I Should NOT Have Done This!

[@psalmer5690]

Thank you for posting this one, Steve. A lot of guys might not, figuring it would be too embarrassing, but folks need to see how easy it is to get in trouble out on the water and how to recover. Sorry you lost your glasses, bro. I agree with others here about the motor size. That’s a lot of power for a jon boat.

[@BamaSaltwater]

Well said! Thank you. And yes! It was a lesson learned and my mistake for putting too much weight and hp on too small of a vessel. I’ve recently acquired a little bit larger Jon boat for this engine! Thank you!!

[@jerrymollere1818]

You should kick the motor out a notch or so and the steering will get much better. Same as trimming up with your big motor..Also put that gas tank all the way in the front

[@BamaSaltwater]

Great advice, thank you @@jerrymollere1818

[@josephdoby6411]

​@@BamaSaltwaterHey brother I'm glad you're okay!!!!! Kill switch is a must!!!!

[@jaydee5156]

One of my boats is also 14 ft and is factory rated for 20hp and it's a good match. I've seen quite a few 14 ft. boats that are only rated for 10 to 15. I'd be afraid to put a 25 on mine.

[@jcooper9873]

Thanks for taking one for the team and sharing the lesson with everyone Steve! Also appreciated the humor at the end of the video by giving us the slo-mo version!

[@RyanGeorge04]

I was the one you talked to at the boat ramp, so glad you were safe. At least you know your kill switch works!

[@joeharasti7351]

Best water safety video ever made! I’ve taught SCUBA, water safety, and am an avid fisherman. I’ve never seen anything close. What everyone else is saying about your video is correct. Right down to delivering the safety message. You’re a natural instructor!

[@gregbonner4654]

I saw this happen just down from my condo. I was lowering my boat to go check on you. At the time I didn’t know it was you, until I saw the show today. Now it all makes sense. Thank goodness for kill switches.

[@04702c]

I commend you for posting that real world experience. It’s great to show why safety equipment is meant to wear and it’s not about looking cool. Thank you for your humility and sharing. Will be showing my 3 kids tomorrow

[@mattcampbell9011]

Glad you’re safe. I once had the same boat with a 9.9hp. 25 is A LOT for your new boat! You are leading a blessed life , every minute of it well earned. Thanks for your videos.

[@conniebennett6646]

I was kind of thinking that 25 was bit too much for a lite weight boat.

[@ricklittle4617]

@@conniebennett6646 have a crestliner 1448 MV it’s rated for 25 hp Up to 30 if you get the side console option his boat did look over powered though

[@conniebennett6646]

@@ricklittle4617 I thought he said his was a flat bottom Jon Boat

[@conniebennett6646]

The biggest thing I saw was the long shaft motor that he put on it I don't recall but I don't think my 15 was a long shaft on my Jon Boat

[@conniebennett6646]

I know that little maneuver can get you screwed cuz I've even done it in my side console

[@micah5740]

Like others I watched this with my son to show just what can happen and GREAT example of taking safety measures. I'm so glad you're ok, and thank you for having the balls to post this. This show's your character, and GREAT it is. Safe travels

[@davida4771]

I hope this video gets a LOT of shares. It will likely save at least one person's life. THANK YOU for posting it, Steven.

[@DylanBondurant]

Hi! My dad is an eye doctor and says he really likes your channel and what I learn from you. He said if you would get him your spectacle Rx he would make you some really nice glasses for free. If you read this and want to let us do this let me know. God bless

[@mialily206]

@DylanBondurant I read this comment before I realized Stephen lost his glasses.....you and your dad along with Stephen are great humans, there is so much goodness for sure🙏✌️

[@allenclark1914]

Thank you for sharing your video, many would have not shared the incident. I used not wear my lanyard, then saw a video of a small tender buck out the driver and with a kill switch attached it kept running, the boat went into full speed spinning in circles, so very dangerous , thank you,,

[@KG-xf9ew]

Wow nice offer there.

