Fitting the Main Deck Beams - Ep. 129 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@patricksmith1057]

I realize Alix is still keeping up with videos and pictures for sure, but I still think a reaction shot of his facial expression when he returns to the boathouse would be awesome to see.

[@rusticthumper5500]

After watching countless videos of Arabella taking shape, I realised it is more then just the journey of a wooden boat. It is also the journey of a man. From the moment the idea was born to build a wooden boat to the finished product. The man started out as an amateur and somewhere along the way a craftsman was born.

[@libraiis]

Think he is gone now. With a project like this there ought to be no bailing out, and that is what it feels like, but if your done with it maybe that is for best.

[@macman6107]

@@libraiis ? 🤔

[@sdcofer52]

Once again, an excellent video record of the journey. Deck beams are tough to get right and they influence so much of the boat's function and appearance. Brilliant work.

[@rexmyers991]

I have been following you since you poured the keel. I am so impressed with your tenacity and your work ethic. You seem to know when to call in an expert and when to forge ahead on your own. Looking forward to the return of Alex.

[@stevenr8606]

"Just cut the rabbit and get her into the water"

[@Gottenhimfella]

Indeed, Rex. Those viewers whose concentration spans are now entirely used up probably imagine that having a boat is all that matters, and that building it is just a necessary precursor, and only for those not wealthy enough to afford to buy one. Which could not be further from the truth, in the case of those for whom building is just as significant an achievement, and just as fulfilling, as voyaging is. What's more, voyaging in a boat you built yourself and built well, is considerably more satisfactory and satisfying, than cheque-book voyaging. If someone wanted to pay someone else to have all the fun, why would they sail at all? Nothing goes to windward like a Boeing...

[@mysterymete]

Alix is gone. We lost him a year ago, when he discovered a welcoming female reproductive organ with family money backing it.

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@mysterymete is determined to turn these pages into a reality-TV-style race down the tubes. Please go somewhere more suited to your evident talent for facile judgementalism and baseless character denigration.

[@Deftonesdsm]

@@mysterymete he shall return and has made several videos stating that. After 4+ yrs everyone needs a break from filming/editing. Steve has always been more at home in the shop than Alix

[@estesracingoff-road9042]

I think it is great that you are using "the old guys" to help. Often times in life, especially for us guys, we don't listen to experts and end up with a mess. I really love the fact you are willing to accept help. It is a great lesson for the rest of us.

[@boblister665]

I have met Thad several times and sailed with him he is a wealth of knowledge

[@wallykramer7566]

Ben, I meant to mention this for the last 4-5 videos: Excellent, excellent use of split screen!

[@Bystander333]

Nice to see you working with Thad.

[@tjtobin86]

I've worked on some large projects and this is the point where you start to ask yourself, is it really worth it to keep going? Should I just throw the rest of it together quick so I can go do something else? Steve, your commitment to the project and the work is something that is truly fascinating to watch. Keep it up! The boat looks beautiful!

[@jaydaniels8698]

You are right the commitment is very honorable and I really should get out to the shop I have projects I should do but this boat is fascinating and his work is wonderful.

[@Deftonesdsm]

When you build things even huge things like the 30story buildings i do the satisfaction of knowing what those blisters , blood , sweat , and tears will have built at the end is enough to push through the pain. Steve works at his pace no one elses and thats a HUGE advantage. For me im one of many working towards a goal yet i still get the satisfaction of knowing what i built will last 100yrs+. Thats what keeps me pushing for pride amd doing it the right way not the easy way. (Im in large commercial concrete construction)

[@FRDETsdfs]

It's a lesson in perseverance, for sure. There are many of us who involved in such endeavors, albeit in different lines of work. Thanks for the inspiration, Steve!

[@stuartmcmichael5250]

I take my hat off to you for your determination to persevere churning out the rivets. You are a never ending source of drive. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@edac1078]

Looking good! I always look forward to the next video.

[@David-hm9ic]

Those bright finished shelves, copper rivets and brass acorn nuts should get the blood going for anyone that loves wood or boats. Beautiful!

