Will My Facebook Marketplace Boat Survive Open Water??

[@joshmosley5864]

lol. Hated being the open ocean for 10 minutes yet wants to cross to Bahamas. Check the weather, and go out on calm days and get some experience. Learn what speed to drive the boat in the given conditions. It is intimidating for sure, as they say, calm seas don’t make good sailors. Looking forward to seeing you make the crossing.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Right? SMDH!

[@jeffrandolf5673]

He wouldn't have lasted 7 days in 30 foot seas (for 1 day) from Ct. to Ft. Lauderdale in 1988 with NO GPS.

[@JonathonDelumyea]

Man love going to Bimini, nausau, from Florida on our boats were from Virginia its like our vacation we love getting out the mountains people from Florida love coming to mountains, we always go down with a couple of boats just in case and we always use 2 gps in the boats off by a little the whole way can put u far away from your destination

[@jeffrandolf5673]

@@JonathonDelumyea I worked on boats rigging & commissioning new & used boats from 1980 through 1996. I couldn't wait to get in the woods, all alone on a huge excavator diggin new home foundations after 16 years of dealing with rich stuck up boat owners. Now I enjoy going out on MY OWN boat on weekends.

[@joshtanner4453]

Have you ever been to sea Billy? No Captain but I've been blown ashore.

[@kilyanmathurin4208]

Hey quick advice from someone who grew up sailing in the Caribbean, whenever you anchor your boat in the sea, and especially on sand, you want to have a some of your chain resting on the bottom behind the anchor, so it doesn't get dragged by the current, the winds or waves. It can happen quicker than you think !

[@markeast9221]

Forget the guy ! Lesson learned ! Call Sea Tow ! Be lucky you got $300 ! However get longer rope in case you need help !

[@BrandonGross]

Yep. Lesson learned!

[@ledyancn9453]

As a fellow boater I would definitely pursue the guy just to teach him a lesson, we are supposed to have each other back out on the water! I would definitely make him pay for a reputable shop to check my transom and change the parts that were broken during the event and paint my engine brand new since his lack of attention put you guys on that situation. Sad to see you learned your lesson the hard way, now you know. We all have had our hiccups on the water and people like that ruins it for everybody else. Among the boating community we also refer to that island as “monument island” is probably one of the cleanest island that you can visit here in Miami, it gets full quicker because of its size but that’s what I like about it, no many boats can fit on the island so usually less craziness compared to its bigger brother called “la islita” which is right after you pass the bayside bridge coming from Crandom park marina. Glad to see your liking the Miami boat life, hopefully that does not change when you get to experience the summer boat madness haha. Nice videos, keep them coming….

[@bengaudet2088]

Pointless, when you put a tow rope on another boat, you accept all responsibility for that boat and yours

[@joemarkowski9216]

Hey Brandon, Love following your journey. Just wanted to weigh in on your Opti temps. When under way, your temps will show much lower and running around 100 is completely normal. At idle, you’ll see them come back up, and around 150 degrees the thermostats will open. Good luck on the journey to Bimini!

[@hopehelmus1264]

I know what you need to go out into the "ocean". A sailboat. Just think about it. Island hopping. From one to the next. Smoothly. Without engine issues. Really enjoying watching you and your crew out on the water. Looks like you are too. Thx for sharing.

[@pamelataylor412]

Just want to say I love the little historical tidbits. I admit I’m a bit of a history nerd, but this adds a lot to your adventures in my opinion, so, thanks, brandon❤

[@smcgee3236]

Loved the ambulance days and all the rest, but dude you are killing it right now with this! Best content yet, and I can’t wait for the actual Bahamas run. Thanks! As for blackstone, get a fireplace lighter it’s easier to use that. For the run, I’d recommend an epirb, a portable, floating and fully charged handheld vhf, and extra fresh waters and sunscreen.

[@pvalentin214]

When traveling the intercostal go to the right between raccoon Island and the sandbar . That way there's no low bridges. Is a better view and more island's. You always go on the left of the sand bar not to good .loving your videos .

[@paulwellman6083]

Dude, stop telling everyone how great South Florida is. They are all gonna want to move down here.

[@Mistercarguy]

Bro South Florida is really nice and so what is everyone moves their

[@beebop4333]

No they wont. Too much crime

[@TetsuOutdoors]

ew no. that clear water wont make me live under your dictator.

