Boat Building D.I.Y Boat. Will it FLOAT? Building Dragonfly E 44

I’m building a 53’ Flat Bottom Wooden River Boat, singlehanded. "Buy Me a Coffee" at www.buymeacoff... I maintain a 7 acre property with Maple, our new rescue dog. We have kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, galahs, cockatoos and much more. Occasionally we even see a pair of stunning wedge tail eagles that have been long time residents of the area. I am also a musician and write and record all the music for each video.

[@duaneayers6117]

Looks Great 👍. It reminds me of an updated Cadillac crab boat with all bells and whistles.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello. Well thanks, I like it too LOL I will check out those boats as I'm not familia with them. Thanks for taking an interest. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@fisheater844]

Great you have another dog in your life.❤

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks, I love your fish logo. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, much appreciated. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@jmkenny]

Wildly interesting build, can't wait!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks me either. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@jamesfreach1022]

Very cool, Steve. In the pool it looks like it's inside of a lock chamber.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Heck yes. I have been through may locks on the Murray in various boats. Always fun. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@michaelmello9510]

Great job

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks Michael, I am definitely making good progress I think. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@imakexyz4968]

I'm finally caught up with the videos. Love the project!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks for watching :)

[@blackbirdxx4613]

Model works great

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yes, I even surprised myself.

[@tomkellum6754]

Proof of concept! Very good,

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Many thanks.

[@petercurrell9344]

I built a 18 foot trailer sailer with large plastic sheets old doors and stakes floated it in garden.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Fantastic

[@wanro027]

Until now I wasn’t aware that 1 man could build this. I really thought you need a group of people and a medium size factory and workshop to get this kind of boat…I’m still amazed

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hahaha, thanks, maybe that's exactly what I need. There are times I could really use some extra hands. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@fahmiyusoff9154]

There is a man in Malaysia who makes large wooden vessels completely alone in less than a year... And his boat is not made out of plywood.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@fahmiyusoff9154 Hello, wow! that sound like he must be a very fast and skilled worker. Thanks for watching, Steve and Maple

[@CDPOutdoors]

G'day Steve. Found your channel a few days ago and started watching your boat build videos. All up to date now, really enjoying watching your boat build. I don't know if anyone has suggested it to you, but I have started doing it when I make my KZbin video's is when I am going to do close ups and zoom ins and outs, I film in 4k and save in 1080. It has made a difference in my video's. Looking forward to your next video. All the best Clive 🤠

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, thanks for that tip. When I get the time I will explore that option. I am a complete GoPro novice. Cheers, Steve and a restless Maple. She has puppy school tonight. :)

[@CDPOutdoors]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 she will love it. ❤️

[@Antipodean33]

It's just like a large Norwalk Island sharpie. Duck flat Wooden boats were building flat bottomed narrow river boats years back, this style of boat is far from unique and it is well proven design for well over a hundred years if not longer. So for the people wondering will it float or flip over no it won't, there 1000's of them around the world

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Ahhh yes, someone who knows their boats. Absolutely spot on. Thanks so much for highlighting that. I guess that is something that is common knowledge to people in the boat building world. Thanks again for watching, cheers, Steve and Maple

[@DusanTodorovicDukeBgd]

I'm glad that Maple turn out to be true mariner :) Thank you, good Sir, for accepting our questions with grace and as they are... genuine interest in matters, not attack on your decisions...😅 Now with new questions... how you plan to isolate vibrations from engines and generator? Will rubber holders or carpets enough, or you will need spring mounts etc... And what's yours thoughts about solar energy on boat....

