You Told Him So, Debate Settled & Boat Repairs - Ep 296 Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@millshardware3352]

Trial and error is how you end up with the boat you want. Many of us thought the wood burner was a good idea at first.

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

When we were in Sardinia, we would walk in the morning and flip over pieces of firewood on the beach to dry on our way back to our boat. Little did we know that hardwood firewood could be found with the pizza restaurants in towns. Of course driftwood is not recommended, and we did replace our pipe upon our return to America. Some boats do not have the space for firewood, and with wood boats, as Norna was, you have to be cautious with what wood to bring in. Diesel heaters will continue to heat when you are not there to nurse. We’ve changed around our aft cabin many times to try to bring comfort to the boat, trial and error, such is boating, always learning

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Well the much needed real estate is better used by not having to pack around a pile of wood.

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

@@kathywrightjohnson6804 this is true!

[@danweyant4909]

​@@AccidentalSailorGirlI hadn't thought about hitchhikers in/ on the wood.

[@Trebuchet48]

Not 100% sure, but I think a recent Tally Ho video had a wood burner being installed. TH is right here in my town, BTW!

[@evildogbilly]

You tried something and in the end didn’t need it , that’s a win in my book, that extra space will come in handy in such a tight living environment, thanks for the videos

[@AcornToArabella]

That’s definitely the vibe! I remember talking about it in that way a loooong time ago, staring at the empty space and musing about yea or nay. -Anne

[@dougbeers6123]

I had a friend who lived on his boat all winter in upstate NY. He made popcorn for the mallard ducks and they kept the boat ice free.

[@AcornToArabella]

Heeeey what a great tip!

[@judithmann5768]

So.. would that have been in Rochester? Peter, on Flight?

[@thisishow551]

That is brilliant.

[@motopresent-motorcyclingmi7723]

Akiva would love that

[@SVBlueRecluse]

I personally loved the wood stove but replacing it with a hood fan for the galley is a stroke of genius!!! Stay warm, summer is coming!

[@aidanbanfield4110]

I've been following the journey since the keel timber was being cut. Wonderful to see you out on the water, and I'm really happy that you have chosen Starlink as your internet solution. It revolutionised the running of our camping ground, and had made it possible to upload videos reliably, run our on booking system and other cloud based programs. It should serve you well

[@davidbrooks1378]

The sweetest sweetspot on Arabella ( with the exception of Robin ) is your inclusion of that bench vice. I smile every time I see you use it. Your Friday morning video is always number two on my morning todo list…rite after coffee.☕️🖥

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday! ☕️🎉

[@ton73z28]

Live, learn, adapt,enjoy, repeat 😊😊😊😊 On a person's project, I never believe in in "I told you so" I'm blown away by everything your have done on this great adventure.

[@geraldtribbe6363]

The brilliance of a work bench on the boat is validated once again. I'm sure it won't be the last time.

[@jonandvicki]

Starling is amazing. And you'll get just as great connection speeds anywhere you sail.

[@robinj6997]

For fumes and moister: Have you thought about getting an pressure cooker? It reduces the consumption of fuel/electricity, there is no risk of spillage and way less fume.

[@AcornToArabella]

I LOVE a pressure cooker aboard. -Anne

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

Pressure cookers are the best! 😋

[@robm.4512]

Absolutely ☝️THIS! 😎👍

[@jimg6698]

Maybe an instant pot, I have one and it’s great for many dishes. It cuts the time for cooking, just a thought!

[@buellb0y]

⁠an instant pot and and pressure cooker are the same thing.

[@joecioe8566]

I think I would be for sailing south for the winters in the future. I really like the exhaust fan idea. It was nice to see how happy Robin was over her new internet connection. Stay warm.

[@garymalm]

In Japan the rip saw is pulled up. You stand over the workpiece with one leg either side so you can see the line. You are getting the good value out of your on board workbench.👍

[@jaygee5693]

Every kitchen should have an exhaust fan over the stove. 👍 The confined interior space of a boat makes it even more essential to have one in the galley. I loved seeing the wood-burner installed, it's my favorite type of heater, but I'm happy to see it sacrificed for an extractor.

[@russwabuda1556]

best wishes. you must feel happy about the amount of people who are waiting to get the video as soon as it is offered. this is a serious following. good for you.

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Good morning Arabella family! So, the redundancy of a second heat source isn't needed. So now you have freed up valuable storage space. That will make Robin's pantry easier to reach. Prayers continue for your family.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday Kathy!

[@AcornToArabella]

Aw thanks for the kind words, @russwabida1556. Yes, we cherish the community here!