[@jeffrandolf5673]

@@TetsuOutdoors "dictator"? Who's that? I'd love to know.

[@Mistercarguy]

@@jeffrandolf5673 same

[@Bigdingaling95]

Man that swell in the ocean wasn't bad at all!

[@parishtimms7139]

With the top end rpm check all fuel systems for debris and make sure you have clean fuel with no water if issue precedes your fuel pumps are starting to go out. Also touch the the ground and sending wire in the back if the fuel gauge to pin out the gauge and make sure the fuel gauge is working properly.

[@heleneperreault6314]

Brandon, advice from a marine mechanic but also good for all types of toys. Use premium fuel, it will ensure clean fuel always goes through your engines and will protect them much longer. If you have old fuel or moisture in your tank it can create skipping. Premium fuel preserves much better too.

[@raisingcane225]

There is a huge difference crossing to Bimini than just traveling the same distance in the inter coastal waterway and/or Biscayne Bay or just off the coast before you are in open blue water. You can’t underestimate the Gulfstream current and the open ocean, especially when the winds are out of the N or NE or even east. On a boat that size you need a good 4-5 day consistent weather and wind pattern forecast, and do NOT try crossing with a N or NE wind especially if it’s over 10 knots or you’ll have a nasty crossing. I strongly suggest you cross with a reliable buddy boat and also get an EPIRB and a handheld VHF in addition to a fixed mount VHF if you have it. I would even get a Personal Locating Beacon along with EPIRB for redundancy. Don’t try Bimini until earliest very late May or into June when the winds become more consistent and more predominantly out of the SE or S (under 10knots and seas under 3 feet as well). You may want to consider doing more boating down around the Keys and gain more experience before attempting a Bimini crossing.

[@mynx369]

Yes another video that I needed to see this morning before I’m forced to go and do what needs to be done!🥰♥️

[@johncotten9917]

Same issue with black stone but…by barely turning on the gas at the tank and then lighting the black stone it solved the issue of not starting. Then I could fully turn on the tank and control the flame with the black stone dial. Hope this helps😊

[@robertbarriger2596]

Great video Brandon. Bahamas here we come!

[@BrandonGross]

Thanks! Soon!!

[@joshpenfield6393]

I have been enjoying watching your channel grow. Your quality of videos is getting way better. Nice work!

[@lou773]

Your videos are visually stunning!!! Great work.

[@mynx369]

Happy New Year Brandon! 🎉 As annoying as it is if you really don’t have more damage to your boat I’d just call it even (although it’s really not) and get on with your life in peace without any stress. Since the guy was already being a jerk I don’t think that you’ll have an easy time trying to reach him!! For your sanity and peace of mind I’d just drop pursuing him because it appears that he’s not going to be helpful in any way! Normally I’d say go after him but since your part is paid for from the funds he already gave you just count your blessings that your boat escaped major expense damages!!’🥰❤

[@freedomwanderer]

Yes Sir. Thats why we get a boat. All the epic adventures.

[@TheBullockFamily]

It’s raining ice here in MO as you go out to enjoy the open ocean, not jealous at all 🥴. Great content loving it all just wishing we had more but understand the grind. Keep it up.

[@kevinmore789]

I did the crossing in a 22st Century Wa last year in sept. check weather and ensure you have the right safety equipment. EPIRB/ Garmin In reach. If weather is good SEND IT!

[@reeltomeal]

Great episode good to see the boat went well for you guys and getting back to your Outboards running too cold; check your poppet valves that regulate how much cold water goes through the heads and just replace both of them... they're pretty simple to replace😊

[@CYBERBOIUK]

Loving these videos man! It's all a learning curve, and we're lucky you're taking us on the journey with you! Hoping to get out to Miami in the next year or two myself (GTA 6 etc), gotta be done!

[@LongOdds]

First of all, it is almost always rough in the cut. You need to make it out some before truly judging how the day is for your vessel. Second, you need to learn how to operate the boat (speed and angle to the waves) to minimize the impact of the waves. A 24 footer is capable of doing the crossing, but it is borderline....you're going to have to exercise some knowhow or get lucky with the weather for it to be an easy day on the water.

[@Bytor64]

Currently BLIZZARD conditions here in Kansas City and -3 tonight.... With you in spirit!!

