Four Months Left, But Who's Counting? - Episode 254 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

Use this link for Huusk knives: huusk.club/ATA And it'll let them know A2A sent ya!
Boat navigation equipment normally lives both inside a boat and in the cockpit. One place, the navigation table, allows one to make a plan comfortably out of the weather. The cockpit equipment, obviously, is easeful to see and use from there. For example, the man overboard button, right in front of a skipper, is where it ought to be. It's not just about convenience.
Steve mocks up and then builds a box for in-cockpit navigation essentials,
Also in this installment: more portlight work with Aaron and Adin, some talk about Dorade boxes and how they work, satisfying carpentry and joinery, and a few days ripped off the countdown calendar.
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Acorn to Arabella is a wooden boat building project taking place in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve started as an amateur wooden boat builder building a 38' wooden sailboat in his 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 classic wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY boatbuilding project will continue well past launch, when he and the crew will travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva.
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[@AcornToArabella]

Our special link for Huusk: huusk.club/ATA

[@navythriller]

Showing the Huusk knife to my wife. Thinking we might want a couple.

[@aksela6912]

Really? Huusk? Some of the worst knives you can buy. Pot metal, faux artisanal, instagram rubbish. I really thought you guys were better than this. Honestly, Nord VPN would have been better.

[@calebfinley]

@@aksela6912 Yeah I am 100% for sponsorships to get things funded but a few seconds into researching them and you know those knives are china made "Japanese style" knives. Better than discount store knives and look interesting but probably not worth buying for anything serious or long term. Love the project and I hope KP is feeling better soon!

[@aksela6912]

@@barnett25 It's not about being picky about sponsors. Steve knows his way around knives and other bladed tools, so he has to know how bad these knives are, yet he's endorsing them. If he's willing to do this, why should I trust his opinion on, say, EcoFlow?

[@aksela6912]

@@barnett25 I've been following since they poured the keel, so yes, I know what's been going on.

[@scamoatz]

Steve title: "Steely Eyed Boatman". I've been onboard since the start. You built a boat, I built a house. Quite the journey. God Speed Arabella!

[@doughudgens9275]

Steve’s title: Master Internet Instructor. His ability to simply explain things for a wide audience spectrum is hard to find!

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@claudehopper9813]

The shot of Steve at the band saw with the silhouette of the trees thru the boathouse was epic , and Steve building the enclosures with Bens musical score made my day . Great video

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you, Claude!

[@joedoe6444]

wow, i was just going to make the same comment. i think it would be a really interesting pattern on the sails to have the branch's coming out from each of the mast.

[@MordecaiV]

The knife is fun, but that sandwich is the real work of art.

[@perssonwals]

Came for the wood, stayed for the bronze😊The portlights are beautiful.

[@stacyhills]

Ben, that last tune is proper. Well done.

[@gritnix]

The front cover for the instrument box....if you wouldn't mind it sticking out toward you, it could drop on hinges like a secretary style desk. It then wouldn't get moved and misplaced and wouldn't need a place to be off to the side while it wasn't installed. It could then be used as a writing surface or a place to put things while viewing the instruments.

[@todddunn945]

Just a comment based on 40+ years of sailboat ownership. A Day/night solar vent set to exhaust on top of the house would be a much better and more effective way to ventilate the head and keep the entire boat smelling fresh. That portlight into the main cabin will work both ways.

[@JacqueHarper]

Steve's title: Chainsaw and Sharp Chisel. Love the staring contest with the llamas at the end.

[@10947792]

Really appreciate the shots of the crew using a Yankee Screw Driver. Brings back memories for me of watching my dad use one as his go - to tool when installing door hardware during the 1970s.

[@AcornToArabella]

They’re really wonderful tools!

[@brianbender3431]

Good choice taking on Adin! He is competent and has a good relaxed vibe. Also great soundtrack during Steve's box joint session. And I really loved the llamas. A nice contrast to the industrious humans.

[@AcornToArabella]

The llamas are retired. 😊

[@ToddSonneborn]

Love the etched glass in that round porthole!

[@AcornToArabella]

It’s a beaut!

[@blackjackjoe7]

Continue to be impressed with the different skill sets needed to make all of this happen. Miss you, KP and your wacky humor. Get better soon. Best wishes to all.

[@msullivan1]

I give Annie's first? commercial and Steve's "acting" (although he probably always hungry) a 10/10 and a 9/10 -- just smile more and you'll be there haha

[@tvanddy]

One of the joys of watching this is discovering new tools and gadgets. I need one of those paint pouring lids!