[@Legionaire42]

I know it was probably a wave or some such, but watch Arabella rise up after he stepped off with the stove at 5:30 was amusing to me. She was like I'm so much lighter and free!!!

[@R.J._Lewis]

I think it was a bit of the boat rising from having 200ish pounds taken from it's furthest leverage point and a lot of that floating dock then taking 200ish pounds onto it! Arabella grinned and that dock groaned!

[@phraust17]

5:33 For a moment I legit thought you were going to toss that off the dock!

[@AcornToArabella]

No way!

[@ravicabral2522]

In a previous video I think that you planned on reinforcing the toerail with a 2" block backing? Have you considered adding strengthening onto the front face, as well? By extending it beyond the adjacent brass connectors you could distribute any load across more deck fittings. A filleted edge with, perhaps, some decorative carving would make it look like an attractive feature. Even if you feel that the additional strengthening is not necessary, the exterior face on the beam is the most likely place to get worn and dinged so even a 1/2" board would serve as an easily replaceable, almost sacrificial, strake. Just a thought.

[@alistairboland7949]

New A2A T-Shirt - Artist's impression of screenshot at 14:21 plus accompanying quote as text - Brilliant!!!

[@scottmckenzie2289]

Living in the Western Isles of Scotland and dong without lives essentials! The ying and yang, when it came together.... SO GOOD.

[@theconfessionsof_a]

Great work, who doesn’t like a good Wi-Fi signal, 👌. Kinda sad to see the wood burner go, but I guess it really does make sense. Much love from England

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

Keep on trucking you two! Robin, you have such a great attitude. Gotta find fun in new experiences, that’s what it’s all about 🤗🤗

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, sweet friend! -Anne

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

@@AcornToArabella you too Anne! Stay safe in the storms 🤗🤗

[@CorwynGC]

As with everything, you get the best advise you can, make your decision about what best fits your personal circumstances, and make changes as necessary. Especially when that 'you' changes from singular to plural.

[@stevencraig349]

My wife and I have completed many projects in the houses we've owned. We call it: ReDo. After you've done something once, you can do it better the second time.

[@stevencarpenter8841]

It was fun watching the shipmate stove being installed and used but I like how you always review and adjust as needed. Sorry the internet isn't up to task but the Starlink sounds like the solution that works all over the world. I would imagine that connectivity will help you with the business of uploading videos as well once you leave sight of land. Looks like you are making the best of everything and hope your Mom is doing ok. Prayers continue for her healing, wisdom and skill for the medical team and comfort for your family.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you for those warm well wishes!

[@demos74dxs]

I've run starlink for over a year in my RV travels. Been super easy to work from anywhere with.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the review!

[@darrellshuman7751]

I can't think of anything anything but the ashes. 😊

[@williammuseler5542]

If those old sails are dacron, it is a bad idea to put the effort into making covers out of that material (especially if it is already degraded). UV will continue to break it down and you will have more issues. Sunbrella is your best bet.

[@danweyant4909]

Second. The purpose of the covers is to protect the more expensive sails. Old dacron - even tanbark dyed offers little uv shielding

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

At least they will have good patterns when they do need replacing. Kind of confused at that too, but maybe they need to save money. 🤔

[@Ornthoron]

I never had enough knowledge to doubt the wood stove, but I remember I asked you in a live stream once how you were planning to handle cooking fumes. 😉 Glad you're always finding ways to make the boat better. You always said that you needed to live aboard to figure out the details, and that's exactly what you are doing.

[@dimitristsalatsanis7912]

All things that broke so far , with only inshore sailing. Surely an offshore trip will show more. The ocean will bring out the best and worst of any boat and will always find the weakest link. Great job so far , keep up the content !!!

[@RonaldJHElzenga]

Bang bang bang..the ice sounds and the internet connection after satelite connection..😅🎉

[@GordonFlatt]

We had Starlink on our 42" motorhome and traveled coast to coast with great reception even in Mexico! Hope it works as well for you.

[@AcornToArabella]

That’s encouraging!

[@HermanHiltsman]

I never "told you so. I liked the idea of the woodstove.

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

Yeah, I always find it weird when I see a “I told you so”. Those wiser know to explain their findings and what they did along the way as a sort of showing their experiences. That was a different kind of “woodburner”, it was a small burn box to cook food on. Pretty different experience. Never had a diesel heater, but have seen folks install them. Saw one that had forced air with piping thru the boat even

[@jamesboardman609]

Hello Robin and Steve, glad to see you’re staying relatively warm. Colder days are on the way though. Stopped by last week end just say a quick hello. There was another person there so, we just took a look around and headed out. Didn’t want to bother you guys. Stay warm!!!