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, I don't think vibration will be an issue, especially with some sound proofing and a double aft bulkhead with a cavity in-between them. Not going sola at this stage as I am utilising gas for fridge, oven and hot water, so I wont actually be using much electricity other than the air/con. That will run directly off a small generator. Thats the plan for now. The engines will be two F60 yamaha high thrust outboards which are really quiet and with minimal vibration. cheers, Steve and Maple

[@mboehm69]

Ever come past Renmark once she's in the water, would love to see it!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, yes indeed. We will definitely be coming up that way once she is done. We have been from Goolwa to Chowilla station in my last boat. Cant wait to hit the water again. cheers, Steve and Maple

[@MichaelGoudman]

Phew and maybe some fiberglass tap on the wooden walls where they join together (Floor too) no good just relying in epoxy joints..

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Definitely! I will be taping everything I can. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@Jack-ur3wv]

Hi Steve. Iv just started to watch, and follow your build. I find it quite facinating to say the least. As I am retired, I have a bit of time on me hands, so I have been binge watching your vids from the start, to catch up 😂😂. Cant help wondering how d hell are ya goin to get it outa d shed, so lookin forward to that. The bow thruster looks great. Lookin forward to the rest of your journey. Best of luck from Jack Doyle in Ireland

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Jack, I have someone coming to discuss moving her soon. I assume we will put axles and wheels under her to pull her out and then crane her onto the appropriate truck. We will either crane her into the water or take her to a marina with a travel lift. I am retired too, but I am a bit busy to say the least. hahah Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@jeffreylord8172]

the honey comb under the rear deck forward of the engine compartment , will you access and are they ventilated? your design looks like the boats built in Victoria, as flat bottom river boats.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, no, not ventilated, but completely water tight sealed compartments. I will be able to access the ones running down the centreline of the boat if required. Also there will be access at certain points down the centre for bilge pumps. The centre line compartments all drain as one. Can't imagine we will require bilge pumps, but I put them in anyway. Not sure which boats you mean. I am very familia with the Duck Flat boats built here in South Australia. Only about 30 mins from me. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@jeffreylord8172]

@steveshierdoesstuff7420 , yes I was thinking of Duckflat Boats, very similar , design.

[@Anne6621]

cool beans Steve !! , question , the ship you built 20 years ago , is she still around and how has the new owner looked after her

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Anne, current owner is the third I think. He is selling her as he has just completed a long 500 mile river trip which is what he bought the boat to do. He has looked after her well and spoke highly of the boats design and performance, other than the numerous wake boats that annoy all boats on the river. here is a link to the boat listed for sale. She was a different colour when I built her which I really liked. However, she still looks quite nice for a little flatty. I had to laugh because sshe still has the same porcelain tooth brush holder and some other nic nacs that my wife and I had in her some 20 years ago. LOL Nice to hear from you again, Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@Jack-ur3wv]

Iv caught up on all episodes, having binge viewed for three days, im facinated by the whole build, now I cant wait to see her reach the final stages and eventually the decorating, painting, launch etc. Perhaps you might even do a full video of the maiden voyage and her first cruise on the great Murray river. Best of luck. Regardss Jack from Ireland

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello Jack, yes I intend to continue making videos of the launch and also our trips along the Murray River. Can't wait. Cheers

[@talleyrand2739]

Did you say that you are putting a generator over 2 fuel tanks?? there will fumes from the fuel tanks ,plus a gene running over them ,you sure about that ,also some strong winds on the river and will dragonfly handle them side on ,as recall nothing under the boat or a drop keel ,glad the new pup is going great ,like you now have a replacement pup, said never again but needed a new mate to tell my woes to ,plus keep fit walking him,look forward to your reply re my point.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, thanks for watching. Yes, you heard correctly. However, what I should have made clear is that those stainless tanks will be enclosed in an air tight compartment. There will be an access panel above them, but that will be completely sealed, I may even lightly glass that into place just to be extra safe. The fuel inlet and tank venting will be well away from the generator area. You might have missed it, but in a much earlier video I showed how there are two swing keels, centre plates if you like, that are housed either side of the wheel house and can be lowered or lifted as the wind demands. Skating is absolutely an issue with a flat bottom boat and one I have to address as best I can. It is always a bit of a catch 22 weighing up shallow draft against stability and handling. I have also added a retractable bow thruster to assist when docking in tight marinas etc. I hope this makes some sense. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@MichaelGoudman]

It will flip over and sink LOL.. Did you fiber glass the hull..

