Nick Saban's Luxurious Boats: A Closer Look

Nick Saban, the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, owns a boat that he frequently takes out on the lake for team bonding and leisure. Saban's boat gained attention in 2018 when it broke down on the lake, leaving him and several Alabama players stranded. It was initially reported that the boat had run out of gas, but Saban later clarified that the issue was caused by a faulty fuel pump. Saban's boat is equipped with a music system, and he enjoys listening to a variety of genres, including rock, country, and pop, while cruising on the lake.

Nick Saban's boat breakdown

Alabama Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban is known for his annual tradition of taking his players out for a fun day of boating and tubing. However, one particular incident in June 2018 left Saban and his players stranded on a lake.

The Incident

Saban had taken a group of players, including linebacker Terrell Lewis, cornerback Shyheim Carter, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, for a day of team bonding on the water. The outing included jet skiing, tubing, and lounging in the sun. Unfortunately, the brand-new boat experienced some mechanical issues and stalled in the middle of the lake.

The Cause

Initially, it was reported that the boat had run out of gas. However, Saban later clarified that the real issue was a faulty fuel pump. Despite the full gas gauge, the fuel pump malfunction left them stranded. Saban recalled his initial reaction:

> "Brand spanking new, and it’s the first time I’d been out in it. So when it stalled, I’m thinking, 'Oh my gosh. I bought a new boat, and they didn't put gas in it.' I didn't even think about it. You just assume that it’s got gas in it when you get a new car or a new boat. My heart sunk for a minute because I had all those kids out there."

The Resolution

Saban, a six-time national champion coach, had to call for a mechanic, who brought another boat to reset the fuel pump. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the incident, and the players were able to continue their tradition of enjoying the water.

The Aftermath

The boating mishap went viral, with players like Tua Tagovailoa documenting it on social media. Saban took the incident in stride, laughing about it and even allowing players to choose the music on subsequent boat trips. Saban's boat music usually includes rock, country, and pop classics, while his children add a modern twist with songs like "Dance Monkey" and "The Business."

Alabama players stranded

Alabama coach Nick Saban took some of the Crimson Tide team leaders out on a nearby lake in his brand-new boat. The team was enjoying some team bonding, which included boating, jet skiing, tubing, and lounging in the sun. Unfortunately, the boat died in the middle of the lake, and Saban and his players had to be rescued by a mechanic.

Saban later explained to ESPN's Chris Low that a fuel pump on the new boat was defective:

> "Brand spanking new, and it’s the first time I’d been out in it. So when it stalled, I’m thinking, 'Oh my gosh. I bought a new boat, and they didn’t put gas in it.' I didn’t even think about it. You just assume that it’s got gas in it when you get a new car or a new boat. My heart sunk for a minute because I had all those kids out there. I had two of them on tubes when it happened. We had fun, but I sure heard about it."

Saban's players gave him a hard time about the incident, as he shared:

> "We didn’t run out of gas. But when the fuel pump runs out, that’s exactly what it feels like. I’ve got all these kids on the boat, and I say, 'We must have run out of gas,' and then look at the gas gauge and it’s full. So I call for a mechanic, who brings another boat, and he resets the thing or whatever. I told him, 'You drive that boat. I’m driving your boat.' I’ve been getting busted about this for a week, but the kids sure had fun with it."

Among the players in attendance were linebacker Terrell Lewis, cornerback Shyheim Carter, and national championship game star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. They shared their humorous predicament on social media. Reserve Navy running back Myles Fells even offered assistance on Twitter, posting a photo of a Navy aircraft carrier with the caption, "Y'all boys need a ride? @AlabamaFTBL we got y'all."