[@anthonycordovano2438]

I look forward to Friday morning for your adventures. A few suggestions though. Although placing the cleat on the toe rail gets it out of the way, you might want to reconsider placing the cleat on the deck vs toe rail so you won't have to do another repair. You really do need life lines. A bubbler under Arabella would keep the ice at bay. Keep the videos coming and smooth sailing.

[@TheAquaticMandolin]

I loved Akiva's narration of your woodworking on the dock @ 14:40. It was very informative.

[@AcornToArabella]

😊

[@gordonquickstad]

Looking forward to warmer weather for you for your adventures.

[@GG-ty4mi]

Wood stove was a lemon so Steve made lemonade. Well done! This won't be the last time Steve makes lemonade. 👍👍 The water aerator is a good idea. I see house boats use them here in St. Paul on the Mississippi.

[@p3rryw]

Robin, if it’s any consolation, I’ve done diy and mechanics for years, and it’s a rare day I don’t cut myself. I can’t be near a chisel without it happening!!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Yeah chisels bite real bad too! -Anne

[@gregorychaney7604]

I'm so sad to see the wood stove go. It was one of my favorite parts of the boat. Even though wood stoves are a hassle, if your diesel heater goes out during a cold spell, a reliable wood stove is wonderful. But to each his own, and anything that keeps your fiance happy on the boat is a good investment. Cheers from Alaska

[@thesoupin8or673]

Better to have it and discover you didn't need it than need it and not have it. Glad you were able to evaluate the stove and make changes when it didn't suit you. I hope the new storage space works well for you!

[@Luisfacero78]

I love the safety squints! Joking aside I think it’s something we all do and that we all cringe at when we see others do it.

[@leosdebruyn]

Having installed Starlink for a lot of customers on the island where I live, I was cracking up when you mentioned that you had the starlink just sitting in a box and were trying to get by with cell phone. I am sure she is wishing she had installed it sooner. It’s a game changer.

[@bumpkin52]

I sympathize with Robin. The teeth on those pull saws are razor sharp. I’m building a SCAMP sailboat. When I come in bleeding, my wife’s first comment is “another good day of boat building”. I’ve learned to put on a pair leather gloves whenever I pick up the Shinto rasp. Love your channel been a subscriber since the first ballast keel pour.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for being here on the journey with us! Scamps are great! Hope it’s going well.

[@boooshes]

Woodstoves are wonderful AND they require considerable work. Of course, the high energy density of fossil fuels combined with modern heater technology makes the diesel heater extremely convenient. You will also necessarily be carrying significant diesel fuel with you anyway. It's a fine decision and can always be reversed if desired. The exhaust system will be heavenly.

Well, I was one of the ones who expressed doubts about the wood stove.... But, good on you for trying it and figuring out it wasn't the best solution.

[@Dan6erous]

Modifying the boat for Robin's addition to the crew. No brainer. Our pup hates smoke alarms too! Won't come back in the house from the yard when they go off ( in the kitchen). Good instincts!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Even though it is going to be cold AF here in north Georgia, I don't envy you. While I hate summer, this is getting ridiculous. Getting rid of the wood burning stove probably was wise. I mean if you can stay warm. Another great video that had me shivering.

[@AcornToArabella]

Our Norwegian friends always say that they’re never cold because they wear the correct clothing. It looks kinda chilly but it’s been pretty mild all in all.

[@ElleKendra]

I spent two years living aboard from DC to Charleston NC. Not one Marine of the 10 or so I was in had super solid WIFI You're gonna need the Star Link

[@michaellyons6969]

Great video! It would be fun to see what beach you guys go out on as someone who vacations on the Cape!

[@MrDoublethink1984]

For a moment there, I thought Steve was going to toss that stove off the side of the dock.

[@ton73z28]

Ha ha ha. Good one 😊😊

[@CorwynGC]

I bet he thought about it...

[@budhorstmeyer9336]

Steve. Go shopping for one or two of these AMRD-1458 Davis Air-Dryr Marine Dehumidifier - 1000 cubic ft. Probably the best price is on one of the RV or Camper supply stores. I have 2 in my 30’ Motorhome. Dry as a bone.

[@eleutheros]

Wow a work bench in your boat, I am envious 😀

[@AcornToArabella]

It’s been handy even since before launch!

[@johnnunn8688]

🥶, I would SO head south, very, very south!

