A Fairer Hull and an Oiled Deck - Episode 261 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@HOSER227]

Don't forget to dispose of all the oiled rags away from the boat house, spontaneous combustion is a real threat to your beautiful work!

[@AcornToArabella]

Yup!

[@JimOHalloran]

I remember Steve saying in a Q&A video a while back that all of the rags are removed from the boat house overnight, and the power turned off to reduce the risk of fire. So I think he’s got it under control.

[@markdelplanche6478]

Spontaneous combustion? Do tell. I think @AVE has some intelligent words about that.

[@dougpark1025]

Good to see KP back in the boat house even if it is just light duty. Hang in there. You will get through this. It isn't your fault that you got sick, and it isn't your fault that it is taking longer to get better than you would like. Just know that there are a lot of people out here that want you to get better.

[@57dent]

Great to see KP back in the boat house. Hope she's back to 100% soon.

[@danhertel4604]

I know, I miss KP a lot

[@guentherkoffler9408]

Same for me...nice to see fancy hair back at A2A

[@brickcity9mm896]

No one is never 100% once infected with Covid19.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

*they - And it's wonderful seeing them back on the boat, even if on light duty

[@kjbirby]

@@brickcity9mm896 Rubbish! My wife and I have had Covid twice, both unvaccinated, and have never felt fitter!

[@tomk1762]

The crew is making great progress on Arabella! Love to see the energy. I don’t what to be a downer, but the crew needs to be wearing respirators when fairing not only for their comfort, but for their health.

[@annmic2252]

And a few are not wearing ear protection. My husband is now hearing impaired and needs a hearing aid due to not being smart when he was woodworking as a hobby! We have to always put captions on t.v. programs now as even the aids don't solve the problem entirely. BE SMART!!!

[@sarrahls2245]

So glad to see KP back in the boathouse! Hope they're doing a bit better / kicking long covid's butt!

[@larryernst6349]

Yes, nice KP is back, even though not feeling 100%

[@Aramis419]

Stephen Denette - the Answer to Life, The Universe, and Everything.

[@dennisdownes9319]

That and "42!"

[@DataCase72]

11:00 Woohoo..... KP is back on the track.

[@mktrollop1093]

Steve has the look of every foreman coming up to the end of a project, barely Contained terror!

[@kevinhall2266]

I couldn’t help but look at all the completed areas, like the rivets, and thinking how far you’ve come. A great crew doing great things

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@atown4428]

I just had a flash forward moment to a point in the future. An 80 year old Steve is rewatching himself build Arabella. What a time capsule this production will be for him, his family, and everyone else involved.

[@davidc6510]

An amazing gift from Robin's Dad to fair the hull of Arabella. Another great update. Thanks for sharing.

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers, David!

[@avoirdupois1]

I really appreciated the long shots of the faired hull. Really shows the smoothness.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!

[@Farwalker2u]

At about 24:10 the comment: "Not the drastic color change I was hoping for, you know?" On the plus side if or when you find yourself walking barefoot on the deck in a tropical clime with the sun heating up the deck, you might be glad it is as light a shade as it is. Looks beautiful to me on the video.

[@jjdoeseverything8470]

This episode has a rating of “fair”!

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha!

[@EricBurhop]

That’s a fair assessment!

[@jjdoeseverything8470]

@@EricBurhop Fair enough!

[@sartorst3376]

😢 took me a minute 😂

[@frankpainter7571]

Very fair!

[@andrewmorton3511]

Amazing Editor: "Welcome back to....possibly the hardest way to learn how to sail ever attempted"

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

Last update in "Days To Go" I saw was 89. Kinda puts me on pins-and-needles! So close, and the hull needs LOADS of of work prior to splashing! Makes me wish I could be back in my 20s to volunteer whatever labor I could contribute back then (of course, that was a decade or more before Steve was born! Probably two decades.). I would have gladly worked for lunch and dinner. This project is so incredible, Steve is so focused (quite admirable!), and the support he's gained is so remarkable... I feel confident saying there are many thousands of us on your side, Steve!