[@thetir0]

Yeah that’s really nice, prescription glasses are $$$$. I always wear a retainer when I’m on the water.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

The fact that you mentioned how important the kill switch is before this ever even happened shows your attention to detail in teaching in your. Awesome work man. Stayed smart, stayed safe 👍

[@claytonwalker7536]

Attention to detail would have said," pay attention to you gut feeling, this dosen't feel right. This motor is too big for this boat"

[@redneckhippiefreak]

LOL "Stayed Smart? and stayed Safe?! One must first Behave safely and Act safely to have Stayed as such...He was tossed from his boat for acting like a fool. There was nothing Smart or Safe about any of this.. 8/

[@damkayaker]

@@claytonwalker7536 Every boat has a capacity plate riveted to the inside of the transom stating maximum hp .. maximum weight of motor, passengers, and anything else on board. That little boat was way overloaded and overpowered. Should have put a 9.9 on that maximum.

[@DevilDocRN]

Thanks for posting the video, a lot of boaters, young and old, experienced and not, do not realize how quick things can go south fast. Your recovery was excellent, but a lot of folks don’t consider how hard it is to re-enter a boat from the water with a life vest on, especially if the boat has a lot of freeboard. From a US Navy sailor to an US Army vet; good job on the seamanship Bama Saltwater!

[@linvillejeffrey]

@@DevilDocRN thank you both for your service!

[@scottsluggosrule4670]

I recently added a ladder to my boat - its just a 4 rung made of strap and metal steps..only about 30 bucks on amazon.

[@coconutz247]

​@@scottsluggosrule4670 after watching a kid struggle to get back on board, that's an eye opener. i also added a ladder to my inflatable.

[@mpatterson1410]

As a few others have said, thanks for posting this one. The ones where you catch stuff are great. But, this is one that could literally save someone's life.

[@cliffsanderson9491]

My wife and I watch your channel all the time. She loves to fish and is a big fan. We were watching last night when you unveiled the joh boat. When you showed the box with the new motor and said it was a 25 hp, I looked at my wife and said, that's too much motor for that boat. Continuing to watch we saw what you amazingly captured on camera on your test run. Kudos to you for being man enough to show what happened and explain the reason safety gear is so important. Glad you are safe and unhurt.

[@michaelhelms549]

You’re a good man Steve. I like the fact that you’re honest and up front with friends and I consider you a friend even if we haven’t met face to face. A man of courage.

[@BamaSaltwater]

Thank you man, I like keeping it reel, fwiw it's too much to work to fake :)

[@brettreynolds5918]

There's a difference between a v hull and a flat bottom

[@troypeterson6515]

Trouble pops up when you least expect it. Thank goodness that you had all the necessary safety equipment and you used it properly. I know of so many guys that don’t use the kill switch all the time and this is the perfect example of why you should. It takes guts to post a screwup like this for everyone to see and comment on. You’re a real man for doing so and there’s no telling how many people will be influenced by your posting this. Your guardian angel was definitely with you on this trip. I think God has big plans for you Steven, stay safe out there brother.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

For us long time veiwers of the channel,, We all know what a good & experienced Captain you are,, So im glad that you showed it so that others can learn from it.

[@dreamakennedy4099]

I’m glad you’re okay! Thanks for posting. It’s always good to have a reminder to be safe!

[@tatmoma73]

So grateful to the good Lord for looking out for you out on the water and for you being such a level headed safety cautious type young man. I may not comment often but I watch every video! I have a lot of respect for you .

[@timoleary92]

@@tatmoma73 Why did the good Lord let him fall out of the boat in the first place?

[@johnqualls5990]

Thanks man! Lost a couple of important people, at least to me, to weird freak boating accidents. Knowledge is power. As always thanks for your service

[@jasoneubs]

Mad props to you for posting this. Most would not. It can happen to anyone no matter how seasoned they are on the water. Glad you are okay. God is good!

