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

Plus the KZfaq 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)

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 KZfaqrs 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.

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

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

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.

Gabe, a job is a job but when you love your job you love life. People have to remember that KZfaq is a job when you're doing it right and there is always overhead costs. The downfall with a lot of KZfaqrs 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!

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

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 KZfaq 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!

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.

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!!

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

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.

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

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.

Grandpa always said. Son, if it sucks, fks or floats ya better dang rent it!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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 😀🇩🇰♥️🇺🇲😎.

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

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 👍🏻👍🏻😎

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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 KZfaq. 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 KZfaq 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.

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

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.

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. 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

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

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

So sorry to hear about the boat! I think your doing a great job, keep the videos up and try to get some more rest!! It’s good for the SOUL ❤😂

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!

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.

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

Gotta admit Gabriel..... it beats runnin a skid steer 12 hours a day 6 days a week eh!! Keep on truckin Hoss.... 1 bite at a time.

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!!🤷‍♂️💰💰😂

Normal wear and tear for tank failures in contenders or lousy parts/qc?

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.

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!

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.

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.

Doesnt matter how much knowledge you have. Only way of knowing the boat had issues would of been pulling the cap. Which no one would have ever done. It's the risk you take buying a used boat. However you can be ripped off just as easily buying brand new. We had a buddy's dad get clocked hard. He purchased a brand new bossman skiff. Took a year longer than quoted to take delivery (pre covid). When he took it out for his first voyage the skiff nearly fell apart. Luckily we all knew a local builder who we went to school with. He pulled the cap and couldnt believe his eyes. Nothing was fiberglassed in, puddied or bonded in any way shape or form. The skiff would do a weeble wobble every time it took a wave. Luckily he was able to finish what the builder didnt. Later on we found out the builder/owner had gotten sick and passed away. His wife pushed out everything she could. Took the money and ran pretty much. They were sued and the business was seized by the government. They auctioned off whatever they could to repay the victims. Now that's dealing with a new build. Imagine all the nightmares people will face when these Hurricane IAN boats start hitting the market. People are going to die over it.. I like to hang out at my buddies shop. I get a lot of insight and knowledge from all the different builds he takes on. I had no idea it took 120+ hours to rewire a 25-30 ft boat. Or the amount of hours required in finishing a floor. I've watched him sand and spray the same floor 5-6x easily. The man hours pile up in boat builds. You truly get what you paid for. There's a reason you should never buy a bayliner...

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

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

I know your pain had a 36’ Silverton convertible leaky fuel plumbing and tanks sold it many years ago but yes It was scary having fuel slosh down there.

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

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

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!

Thanks Gabriel! Way to stay positive and keep grinding!

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

Boat stands for (B) break (O) out (A) another (T) ten thousand

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

Thanks for sharing Gabe!

Love ya Gabe, seeing your baby cut up is tough to look at! Being a car guy I know the feeling, she will be back better and stronger than before:) Thank you for always making great vids and making us all feel like part of your wonderfull family!

Gabe, you might have more into it than it's worth but keep in mind you have brand-new 300's with full warranty. So basically other than the hull itself you have a brand new boat. How much would it be to buy that boat new today?

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

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

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

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

Definitely an eye opener for Contender boats, they boast to be one of the best built boats. I’m sure the dude loves making a living doing a bunch of those. He didn’t specifically say 20-30 new tanks a year on Contenders but I think he specializes in them. I think I’d be a lot disappointed in their quality. Thanks for the truth and honesty about your used boat. I know used boats cost a ton in repairs, but you got kicked pretty hard in the nuts on yours.

Should come on up to Edgewater and pick out a new EverGlades with a sea keeper in it. Or wait til our new 315 comes out that boat is gonna be sick.

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.

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.

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

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

Man this puts in context my boat issues. I got a 2400 pathfinder and knew I would have about $2500 in cleaning it up. Got into and found bad rams and tilt ram, leaking steering fluid, on top of that a bad steering shaft that I just cannot take on right now. It works but will fail at some point. Went in thinking 2-3k at best now it’s 9k for everything lol boats

Gabe I feel ya, I'm re-doing a 18ft cat my buddy gave me I ripped out the tanks new floor, cut the splash wells out giving me another 18-20in more of deck space new motor pods, sanding the entire boat inside and out. Luckily I got a friend that is a glass guy so I got a lot of help.

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

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

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

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

Ouch ! Sounds like you should have bought a new boat. I use a sleep number bed myself.

Hang in there brother It can only get better .👍🙏

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.

Keep up the good attitude

Thanks for the transparency!

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

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.

Moral of the story is don't buy a Contender? 😅 Thanks for the update, hope it's done soon. If you're ever in the Sarasota area let us know.

Hey man, it's a pay to play world! Pay big, play big! 🤘

I love how call you are about it!😂 The hard work is appreciated 🥰😎🥇

Your doing a great job man!! Love your videos!

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.

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

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

Good luck bud, stay strong!

Comparing the cost of a new Contender equivalent to yours I think you will be in better shape.