[@dannyinaus]

Planking broke Alex, and fairing broke Steve. Neither could ever be considered "Ship Wrights", but I do give them credit for trying hard.

[@AcornToArabella]

I don’t think Steve aspires to be a shipwright, to be honest. Not sure what you mean by “broke”. -Anne

[@seancbrophy]

KP you’re looking good and healthy. Glad to see the colour back in your cheeks and a big smile on your face. Easy does it. Keep on healing!

[@grandenauto3214]

We all new the launch date was optimistic, in reality a couple more years would give you time to get everything done at home without the rush and stress. 90% done 90% to go

[@Joe___R]

The grinders seem to have worked well enough to rough oug the haul. But with so many gouges from everyone not keeping their discs flat. It seems like you will end up having to either use a lot of fairing compound or take off between 1/8" & 1/4". A belt sander, straight line sander, and flexible longboards will definitely be needed to get it well enough to paint.

[@pashaveres4629]

Speaking as a photog, and artist in general, so much of the videography (and editing!) is really superb. Really appreciate the "still" shots as well. So many images would be suitable for calendar use (hint, hint!). Even without words there is much storytelling going on. Love it. Aloha

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you very much for this high praise! and thank you for watching.

[@Laz_Arus]

While watching the raw linseed oil being applied to the upper desk it occurred to me that it would be more time efficient to have the oil in a largish squeeze bottom and simply squirt an amount just in front of the rag used to apply it. That would eliminate the "dip and squeeze off excess on the rag" being shown here.

[@TR4zest]

KP: great to see you on the mend. Wishing you a full recovery.

[@michaelgillespie6526]

Happy Friday to A2A crew and fellow viewers, from Victoria. So pleased with the support you are receiving, Steve. Working on something together to create beauty is what we all need to be doing. Thank you for showing us your way of creating something so beautiful as Arabella.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching and for these kind words, Michael!

[@AcornToArabella]

So sorry to hear that, wishing you health and strength!

[@Coconut620]

When I see the calendar on the Sampson Post showing 92days, I just can't help wanting to sing..."92 bottles of beer on the rail, 92 bottles of beer, take one down and pass it around..." 😂... and the whole construction crew showing up to fair the hull ... AWESOME !! 😎

[@christopherroser1849]

I 've been observing you progress on this beaut boat for years ,I only just subbed to your channel ,I'm sorry about that ,it must feel like talcing a babies bottom for the first time,I admire you diligence, your baby is near to leaving home,you and your team are the greatest .Thank you

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you so much! Glad you’re watching.

[@cldcover]

I know one of the trees used was from Steve's great-grandfather which was planted near the boat house. Can we get a maybe episode of Steve planting a tree near it for the future, when hopefully someone else down the family tree decides to do a "crazy" project.

[@AcornToArabella]

When harvesting the wood here on the farm, Steve did one better, I think. Smaller trees have been given a chance to thrive, and already are bigger and stronger for the better managed wood lot. They’re growing where nature put them. -Anne

[@TheAquaticMandolin]

I don't know if it's been said already but that big bandsaw is by far the MVP of the whole shop, aside from Steve, of course.😂

[@andyhamel4910]

Careful with used linseed rags, they can spontaneously combust in certain situations. I would hate to see anything happen to such an amazing work of art that has had so much love put into it. Keep up the amazing work. 👏 boat Watching from 🇬🇧

[@AcornToArabella]

Yup, we’re aware!

[@SirLouiz]

Good to see the boat almost ready. Its amazing. I still miss Alix sometimes tough.

[@AcornToArabella]

Indeed!

[@zreiser]

Anyone know if he's coming to the launch?

[@stevencarpenter8841]

@@zreiser I sure hope so!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Maybe!