[@geralddebellefeuille1988]

God is good all the time

[@erik754]

The slow motion replay was better than most replays I've seen! Glad you're okay, and thanks for actually posting the video. God bless

[@brianjenkins5591]

Thank God you are Steve and this is just another reason why I watch your channel you are very honest and truthful about what goes on and what should be done!!!

[@randyimpson8599]

Others may have mentioned this but it looks to me as though you should adjust the steering tension so the motor won’t move side to side quite so easily. I typically set the tension on a hand tiller outboard where you could take your hand off the tiller (not saying that’s a smart thing to do) and the motor would not change direction. Anyhow, glad you’re ok and glad you’re willing to remind us all about safety.

[@BamaSaltwater]

Definitely should've done a few things different! My mistake for sure!! Thank you!!

[@jilm4]

Agree, the first thing to do with a tiller drive. Glad you’re ok.

[@mikeandrews5787]

Thanks for sharing that. I’ve never adjusted the tiller tension, not changing direction seems like a good marker for the right amount of tension. I used to think it was only for trailering so motor wouldn’t move left or right.

[@no_regerts5176]

DO NOT, EVER, let go of a tiller handle! Even with hydraulic steering. You’re just asking it if you do.

[@BillyBob-im7og]

If you can let me know as I’m planning on buying a tiller drive boat soon, aren’t you supposed to only operate it via starboard?

[@customledandfiberopticsinc2756]

That took courage! Props for having what it took to post this because as others have said, people have no idea how quick things can go south on the water.

[@ericupton4527]

Lesson learned and, more importantly, lesson taught! Someone already mentioned stick steering, which would actually allow you to drive from the front, but I'd personally would like to see you master the tiller handle. You'll be a better boat driver in the end. 15hp would have been a better option for someone new to tiller steering, but when you get it figured out and that storm comes barreling down on you, you'll be thankful for that 25hp!!! I personally would recommend a good seat with arm rest bolted to your bench. Looking at the footage, you didn't over compensate until you started sliding. Get your boat to a plane and let speed come with confidence. Tight lines!

[@NathanielPettus-vh9ek]

Glad you’re safe, and recovered yourself and your boat as quickly as you did. Most people definitely wouldn’t have shared that, but will probably save someone else from doing the same.

[@Stardusted]

Raises hand. As experienced as he is versus myself; I will NEVER get in the boat without a jacket and I will connect a kill switch every time. Excellent teaching video. Any kind of solo fishing always comes with extra "what ifs". This video may have saved my life, lesson learned.

[@benjaminpeters3885]

you did great regaining control of your situation quickly! Im thankful you are ok

[@davids7943]

top notch calm and collected... damn impressed by your composure...

[@BamaSaltwater]

I can thank the US Army Infantry for that one 😀 fortunately and unfortunately haha

[@shadyg8728]

Man I’m so glad you’re ok. God is good and has a plan for you sir. Thank you for being a good steward and for having the courage to be being vulnerable here. This helps fellow boaters learn how quickly things can happen on the water.

[@josefialho6650]

Very good video. Thanks for sharing it. I have a 2,5m RIB with a 4hp and will put a 9,9hp this week. This video it will make me be more careful and I will not go on full throttle until I do not get trust on it with the new outboard. To good things it's that you just lose you glasses and don't get hurt or sink you boat with a brand new outboard. Thanks again and enjoy your new set.

[@PenCo91oh]

Damn brother I'm glad you are OK! A lot of people don't understand how easy that is to do. Jon boats are dangerous. For anyone wondering what Probably happened to Tyler Doyle this is most likely what happened but he was not wearing the kill switch properly and Probably no life jacket. So glad you are good man. Ik you Probably drank half the icw but you are a man for posting this and taking that on the chin and getting right back to it. It's definitely good content but also educational !

[@nicelady51]

Just adding another, 'Thank God you're ok.' KZbin wouldn't be the same without you ❤

[@BamaSaltwater]

Definitely took in some cold saltwater for sure! Thank you, it was a lesson learned!

[@AX01Adventures]

“Jon boats are dangerous”. No, Jon boats are not dangerous. Improper use and loading may be dangerous in any boat.