[@johnnunn8688]

Me too, never seen the like!

[@Veegercorp]

that was a cool new must have!

[@davidwillis1082]

Steve's working title: Time Constraints and Codependent Priorities Manager. Nice progress from the whole crew.

[@DerekP76]

Incredible work as usual. My vote for Steve's title...Wood Wizard

[@AcornToArabella]

🧙🏼‍♂️

[@MikeFloutier]

Yup, I have to say that I no longer look at wood in the way I used to, thank you Steve!

[@asicerik]

I hope KP is feeling better and we get to see them back soon!

[@kswas2784]

More great work by everyone! I only have one complaint as a viewer and that is; we have not been given enough Akiva lately... Cheers!

[@AcornToArabella]

True story! I agree! -Anne

[@bxb590]

I need some more dog time.

[@stevencarpenter8841]

As always an interesting and informative video. Well filmed, edited and scored. Really sorry KP is still out and pray she recovers soon. I came on board late but watched every video and now I am going through withdrawal having to wait an entire week! Praying for Steve's Mom and for KP healing. I'll be following Steve and Arabella for years to come! God bless Arabella and her crew!

[@rjshearon2187]

While watching your work for cockpit equipment, I thought of the expression, "Building A Swiss watch". Furniture grade work. Very impressive.

[@garybaldy2907]

When I get a little peckish I appreciate that I installed the burrito box. Nice to learn the terminology as we go.

[@AcornToArabella]

Hahah

[@swenbos7760]

Admirable Steve, Commander of Mountains, Trees and all that is navigable?

[@Tomhohenadel]

Another Friday morning with A2A and a good cup of coffee to boot.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Tom! #a2acoffeeclub ☕️

[@muchmorecoffee]

"indomitable" for my Steve title suggestion. Cheers from locust wood land of Eastham, MA. Toby

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers, Toby!

[@caseylevy7310]

Steve the "Box Maker"... great storytelling Ben!!

[@robertwilson-lc2xb]

Great vids Steve and team , hope your mums doing ok Bob

[@duaneayers6117]

The Dorade Box is worth looking at if you have never seen how they work. Interesting history.

[@AcornToArabella]

It is! Literally built for one particular boat and named for it. Smart stuff. -Anne

[@johnnunn8688]

Just Googled it; ingenious.👍🙏

[@lotusphere6]

Lol voids and quality control. Rework to within tolerance 😁 Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks, David!

[@donwilliams3626]

I'm glad you are getting lots of help. You seem to be right on the course you've charted. Blessings, Don

[@WillDeutsch]

As an active sailor --- I wouldn't recommend putting your instruments there... On the mast or in a small pod infront of the companion way. You will want to be able to step from the cockpit to the cabin top when doing sail work (sets - drops - reefs). That location will make sail handling much more difficult.

[@larryanglada5131]

Agree and the loss of visibility is a consideration as well while steering

[@AcornToArabella]

All of this will fit under a dodger, and a good many boats have dodgers you can’t stand on to handle sails… it’ll be ok. -Anne

[@paulheitkemper1559]

Visibility would be my concern.

[@WillDeutsch]

@@AcornToArabella Offshore during storms the dodger is often folded up during sail handling if it can't be stood on. When things are exciting is when you really need safe access to the sails. I'm not saying your boat wont work - but you are making life harder for yourself. There are better locations. Navigating at sea isn't like using a GPS in a car. I've sailed plenty of boats where I had to go below to check the plotter or the chart. Only in entering or leaving anchorages/marinas do you really benefit from constant real time position data. The only things you really NEED to see from the helm are bearing and wind instruments (and some would argue with me those aren't needed but I would disagree if you sail at night). Depth if you are in coast waters.

[@kylebarton4492]

Staring Contest! Right now! You win... You always do -Goulet

[@deeparks3112]

Loads of fine work being done this past week - those ports look great. KP has, obviously, been absolutely floored by Covid - my best to her for a continued recovery. Nice video'n Anne - looks like some fun woodworking Steve. Forward, all...

[@AcornToArabella]

Most of this photography was Adin and Steve!

[@Pocketfarmer1]

The boats I work on the porthole open up . There is a little chain hanging from the overhead to hook’em. At sea you never want things loose ,either shut or dogged open but not free swinging. Just a thought.

