Arabella's Bronze Bumper - Episode 264 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

Handrails, also called grabrails, aren't just a convenient feature... they're one of the most important boat safety items aboard. They should be comfortable in the hand, easy to reach, and of course people also would like them to be aesthetically pleasing. They should be everywhere aboard, ready to grab in case of a sudden and unexpected motion, as happens from time to time in a quiet anchorage with passing boat traffic.
These handrails are one of the most anticipated boat parts in this DIY wooden boat so far (it covers the joint between the grub aka house sill and the cabin house) and so we hope you enjoy the covered bronze bolts and the more finished look of the interior.
Steve installs a large piece of custom bronze hardware to the boat, which covers almost the entirety of the stem.
We also bung all the fastener holes, get a little more work done on the companionway hatch, check in with Akiva, and get a little further on the traveler, which is an important part for the running rigging and sail trim.
To support Cindy's ride, donate here: profile.pmc.or...
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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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[@ledaohio]

It's like "professional widdling". It... Brings a tear to the eye. :D

[@reddogleader1968]

Machinist Joe has been a kingpin in this boat build. His skills and abilities are hard-earned and utterly impressive.

[@AcornToArabella]

We’re very grateful for him.

[@irwinhorn4046]

“That’s not stressful at all “ - best one liner of the whole journey ❤

[@AcornToArabella]

Hahahah

[@redneckhippiefreak]

That needs to go on a shirt.

[@irwinhorn4046]

@@redneckhippiefreak The next fundraiser

[@petert3355]

@@redneckhippiefreak The uniform for launch day maybe?

[@lenhornsey2175]

My goodness Arabella is looking all grown up. Can't wait to see those deck fittings installed. Does anyone realise that Steve was not a boat builder, hasn't sailed but can make decisions on the traveller position .... just incredible. Thanks to all for making my Friday a restful and enriched day.

[@420people]

I’m lucky. Late concrete pour this morning, sets me up for my weekly moment of clarity and relaxation with you guys bringing the goods. I can’t begin to thank each and every one of you. It’s been an incredible journey to date; and I can’t wait for the upcoming weeks. It’s looked like a boat for quite some time now… with all the affixations and seaworthy additions, it’s looking like it might actually float! All jokes aside. Thanks, Steve and Alix. I’d be doing a serious disservice to the origins of this channel without mentioning him and the early work he started. Steve. You already know why you’re at the top. Just an idea… yet… here we are. Incredible voyage and the boat hasn’t even touched a lick of the ocean. Thank you, Anne. Your voice is so motherly and I love it. Your presence in any video makes me smile. The videos previous of you singing and working; absolutely heavenly. Ultimate boat Mom. Thank you, KP. Seeing your first couple videos with the team, I loved how you tucked in nicely. Like that perfect hat you always wanted. Your knowledge is incredible. You brought so much to the table and we all hope to see you back soon! Ben, the addition of your voice and music has been awesome. Each week, I look forward to your calm voiceovers, it brings me a lot of joy to hear, “This week in the boathouse.” It’s like I’ve known you for years; and yet… Adin. Your attitude and smile behind and in front of the camera is appropriate considering where you are. That aside, I love to hear the positivity that your voice provides in the last couple months. You’re the ultimate teammate, with a ton of skills. Satchel. The electrical… where to begin…?!?!? Seriously. I get lost thinking of all the systems on board, so many different amperage’s and a plate of spaghetti for wiring. Incredible. Akiva. Any hound has my heart, He’s just a special breed. The early videos make me smile thinking about Akiva being at Steve’s side in the boathouse. Just the two of them grinding away. Finally. To EVERYONE that has been involved or associated in ANY way. I really appreciate the community that you’ve inspired despite me being thousands of km’s away. It’s as if you’re a bunch of friends that I haven’t seen in ages… just doing friend things. As and ending note. Having Aaron in the boathouse has provided MANY smiles along the way. Taking a young man under your wing and providing leadership, advice and knowledge. It’s beautiful to watch; I was once that boy. Thanks for everything guys. See you next week!!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear On The Tools Canada. 👍👌👏👏👏👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic. Very well done, very well indeed. Honestly: I would have loved to comment similar but fortunately you already did all the writing work (and maybe even better than I could've done). Of course I totally agree with each and everything you mentioned. Only one addition: I absolutely love the fact, that so much of Victoria's materials/devices are reused. Victoria is really nursing Arabella well and I bet that the former owner is proud to see all this happen. Thanks a lot for writing this Pulitzer worthy comment. Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@AcornToArabella]