[@ClarkThompson-j2b]

Great video. HAPPY NEW YEAR !! WISHING YOU GOOD BOATING TO BAHAMAS.

[@CapeAnnImages]

Chances are the power drop off "hiccup" was during your offshore ride. Cavitation when the engines were churning in white water while hitting those deep chops.

[@Actrealsurprised]

That blue swimsuit is filled out perfectly

[@philkiernan2501]

In rough water trim your Motors all the way down as far as they will go to get your bow down and throttle back some if you have trim tabs put them down a little bit too that will help with the way the boat rides

[@richardstamper5630]

Ditch the trim tabs and fit ZipWakes, they make the boat more stable and responsive.

[@Going_In_Blind]

Just got out first real snow of the season in Lincoln, NE. Making me jealous man! Nice to see y’all out there having fun!

[@Alex-j9k5h]

Lincoln NH ?

[@drv354]

Inlets are rough on low /outgoing tides. Also before your next long trip in open ocean, do fuel/fuel tank polishing in case you have sediments build up inside the fuel tank and can cause some trouble with boat movement in open ocean.

[@daan3298]

In some engines the thermostats can be mounted backwards and they'll act as open.

[@4etznabify]

Have you tried a secondary source for checking the motor temps? Could be some kind of guage calibration. Mine run around 120° so your not too far off.

[@BrandonGross]

After some more research I guess it’s normal for these motors to run very cool at speed

[@Thomas-j9q2c]

Happy New Year Brandon!

[@red_ben3487]

What a great adventure! If I were you I would rock that boat for a bit, explore south Florida for a bit (looks like there's a ton of areas to explore on the chart), then upgrade to a bigger boat at some point that you can live on again (I'm assuming that's your goal) and get something that can go out in the ocean. Then worry about getting to the Bahamas. 👍

[@chadgouthro1975]

Brandon dude yes you need to pursue it. Flip the rules and if you were on the other side, they would hunt you down in seconds. I get it you’re a laid-back type of person. I am myself, but sometimes you gotta take the bull by the horns.

[@philippelarocque4207]

Let it go, it's not worth the time and space it's taking up in your mind

[@Mistercarguy]

Well you can tell him what to do

[@Mistercarguy]

Plus if he likes it then why do you just let it go

[@Oscar-xc2bx]

On your next trip, try to go to Boca Chita lighthouse. You'll love it. It's located a few mile down key biscayne.

[@DonnaBiggs-wv1ml]

He is a 100 percent reliable take it from a delivery captain here and plz learn what happens when the wind picks up cause that and the current makes waves always check weather and wave height before leaving for that specific spot in the water your crossing

[@mynx369]

The boat 🛥️ going by at mark 23:03 looked like it had a smaller motor boat 🚤 sitting on top of its main deck to create the highest deck. If you glanced quickly at it, that’s what it looks like until you pay attention and look closely and only then do you really notice that it’s just a strange design and not one boat 🛥️ sitting on top of another!!😂🤣😂🥰❤

[@speedy4829]

Calm water doesn’t teach either the skills or the capability of the boat to cross unprotected waters. Be thoughtful and gain the experience required before heading out.

[@spadedxhicautumn6385]

I was a die hard ambulance fan but I am also loving this new content being from Clearwater originally and now living in Pennsylvania sadly

[@bullzye101]

frigging awesome trip guys loved it . and those shacks out there are crazy awesome very cool i lov to spend a night on one LOL.. and lov those drone pics btw... very big thumbs up 👍😃👍

[@Sasqu73]

As the saying goes “no good deed goes unpunished”..I would let it go myself.Doesnt sound like you will get anywhere.

[@stevedambro5709]

That was my exact thought.... I'd just let it go and probably not help others. Or help them and just know...... No good deed goes unpunished.

[@NiamYauAdventures]

Check your electronics battery, it could be low if your GPS position is not showing up. I've noticed that the gps antenna needs power too and if your electronics battery is too low it won't be able to register your location.

[@yavin99]

I was really looking forward to the Haulover inlet part because of all the videos out there but it must have been to rough. Maybe pull a temp sensor out and see if any salt water corrosion built up on it.

[@nutcase0001]

Beautiful stills of the waves! You may want to ask around as to boat size to take on the open ocean.