[@AcornToArabella]

Those cabin houses might be a bit taller. These will be dogged, and they were installed the same way in the boat they came out of. -Anne

[@kiwi_welltraveled4375]

Suggestion........ If you're going to replace the rubber in the portholes perhaps some insect screen material could be incorporated, with the new rubber used to hold it in place. Keep up the amazing work! As always Massive Respect from Aotearoa, New Zealand 😀👍

[@kiwi_welltraveled4375]

@@barongerhardt Very true In my experience cruising yachts tend to spend more time anchored than at sea

[@AcornToArabella]

Yup, there are screens.

[@randyclyde4939]

Great to see the newbies aboard, grateful to hear that KP is on the mend! Continued prayers for the group as they work together, and for Steve's Mom. Excellent video, it gave me a better understanding of where you are and what's left on the build. Be well, be safe!

[@bobstevens9534]

Love the work you do. Praying for your mom and KP

[@jameshelton8095]

00:56 woah, need one of those. great progress, thank you for sharing

[@johnnunn8688]

Don’t we all. (Didn’t have to go back to .56, to know EXACTLY what you meant.)

[@edstuff1198]

Butylful job on the port lights! 😀

[@AcornToArabella]

Hahahah

[@koningbolo4700]

Measure Twice and cut once: Stephen Denette. I hope KP is feeling better soon and join the efforts at the boatyard for the home stretch...

[@RedHillian]

Lovely to see the sort of space that Arabella might look like inside with both the lighting working and the portlights fitted - and then Steve making at his workbench. I presume the dorade box (?spelling) when finished will have little drain holes from the pens & things cubby shelf on the top as well? Thanks for the "tour" and explanation of it - not being a sailor at all means some of the things are a little difficult to grasp at first, but Steve's great at explaining for us! And best wishes to KP of course, hope they're improving from when this was filmed.

[@veets1891]

Another great episode. And thanks, as always, Ben, for the ever skillful editing and scoring. Your music always adds to the viewing experience. I can't imagine these videos without it.

[@RicktheRecorder]

Lots of excellent ideas and progress here. However, it is concerning that the portlights have no outside flange to prevent their being punched in by a heavy sea, nor any outside deadlight. The outer ring should surely be connected through the housetop by bolts to the inner fitting, thus strapping them together. Otherwise the only strength is the axial resistance of the five screws, a direction in which screws are at their least strong. The coachroof still has no internal corner reinforcement, nor location posts into the deck opening, both of which are standard practice for ocean-going boats. As for the dorade cowl, this would normally be rotatable, so it can be pointed towards the wind, or away from seas, as required from time to time.

[@MrDykarn]

I was thinking the same thing

[@turbo13r]

Yep, great work being done but I had similar concerns

[@AcornToArabella]

There are huge dogs on each of them to prevent them from being “punched in.” That’s what most portlights have. -Anne

[@RicktheRecorder]

@@AcornToArabella Thanks. I agree that the dogs will stop the portlight opening, but I can't see what holds the whole portlight assembly in place other than the six screws. The assembly was mounted from the inside and to the inside it will go if it gets punched in. The outside component appears to be just a trim, serving, as was said, no structural purpose. The inner component comprises a mounting for the opening light with a tube to the outside. This part is simply fixed with six screws. Sufficient water pressure in the tube could push the entire inner assembly into the cabin. As I suggest, the outer flange should be bolted through to the inner flange, sandwiching the housetop, with the bolts in tension (though one has six and the other five screw holes). Maybe I missed (or you didn't shew) a part of the process. As a compromise, you could use six countersunk 1/4" machine screws inserted from the outside, with dome-nuts on the inside. The heads of the screws would be hidden by the brass trim. Not as strong as incorporating the trim, but better than wood screws.

[@terrygrotefeld4814]

Hi Steve and the Crew, it still amazes me how much you have achieved, when we see the inside of Arabella all the woodwork in there has been created and hand made from raw materials, so much and so many hours, well done. Just one thing I that would enhance the finish of the portlights would be to orientate the screw slots to match the outer circumference of the ring ,I know it's a bit picky but they will look great. Cheers from the UK

[@AcornToArabella]

“Torque them right or torque them pretty” is a question for each person to answer for themselves, I suppose! Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@tomwoodrow5494]

Cap'n Steve, of course!

[@jordanrelkey]

Lol @ the captions while putting the cherry through the planer: "Foreign music" I love it.

[@rong1924]

What is chaos to us is normal to the Llamas.

[@fredflintstone8048]

These two young craftsmen are doing a great job of installing the ports. I would consider them 'port authorities'.

[@AcornToArabella]

🤣

[@johnnunn8688]

😩

[@marlobreding7402]

Love the Dagwood Sandwich 🥪

[@AcornToArabella]

😁

[@danhumphrey5755]

The boat built from the inside-out. Seriously though, been following you from the beginning and it's nice to see it coming together.

