Acorn to Arabella - Journey of a Wooden Boat - Episode 115: Picking Up the Pace

In this installment we get some much appreciated assistance and really motor along with the oak planking. With three of us in the shop two could work on Arabella while the third picked timber and made planks.
We procure some big ole logs that we were told was walnut but turned out to be ash (still usable!). Grandpa fires up the old Massey Ferguson and smooths the wood yard road in preparation for the sawmill to arrive.
We pile up the next round of saw logs and Aaron drops his first tree, a big pine tree that recently lost it's top.
As always, thanks for following our crazy journey!
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Acorn to Arabella is a boat building project taking place in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve and Alix started as amateur boat builders building their own 38' wooden boat in their backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and beyond-sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project will continue well past launch, when they will travel and learn to cruise aboard the boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva.
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[@marcdebow4055]

Haven't heard anything about Alix...how is he doing. And again would suggest that you put Aaron in the intro video. Great work that you are doing. Don't lose heart in doing good. This is a really long term project!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Aaron has declined to be included in the credits and Alix took the summer off with Keira. He is perfectly fine and I am sure having a good time! They will be back sometime in the fall. Thanks! Will keep chugging along and loving the ride, the downs are what makes the ups feel so damn good! haha =)

[@francescosirotti8178]

@@AcornToArabella Glad to hear that. It's very nice how you two get along, with one understanding and respecting the other needing to spend time away from the boat and the daily hard work. That kind of respect and companionship is hearthwarming

[@porkchop955]

@@AcornToArabella Everyone needs to recharge from time to time. I think your doing an excellent job with the camera work and narration duties added to your workload. Thanks for keeping the project moving and enabling me to continue to look forward to 0700 every Friday. Also the interior shot of the bow was great! The bronze floors and oak timbers look like it could take on anything nature can toss at it!

[@ScottKenny1978]

@@AcornToArabella that's too bad about Aaron not wanting to be in the credits, he has been doing a lot of work for you! Maybe make him an Arabella plankowner belt buckle or something?

[@waynebrown5690]

@@AcornToArabella I have nothing but admiration for you and your team. it is a real acknowledgement to your character and commitment. My wife keeps asking 'how are they going to get it to the water?'. One step at a time dear!

[@raymanhendricks1662]

I can't help but notice the increasing number of comments that speak poorly of Alix, and it makes me really disappointed. This man essentially stopped everything he was doing to build a boat with his friend. Not only are they building it, but they are also documenting it, adding hours and hours of work on top of an already fulltime project. They've been at this for over 4 years, I know I would need a break after that long. So please, rather than posting a disparaging comment, take a second to instead wish Alix well, congratulate Steve on his effort filming and narrating, tell Aaron awesome job on his first tree, or just keep quiet.

[@MrTrapper28]

Rayman Hendricks totally agree. Well put.

[@dominicdiclemente8877]

A small vocal minority, rational people wouldn't ever comment.

[@n_woebringer]

Honestly, at first (like, 1.5 years ago?) I also thought about Alix being in the shots a lot less than Stephen was kind of disappointing - but that's just about what happens to a camera man BEHIND the cam, doing all those fancy shots, spending his time editing everything so WE can eventually get to see it. That solo trip to Costa Rica was no holiday, they even planned to go together, people seriously need to use their heads before spewing nonesense into this little form right here and use their head again before even sending their nonesense - so they delete it instead of posting it. I hope Alix has a well deserved (long planned and announced!) break and the rest of the team, including all volun-tolds or -teers, godspeed after getting back on track. She's getting along well now, it seems. :)

[@kennylaxague5528]

Thanks for posting this. i was thinking the same thing.