Well, you’ve got me speechless and likewise thankful, friend. Your appreciation, expressed so thoughtfully, really makes our whole week. It’s a special community here because you’re in it, too. Thank you. -Anne

[@petergroves9343]

That is one masterful comment - Bravo 👏👏👏👏👏

[@adinbaird2076]

Appreciate the love friend :)

[@420people]

@@adinbaird2076 Your attitude and smile has brought happiness to loads of people, thank you!

[@rick91443]

Happy Friday from good old Normandy...cheers...richard

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Richard!

[@SootHead]

Another episode worthy of Emmy consideration. It's getting more real with each passing week!

[@AcornToArabella]

Aw thanks, Jim.

[@melshea2276]

Good Morning Granby and crew and Akiva!😊⛵️👍✌️

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@arizonarider6998]

I’m glad ol Steve finally got some good craftsman up in that shop . He was carrying the load for a hot minute there . Dude definitely deserves the help .

[@evanschwartz3030]

The Acorn to Arabella video series has been a invaluable learning experience for those of us who love watching wooden boat construction. Many viewers now have a much better appreciation of what it takes to built a wooden boat from start to finish. Needless to say it ain't easy! Hopefully Steve and his volunteer crew will meet the launch date - it will be close!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 I absolutely love that Arabella's new sole is partially made out of wood coming from the good old faithful soul Victoria. Victoria really nourished Arabella well. And although Arabella is kind of new, she now has/is also an old sole and soul! Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and especially health to all involved life forms (humans and dogs).

[@ryan_mcme]

Good morning, 'bella fam! Happy Friday! ☕

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Ryan! 🎉🏆🙌☕️

[@R.A.M_000]

I've seen a lot of things on this channel. Hardwork, perseverance, chainsaws in the following: trees, bows, sterns, lead (list is not exhaustive) but today, I saw actual f'ing magic, that curve cut through the saw was just amazing man!

[@kevinhall2266]

Ship Spa and Sauna! All the craftsmen’s pieces coming together shaping one beautiful boat. Amazing work crew!

[@muchmorecoffee]

I thought you might be minding the "soup" Anne. I can smell the linseed oil and pine tahh from here. Cheers, Toby

[@AcornToArabella]

Duuuuuude I love me some pine taaaah.

[@commonsense7754]

Morning from down under. Again! Getting so close to launch day I can almost smell it!

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@geraldallen4348]

I have watched acorn to Arabella and the tally-ho project from the beginning, the videos we're okay at the beginning they damn sure good enough to keep me interested... But now you guys are outstanding the quality it's very good.... thank you

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you so much for those kind words, Gerald!

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Beautiful Amazing Fantastic Workmanship Thanks for sharing

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching, Kevin!

[@josebembibre7298]

Master job with the band saw!

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@Kenneth_James]

I'm excited for you all. What a journey !?

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize

[@danpapuga]

Happy Friday morning everyone! You're doing great

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday!

[@NZobservatory]

It’s Acorn to Arabella Adventure Time! For realsies? For realsies!

[@AcornToArabella]

For reallllllsies!

[@StumpCreekSentinel]

Steve, that was some masterful skill making those beveled cuts with a sweeping radius. Beautiful work.

[@Zero.0ne.]

This project has every type of satisfying process to watch 💜

[@AcornToArabella]

Oh wow, thanks for that high praise, Elliott!

[@willbodine9544]

I love the old spade bit become flat head!

[@BenjaminGerrans]

I see Steve's embraced the Finnish art of Sauna!

[@BenjaminGerrans]

PS - I hope KP's getting better - they're missed!

[@hank5655]

Steve God Speed! It going to be so awesome to watch such a boat getting ready for her maiden Voyage

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize

[@russwabuda1556]

it came to my mind that very soon friday mornings will never be the same again. for years this has been a normal for me. it will be like leaving old friends. i still miss the old opening song. many best wishes.

[@AcornToArabella]

We’ll still be making videos and working on the boat.