[@dansbrown1313]

Hello, for issues involving sea or lake ice touching your hull, try creating a bubble system. Just a matter of some tubing a bit longer than your boat with small holes drilled into the tubing and whatever length you need and suspend the tube a few feet below your boat keel and connect an air compressor or vacuum cleaner set up to blow air into the proximal tubing with the distal end plugged. The bubbles will break the ice and "No problem".

[@lawrencejustice1817]

Thanks for another great video! Its my weekend kick-off ritual to come home Friday and watch your adventures. For Starlink, If it's not some horrible faux pas to mention another channel, Salt & Tar is a sailing channel and they use Starlink currently from the Sea of Cortez. Safety note, they recently dropped a disk drive and lost a few weeks of footage. Be careful.

[@AcornToArabella]

We love and watch a lot of other channels, and glad you mentioned. Thinking of losing footage makes my skin itchy! -Anne

[@tlgibson97]

Starlink is a lifesaver in areas with poor cell coverage. Speeds are good enough for pretty much anything. The only real downside is the power consumption. That’s why I use it as a backup to mobile internet. I still run it through the inverter so I’m curious to see you convert to DC and see what the difference in consumption is.

[@StephenLinhart]

Oh. Right, satalite connection has to draw more power than cell connection. There are gadgets that merge multiple internet connections ad distribute your packets across them. Where there is any amount of cell, that might reduce your power needs a little and increase your reliability a little.

[@kenlee5376]

You’ve probably thought of it but since you have shore power a quality electric space heater works great on a boat. We also use one in our camper which is about the size of your boat and even on low it keeps it warm.

[@AcornToArabella]

Some people use those for sure.

[@charlesmoore456]

Happy Llamas Day!! 🦙🦙 Great show as usual. I love those sunrise shots over the Atlantic. Stay warm, there's COLD weather comin'!🌬⛵❄ Next Winter I want to see you in the lower latitudes. 🥵😆

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Charles!

[@milessmiles7948]

You might want to consider getting an aerator for the water. It’s supposed to get extremely cold next week.

[@ryan_mcme]

Good morning, 'bella fam! Glad you cleared out of Camden, they took a thrashing. Happy Friday! ☕

[@AcornToArabella]

Haaaaaappy Friday!

[@AndrexT]

I bet Aaron could fix the garage roof in Granby with a little direction. It was good to see the farm again.

[@RealInRealEstateCC]

The harbor is the first to freeze because of the super-chilled freshwater coming off the cranberry bogs upstream. Much less ice where you are than further in.

[@HighlandSteam]

Happy New year to you all. Best wishish for your mother.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy new year, and thank you very much.

[@chadwynia5021]

Just saw a spacex feed that said are making a smaller backpack able starlink dish in the coming year.

[@andrewrotch9445]

I think it was Holly from Windhippie sailing who resorted to a caper involving hiding a cell phone overnight in a sporting goods store so the phone could upload a video over the store's network. You two are great stay warm!

[@AcornToArabella]

Holly is so great!

[@neilredelinghuys3263]

Allow me to say, you guys are awesome!

[@AcornToArabella]

Aw shucks, thanks so much!

[@waynep343]

Can you take some water temps at various depths under Arabella. If the water closer to the bottom is warmer how about keel hauling a sump pump that the outlet is spreading slightly warmer water around the hull to keep it from freezing close to the hull. All depending on the bottom waters being slightly warmer.

[@AcornToArabella]

Interesting! The way this is normally done is just with some machines that disturb the water st the surface.

[@sailingmariposa7887]

I liked the stove but space is a hot commodity on a boat. You mentioned having to boil things for a long time, do you use a pressure cooker? They are very handy, they reduce cooking time substantially and also the amount of moisture put into the air, I think they would probably save some fuel also . Cheers

[@Bystander333]

I think half my tools would be at the bottom of the sea working over that gap ;)

[@AcornToArabella]

There’s something almost MAGNETIC about water and tools or fasteners!

[@glencrandall7051]

And the work goes on, and on, and on.🙂🙂

[@patchmack4469]

as Steve put the stove down behind the tender i began to think, yeah convert the wood burning stove to be a a steam engine for the tender (bit of a faff to get the tender aboard again) hehe - and as Robin began to saw, and put her right hand up to steady the piece being cut off, i gasped and said no no no stop, double bladed saw ooouch! - bravo for not swearing, something i do way too much of

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha! What a project that would be!

[@tgiskardify]

I was half expecting it to get tossed straight through the ice a that point :)

[@brianmacadam4793]

I really liked the wood stove, still like it ! But I like storage more if I have to choose.