[@rogerdavies6226]

People need to follow the Thumper rule (from Bambi movie) If you can't say something nice, Don't say nuttin at all--- backbiting just for the sake of self aggrandizement wastes your time in writing and mine in reading. STOP IT

[@gritnix]

That tree drop shot was epic! "Do you think we hit the gopro?" Um, yeah, I think.... :)

[@tracythorn2918]

I love that you placed the GoPro where you did -and left that bit of audio at the end-. Hopefully, that is as close as any of us will come to seeing a tree fall on us. You are really moving along again! What a beautiful boat she already is!

[@notatechie]

Oh! Thank goodness. I thought the camera man got killed.

[@anthonymurphy2806]

Fridays don’t come around quick enough , this and Tally Ho and Engels Coach Shop are some of the best on You Tube , all the best from Stansted UK

[@kentdutrieux8886]

Anthony, I totally agree with you, every Friday my first task is to check up on the guys

[@randymurrell716]

And tips from a shipwright. That was the one that got me hooked on the boat building videos

[@randymurrell716]

And if tally ho could be on every Friday too. Ya that would be great.

[@farmingfromscratch]

3 of my favourite channels as well! A real wealth of knowledge. cheers

[@geraldweckesser9556]

Do check out Tips from a Shipwright Lou is the best, also Western Flyer Foundation is great (Pete working with Leo on Tally Ho has worked on Western Flyer)

[@Deftonesdsm]

Pump sprayer with linseed oil and turpentine mix. Spray inside/outside of planking everyday till it stops taking it up. = leak free launching of wooden boats. It works

[@elanman608]

Please let Alex know we all miss him and hope is back on the project soon.

[@SomeHomies]

I think it is very impressive how you manage to work on the boat, do the commentary and also do so much camera work, Steve. Thank you!

[@glassgoat9601]

Aaron-nice job fitting the end of that plank at the bow. He's becoming a boat builder!

[@windwardpro]

SO well filmed and edited!

[@jimjenkins673]

When you throw the tarp back to pick a board, in my mind I hear each board saying “pick me”, “pick me, pick me!, me, me me!” They all want to be a part of this beautiful dream.

[@markzieg3593]

I think about that too. Getting to be made into a mast or spare. How else would the spirit of the tree get to see the world?

[@marcryvon]

You're a poet, Monsieur Dan !

[@mumblbeebee6546]

That pass from 11:33 sent shivers down my spine - that wall of formed, wrestled, shaped solid beautiful wood, is noticeably a ship now. Awesome!

[@VPoki]

Would you say it... "Shivers ye timbers?"

[@markzieg3593]

The last starboard side plank they installed on the stem post had the most amazing figuring I’ve ever seen on quartersaw oak. This is going to be floating furniture when it’s done.

[@TheJimtodd]

GREAT JOB GUYS LOOKING GOOD

[@mgmcd1]

You can really start to see her lines coming together with the new planking. Amazing and inspiring work as always.

[@stevefranks9873]

There's something so satisfying about seeing the planks on the boat

[@davidc6510]

Stephen, Aaron, and Casey you guys have done an awesome job! Great job on the editing Ben and an excellent job by Stephen on the narration and story telling. This 22 minute video seemed like it was only 8 minutes long! Alix has taught you guys well. Looking forward to having Alix back soon and more of the chain (plank) gang back together to get Arabella planked up to the shear line! Thanks for sharing!

[@HazItMade]

Please tell Aaron that his workmanship on that graving piece was beautiful! Really enjoy seeing such craftsmanship!

[@deeparks3112]

Arabella's lines are really nice, she is going to be a beauty, the higher those planks go the more Arabella shines. Thank you Steve, nice video.

[@samrodian919]

You hit the Go Pro! Way to go! Arabella is no longer naked and certainly has her Oak drawers on now! Looking good guys!

[@williemortel1781]

Looking good!

[@18robsmith]

Now the line is coming into sight one can see what a beauty she's going to be :-)

[@sedgemactavish8357]

Not sure if you noticed but around 5:29-5:32 while showing the newest planks there was a visible light gap between the planks. Sure you can fix! Great work. Love watching

[@sedgemactavish8357]

11:25 also

[@Johnny-Too-Bad]

Always leave these for the weekend, cup of coffee and a great easy half hour of watching other people work.