[@ricke573]

Love the boat sauna, that should do the trick. Up until this week, I was coming to the launch party, but now I have family obligations for that weekend, and family comes first, always. I'll still be there in spirit.

[@AcornToArabella]

ah shoot!

[@fonhollohan2908]

Well, Steve if anything this boat has definitely developed your skills tremendously as a craftsman. So you didn't only end up with a boat in the end you ended up becoming a master shipwright. Those skills are worth their weight in Gold. Those handrails looks amazing! Can't wait to see them installed in the boat.

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

Good morning! Great content. Off to work for my second day at a boat yard!

[@AcornToArabella]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@Tomhohenadel]

Another Friday has arrived. It’s amazing the continuing transformation of Arabella and the endless list of sailing terminology that this landlubber woodworker is not familiar with. Beautiful video as usual. Thanks Ben.

[@AcornToArabella]

Glad you’re enjoying what we do, Tom!

[@JakobEngl]

Great Video !

[@benda18]

When I think of the start of the lockdown, I think of this project. Your project really helped me keep my sanity from the felling of that first tree to the laying down of the lead keel. So it was wonderful to be recommended a new video today - seeing that you're still well on your way and more-or-less making this happen. Thanks for the journey so far. Literally you may have saved a life. Well, figuratively

[@AcornToArabella]

We very much appreciate hearing stories like these. Thank you very much for sharing yours. Cheers! So glad you’re on the journey with us!

[@billlippincott3937]

Looking great!!

[@NZobservatory]

Thanks! I work out.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Bill!!

[@jeanhawken4482]

Looking so good

[@dickdegraaff5452]

Dear Anne, Steve and crew who’s building at Arabella, Willeke and I are every week enjoying your newest vlog and we both love to see how Arabella is growing to be launched. Personally I love the way of how all is made with a lot of craftsmanship. Long time ago that we’ve seen Anne working on the boat but we loved to see her in this vlog. We both wish you and your team lots of success with th rest of the finishing and send you you love from the Netherlands

[@AcornToArabella]

Hello Dick and Willeke! Happy Freedom Day, too! Thank you very much as always for your support and kind words, which I look forward to. Hoping you’re both enjoying spring, good health, and sunny weather. With love from Massachusetts from all the crew here! -Anne

[@MrMichaelcurran]

After viewing in anticipation of Arabella's splash day for all these years with thousands of others to it struck me how close you are. It brought back the last months of my father's build of his fishing troller 1961. Steve your amazing!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for sharing your dad’s memory!

[@h2energynow]

That is one beautiful boat. So many different kind of wood. If wood could talk the story Arabella would say would be a best seller. Go Go GO.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Sonya!

[@GrangerGangster]

Wonderful to catch Annie B in front of the camera again! Also can’t wait to see the progress of the hull swelling.

[@AcornToArabella]

😊👋hi! -Anne

[@unclespongehead]

I've been a follower for years, and this episode really moved me. I'm now a huge Scott fan. I've appreciated his joinery skills, but the handrails! I so want to touch them. Scott, "I mean, it looks like what we drew." Steve, "That's the idea, right?" Priceless! The accelerated pace of progress is amazing. Some serious project management going on here. Keep doing what you're doing because you know, the beatings will continue until moral improves.

[@gregmottram292]

Cool another ep to watch!!

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@cyclingbutterbean]

Necessity is the mother of ALL invention. Giant steam bag for the hull. Brilliant!

[@TwZlr.]

The running Joke with my wife every Friday morning since even before we got married is "Oh yeah, you're watching your boat get built again" 😅

[@AcornToArabella]

😁

[@kenthwangdotcom]

👏👏👏 . . . so close! (Mahalos for the Akiva visit 😉)

[@seancbrophy]

I just can’t even fathom that any other wooden boat ever built has had this much attention to detail, thought and consideration put into each and every facet of its construction. Such a beautiful creation nearing it’s final form.

[@AcornToArabella]

Oh no, they all do, even little ones. And some are quite amazing. My favorite work might be by an English builder named Ashley Butler. See more here: www.butlerboatyards.co.uk/mayflower-traditional-cruising-yachts -Anne

[@AcornToArabella]

And of course, thank you for your kind words! It’s a big world of wooden boat building out there, and not everyone can have cameras in their shops, but I wish some more could, for sure.