[@markog1999]

it's beautiful to see steve tapping into the reserves of amzing chunks of wood he has had squirrelled away for.... YEARS

[@michaelblaszkiewicz7283]

When you are done sailing Arabella, will you bury it in the backyard for compost? New show, Arabella to Acorn?

[@Ausfinbar]

Great to see KP back. The weekly update is my addiction. I adore watching the progress.

[@geraldtribbe6363]

Reminds me of an old fashion barn raising. Amazing what can get done when a community comes together. I can see where robin gets her drive. Good people.

[@AcornToArabella]

Excellent humans!

[@brucemclaughlin2273]

Love the antique navigation lights. Please, in addition, have a set of bright LED lights. Imagine searching the darkness for those antique lights. I have spent my career searching for dimly light sailboats on the Chesapeake. Your lights may look bright up close, but what if your 6 miles away? And it's a full moon, not a dark night. You want to be able to "light up" your boat when the Coast Guard, tugboats or passing ships need to see you. It can get crazy close out there. Also, love what you're doing.

[@AcornToArabella]

All of our nav lights will be fitted with LEDs.

[@brucemclaughlin2273]

Of course you will use LED lights. I’m talking about the difference between nav lights that are required by the Rules of the Road, think minimum standards, (your beautiful antique lights) and being able to light up your boat when your accidentally stray closer to commercial vessels than you would like to be (it happens) and, in an emergency, the the other guy says “I don’t see you anywhere, where are you”. You want to be able to be seen, from far away. You will find yourself in tense and possibly dangerous circumstances. Put a tricolor light on the mast top for emergencies or close meeting situations, and make it bright! Again, I wish you well. My comments come from someone who spent a career guiding merchant ships on the Chesapeake Bay trying to avoid running over yachty-fellows with dim running light. When the shit hits the fan, and it will, you will want to be very visible and from a long way away. Godspeed.

[@AcornToArabella]

LED lights are sold by the distance from which they’re able to be seen, especially when marketed for nav light applications so they meet COLREGs. We’re following the guidelines for sure, are well aware, and thanks for watching. -Anne

[@mcc19606]

Really great seeing KP making a comeback. Ben, great seeing 4 boat wrights in the credits. Can I suggest you also in the credits everyone that had worked in the particular episode. They should be recognised :) Mike 🇦🇺

[@chrisbamford2196]

Love the videos. Critisism though. When you lift get your butt down. Saves your back. I make this critisism everywhere. Great job guys. Amazing.

[@dremein]

Nice to see KP up and about. Deck looks GREAT! Arabella's really coming along.

[@DataCase72]

I am german. I am watching this since the beginning. I love it how to see the boat grows.

[@AcornToArabella]

Glad you’re on the journey with us!

[@marcusdire8057]

3:12 I keep saying what a gorgeous lady Arabella is. Yet every step of the way, I'm struck again and again by what a beauty she is! Very much a girl to be proud of, Steve and everybody!

[@stephenbullington]

Arabella is getting so pretty!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!

[@TwZlr.]

I’ve been watching you from my land ship since you poured the lead keel. I haven’t had a dime or time to contribute. Now my wife is a doctor and I want to help but we are $498,382 in school debt… I’m sorry that I couldn’t come and help… I’ve been a service specialist for a tree removal company for almost two decades. I’m a lover of water, boating, climbing, and flying. I could fly out there and do work for you, but establishing your trust to do the things I can do would likely take more time than I have to give… I’m so happy that you have a great team. You deserve all the help. I just wish I had the time for you. I don’t need money.

[@AcornToArabella]

Hey we’re glad you’re out there watching, Tyler!

[@TwZlr.]

I’m happy and impressed that you had time to acknowledge me! I feel honored!​@@AcornToArabella

[@h2energynow]

I imagine each piece of wood arguing saying please include me too. The faring was awesome, teamwork amazing. Watching this from the beginning, you see how far a dream can become a reality. GO GO GO for Launch.

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌happy Friday, Sonya!