[@karitane]

Don't get me wrong guys. My respect for your skill and patience is immense having watched and continue to watch every episode. Someone needs to invent a 3d printer that will create your hull. The amount of labour needed to build your keel has blown me away. I had no idea how much it takes. Respect guys. It is true; it is not the product but the journey that counts for accomplishment and satisfaction and pride.

[@bigguy78246]

The teaching others is always great to watch. Thanks for sharing this small journey of your boat.

[@mikewillis2934]

Very satisfying

[@freepress8451]

Thanks for sharing

[@SunnnyDay]

The grain on the White Oak is gorgeous, I'd be in my glory working that stuff !

[@charlesmoore456]

Thank you, guys, for making another cold cup of coffee. I can now look forward to drinking warm ice tea this summer. 🍋🌿

[@lancedaniels]

Glad to hear (again) that the oak is working so well for you all. Time lapse of fitting plank👍

[@lancedaniels]

I can’t help but to LOVE watching the planer machine footage.

[@didierlacroix6488]

greetings from France, love your resilience and will through difficult times. can't wait to see the whole hull completed !!

[@paulorchard7960]

Moving ahead, thats great. Yes, you did hit the go-pro!

[@georgf9279]

Nah. Some branches hit the GoPro. The actual log fell a foot right of it. Still close call, but the footage was worth the risk.

[@terrya6806]

Great shot of the tree coming down! Bit of a heart stopper watching it.

[@bren-xmotorsports55]

You guys should have 500k subs. This is truly what KZbin is meant for

[@navigator902]

Nice.... feeling the progress... and process... all very satisfying.

[@Willco5114]

Great shot of the tree coming down. One for the books.

[@jackrabbit5047]

Just loved the sound of that old engine firing up at the beginning....BTW, walnut is not a bad wood for boatbuilding - its fairly strong and rot-resistant, I often use it for framing and cleats etc in small boats, even once used a long board as a keelson. Of course, if you're superstitious, well, that's a whole 'nother thing....

[@ScottKenny1978]

"So, are you going to start today?" "I start every day. Some days I'm just not happy about it!" 😜

[@lancedaniels]

Excited to see the sawyers come back to help you all.

[@sbuzz5889]

nice camera shot with the pine fell

[@dancarter9183]

This is probably going to be near to sacrilegious, but have you considered having bids taken on the walnut log that is not rotten? If it is in good shape, it may be worth quite a bit as veneer. Veneer quality logs used to be worth quite a bit years ago, but maybe that's changed now. Finished black walnut looks fantastic, so it's worth going after. Love your show, keep it up!

[@ChristopherFryerblurb]

Heart of Oak is the ship jolly Dolphin Knights are the Men and if I had ambidextrous eyes my brain could watch the clever split screen. Meanwhile floating is getting closer, Well done keep those spirits haunting on, and massive thanks for showing the undaunted, unstoppable progress of devoted chaps. 3 Cheers or more are due, so Hip Ray Hip Ray etc.

[@camperlab6546]

You know you are trusted when they let you chisel the rabbet. Life goals.

[@greggdietz797]

Aaron cracks me up, you can see how he tolerates the camera...barely :) He seems like a really nice guy and a nice addition to the channel

[@Djsmith767]

So you painted the ends of the white oak red... got it XD

[@caahacky]

Yeah but so as to distinguish it from the red oak :-)

[@shadetreewelding]

I found that ironic as well, but makes sense.

[@SEANEDMCG]

Da red makes it go fasta

[@Brian-L]

Don’t forget to paint the ends of the red oak white or we might get confused 🤣

[@johnjkellyiii6994]

I love the show since the start. I like the way you are progressing. I especially like the video editing and music . Well done. Keep up the good works.