[@ricklittle4617]

@@BamaSaltwater is that boat rated for a 25 hp on the yellow tag Also what is the beam on that boat

[@jer52865]

I'm a Bama boy living out of state and just loved every moment of this video. Hahaha. God bless us Bama boys for the crap we do! Next time... boat plug. Check. Kill Switch. Check! and lastly, glasses flotation strap (you know, in case you fall out of the boat!). Check!!

[@Fishin-mission1]

Glad you're ok! Scary situation for sure. Complacency kills. But I will say stuff like this happens. Glad you had your gear on!

[@Alsaltyadventures]

That seems like a lot of engine for such a small boat! I had to watch that part several times to figure out how you were thrown. Looks like you caught the outer edge when turning. Kind of like high siding a bike and being thrown. Glad you are ok and thanks for sharing the adventure.

[@chackett99]

LOVE your channel and adventures. Thank GOD you're good. Appreciate the humility and transparency with the incident. Definitely could happen to anyone.

[@flslingmaker8612]

Glad you're a ok, and thanks for posting, it's a great safety video for wearing a life jacket and kill switch. One thing I always do since loosing a $500 pair of glasses, is wear a tether on my glasses. I put my everyday glasses in my tackle box and wear my prescription sun glasses with the tether. Tethers are cheap so I have several on the boat, even for guest.

[@chiphill4856]

Good advice!

[@williambrown7128]

Glad you’re ok, that was a crazy fast oh crap moment. Guarantee your buddies will not let you forget this LOL😂

[@geralddebellefeuille1988]

The good LORD does things like that to keep us humble

[@RH-qk5lt]

Steve, I tipped over my 16' sit on top fishing kayak this past yr in Racine Wisconsin on Lake Michigan in October fishing for King Salmon. Water temp was 55° , I had my life jacket on but did Not have it buckled! I also had insulated rubber boots on that filled up with water, we're like concrete shoes and they sucked to my feet/legs to where it was impossible to kick them off. When I went in, my life jacket came off. Telling myself to stay calm, many times saved my life. I had to hold onto the upside down kayak and swim it back to the nearest shore/dock. It took me approximately 50minutes to get to a dock and another 20 min. To get On the dock & out of the water. I was frozen, bleeding and sore but safe. I feel blessed and grateful. A series of small, bad decisions led to a very serious situation that could've been catastrophic. Those flat bottom boats are scary and unstable in water with any sort of potential waves. Be careful! Glad you're also safe and here to share your experience.

[@rhirtzel915]

Glad you’re ok…some things that may help: That’s too much motor for that boat. You can adjust the trim on it which may help the nose. You can adjust the resistance on both the steering and throttle so it’s not so free and that may help some stability. Some pods on the back can help the nose as well. A prop with less pitch can lower your nose as well as you will take some of the torque on take off Also not that you can really change it now but you could probably get buy with a shorter lower end unit. It’s probably easier to just find a bigger boat. Kudos to you for posting this as most wouldn’t. Good luck!

[@chiphill4856]

Don't go changing props and lower units! That's overkill by a mile. Put some weight in the bow and tighten the steering tension. Slow down until you get familiar with the boat and the tiller. It's a light, fast setup that handles way different than your bay boat. It rides on top of the water. The bottom is flat so it will want to slide in the corners. Sudden tiller movements can be disastrous. Good luck with it. Practice helps. ✌🏼

[@Arterius_omm]

@@chiphill4856 most of those lightweight 14ft jon boats that i've seen are only rated for 15hp motors at most, and he's got a 25hp on there. that's 60% more power than the boat is rated for. too much motor for that little boat, no way around it.

[@chiphill4856]

@@Arterius_omm I've seen plenty rated at 25hp. I owned a Lowe 1448 with a 40hp Yamaha for years, ran great.

[@Arterius_omm]

@@chiphill4856 sure maybe a 1448 would be rated for higher hp but not a 1436 which is what i’m pretty sure is what he has.