[@caseylevy7310]

Whoever designed that electrical system is a genius!!!! Very neat and well thought out. Another great editing job Ben... and good to see KP back from the infirmary!!!

[@melshea2276]

Good Morning Granby!😊

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Mel!

[@philparmenter53]

Happy A&A day everybody from Plymouth UK

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Phil!

[@MrMichaelcurran]

I saw PK pull 90 days away off the calander. I also saw and felt the intense thought processes you Steve were going through. The closer ya get the more to be done. Ya got people round the world pulling for ya. All the very best to captain and crew.😊😊

[@grandenauto3214]

90% done - 90% to go

[@danloeber]

KP filled my cup today! Good to see you back in any capacity.

[@BillB23]

It's good to see many hands making the work light. I could almost taste the dust in my coffee. Thanks, crew, for yet another fine video.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Bill!

[@jryan3906]

Really coming along! It's a "grind", but it'll all be worth it when it's done! Thanks for sharing. Peace.

[@DrTheRich]

Happy Times! It really looks like a boat now! All you need is a great flood to get it sailing away

[@AcornToArabella]

A truck’s going to be more reliable. 😁😉

[@lenhornsey2175]

I can remember how big those keel timber offcuts were and thought "what a waste" ..... how wrong was I! 😊🇻🇨

[@giovannifranzetti6214]

Every new shot of the deck is more elegant than the last one. The end result is going to be soooo nice!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you!

[@christianlibertarian5488]

I am impressed with the speed of progress on the fairing. I had visions of Steve working weeks with a long board trying to get everything just right. But the 6 inches or so on the diameter of the grinders and belt sander looks like the perfect length for that curvy hull. Love to watch the progress. And very glad to see KP back in the boathouse!

[@jamesbeaman5944]

So beautiful. What a wonderful crew. Nice again to see KP.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

It's looking so good!!! Also- Linseed Oil stain will darken with decreased light exposure over time, I use it on my Axe Handles and it looks great after about 2 weeks sitting in a dark area.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@AcornToArabella Yeah cheers!!!

[@davidsmith9894]

I'd just like to tell you, Steve, it has been a joy for this disabled old aircraft mechanic to see you from the time you first poured the keel until now build your sailing ship from trees grown on your familie's land and milled into the structure of Arabella. Prayers for your mom that she gets to sail with you this summer!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you very much.

[@zeta9molerat863]

Camera man keep asking questions. The commentary is great.

[@AcornToArabella]

Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@zeta9molerat863]

@@AcornToArabella have been for years now. Kind of a bitter sweet situation it is coming to an end faster than i anticipated.

[@rong1924]

Linseed oil and rags. The stuff that spontaneous combustion is made of.

[@fonhollohan2908]

That's the only way to tackle the fairing is to hire a crew just like you did. Smart move Steve. Kinda helps to wear a mask not just over your mouth but over your nose as well. Three month's to go, wow, that's quite the milestone their guys. Cheers looking Good.

[@AcornToArabella]

We were lucky to have Robin’s father and his friends offer their time and talent as volunteers!

[@commonsense7754]

G'day again from down under. Seems the boys need to watch the Art of Boat Building. Always fair on a diagonal! Haha jk I'm sure you know a tonne more than I do about these things.

[@AcornToArabella]

We all learn from Bob! 😊

[@marinussnijder7941]

Oiling the toerails and deck… very satisfying to see it coming alive. “#Luxurious” comes to mind👍

[@budschermerhorn6062]

Good Morning from Sandwich, MA

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Bud!

[@dianelabelle6939]

Could you put a fitting into the lid of the pail for the boat soup, attach a small vacuum pump, like an oil extractor, then pull a vacuum, to draw the air out of the wood, then when the vacuum releases it would draw the soup further into the wood.

[@HermanHiltsman]

As a construction worker I bet that fairing the hull of a boat is a cool and unique experience from their normal work.

[@AcornToArabella]

Seemed so!