[@scottdicker7051]

Your extraordinary effort will pay dividends when sailing in rough water. Beautiful work

[@crystalminnow7321]

Nice work but over 4 years building a 38' boat n not even close to being finished ? Has become The Simpsons show now.

[@JK-zx3go]

@@crystalminnow7321 ?

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@crystalminnow7321 The minimum amateur build time for a wooden boat that size is eleven years and two marriages

[@Garryck-1]

@@crystalminnow7321 - Awe.... is your 21st century instant gratification nerve twitching? 5-10 years for amateur home-built boats is pretty typical. And that's for people who *don't* fell, mill and season their own lumber first. And who *don't* record the entire process in detail (which easily adds 30-40% more time, setting up shots, etc). So far as actual construction time goes, when the deck is on and the hull planked, they'll be at about the 50% mark. Also, this whole project isn't being put on KZbin just for your entertainment, it's to record for posterity a process that nobody has ever recorded before. So you might want to work on your patience.

[@crystalminnow7321]

@@gwogg8209 , Have worked in boatyards from Boothbay to Tampa for over 40 yrs. Be Well........

[@oldmech619]

As a sailer, I likes the feel of a wooden boat. Now I have come to appreciate these Master Journeymen who’s hand build that wooden sail boat. Thank You

[@cuzinevil1]

Outstanding editing job on this video! The camera placements are excellent. Your channel makes me feel like I'm a part of this build even though I'm in a different country. I hope to see Arabella out on the high seas.

[@timothystetser137]

I love the use of the acorn nuts! That makes for such a nice clean finishing touch!

[@nordyfamily]

Great job guys, keep up the great work.

[@samuelallott2604]

Watching these videos has inspired me to start woodworking again! I'm making a kayak paddle out of birds eye maple. While it's not as impressive as your project I hope it turns out as beautiful as the work you're doing. Thank you for getting me back in the shop!!

[@alainmoran8560]

Good man yourself for heading out to vote and making it known that you're doing so ... the world needs more people like you.

[@goatram1]

Just keep the politics out. Whether you're left or right it does not matter. We are here for the content not the lectures. Steve, The Journey and your Transformation is Awesome. Tell Alex to get back to work. Hopefully your Grandpa will consent to more Cameos. Your a lucky young man. Enjoy the Ride!

[@alainmoran8560]

@@goatram1 Absolutely ... it doesn't matter who you vote for, just so long as you do it.

[@CalebMorgan]

@@alainmoran8560 People died for our right to choose not to vote. I don't blame people for not voting. The choice between the lesser of two evils is all we ever get and it is never good.

[@Trickyboy1337]

@@CalebMorgan i think this reasoning kills 5 people in the Trolley Problem...

[@CalebMorgan]

@@Trickyboy1337 I think your reasoning kills the 5 people. We can do this all day, but in the interest of posting something substantive I will give a reason for my argument. The vast majority of homicide throughout history has been perpetrated by a governing body of some kind. Keep voting for your masters who refuse to obey the laws they force on you. I wait your next reference to an ethical thought experiment that you do not understand with bated breath.

[@freesk8]

Ton of progress in this video! Lots of stuff getting done solo! Yet motivation and even enthusiasm are maintained! Amazing. Inspirational! Thanks!

[@juncusbufonius]

Can't really thank you all enough. The calm engendered by words and music. The regularity and consistency of the production. The quality of the work and the excitement produced for every milestone. Priceless.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words.

[@4funksakes]

Thanks for giving me the chance to see this be created into reality

[@nickl74]

Those shelves are a testament to your workmanship - incredible!

[@ciberbri59]

Great time-lapses and music. Glad to see you so far into your comfort zone here. Very enjoyable for this old fart.

[@atelierbaumgartner4391]

I am not a woodworker. I work with metal. But i love boats and Ships since i was a child. And i love to watch pur channel. It is so impressive what you are doing! Thanks

[@pappyjohn8142]

A+++ for the intros now. Love the recap and explanations. Keep it up.

[@Banjo-lm2wl]

Steve a brilliant Job as usual, Well done my friend. Australia

[@ormmeford2204]

Don't worry about how much time you spend moving cameras around. It's an incalculable amount. Just be satisfied that all of us appreciate sharing this journey with you.