[@kevinmartin3859]

Workmanship on this boat is outstanding

[@johnjones4825]

Just a random comment... Having only ever built (very few) model aircraft from scratch (I'm a sometime woodworker as a hobby) I'm amazed at how it seems you guys have so little regard for weight! Every gram or ounce has to be watched with aircraft; you build for strength (by clever engineering by people more clever than what I am!) using devious means without adding weight... amazing to have followed for so long on this channel I. AM. IMPRESSED. and in awe.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks so much for being on the journey with us! Glad you’re watching. Since this isn’t a racing boat, and there’s a lot of internal ballast still to go in, it isn’t necessary at this time to be too picky about weight. In other words, we just won’t put in as much ballast later. We think about balance side to side and front to back, but gear is minimal to the close to 3k lbs that’s supposed to be added. -Anne

[@robordm]

Keep up the work guys!

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers!

[@randyclyde4939]

Like the steam, the anticipation is rising! The boat launch is on my personal calendar so I won't miss it! It's wonderful to see smiles and joyfulness among the shipwrights and visitors alike! Stay well, stay safe!

[@mikef.1000]

Well you can really feel the increasing level of excitement/ tension in the air that is getting mixed in with all that wood-expanding steam!! Awesome work, may Arabella last and sail for decades if not centuries to come! I salute you all.

[@james1787]

It's amazing watching Arabella come together. Looking great!!

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize

[@cbrusharmy]

That bandsaw teamwork was awesome to watch.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!

[@wiggly71]

You could sell tickets steve sauna with arabella ! ! loving the videos Steve keep up the amazing work...

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers!

[@billsrq1788]

Hello from Siesta Key Florida

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Bill!

[@Muffinrando]

She has her own Sauna,seems like a solid gift for how far she has come.

[@jw8848]

That kid has been very useful, and respectful it appears. :)

[@mcc19606]

Great to see Anne again.

[@AcornToArabella]

Aw thanks. 😊 -Anne

[@CorwynGC]

Slots tight. Aaron is upping his hat game.

[@bake162]

Nice to see so many craftsmen working on her

[@Mignogna82]

That guy putting in plugs has a safe hat. Good thing he keeps those safety glasses covering up his hat. 🤣

[@claudehopper9813]

Hats off to the team that are assisting Steve . The amount of labor that goes into a wooden boat is staggering . Arabella project has become a part of my life , I like the people and family involved , i like the great music score and mostly i admire Steve's talent and determination to push thru such a complexe and wonderful piece of wood & brass .

[@dolins9000]

Following you avidly! Watching your pal also constructing the tender. What great craftmanship and wonderful tender he is making. This fits in with the historic story of the vessels. However from experience I can assure you that when sailing and adventuring as you will be, the practicality of having an inflatable with an outboard will soon become obvious. As for safety and emergencies a inflatable dinghy can usually be handled by a single person in the case of injury. Please take one with you as well .Stay safe.

[@AcornToArabella]

I’ve rowed a deflatable. They’re common, but not necessary. Steve might have one someday but not just now. -Anne

[@brad9529]

It's getting exciting. It's very cool to see it coming together after so many years.

[@merldewitt1969]

Sometimes you guy's make me miss doing the little things like putting Bungs in and then capping them. That was one of my favorite things to do, because I knew the beauty of all that work was about to take front stage.

[@billspear7702]

When clocking screws, if it comes up tight back it out, drop it back in the box and grab another. Most will work fine the first try, but this is a lot easier than replacing a broken screw.

[@AcornToArabella]

👍

[@michaelwade9348]

Looking good, keep it up

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@philcamp8621]

I have watched since the pouring of the keel and can't wait till Arabella launch!

[@LoveToMix]

Love my morning coffee work Arabella😍 great work.

[@AcornToArabella]

Hooray! Happy Friday!

[@Ornthoron]

That big old bandsaw was a prescient acquisition. It has been instrumental to so many parts of the boat, and now also for precision work on the handrails. And it is beautiful to look at as well!

[@sdcofer52]

A bandsaw is pretty much a requirement for building a wooden boat. If I had to choose between a bandsaw and a table saw, for building a boat, I'd go with the bandsaw.