[@curtbrown8647]

I,ve seen a tree that close. All I could do was find a hole and get in it. All came down around . One of those things that u see for ever. Just lucky there was a hole to move to. All happened fast.🤤

[@trythinking6676]

You and me both. I shit my pants, though. Got lucky because it didn’t hit me put like I said. Had to pull off my underware and work commando the rest of the day. Never happened again. Long story though.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Wow, 2 minutes, 54th view. 25th like. Another great video. Keep it up guys, it is going great. Oh, and great location on the GO Pro at the felling of the conifer tree.

[@prolific9002]

Planking like a real project. Excellent decision on the rot. Get this project done. Quick smart. No, it's going to take you that much. Beast Boat

[@TheRattyBiker]

I like that you painted the white oak red and left the red oak white 😊

[@gavinmclean3174]

Steven on a lot of the new builds and rebuilds that have been out of the water for a long time are spaying the hulls inside with a thin linseed oil / turpentine mix until they stop taking it up, they have found it stops movement and checking and a lot less leaks when you float her. Might be worth the effort by the sounds of it.

[@Riprock296]

Man... Wish l lived closer...Great project!

[@mattobrien184]

Excellent evenings viewing ahead, cheers boys

[@markjacobson8461]

Great update guys. Loving this channel!

[@SteveeCee]

Love the video style - very immersive!!

[@markzieg3593]

I’m liking Aaron more and more. Especially when he doffs his lid and you can see the full on grizzly man post apocalyptic corona virus haircut he’s been sporting. Ja, and speaking of hair. You all missed crushing the go pro by about a few hairs when Aaron felled the pine. So glad to see you guys back on top. Things got a little dark back there when you were wrangling with the cedar. So good to see the progress you’re making in the new world of CV19. Cheers

[@Dronston]

You said when Alix took his leave the production value would be lower, but you are really doing a great job! Of course I hope Alix returns soon.

[@AcornToArabella]

He will be back in the fall!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Great angle on dropping that pine tree. I was sure the screen would go black at the very second that tree hit the ground but you missed it by inches. Great job Aaron! Thank you Casey for coming down and lending a hand. Just asking for a friend, are we going to hear an announcement of possible nuptials later this summer? Not trying to start any rumors or anything but could Alix and Keira be visiting family and prepping for a big event? Take care, stay well and keep up the steady pace. Everyone involved with Arabella is doing a great job and she is going to be beautiful boat.

[@alexnagle575]

Ash is a great boat building wood! I've made rubrails, stems, transoms, etc. out of it.

[@denislyons8723]

The beautiful lines are starting to show really well!

[@gregworkshop5713]

hi the boat is looking very good

[@Transit_Biker]

After watching a sailboat made from cedar in another channel run aground on a reef, I’m definitely happy that you decided to go full oak on the planks.

[@paulsmith1444]

Looking good guys.

[@volvok7749]

Great work, great videos, much respect and encouragements from France!

[@proffd972]

Every week she starts to look like a boat. It will nice to start seeing those deck beams going in.

[@iblong9505]

Tree felling footage phenomenal!

[@BillAndersonNS]

@21:25 EXCELLENT camera placement. Or EXCELLENT tree felling. Or both!

[@BillAndersonNS]

@8:34 I love the toy Poncho sitting up high on the boat :)

[@joebrown1382]

Lots of planking to do. I hope you continue to have help & good news about the sawmill opening.

[@Neptune730]

"Do you think we hit the GoPro"? You got real close! LOL

[@edwardhenry8702]

Great video, It is certainly coming along nicely

[@starlight74mike]

Action sequence pine drop. Cool stuff, respect to all the lumberjacks out there!

[@xzorby]

Painting the butts of the white oak red to avoid confusing them with the red oak. Makes sense!

[@Runoratsu]

The red oak butts will be painted white.