[@Johnny-Too-Bad]

This is the first week that the progress you've made on Arabella has "hit" me. Covid be dammed, seeing the deck beams begin to suggest the final shape was very rewarding. Can't imagine how great it must feel for you. Congratulations.

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing. Great to see the progress on dry fitting the shelves and beams.

[@peterkelliot]

The sound from the engine winding up to the music was perfect!

[@themadman220]

Appreciate the diagram and brief explanation on where and what would be going on. It was great since sometimes I feel lost when you’re working from the inside!

[@skiqsr]

The technical support you have and are receiving is awesome... a great project.

[@jw8848]

How exciting! Looks more and more like a boat every day. Been watching since the beginning and love to see how well it's coming together. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@bgdavenport]

I wanted to offer kudos for your musical score. It's always an interesting melody inserted at the appropriate time. It is never annoying or repetitive. Makes for excellent viewing pleasure. Thank you!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the kind words! Ben Fundis writes and records all of the music for the videos, and does all of the editing. He is a very talented (and busy) man.

[@gregmirr]

Gotta, appreciate how many great boat carpenters must have come out of the East coast boatyards . The attention to detail is amazing the mathematics and working all the angles ...from a tree to vessel truly talented i take my hat off to you !

[@kevinhall2266]

I truly enjoy watching, as your craftsmanship has grown since the beginning. It’s fascinating seeing all the pieces come together to form a beautiful shape. Cheers!

[@MrThebrownie72]

Good ol Billy new who you were listening too instantly ☺️ I love this week's episode well edited and while my hands haven't touched her my heart is in Arabella

[@dibbledibble5805]

I’m only part way through watching the episode, so apologies if it’s mentioned in the bit I’ve not seen yet, but it’s well worth considering mitreing/routing the 90° angles off the deckhead (ceiling) sides of the deck beams. It’s a lot less painful when you bang your head into it. And it’s definitely “when”, not “if”!

[@philipmasters7491]

Dibble Dibble I guess the comment “finish the beams later” will allow for taking the corners off, could of course be done much later with a Router after taking a ‘chunk’ out of you head!!!!

[@charlesmoore456]

She's really starting to take shape. I can't wait to see the shelf get secured.

[@direbearcoat7551]

In this episode, Steve sings.... Stick to boat-building, Steve. LOL In other news... This was again another very educational episode. It's quite a contrast to how it was for awhile, when you needed a crew for when you were steaming and bending frames. Now, Steve is pretty much building the boat by himself. When he was riveting the planks to the frames, it was a two man job, but here, Steve is using a channel Iron to keep the rivet from slipping out. This stuff might seem obvious to you carpenters and fabricators, but to a work from a computer guy, like me, this is just absolutely fascinating. It gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like in the pioneering days, when people did everything by hand.

[@cf6282]

The intro of what we are about to see was well done. It explained the term used clearly. And also explained the location of the deck preamps. A very nice touch!

[@christophercalvin191]

I really like the sound of that notched scarf going together at 15:39. Nice work!

[@sueandclivefarrar5488]

Have really enjoyed catching up on 4 years work over a couple of weeks, well impressed with your work. I also like that Thad continues to use the green Lee Valley pencils that I used to make. The wood for that has had some journey. Tree's from Stockten California, to China for milling to slats, to the UK to be made into pencils and back to the USA for use on your boat! Kept up the good work. Clive in Cumbria

[@joebrown1382]

Love watching everything fit together just as you made them. I bet you do as well.

[@WilliamHunterII]

Steve -- Those bolts sticking up in the bottom of the boat caught my eye. As a physician, my father saw many puncture wounds. As his child, I used to assist him in surgery. Such wounds can be nasty. You can't just stitch them up. If you can't cut those bolts off right now, a wooden block fitted over them would go a long way towards preventing the possibility of such a wound. Just saying.

[@boothbytcd6011]

It's all going to get cut off and dressed.

[@raybame5816]

@@boothbytcd6011 I think he means put a scrap block on now as there is a lot of this deck beam work to do yet. Just sayin

[@alexnelson8]

It’s not fun if it’s not a little dangerous.

[@WilliamHunterII]

@@alexnelson8 lol ikr Still, if you'd seen some of the puncture wounds I've seen . . .

