now you wouldn't have this issue. Boats take a beating, they're not like a vehicle that has suspension to soak up the majority of the bumps, so things like thin aluminum tanks will either crack or corrode and start getting holes in them especially if saltwater gets to them. I had an aluminum fuel tank in a brand-new boat crack along the seam in less than 2 months, and it was because it was made of thin aluminum and not installed/protected properly. Thank goodness it was under warranty and they allowed me to purchase a better-built tank (thinker) and they credited me the difference. I wasn't about to let them stick the same tank back in there and it last just long enough for the warranty to run out, because that is what would have happened.

[@keizyshiro]

cant wait to see the finished product

[@vinmad6669]

Thanks Blue Gabe ...... Always looking forward to new uploads ....... JUST KEEP DOIN WHAT U DOIN ...... getting up outta here

[@marlin123ish]

Yes a good honest opinion from a professional pre purchase is worth its weight in gold. That's the chance you take buying an older boat. I'm in Australia and just bought an Aussie icon, the haines hunter 565l, and even though the boat is sound at the moment, I'll be planning a full rebuild in the next couple of years. Just for peace of mind because the southern ocean is no place for iffy boats. With 10 meter swells and the birth place of 60 knot winds, I ain't taking chances.

[@reefslayer21]

Pouring foam around the tanks only leads to more problems down the road

[@jimfrozen521]

Bro you do a great job not getting rich it's work but you are having some fun the boys are great .God bless you and yours, now go use the hell out of that boat.

[@barryhalesongwriter6835]

Thanks for your honesty. Look at it this way. You now have basically a new boat for much less than new. And maybe even built back better with better components.

[@mattbarrsmatt8254]

I really enjoy your videos Gabe. I enjoy them because you keep it real. I know you will enjoy fishing out of the contender soon. Our kids watch our reaction to situations, it was good to hear and watch your determination to keep your head up. It helps me to do the same.

[@jeremythompson1593]

There’s an old saying I remember hearing as a kid… You know what boat stands for don’t ya?? Bust out another thousand!! And believe me ITS TRUE TOO!!🤷‍♂️💰💰😂

[@brodiedavisalmostprimitive1262]

Hate you're going through that man. Thanks for sharing. 💪

[@OutdoorsForSupper]

Keep making great videos Gabe!!! Fish on!!!

[@steevenguerra6083]

Kept it real on the KZbin business 💯