[@MaShcode]

The sawmill paints their red oak butts red :)

[@rodneywroten2994]

progress is showing guys

[@tufankilinc636]

Walnut is my favorite wood to work with.

[@dmenatianart]

Good to see the workforce growing!

[@ronaldsmeaton1432]

You guys are killing it love your stuff

[@jasonv6824]

You have a parrot like Leo!

[@nfisheremti]

this week on Acorn to Ironsides.... great work guys. i've watched every episode, and i can't wait for the next. you're building my dream (OK my dream is Grey Seal) maybe someday i can get a chance to head back east to my old stomping grounds, and help you guys out for a week or 2.

[@ScottKenny1978]

Great to see your mood improving after the cedar mess. You really sounded down in the dumps over that.

[@AcornToArabella]

It was a difficult turn of events, but we are making progress now!

[@MaShcode]

Nice work guys...

[@vr4109]

Sooo, what you’re sayin’ is that the red oaks are the white oaks?

[@neptunze71]

Great work guys,look forward to the video’s 👍🏼

[@rick91443]

I am happy....(doesn't take much, lol)...cheers...rr Normandy, France

[@BillB23]

Having a low entertainment threshold is one of the secrets to a happy life, lol.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Hello Normandy, from the desert of eastern Washington state USA 🇺🇸!

[@1ocean515]

Nice aim on the GoPro! Coming along. What a journey. 👍

[@ScottKenny1978]

A good lumberjack can drop a tree on a dime!

[@mrjoel59]

From the forest to the sea, what the mind of a couple of men have seen

[@billwheeler9617]

Nice tie in to Sampson Boat Co, what other channels are people watching? Salt & Tar and Sail Cargo are on my watch list.

[@jacquessmit115]

I reckon by the time this project is in the water, some of those pull saws will be burger flippers by then too.

[@direbearcoat7551]

Glad to see you guys back on track with the boat building! Also, the video evidence suggests that, yeah, you hit the go pro... LOL

[@BobMoran]

hey, love the content! been watching since u did the lead pour. took a year off from watching so i could binge watch... and finally caught up since i had some more free time due to covid. Enjoying the new helpers and the roller coaster this last few months of videos have been. I imagine its been ruff for you but man does it make great content :-P. Happy belated! Keep up the amazing content/work. Everyone involved are some amazing people.

[@neilfairless4589]

I think you hit the Go-Pro. Bullseye.

[@philipbrown1383]

Another awesome episode. and yes it sure looked like you hit the go pro lol

[@christophercarroll9556]

ha ha, loads of ax handles!

[@billseymour-jones3224]

Loved the toy parrot. Was that to show Leo at Tally ho! that two can play at the cute-over-grown-budgie game or a homage to John Cleese's Dead Parrott Sketch? Good to know that Alix and Keira are having a good time. Really looking forward to welcoming them back when they're ready to get back in harness.

[@Mtlmshr]

My father use to say “the hammer is paid in full so use it in full” that means if your going to swing a hammer grab it by the end and swing it! Don’t choke up at the head of the hammer! You might as well just use a rock!

[@byronk1987]

My grandpa taught me that by cutting off the end of my hammer (:

[@raudi42]

My dad was a carpenter over here in Germany: He said exactly the same words to me. :-)

[@highdesertdrifter7718]

Absolutely gorgeous guys. f#ckin great job.

[@gardenislandbradda]

Need a history lesson on those old rock walls

[@Nick-ye5kk]

This is an amazing project, the way they have kept going is inspirational. I would like to see a visit from Leo but would it cause a disturbance in the force?

[@AcornToArabella]

I think Leo is too busy for a visit at this time!

[@dan__________________]

I would suggest to immediately seal the ends of all of the logs after they are cut. You can save most of them from checking during the drying process.

[@corycreay3632]

I really wish i could come help out but I don't see me having the money to come out there to do so I just doing good to make it week to week but I have been with yall for a bit and praise yalls hard work