[@jimclester4754]

Jim from Arkansas, I’m here again today. Look forward to seeing you guys every Friday.

[@AcornToArabella]

So glad you’re here on the journey with us, Jim!

[@peromo9397]

Aron is awesome.

[@AgiHammerthief]

if you ever go racing that propane tank can handily be swapped out for N2O to give you an extra boost across the finish line.

[@johnnunn8688]

🤣😂

[@jean-louislependu4790]

Every port hole I've ever seen was hinged at the top. It won't swing around when rolling. Great work on the rest.

[@ryan_mcme]

Good morning 'bella fam! Happy Friday! ☕

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Ryan!

[@trimshot]

Dang, that's a good looking sandwich.

[@billsrq1788]

Hello from Siesta Key Florida

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Bill!

[@lbh002]

The Ford Falcon family of vehicles used a ventilation box of this sort in its cowl. It was very effective and absolutely no water came through the footwell vent boxes until the water drain holes became clogged with leaves and such things and the standing water eventually rusted through the bottom of the cowl. Then it was a waterfall.

[@johnnunn8688]

Had that sort of thing in my Vauxhall Cavalier. Left work, got a mile down the road and the windscreen started misting up a bit. Selected screen, max heat, then max fan…..WHITEOUT!!!! 🤣😂

[@markwaters8907]

Hi from work in western Australia, watching you guys has been the highlight of my day, cheers keep up the good work.

[@charlie15627]

You might want to think about some drainage holes around the top of the dorade. Otherwise you might find that it turns into a miniature bathtub. Just some lateral or slightly inclined holes to prevent water retention.

[@davidc6510]

Most of the boats that have engine panels or throttles have them back by the tiller. Good to see you decided to move them closer to where they are needed when you are steering the boat. Another great update from A2A. Thanks for sharing.

[@anonymous_protagonist]

Righteous Human Extraordinaire Stephen Denette

[@bandols]

Captain Steve!

[@restorationsofmusicsystems8609]

I've been following you since your first video. It was a wonderful experience opportunity to live an incredible adventure together. Thank you very, very much. Very nice and fine work is done in this section. It is a different pleasure to watch and learn while watching. I look forward to each episode. With love and greetings from Istanbul.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you for being here! And all the way from Istanbul! Cheers.

[@restorationsofmusicsystems8609]

@@AcornToArabella Cheers.

[@joyaku3078]

AMAZING PROGRESS I watched your videos since y melted lead and was so amazed by your craftmanship ever since🙏👏👍 WELL DONE

[@darrelwillman3158]

Enjoyed the music, Ben :)

[@gmarshall1026]

Great stuff as usual

[@kerryhoggard329]

You're an excellent woodworker,joiner,cabinet maker,ship wright, I've got woodworking galore thank you for sharing your skills with us, she is a beautiful boat great work the brass work looks resplendent

[@AcornToArabella]

That’s very kind, thank you!

[@danpapuga]

That 4 months is coming up fast, so excited to see it in the water.

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers, and happy Friday!

[@jimaffinito1809]

I don’t want you to finish yet!! I need my Friday morning fix!

[@AcornToArabella]

We’ll continue to film on the water!

[@nostromo526]

@@AcornToArabella 😎 It will become a “Weekly Adventure” channel combined with a “What Broke This Week That We Need To Figure Out How To Fix In The Middle Of No Where” channel.

[@AcornToArabella]

Yup!

[@jimaffinito1809]

@@AcornToArabella I think I can handle the transition. I may need a little therapy to get me there though.

[@jamalal-jazra9007]

Got to get all the port light screws oriented in the same direction! I’ve been following the build from Florida and my job has brought me north that I might be able to attend the launch.

[@kevinleonard62]

I'll be always following you as long as you are posting.... hopefully you continue when you set out on your world adventures... with a call to Ireland as part of it

[@AcornToArabella]

We sure will be filming after launch!

[@prereed]

Another excellent segment. The end scene is classic. Well done Ben.

[@jamespowerish]

Cork Harbour!

[@michaelmunro2820]

Nice you are getting some additional help. I admire your strive to get things right in your head before chopping up wood needlessly. Everything you have done has been done properly without the urge to do it faster. Keep up the good work Steve? Mike M.

[@Sciolist]

13:48 that's a lot of checking in new wood.

[@danweyant4909]

Working on the bench in the boat to build the boat. Winning.