[@GaryEtheridge-d5n]

Glad you are Ok!! Glad that you posted this too- LESSONS FOR EVERYONE!! I used to have a Yamaha 6hp that had a similar long handle with shift too- it was a great motor on my 13ft Gheenoe- put on a hydrofoil on the lower unit- it can really help

[@Angel123711]

Good to see you're alright!! If that is a 1436 the largest suggested hp is 15, you can add float pods and that should help with the motor weight. You are right by moving the gas tank forward!

[@BamaSaltwater]

100%, I am now a proud owner of a 1548 lol Thank you!

[@conniebennett6646]

My question is did u ever have a boat dealer/ boat shop to shop for your motor? I would have thought these places would have informed you of shaft length and motor size and prop. ​@BamaSaltwater

[@elmerfudd5925]

@@Angel123711 I had a 1436 Landau years ago that was rated for 20.

[@sealteem5]

TDB 17 foot or the 14 foot

[@hyoholdyourown6444]

Full props on posting this!!!! Life lessons!! Most people are to proud to post!!! Love your content!!!

[@chriswilson8911]

Look into tightening the tension on the vertical shaft so it won’t be so snappy turning I think that tiller handle on the new mercury will offset to allow you to sit closer to the middle. The smaller models may not. Tiller guy for 30 yrs

[@BamaSaltwater]

Yes!!! It was my mistake not doing more research. I have now upgraded a large Jon boat and adjusted the tension and angle much better

[@darienjudy8913]

Glad you're ok. Thank you for sharing this, lesson for everyone new to boating.

[@ratdaddy7774]

Glad your well my brother, God is keeping you😮

[@Cadillacfire87]

A lot of folks wouldn't have posted this video, or at least would have edited that part out, but it shows your true motive in making these videos for us to enjoy but at the same time teach folks to be safe as possible and learn from your mistakes. Good for you, man, and thanks for all the content.

[@superstraightpride]

Thank you for sharing. Thank God you are able to walk away and share this.

[@jaydsdiecastgarage]

Wow Steven, glad your ok. A lesson to everyone

[@titotijuana]

Thank you for sharing this clip, very important to get safety awareness out there.

[@joannericci5981]

Thanks for sharing this. Good lesson for lot of people learning how to operate aluminum boats. Very good advice to wear PFD and kill switch. So many think it is not necessary and it wont happen to them. God Bless you!

[@07bently]

Well I'm glad I saw this one I normally watch the open water. Thank yo u for wearing the vest and the kill switch.. Great video as always

[@BamaSaltwater]

Thank you!! 100%

[@tombartell2526]

Thank God you didn’t get hurt. Thank you for sharing. Things happen and having the proper safety equipment save lives. Sorry you lost your glasses!

[@wadoshintoyoshin]

OMG Stephen I'm glad you are alright. Thank God you had your life jacket on this could have ended differently. Take care of yourself make sure you don't get sick bud

[@chiphill4856]

Why would he get sick??

[@user-bf9qj3im7j]

Huge lesson for all of us. Thanks for posting, Happy you're okay. Be safe out there!

[@ChsBrian]

I strongly recommend putting stick steering on it. I have a 14’ and you can sit more forward. Was best thing I ever did.

[@rbender9753]

Dear Bama saltwater, thank you for posting this video. I am glad you are okay. I have been on the water pulling tubers and skiers for several years nack in 80s and 90s. Had to sell the big boat back in 2016 and now have a 14ft fishing boat. I have recently discovered that a 25 horse with my boat will pull a tube and found an older 25 horse over Christmas break. After watching your video, i am installing a newer kill switch with cord. Again thank you for sharing your experience. I hope you have a wonderful summer.

[@fishinfromscratch5484]

This is the kinda content that needs to be posted. Real life mistakes happen and it's important for a content creator to show them. Milliken posted when he fell in cold water and because of that video I stopped kayaking in frigid Temps. That video might have saved my bacon. This video might save someone else. Good on ya for posting it.