[@sunny71169]

Steve-If you have not considered it, an installed night vision camera with a tilt/pan mounting can backbone into your Gamin chart plotter and be a real life saver in any number of scenarios, including a man overboard. The warm head of the PIW lights up like a roman candle against the chill of th water. Have had one on my boat for years and have never regretted spending the money.

[@mrtank1967]

She’s looking better by the week my goodness. Glad an old hand is back.

[@benkilgore]

Grinding wood without a dust mask is certainly an interesting life choice.

[@AcornToArabella]

Indeed, and it’s one our employee crew wouldn’t make. All volunteers are offered and supplied with proper fitting PPE, but they have to put it on. Our friend here was pretty vocal about his choice.

[@ppulambe8311]

It's beauty is coming out! Awesome.

[@sportflyer]

Yay! KP is back at it ☺️ Keep going with the recovery…

[@TheDigger76]

It must be really challenging to coordinate all those amazing volunteers and keep working on the boat at the same time! Great management skills, Steve. On a different note: Oak saw dust is proven to be carcinogenic. Here in the EU you would have to wear proper PPE. I'm getting a bit nervous seeing some of the folks wearing nothing at all while fairing the hull.

[@AcornToArabella]

We always always offer PPE and have plenty of it for everyone, and it was a little hard for us too to think of him breathing that in, but we can’t force someone to do something. Thanks for your thoughts and for watching.

[@TheDigger76]

@@AcornToArabella My dad was of that age. I know the struggle is real with those guys...

[@merseyviking]

It always cheers me up to see KP around the boathouse. In other news, having watched AvE's recent videos on linseed oil and rags self-igniting, please be careful about what you do with the rags when the day is done. Especially with all that sawdust around.

[@AcornToArabella]

Yup, we’re aware, thanks!

[@merseyviking]

@@AcornToArabella I didn't mean to be a backseat boat builder! :)

[@JimOHalloran]

I remember Steve saying in a Q&A video a while back that all of the rags are removed from the boat house overnight, and the power turned off to reduce the risk of fire. So I think he’s got it under control.

[@johncollins5021]

Nice to see you, KP. 😊

[@joshlenard4763]

I feel so bad for KP I really hope they feel better soon there is nothing worse than having zero energy! On a better note the boat is looking great!!!

[@Mr.Mitch1111]

Particularly pleasant to see KP return. They strike me as a person of uncommon grace. Grace of character is an all too rare characteristic that some of us consider of high value amongst our collection of behaviours.

[@todddunn945]

Well you made a start on fairing the hull. Now the hard part begins. Many, many, many hours of long boarding.

[@vppe05102]

It seems like just a minute ago (ok, many years) when I watched the lead pour, and now there’s an almost finished boat! Fantastic progress!

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@PBarrPrince]

I know what you mean. The lead keel pour was the first episode I watched and I was hooked.

[@lallivaara]

Oh wow. I love when generations meet in a good space.

[@Tomhohenadel]

It’s a grand Friday when we can see the A2A crew working. Grinding and smoothing the hull certainly is tedious. Be safe guys.

[@AcornToArabella]

It’s a slog! Thanks for watching!

[@benhetland576]

Grind Friday...

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

At 6:55 I'm seeing progress toward fairing the hull. Of course, after the hull is reasonably faired you will need to put a layer of basically "throw-away" white paint on the hull to truly see how fair she is. It's amazing how well the areas needing touch-up shows with that paint. (The most recent example of that process I've seen was on Leo's Tally-Ho! project-- but certainly not the first time). Lou ("Tips From A Shipwright"), who visited your project some time ago (a year? More?), could certainly explain all that better than me. I saw 92 Days To Go earlier in the video, and I'm sure it's much less than that at this time. Crunch Time! I so very much hope KP gets better (I've been very concerned for her), and can rejoin the project at her pretty awesome "full speed". She's been a hugely valuable asset to your boat. She's an impressive young lady. I'm pullin' for you, Steve, even though I can't actually contribute monetarily (retired, fixed income). Arabella is very nicely coming together-- very exciting! She's going to be beautiful, and I so very much hope your Mother can watch her splash (God willing, the rest of us praying).