[@Adams1957]

Good morning from an old machinist in Bogalusa Louisiana. I enjoy watching the progress. Launch will be here before you know it. Good times!

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers, Kenny! Happy Friday!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Great episode! More progress! Keep rolling Arabella crew! 👍👍

[@dominiclowther9130]

Good looking sandwich!

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@Buck1954]

I'm enjoying the cabinetry portion of this build.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks, Brad!

[@NoName-zn1sb]

Oh goody! Watching paint dry!

[@AcornToArabella]

😊

[@MrMichaelcurran]

138 days! A full crew working would sure help. Next month! The finishing touches are taking shape. Your cockpit Nav Panel under cover is a great idea. I have never seen a sun blocker like yours but in this yawl it goes well.

[@franklied5090]

Good evening from northern Germany. A new episode, and two nice t-shirts arrived. Thanks and best wishes!

[@AcornToArabella]

Hooray! Glad you like them. Thanks so much for your support.

[@lbpyne52]

Keep the chart plotter as close to the helm as possible. There's nothing worse than on the 2am watch having to leave the helm to adjust the chart plotter or look in the radar. Experience suggests.

[@AcornToArabella]

It’s right in front of the helm.

[@Sailor_Greg]

0:30 Give the sandpaper a quick scrub with a hard bristle brush every minute or so and it will stop the little hard nodules of epoxy from forming on the sandpaper - it will improve your sanding efficiency and reduce the chance of pigtails. Great video as always!

[@philparmenter53]

Happy Friday and greetings from Plymouth UK.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Phil!

[@brucemaley]

Steve Head Sawdust Maker

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@georgebutterfield9673]

Please reconsider the placement of your gas tank outside the cockpit/Bimini area ( it’s ugly and uses up too much space in the cockpit) if you can find a place as far aft as possible and bring a copper gas line into the boat with dual shutoff valves!

[@johnnunn8688]

It will be inside a box and knowing Steve it will look ace.

[@vialard74]

propane sinks... it needs a drain to outside of the boat... shouldn't drain to the cockpit. That bronze hatch is interesting, but it's a potential for propane to "leak" into the cabin... a major safety issue. Overall, I can see the simple logic in the planning, but there is a reason most propane lockers are completely aft with a drain to the stern and the only "passage" to the cabin is the gas-line, which is easy to ensure is sealed. That big bronze hatch... not the best idea.

[@georgebutterfield9673]

@@vialard74 i totally agree, if the container is fully aft, it not only frees up valuable space in the cockpit, but propane is a heavy gas and will sink into both the cockpit or cabin, in spite of Steve making a bespoke cherry wood box for it. I have been sailing for many years and never seen a gas cylinder anywhere near people!

[@nick.caffrey]

Stephen Dennette "Just lighting the dark spaces".

[@andyubel2083]

Don't forget the cup holders! :)

[@johnnunn8688]

That’s where seafarers got the idea for fiddles from, I’m sure.

[@halloweengineering]

Steve title: sawdust master

[@ronaldsmeaton1432]

A joy to watch as always

[@callmecrazy1983]

I think his title should be skipper. It's hard to say "Skipper Steve" without smiling.

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha!

[@boblister665]

The skipper title needs to be earned. He needs to learn what ropes to pull to make her sail first. The ability to get off and on the dock without drama helps too.

[@David-de3ed]

Rolling right along to Launch day…. Leaning into the future.👍

[@patmancrowley8509]

Stephen, don't forget "following seas" when it comes to creating your ventilation system at the dorade box in the nav. area. You'll get water coming over the fantail now and then with "following seas." Sometimes you just won't outrun waves.

[@boooshes]

She's a double ender. No real fantail. That helps regarding following seas

[@mkllove]

Stephen, at 22:04 you're mentioning the addition of strips to RF side of Instrument / Dorade Box... Seems like you could get a two-fer here by taking the removable instrument sunscreen board and adding it across gap you're showing by adding some magnets, simple clips or other attachment method. In this way, the panel has a place to be useful holding binoculars etc when not protecting those guages from fading... Otherwise it's just banging around in cockpit, right ?

[@arizonarider6998]

Hope KP gets better . The guys you got there now are pretty good . Dude actually took time to make a jig to get clean cuts .

[@FlyingConey]

I love the Idea to use the Doradebox as a place to store things but how have you planned to drain it? Will there be drainage holes into the box? Great video as always! 👍

[@patricklandergen5234]

I was wondering the same thing

[@BigMouth380cal]

Stephen Denette: Master Adaptor.

[@shaneprice7590]

Brilliant Bearded Boatbuilder 😀