Fuel pump issues

While it is unclear what kind of boat Nick Saban has, there are several issues that boat owners can face with their fuel pumps. Fuel pump issues can be challenging to diagnose, and it is often necessary to perform a process of elimination to identify the root cause. Here are some common symptoms and troubleshooting tips for fuel pump problems:

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump:

• Failed starts or inability to idle: If your electrical, starting, and filter systems appear functional, but your engine fails to start or idle, it could be due to fuel not reaching the EFI system, indicating a potential fuel pump failure.
• Inconsistent power: Peaks and valleys in engine output could be a sign of a clogged fuel filter, hindering a steady fuel flow.
• Increased fuel consumption: A sudden increase in fuel usage may suggest that your fuel pump is experiencing wear and tear.
• Additional heat: A noticeable rise in your temperature gauge could indicate a faulty fuel pump or other engine issues.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Start with the basics: Check the fuel tank and gauge to ensure you have enough fuel and that the gauge is accurate.
• Examine the electrical system: Inspect all connectors for corrosion or buildup, and ensure all fuses are intact and functioning properly.
• Inspect fuel system components: Check fuel filters, screens, fuel lines, and connections. Ensure all seals are working correctly.
• Check for continuity: Establish if there is uninterrupted fuel flow from the tank to the pump by pumping the primer bulb until pressure builds up.
• Listen for pump priming: If your boat doesn't start, listen for the whirring sound of the fuel pump priming. In a dual-pump system, both pumps will prime.
• Test the one-way valves: These valves deliver fuel through the system, allowing it to move in one direction. Attach a pressure gauge and perform tests to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Examine the diaphragm: Look for signs of diaphragm damage, such as stalling, leaking, or fuel escaping into the water. Perform a diaphragm test if necessary.

By following these steps and performing regular maintenance, boat owners can address fuel pump issues and improve their vessel's performance.

Boat music

While there is no definitive genre of music that is considered "boat music", there are many songs that people commonly associate with boating and being on the water. These songs often evoke feelings of relaxation, fun, and freedom, and they can enhance the joy of spending time on a boat, whether it's a motor yacht, a sailboat, or a pontoon.

When it comes to "boat music", one artist that often comes to mind is Jimmy Buffett. His songs, such as "Boat Drinks", "Margaritaville", "Son of a Son of a Sailor", and "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes", capture the essence of a carefree day on the water, sipping drinks, and enjoying the sun. Other popular songs in the boating community include "Redneck Yacht Club" by Craig Morgan, "Rock the Boat" by the Hues Corporation, "Banana Boat (Day-O)" by Harry Belafonte, and "I'm on a Boat" by The Lonely Island and T-Pain.

While some boaters prefer music that directly relates to the boating lifestyle, others opt for a more varied selection. Nick Saban, the Alabama head football coach, enjoys listening to a mix of rock, country, and pop while boating with his wife, Terry. Their children, Nicholas and Kristen, also contribute to the family's "boat music" playlist, adding younger songs like "Dance Monkey" by Tones and I and "The Business" by Tiësto.

Creating the perfect boating playlist is an art. It involves combining the rhythm of the water with the beats of your favourite tunes. Whether you're cruising on a serene lake or sailing the open sea, the right music can elevate your boating experience. So, don't forget to pack your sunglasses and your carefully curated playlist when you head out for a day on the water.

Annual boating tradition

Alabama football coach Nick Saban has an annual tradition of taking his players out for a fun day of boating and tubing on a lake in Alabama. The tradition usually occurs three times a year, with seniors, incoming freshmen, and members of the leadership group participating. Saban speeds around the lake, trying to toss the guys off the raft, and a videographer is always present to capture the wild memories. Saban also allows his players to choose the music while cruising the lake—a mix of rock, country, pop, and newer hits.

The boating tradition is a chance for Saban to bond with his players and have some fun. Saban, known for his serious demeanour on the sidelines, always seems to have a smile on his face during these outings. It's a chance for him to show his players that he can be more than just a coach—he can be a friend and a mentor who enjoys spending time with them.

One particular outing in 2018 became memorable for a different reason, as Saban's brand-new boat broke down on Lake Tuscaloosa. The boat's fuel pump was faulty, causing it to stall in the middle of the lake. Saban and his players had to be rescued by a mechanic, and the coach took it in stride, seeing the humour in the situation.

Despite this hiccup, Saban's annual boating tradition continues, and it has become an anticipated event for the Alabama players. It's a day where they can let loose, enjoy the water, and create lasting memories with their coach and teammates.

Frequently asked questions