[@WTFIsThisGuyDoing233]

Some master craft woodworking

[@juliancrooks3031]

You built a sauna for Arabella, 😎😎😎😎 so cool

[@AcornToArabella]

😁

[@jayburrough4308]

She's just a beautiful work of art great job everyone it's really coming together

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@ToddSonneborn]

Great episode!

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize

[@johnnunn8688]

She gets more beautiful, day by day. 🤗

[@mcc19606]

Ben, your work is amazing, editing, voice-overs, music etc. When this project is over (sad I'm thinking this) I hope you move onto another project (Rosealind?) so that we can continue to follow your work. Mike 🇦🇺

[@Pastora42]

Thanks Mike! And I have no other career plans at the moment. You’d have to pry this gig from my cold dead hands!

[@AcornToArabella]

Aw and thanks for thinking of Rosalind! 😊-Anne

[@danweyant4909]

"Thrilled?" - Remember, " Fear is excitement without the breath." (Zen teaching) Just remember to breathe and you're good. You got this.

[@badcat4707]

Good afternoon Akiva 🐺 and Crew , had to leave early this morning just when you guys were up-loading 😿 but now I get to watch and have a really late lunch 😸😺

[@vin65old]

Hmmmmmm it's Friday and time to relax watching Steve and the team after work :)

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌🎉 enjoy! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelgillespie6526]

Happy Friday to the A2A crew and all worldwide viewers from Victoria BC. Loved this episode! Thank you for sharing!

[@josebembibre7298]

Excited to see how is solved the fairing around the propeller¡

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize

[@yabojabo8578]

Beautiful ram... err ah... bumper.

[@Oldgoat912]

Everything is coming along nicely. Steve, you have come a long way since your days of playing Paul Bunyen with a Subaru. Your tenacity and resourcefulness are amazing. I have enjoyed every step. I do have a question. Since Scott is now dealing with Arabella's sole, can we infer that he is now her chaplain?

[@schwabrichard9829]

The hull look great with the bung`s shaved off ready for a steam!

[@francisdavey2386]

Well done Cindy and all of you.The boat looks great. Francis from Wimbledon

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers, Francis!

[@milt7348]

Stay safe and we'll see you next week.

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers!

[@David-de3ed]

Way to go Cindy, cancer is a terrible thing. My wife is a survivor and my son in law has been through it twice. Think God both are doing well now.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for sharing your story, and best wishes for continued good health for your family. 💌

[@cindyfuhs2084]

Thanks David. Cancer is a terrible thing. So happy for you that your wife and son have survived it and are living their lives! It's why I keep riding . . . in the hopes that it will help folks like you.

[@tracyb1577]

I find it strange how seeing a boat taking a sauna can bring me such a tranquil joy.

[@AcornToArabella]

😁

[@jamesbeaman5944]

Another excellent video.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks, James!

[@andersodman296]

Steve, I guess your middle name is "MacGyver"! The solution with the plastic and steam is a winner! 😃

[@markwaters8907]

Good morning from tasmania Australia, looking good

[@markwaters8907]

Hi guys, I got a reply from you? Asking me to contact you via telegram app I'm not sure weather it's a scam or not.

[@williamwoolcock]

Reminiscence: When I was in Jr. High my Dad built a 34 ft. double-planked cruiser in our side yard. My grandpa put in the mahogany bungs in the port side of the boat. All cross grained. The bungs had to be drilled out and replaced with bungs that followed the grain, what a mess! Nice to see you do this the old-fashioned way. I trust you will coat the whole thing with epoxy. Dad- pre-epoxy, slathered everything with Cuprinol to preserve the White Oak and Mahogany. He subsequently met the Gudgeon brothers in Bay City and was a West Systems fan ever since.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for sharing your memories! It’s not the old fashioned way, but simply the way. It works. 👍

[@mattsmith9216]

Looking good guys!

[@AcornToArabella.]

Thanks for watching and showing love ❤ Congratulations you won a prize!!send me a text with the username above to acknowledge your prize

[@ryanhagler9410]

I love the custom flat head screwdriver 😂

[@yesjohnny01]

Looks like Dead Eye laundry day.

[@danielguilbeau5403]

Toujours très beau boulot 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@edovelthuis]

Great progress video!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!

[@TotalBoat]

Not much longer now!!! Amazing work by all 💪💪

[@larsjohansen9274]

Thumbs up before I have seen the video. 👍🏻

[@AcornToArabella]

😁