[@fishwhistler758]

I bought a drysuit for winter kayak fishing due to that video. ^^^ @fishinfromscratch5484

[@fishinfromscratch5484]

@@fishwhistler758 if I had continued to make content that was my next purchase.

[@willhall7777]

You dealt with that very well. Good job on not having a prideful ego. Very respectful attitude.

[@braydenjohnson8120]

I’m glad you were okay after the beginning of this video 😂

[@Bamapride1000]

Small movements of the handle are quick big movements in that John boat. This is a situation where less is gonna be more in your maneuvering on that boat. Be careful and take it nice and easy and get the feel for that boat. If you don’t like the stability of the smaller boat get a wide 16-17foot flatbottom. The little bit bigger boat seem to handle a lot better than the shorter narrower boat. Glad you’re ok brother.

[@mauricebruce8907]

WOW! I’m so glad you are ok Steve. About 20 years ago my buddy fell out of the side of my Jon boat when his pedestal seat broke. I had a set up very similar to yours except I had a 15 hp motor. It happened so suddenly, but he was wearing a life vest. You are exactly right, always expect the unexpected. Thank you for sharing this video. Most people would put this in their archives never to be seen again. I love watching your videos for the learning aspect as much as the actual fishing. Take care brother and be safe out there.

[@jrod6808]

Seems like a little over kill as far as horse power for that little boat. A buddy of mine has one like that with a 9.9 Yamaha and that sucker rolls like 20mph which is way fast enough for a tiny boat like that. Cant even imagine having a 25 on something like that. Glad you’re okay bro. Live and learn! I’d see about a smaller engine 9.9-15hp tops!

[@BamaSaltwater]

Definitely overpowered for sure, my mistake on that one!

[@earlsmithson4749]

What a great educational video. You my friend showed exactly what and how an accident can happen. Your life jacket and kill switch probably saved your life. Thanks again for this great video and happy fishing.

[@brendaamador8582]

Losing the glasses was an expensive lesson, but one not forgotten easily. So glad God was watching over you and brought you through. They are called "accidents" for a reason and I bet your Mom gives you a good talking to!! Stay safe and God bless!

[@tjs4519]

Glad you posted this video for all the ladies and gents to see, kill switch is important, but also just a good instructional video on how to climb back into a boat quickly. That adrenaline sure does help with the muscle up 😆 glad you're ok brotha.

[@luvdoctor96]

That outboard seems a bit much for the boat, glad you're alright man. Tough day! don't give up on that vessel yet.... when you load it out with a blind, heater, gear, decoys, rifles it will ride better. Keep the speeds down in that little thing. Loved that you shared it even though mistakes were made.

[@alexcruz7719]

Perfect tutorial skills. Slowly explained and great illustrating motion for the learner's eye to catch. Well done, Sr.

[@50shadesofblue24]

This is why I do not like the tiller handles. If you accidentally lose the handle or your extension comes off the motor slaps and tosses you out. I ended up switching mine over to a side consul. Love the boat so much more now. I also put battery's, deck, and trolling motor in the front for weight

[@outdoorohio6781]

Until your steering cable breaks and it literally does the same thing 😂😂

[@outdoorohio6781]

Also has nothing to do with the type of engine and all to do with experience and common sense

[@outdoorohio6781]

Until your steering cable breaks and does the same thing.

[@MRBJT51]

You have an awesome sense of natural humor...I was cracking up when you got thrown out and got back in the boat!!! I'm glad you are safe.

[@BamaSaltwater]

Thank you, I just like to keep it real!

[@chiphill4856]

I'm surprised you would laugh at this. He could have been killed or badly injured. It's not humor. It's a warning.

[@MRBJT51]

@@chiphill4856 Look man, he was safe and he was not injured. (Due to his own actions of wearing a life vest and having a safety cord attached) His facial expressions and his comments were just naturally funny that's all I'm saying. I subscribe to this guy and love his content I would definitely not want him to be injured or worse. Being a thespian I just appreciated the authenticity of his reaction .... He even laughed at himself.... Something a lot more people should do and stop taking themselves so seriously. Happy fishing!!!