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

That island was cool, amazing that it used to look SO different! I like these little adventures, looking forward to the bahama ones, haven't seen too many videos over the years about the Bahamas, hopefully you will end up going on something other than just partying on the beach, I'd like to see you go to places maybe inland...I'm guessing there are some? I don't know anything about that place. That was a really beautiful shot of you when you were speaking into the mic and sitting down w/the clouds behind/above you...great pic that would make!

[@BPake]

got iced in and then i saw you posted just made today better

[@davidchristner6522]

You should use "earmuffs" to flush the lower end and the intake for the motor that pumps saltwater thru your coolant system The host hookup is ok but always use earmuffs too

[@ooogabooga1837]

I love this series

[@BrandonGross]

Thanks! Many more to come

[@damonsdeliberatedetour492]

Great video and just let it go it's not worth the migraine!

[@bsfishing7073]

Oh my God, dude that early in the morning on that trip you would’ve made it no problem

[@stewatparkpark2933]

Clean out the VST on each engine . The fuel pumps probably have screens on them that block up .

[@tonytowhitch]

Fuel related at top speed in engines.

[@garplin]

check the pressures of the air compressor and the fuel pump. they should be a 10psi difference. run a quikleen through your fuel system. the presssures are super important on optis. also check all the regulators and tracker valves. good luck these are old boys. you need to be on top of them if you want to make such a long journey offshore. Repower is soon coming lol.

[@seanricciardi2792]

I think I know the answer to your thermostat problem. It’s because your boat hasn’t been renamed to Salmon Wave. Yet. lol. Love the videos, man.

[@Saltyventures24]

Get a Garmin gps antenna bro. Cheap and helps these things stay connected. They are essential crossing to Bimini

[@bktime3331]

Great video, I agree with the other guy that hesitation sounds fuel related. Sounds like you are on it changing fuel filters. Also consider fuel pump?

[@EmilTheoneandonly]

way cool girls at last well done boyz, keep enjoying we love it

[@bxbmbr766]

Awesome video! Well done!

[@BrandonGross]

Appreciate it!

[@gobfranklin6759]

Thanks for the boat trip.

[@stefangarmey7699]

Make sure your garmin MFD's are up to date as well. Might help with glitches like the GPS.

[@bobstack1344]

It sounds to me like cavitation. Considering the age of those motors could be a bad propeller hub on one of the motors. Easy fix but change both.

[@scoop-sc5gr]

If you are getting sea spray you’re going to fast.. get on plane and back it down a little and let the boat work..😊

[@chasingthevoyage]

Looks like it’s getting closer and closer to the Bahamas. Hopefully the small issues left can be fixed quickly. Any more thoughts on the next boat you want to live on?

[@jamesclaydon6065]

Happy NY Brandon! Those stilt houses are crazy cool 😎

[@BrandonGross]

Thanks same to you! Would have loved to see Stiltsville back in the day

[@edemerick1889]

I have ab99 mercury optimal 150. Mine runs cooler when running. But injustice bought it this fall. The river water was colder than the ocean should be there. Check your ground wires behind the helm also

[@Djdj-kd8ue]

I wouldn’t worry about them running to cool,what can it hurt? They’re not used to heat water for a tank or anything,way better cool than HOT!

[@FastRaw]

the thing you describing on full speed, can be the rpm limiter?? if the propeller is not 100% it can cavitate or something, and then it will get over rpm. can be as easy as that.

[@Rusty-gaming]

Nooo not the banana if I was in your position I would pursue the guy thanks for the amazing video

[@billmartinez3435]

Hey Brandon , I'm doing a Bimini trip with my son and his buddies. Love your content and your ambition. If you are nervous, as you should be. Your welcome to cross with us.

[@Petervankessel]

My 60hp Mercury runs about 50 degrees Celcius/125 Fahrenheit. I think it's exhaust water temperature and not the water or oil temperature that you have on an engine with a closed loop coolant system.

[@bxbmbr766]

This boat would be more awesome if repowered with 4 stroke of your choice or whoever would sponsor it!

[@johncantonwine8918]

The engines running cold might be the reason your feeling a misfire while underway. I would pick up an infrared laser thermometer, there about $20 at harbor freight / Amazon. While underway in calm conditions with the cowlings off your wing man can check the engine temps to verify its not your boats temp gauges acting up. If the engines are actually running cold I would fix that before going to the Bahamas.

