You'd have to know which way to turn. The Niagara is still pretty wide, and getting caught in fog doesn't help. I'm sure they had GPS, but the river moves quickly and were focused on the rescue mission.
Just got fuel yesterday with a friends boat. I flipped on the blower right after fueling, but also opened the hatch some to take a quick look around the engine room. Same drill I do with my boat too.
I've been working on mine for the last month, weekends and a few days during the week. Still not even close to being done. I don't feel overwhelmed as much as I feel like I'm under the gun to get it done by May 1.
What he said. Toward the end of last year I went to WM for a few things. Spent like $130, saved $140. I always print off competitors prices and have WM price match.
Even though the bellows were replaced, one still could've come loose at one end. Less than an hours time for it to kick back on sounds pretty sizable to me. Especially considering if the boat is level it takes gallons of water to kick the pump on..
I borrow my neighbors 98 GMC 2500, 5.7 to tow my 21' Chris-Craft. Driving on the Northway (I-87), the truck didn't break a sweat to stay at 75mph. I wouldn't hesitate to throw a 25 footer behind it.