[@mrscropionyt3173]

Hey man, been watching your video everyday you upload and now i realise risky it's really been on you especially for you going on those solo fishing trips. Be safe my bro❤ best of lucks

[@BamaSaltwater]

Thank you!

[@JonDoe-i4w]

My first few times out with a tiller steer were sketch too. My advice to anyone new to this type of steeling is take it overly cautious the first few times out . Alot of things come into play here trim, boat speed, motor steering dampening, weight distribution, water conditions. These are very fun style of bosts to run but can get away from you very quickly as seen in the vid. Glad you're good my man thank you for posting this video . God bless yall and be safe.

[@CoriansAnglingAdventures]

Honestly man that was frightening. Like others I am glad you are ok. I too lost a pair of my best glasses flipping my Hobie, also on the first ride out 🤦🏾‍♂️. Learned my lesson real quick and safety gear is a must!

[@tomchoate9653]

Love how calm you stayed. You are always so humble

[@sealteem5]

He was very calm! Was trying to feel if he craps his pant we can’t tell if he wet his pants 😂

[@sgbawg0]

Glad you're okay. Um... isn't that engine a bit large for that John boat. Also, your channel is amazing. Keep the great videos coming.

[@catchbiggerfishthanyou]

I thought 25 was perfect for a Jon boat… but that’s just my opinion

[@captainconstitution4238]

I agree. At full horsepower, especially with no one in front to help balance and weigh down the boat, it's asking for trouble. It's not a boat built for speed, it's aluminum.

[@stanhunt8543]

It depends on the jon boat. Some are rated for 25hp.

[@Jaestre01]

Thank you for posting this video, it’s a perfect example of how quickly things can turn into disaster, especially what could have happened if you hadn’t used your life jacket or kill switch (damage to others). Thanks again for reminding me not to take those things for granted.

[@Mxbdt]

Good for you, man. That took a man to post, and yea, those tiller handle motors turn on a dime. Gotta counter your weight in the boat. Glad your OK God was watching over you. I did the same thing when I was 13 lived on the black warrior. Perfect example of a great boater. Kill switch, life vest, you did all the right things .

[@ryderwolf2393]

Heck yes man. There is no better example for everyone than this! Great advice, great reminders and great over all attitude toward life and our savior Thankyou

[@jeffmead2476]

Thanks for posting this one, one of my favs. I always respect when you put it realistic content.

[@thomascrawford114]

Wow!!! So very glad you are okay!!! Praise the Lord!! That was scary for sure!!! Hats off to you for posting this video!!!! A lot can be learned here!!!

[@sharifmorrison3638]

Thanks for the reality check. Shows how fast things can go south and why you should always wear the life jacket while the boats in motion!

[@zacharyhoover3581]

Sorry this happened to you, happy you shared. When I was 13 I was driving a 12’ jon with a 9.9 and was thrown out. I was wearing the kill switch but go figure it was faulty and I had to fight to survive the boat doing a death circle for what felt like an eternity. It took me a few weeks to get back in a small boat with a tiller but I eventually “got back on the horse”. I’ve got a larger bayboat now but still own a 14’ jon with a 25hp tiller. Take it slow, never make quick changes, balance the weight of people and gear both on the center line and bow to stern. With the motor, tank and fisherman all sitting on the last 3 feet of hull, she’ll be sensitive to steering input. Love watching the videos, tight lines.

[@chiphill4856]

This is critical testimony. Thanks!

[@bc4evernow]

You are gonna save a life or two.. Thanks for posting this is probably one of the best videos on the tube. Kill switch and life jackets are a must. God bless you man and stay safe.

[@RVPastorKevin]

dude, the time you got pulled over 2 years ago and got a warning for not wearing your kill switch.... man I am SO HAPPY that you do now. I know that guy wasn't the nicest cop, (I thought he was extremely rude and kinda power trippy....) but you sure learned that lesson! I have shown this video to my kids.... a PFD and a kill lanyard really did save the day for you. I really appreciate you sharing this video!!!