[@alexnelson8]

William Hunter they look like good foot holds too, but I sure don't want anyone to get impaled.

[@SeanBlader]

The music that played around 13:00 was cool. And now you really get a feel for the interior space, it's so tiny.

[@rick91443]

Had "beach duty,"(driving wife to the beach an hour away; can't live without it being from the south of France,) home and enjoying a glass of wine. Only an hour or so drive from our farm but after so many years in the sticks, I HATE DRIVING anywhere over 15 kms. Can't believe I was raised in the Bay Area a zillion years ago...Great watching, Bordeaux is good....cheers...rr Normandy, France

[@jimfisher8990]

This boat is looking more beautiful week after week. Great work Steve and Co.

[@tebv4144]

I've been following this for a year now, your hard work will pay off. Can't wait to see her finished! Beautiful work and stay safe

[@josephzawodny]

I never get tired watching you build this boat. Brings back a lot of memories when i was a kid and worked with my dad building boats. Of course, we had a "crew" of about 15 men who worked on one boat. You are doing a splendid job.. My hat is off to you.

[@teebear3036]

So awesome to see Alix on Joe Rogan! Congratulations captain Kreder!

[@johnjones4825]

I've been chased all over the house again today, washing dishes, driving the vacuum cleaner, making a snack. Now Madam can leave me in peace for my weekly dose of Arabella. Aaaah, bliss!

[@petert3355]

Ah John.... the Toll we pay eh?

[@csnelling4]

Thanks for the video Stephen 👏👏👏👏👍🇬🇧

[@mgmcd1]

Stunning good work as always.

[@gems34]

Amazing preparation and a fantastic result, she is coming along splendidly. Well done!

[@freshlysquosen]

Thad is the boat whisperer.

[@pcahill10]

It always amazes me the amount of work you get done in a week. Great job, great videos!

[@thomasarussellsr]

May not seem like much to some viewers, but that was quite a bit done in this episode. Great job Steve. Goid to see your friend back along for a bit more of the ride. (Sorry, I'm horrible with names, no offense sir. You rock).

[@marklyles259]

Recieved the mahogany pen for use as a birthday gift. Beautiful item and love the channel.

[@CanadianNative1]

I love how the boat house has grown so much since the beginning haha..also that giant thicknesser is a huge addition to the toolbox

[@jefflovejoy2997]

I have thoroughly enjoyed these videos. Thank you. Our place on one of the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York looked like a marina. During the off-season there were always boat projects to take care of. My Dad and I built a sailing dingy from plans he bought when he was a teenager. We had a 1947 28-foot Johnson built "E"-Skow that spent the winter in our neighbor's over-size, large garage, having 30-ribs ribs replaced. All had to be steamed, with new planking added. A lot of polishing of bright work, lots and lots of varnish.

[@lakebummer]

Acorn nuts used. How befitting!

[@33blackbull]

Awesome job👍👍👍

[@davidcook4823]

I really like how this video was edited this time.

[@Deftonesdsm]

Ben would appreciate that. I think its cause Steve is finally getting camera placement down. Itll prolly be a relief for him when Alix returns

[@tommagnum2530]

Now I can see why it's easier to build multiple houses vs a single hand built boat. The margin for error can be very high with house const but not with wood yachts. So impressive. - A friend in I-d'a-ho

[@J.Smith-rc6wh]

good on you for voting got to be in it to win it

[@ew4395]

Another great episode. I like the path you have returned to. Doing the work with the occasional helper. I think you can build it better and faster yourself with some help from people like Thad and Bob ect. as apposed to being a manager of a team of people. I know for me I have a vision of how I want things done ,communicating that to others can be difficult. And like you said you are building this boat because YOU want to build a boat.

[@Tomhohenadel]

Oh but I wish I lived closer and the world had not heard of COVID-19. That would be a fun project to be involved with. Wonderful job Stephen, God bless you guys

[@matthewotto8322]

Billy Joel, nice 👌

[@K.E.L-117]

Nice calm video this week thanks fellas. Big progress too and featuring Thad the Literal Wizard.

[@davidd3377]

This is amazing work and a lot of work for a boat that will only be worth anything to the builder and sailor.