[@RobertFay]

*- The old guys who taught me construction work would be Yelling: "Get your ass behind your work. Stand up over what you are doing and pull up." **12:21*

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Robert!

[@cyborg555]

When they started talking about Internet problems I'm sitting here saying to myself, "Do we need to push a fundraiser to get them StarLink?" Then they say they've had it for months and didn't even hook it up. I don't know what the monthly charges are for StarLink but I would've had the thing up and running before launch :-) So, glad you have it working

[@sailingarista]

We all have project lists longer than our time allowed!

[@AcornToArabella]

We used the service during a trial period and had a few troubles, so tucked it away until we could figure it out properly because yup, the list was long!

[@feanor3876]

Life is about learning, you learned from this. That's all i can say.

[@schaefer32100]

That’s right the lazy Jack will make it more difficult to build. Also should be reinforced too. Good luck in the building of sail covers. Doyle sails should be able to provide information on how to construct them.

[@philparmenter53]

Happy A2A day and Friday everybody from Plymouth UK

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Phil!

[@dannotte7289]

Yup told ya it would make a better anchor than anything else😂

[@dennisreeves632]

I share your love of the ocean, great video guys! Robin Roc's!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@jonblair5470]

Hiding the laptop in a bush to upload content reminds of the time SV Delos setup some over night Timelapse’s on a random island beach that one time

[@JohnRusatsky]

Great figuring it out !!

[@treverhansen1757]

I believe the starlink runs on 48v DC power over Ethernet. There are lots of DC conversion solutions covered on KZbin.

[@nathanedwards4519]

Vintage hood range is what you need. I would still keep the wood stove because the diesel thing could break down and you could always run out of diesel fuel too. Enjoying this video with Steve. How is your buddy Aaron doing❤? Keep making the videos keep watching stay warm stay safe. Watch out for pirates😮

[@Bubba88d1]

You would be well served to get a few tool lanyards to keep from dropping tools in the water. It will happen eventually.

[@JesseHersch]

Nice safety squint through the porthole :)

[@AcornToArabella]

😁

[@Ayns.L14A]

Happy Friday everyone!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Aynsley!

[@jimclester4754]

Hi Steve and crew, well actually making this comment. I’m watching Robyn do the little saw cutting,, she’s not quite yet. The pro that you are Steve. We’ll give her some time. You’re a good teacher. I’ve learned a lot of woodworking tips and tricks watching you over the years for sure. Safe journey see you next week.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday and see ya next week!

[@tigerkzr]

We'll have to take that hand off

[@jamescaswell4434]

I was the the edge of my seat thinking that stove was going in the drink.

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha!

[@mikeskelly2356]

The only thing Akiva wants to know is if you can access 'Chewy' now... 🍖🐶

[@jlemieu1]

You'll love StarLink!!!

[@nickmail7604]

Funny Robyn getting an ouchy! There are some days I only have to look at a saw to cut myself!

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha! Ain’t it the truth.

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

I like that you built in a work space, but I expect it to get smaller, for the same reasons the wood stove went. A gain of storage for the unexpected addition of a first mate.

[@tommoody3127]

Careful with the gravity feed diesel. My friends exploded after one of the little hot element bowls became misaligned in high seas. Diesel seeped into the surrounding area without him knowing... I like wood for heat but it is alot messier and more work.

[@mysterymete]

Sad to see the wood stove go. But it makes sense.

[@rickroberts2198]

Nice work!

[@douglascramer4935]

You should use the stand with the Starlink dish. The dish is motorized to maintain contact with satellites as the boat moves in the water. I used Starlink at my home for a couple of years until fiber optic Internet became available. I was very happy with the service although it is a bit pricey.

[@sailingarista]

Although at least a few other sailors find the movement on a rocking boat is not desired and Calico Skies as well as Onboard Lifestyle have drilled and deactivated the motor to move the starlink.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for these tips, both of you!

[@2oqp577]

A2A Team! Why would anyone watch television these days? When you have content like that. Thank you so much, watching from South Korea. I am on vacation but still watch my preferred channels.

[@AcornToArabella]

Hello hello! Thanks for checking in while on your travels, good to hear it. You’re so kind, thank you very much.

[@onpurpose2629]

Hope you guys did well in the two big storms we just got hit with!

[@AcornToArabella]

All is well, thanks for checking in.

[@jamesbrewer3020]

love you guys.

[@AcornToArabella]

Heeeey love ya back. Thanks for watching!