[@outlaw19able]

A lot of folks in the South, run without thermostats. None of my two strokes have them.

[@Topgun19688]

Awesome boat and KZbin channel! I’d pass on the Bahamas trip in that boat size you have. Although capable, I don’t think it will be an enjoyable trip.

[@johnbrightman282]

my first check would be voltage variables in gauges showing false readings.

[@rasheedmccleverty7467]

If you can go by yourself to Bimini I would give you props like my guy with the crooked pilot house

[@artbobik3516]

I used to make that run through the Intercoastal and never had to go outside - you need to forget about the auto Plotter and use the charts to plot your own routes - my favorite route to the outside was Creaser's creek, south of Elliot Key - that also put me for a strait run down to John Pennekamp for diving - I just watched your crash - back in the 80's I had to tow an expensive open fisher from the lighthouse to Ocean Reef Club because he forgot to fill his fuel tanks - cost me over 40 Gals fuel and after he told me he forgot his wallet and walked away I discovered I broke a blade off one of my props - I had a 22 Sportcraft with Twin 125 Force motors - since they put 15inch motors on a 25inch transom set wide - I spent a month changing the pitch and cup on the props to stop the cavitation - because of this I had to buy two new props - that was the last time I towed anyone - everything I towed I got screwed with damage and no one would give you a dime - you will never see or hear from him again - he knows he damaged your motors and does not care - welcome to South Florida -

[@wessebaggers]

Great video ❤ just take your losses with that guy ! That happens a lot when your a nice guy ! He did give you $ 300.00 he could have been really bad ! I'm glad your a nice honest guy ! ❤

[@dawnmcgregor2570]

Fun trip loved the stilt houses. Ordered my merch today ❤️💋

[@chasingthevoyage]

Definitely great quality! I got one when he first launched them

[@knecting]

As others have said, get some ocean experience with your boat in all conditions. Every good captain come prepared and experienced for the worst. Also, expect to get soacked on your way to the Bahamas if you have no eisenglass to protect you.

[@captainmichael787]

LOVIN THE VIDS BRO

[@TobyGreen-w7b]

Here in new zealand will happily do 160+ miles in a day in much smaller boats.

[@no_worries_van]

water pump, a damaged impeller, or a clogged cooling system…Pursue the guy! He should’ve known what he was doing with a boat that big, and he can obviously pay more. And plus if he….DOLPHIN!!!!!😊😊😊😊

[@terryfonz4603]

Wait till you cross to Bimini you’ll have a good almost two hours of driving in those conditions!

[@seansanders789]

Get a keel guard so u don’t have to worry when u beach ur boat

[@candidoramirez9331]

The stutter sounds fuel related 2 strokes don’t like water in the fuel at all check your water fuel separator.

[@BrandonGross]

Just tore apart the vst and swapped the last fuel filter. Texting today!

[@Aceman597]

​@BrandonGross star tron cleared my sputtering. I do every fill up.

[@gittojr1]

Great video again, and screw that bananna theory

[@trekcampfish]

Sudden drop in revs could be coil pack - should be able to identify if you watch the taco, cheers from down under Australia 🇦🇺

[@theogdirkdiggler]

Check the length of the vessel in respect to your props dimensions. Your props may not have the correct pitch or size for your application. Causing cavitation. 40 year Freshwater captain.

[@darrylb4048]

A test run on a route that is not the same as you intend to do is not a test run! Its like saying I'll watch a fight then I'm good to go. NOPE! Do a test run half (ish) way to you intended route. But hey what do I know, just a life time in the military. Best of luck.

[@anthonyrodriguez3112]

I would definitely pursue that guy for sure

[@JulieIreland]

Bananas and Bahamas for life!!! 😂 Happy New Year!!! 🥂

[@BrandonGross]

hahah thanks! Same to you!

[@livangil]

Man you need to go out offshore more often that boat should handle 2-3 foot waves, I always go from key biscayne to government cut and it’s usually calmer there because it’s shallower. But Bimini 😅 that no joke if you scared to be offshore. Play with your boat trim and if your getting splash maybe back up the speed even if your lot on plane and go either way the bow more up. And good luck 👍🏻

[@jsnmart97]

100% hold him accountable.....

[@tomchan2901]

Be very HAPPY that YOU GOT $300, and just "FORGET about IT" and MOVE FORWARD and STAY POSITIVE!!!