[@rickygroover]

Glad you’re ok bro!! Crazy stuff, handled it like a boss! This is why your channel is the best man. Up front and honest. Thank you for the post!

[@BamaSaltwater]

Thank ya much!!!!!

[@bryanspiers]

We have a great God! January dunks are no fun. Thanks for keeping it real - shows integrity and at the same time a public service encouraging everyone to find and use those safety devices - good man good job getting back in the boat - ending with a prayer of thanks! 🙏🏻 Dude that’s awesome. Keep teaching brother

[@philipsondreal6565]

Glad you are OK! Thank God. Great of you to turn this into a lesson for fellow boaters!

[@chiphill4856]

The kill switch definitely saved you! Without the kill switch, the engine will keeping running. The tiller will turn to one side and the boat will run in circles. It will keep doing donuts until the fuel runs out or it hits something. It's super scary because it has the potential to come back around and actually hit you and run you over. You are a fortunate man! Great channel, great content. Keep it up and stay in the boat!

[@luisviera3482]

Wow, brother, thanks for posting this. I definitely learned something. Sorry you had to go through that, and may the Lord continue to watch over you 🙏

[@timbertoad73wildergame39]

Thanks for posting Steve, sharing this lesson is a real great thing to do No one’s perfect

[@jeremywinkler1721]

Hey buddy, I didn’t read through all the comments, but I have a small boat with a 30 hp mercury on it and it didn’t wanna plan out very easily. I put a hydrofoil on it. It was super easy to install like 15 minutes and that thing just instantly planes now. They are cheap and you can get them pretty much any boating store. I think I got mine at Cabela’s. Best wishes. God bless you.

[@nathanankersen4695]

I did the same thing in a 14' stauter with a new Suzuki 25. The kill switch saved my life. The steering tension was all the way loose, and I heard the engine cut off right as the prop was above my head. I am religious about wearing it. This video highlights many important things, but one of the best is you realized the danger before it happened. In the future and especially if you plan on duck hunting, those instincts will keep you alive. Stop. Plan. And adjust for the danger. Glad to hear about the new boat and excited to see where it takes you.

[@BamaSaltwater]

100% man, definitely under experienced and plenty of mistakes were made! Good lesson learned for sure! Thanks!!

[@chiphill4856]

Imagine if you had gone over with waders on and no kill switch. You'd be at the bottom.

[@jimr8294]

Wow. Thanks for sharing, Steve. The most impressive thing was your calmness and composure, maybe honed in the military. The way you just crawled into the boat and said “that’s why you wear the kill switch” made it look like an instructional video. God is definitely looking after you.

[@enew252__]

Awesome rig. We use these daily up in Alaska (Bristol Bay/Lake Iliamna area) for shuttling, accessing fishing spots on rivers, and ours have jet foots. They are unbelievable boats. Think about running up a river in low water, that is no more than 15' wide and 5" deep. They pull double duty as well with oar locks and we row them down rivers. Scary moment there getting tossed out.

[@robbymacoutdoors.6250]

Glad your ok after that spill! Respect for for posting that. Teach some what can happen. Love the channel best of luck with the new rig. Again glad to see your ok after that!

[@vroncooper5734]

Thank you for showing your mishap and solutions and all the experienced boaters comments that are on point and could save life's.

[@toanberto]

Glad you’re Ok! I enjoy your channel and always appreciate your humility.

[@christinacappagli959]

Glad you are okay. Love watching your videos.

[@ReefSurfing1]

Glad you’re safe, man. I miss my first little aluminum boat and the adventures I had in it growing up.

[@dougs4477]

I join everyone in thanking you for posting this video! It may save a life or two.

[@drjaywhitlock]

I'm glad you are ok brother. Great of you to share this video. As others have mentioned, it doesn't take much to get in trouble on the water. Sometimes you only get one mistake. Especially in salt water with strong currents. God Bless!!