[@todddunn945]

Yup they have many hours of long boarding in their future.

[@HaroldKuilman]

Oh boy it's Friday again 😍 Happy Friday 🎉

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Harold! Thanks for being here every week. 🙌

[@HaroldKuilman]

@@AcornToArabella thank you guys for making a video to look forward to every week 👍🏻

[@fredflintstone8048]

Luk 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Luk 14:29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, Luk 14:30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

[@theobserver1219]

Keep it coming! I have been here a long time and am happy to see the end in sight! Hope Arabella visits the Caribbean! ❤

[@williamschmidt8944]

KP, welcome back! Steve and crew, the boat looks amazing! It is really coming together quickly.

[@jlemieu1]

Yeah KP makes another visit!!!!!

[@SuperRaymondh]

Happy Friday! Just booked our stay in MA for launch. Three days after wrapping up this school year, I am so excited to see it float! If I was done with school now, I'd love to be out there helping this amazing journey come to fruition. You are an inspiration to many, and can't wait to see your adventures in Arabella.

[@AcornToArabella]

Hooray! See ya at launch.

[@Grayswandiir]

So glad to see KP! Hope you are back to 100% soon!

[@krosmanfamily]

Super awesome to see the fast visual changes in the last few videos! Fantastic work Acorn Army!

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@TheRealJonahWicky]

In Bob Emser's video about fairing Victoria's hull, he made a point about sanding diagonally to avoid creating ridges and dips. Are you planning to do the final fairing with 'torture boards'?

[@AcornToArabella]

Yes.

[@billsrq1788]

Good morning from Siesta Key Florida

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Bill!

[@badcat4707]

Good morning Akiva and Crew 😸😺 / KP , it's nice to see you've kept your sense of humour ( given all you've been going through 🙏)😸😺

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday!

[@jayburrough4308]

Man the boat has come so far I remember when you were pouring the lead and preparing everything now it's a work of art🎉

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for being here!

[@mitchmitchell515]

Please ware a dust mask.your skills don’t want to be cut short by a lung disease.Arabella looking beautiful.Ask kP what it’s like to be short of breath,I don’t think it’s much fun.

[@AcornToArabella]

We definitely encourage everyone to wear PPE, and have plenty on hand to offer: hearing, breathing, eyes, hands.

[@billlippincott3937]

Good morning from MD. Still on G-Baby watch! Steve and crew: looking fantastic!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the update, Bill! Health and happiness to all of you! And happy Friday 🙌

[@rodneywroten2994]

God Bless all on board. She is so beautiful

[@tugsn.mccowan1634]

Always a good episode with KP stopping by. Can’t wait to see her healthy and back to work.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

*them, and it is wonderful when they're around!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@Barry McCockiner They is singular, language evolves. They are a wonderful person and a hard worker, is it too much to respect the pronouns they've asked people to use?

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@skiddmurks No one is trying to make you do anything. They made a request, you're clearly too rude and selfish to honour it.

[@Mondo5904]

@@TheDigitalMermaid "too"

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@Mondo5904 Ya got me

[@colinmorgan7771]

my god launch date coming soon...steve the dream is almost here

[@thewebexpert3311]

Great to see KP back. You know, you guys COULD have just taken up knitting ... it would have been much simpler and much cheaper. But not as exciting. I stumbled across this channel just after the keel pour video had been uploaded, and have been watching ever since. I'm eagerly awaiting the completion of this floating work of art.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching!

[@kensimmons3356]

That boat is really starting to look good.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks, Ken! 🙌

[@Robot.Prophet]

Amazing to see faired lines in the hull and oil on the deck. It's come a long way since it was just lump of lead and a dream. It's an honour to be brought along for this journey and I'm very excited to see where the adventure will take Arabella next.

[@AcornToArabella]

We’re glad you’re on the journey with us!