[@UKPete]

Keep up the good work she's looking great!

[@davidc6510]

Awesome progress. I am really enjoying this stage of the build. Great job Stephen and Ben.

[@Rsama60]

Looks more and more like a boat. Can‘t wait fo see her finished. But wait then my favorite boat building channel has no boat building anymore.

[@brian7908]

Just doing my part to help the algorithm. Boat is looking great.

[@wayphun72]

It is amazing how fast it seems you are moving along when compared to the progress you were achieving throughout the planking days, months, year!

[@marccheryl1382]

Thanks for reply, makes sense

[@randys1889]

Seriously amazing work. Cheers from Southern California USA ~

[@jublejones9983]

Beautiful boat build

[@stevewilliams587]

Thanks for moving cameras around.

[@MrJR86]

If you are working more than 30-45min making rivets consider getting anti vibration gloves! So you don’t get any long term damage from all that vibration.

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Part of me wonders how much faster this would go if two people were dedicated to it and part of me doesn’t. I find sailing boring but boat building awesome!! So the longer it takes to build her the better. Awesome content! Thank you so much for moving the cameras. I truly appreciate all your hard work Stephen. She’s really going to be a work of art.

[@longjohnsilver9814]

Boring? Sailing?🤣😂😆😁

[@briansaben5697]

Why does everyone assume that because Alex is not around that he isn’t dedicated? I remember this past winter Alex struggling with pneumonia but still working hard on the boat. Maybe the guy needed some time away to recharge his batteries. It him some slack. Have those that criticize his absence never taken a vacation?

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@briansaben5697 Indeed. I'm pretty sure this comment section was never intended as an opportunity for strangers who know practically nothing of the social context to instruct the boatbuilders on how to live their lives. Typically such commenters reveal nothing whatsoever about the boatbuilders, but quite a lot about themselves.

[@audreynelson1345]

Not about the speed and results and destination its about the journey the sooner they are done less videos for me!

[@tnsampson2]

Gotta love the wood to make it show well.

[@benjamineckerson5116]

killed it with the soundtrack this week

[@victor58010]

At 17.00 ,looks like a Terry Gilliam ship diving towards Earth ......cool

[@jimjenkins673]

Just perfect as usual. Wishing you had a partner to help things along, oh wait,....let me check those opening credits again....

[@mumblbeebee6546]

Is this a dig at Alix? He’s been working solidly for years, and is taking a break which Steven seems to be very happy with. Also, oly a few videos ago Steven was talking about how he cherished working on Arabella by himself occasionally.

[@briansaben5697]

Sad that a lot of people feel the need to criticize Alex’s absence. If it doesn’t bother Steve, why does it bother you?

[@paulandrews1548]

Steve got a tripod. Alix was redundant!👍❤️

[@agentstrickland]

Prodigious project! Prodigious effort!!

[@Gazgit555]

One of the best channel's on KZbin that I subscribe to. Keep up the great work

[@dejorgensen10]

This is such a riveting experience!

[@hanfordcreek5309]

Nicely produced!

[@tbutero8059]

Enjoyed the Billy Joel cover band in the beginning.

[@mikerenshaw7867]

Nice work Steve. Things are looking good! :)

[@thomasvandriel6599]

This video was rivetting!

[@airshipguys]

Love seeing the progress. The only thing that could have improved this video would have been an Akiva cameo.

[@theelephantintheroom8016]

Looking pretty darn spiffy!

[@brutusbarnabus8098]

Did you grow up in VT?

[@mikechristiansen2000]

Another interesting and engaging video. Really Great Editing.

[@genelomas332]

9pm alarm goes off, I start hitting refresh on this channel.. Took 4 minutes for YT to update this week.. :/

[@timlarcombe9096]

Excellent

[@c.a.mcdivitt9722]

Um- there might be some sense in taking the time to add a tensioner pulley to the belts on your blower. They really look like they're kind of loose around 3:16 As always, I love your content! :)

[@michaelvangundy226]

When working on multiple parts that require a repetitive task, group your work by the tooling used. Do all of one step then move to te next. Also try to move from one end to the last. Rough in one door and finish out the next.