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Haha, thanks for your vote of confidence. Not sure if you are serious or being funny. My last flat bottom boat has been in the water for over 20 years and has not flipped nor sunk. Thanks for watching, Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@blackbirdxx4613]

Steve I see you handle the stupid idiot remarks well.... Box.... Flip over😂😂😂

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

hahaha I do my best....

[@PeaceProfit]

Your going to need a bigger pool. 🤣🚤😂

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

LOL I'll get my shovel out again. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@lesliewatts7537]

think you make a bloody good boat builder but a crap video maker........................ too much chatter and not enough building.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

hahaha darn right. I would rather be building than chatting or videoing, but someone talked me into documenting my build, so I am. What can I say LOL Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Im starting at the beginning, i would also like to build my own boat but was concerned about getting insurance have you covered this already? Subscribed!!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Insurance can be tricky. But as a new build with outboard engines it is not too hard to get. Yes I have explored this area prior to starting the build and I have also a 30 year plus history of having many different boats with never making any claim. I also had a boat business for many years and have a long standing association with various insurance companies. The boat will have a 'Builders Plate' on it which is necessary here in South Australia.

[@erikverhoeven2853]

I’ve been bingwatching this whole series and now i have to wait for a next episode 😢🙃 Really amazing work Steve! Such a mammouth task but you are ploughing through it! Hats off

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks Erik, sometimes I wonder why I started such a big project, but most of the time I am still motivated to keep going. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. Steve and Maple

[@blumo0n032]

OMG I just binged all the episodes too! So good!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@blumo0n032 Wow! Well done LOL I hope to have another video up shortly. Thanks for watching, Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@lumlolllipop]

That slowed down clip made me think of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pprVkKCrid-Mg5o&ab_channel=Veritasium , where the navys small model simulation takes place for ships. I dont remember the exact factor footage needs to be slowed by depending on scale, but I imagine your example is quite representative of actual preformance!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks, that's a great video. I did actually make lots of waves etc but didn't film that. She did not sink LOL

[@arap1977]

Master boat builder! I am lucky enough to see the build in the real. You owe me a Corona....

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

I thought I left a couple of those in your fridge :)

[@BoatbuildingIndia]

Have a great video ❤ Best contact 🌹 love you my favorite channel

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, thank you very much. Steve and Maple :)

[@deserteagle7032]

This is amazing. You are an inspiration. Lot's of people are a bit negative. But , don't bother. You've fulfilled your dreams and goals. The boat looks awesome. Well done

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello and thanks for the support. Most people are positive and some of the negative comments are really just people asking some obvious questions. Although this is not a completely unique boat,, it is unusual, so I understand people being sceptical if they are not knowledgable in boat building. Anyway, great to hear from you and thanks for watching and leaving a 'positive' comment. Take care. Steve and Maple

[@davescheer5038]

🌴 the floating model kinda helped , it wasn’t loaded with all the internal weight, gas,water , and all but at least it will float, how are you going to seal the hull ? Fiberglass? 🤔

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello Dave, the bottom of the hull is already glassed and is ready for the glass on the sides to overlap along the chines. I will use two layers there as it is a potential rub area. Re weight, all tanks run along the centre line of the boat, including the fuel tanks. We have 500lts of fresh water centre line under front bed, 500 litres of black water tank only 600mm wide running the length of the wheelhouse, about 450 litres of fuel in 500 wide tnks under the aft deck. Gas bottles are also in the middle of the aft deck. So in short, a lot of weight running all along the centre and bottom of the hull acting as a lot of ballast when full etc. There is also the ability to add ballast under the floor from the wheelhouse to the back of the boat. Thanks for asking, cheers Dave. Steve and Maple

[@davescheer5038]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 , from what you told me it seems like you got things figured out , I don’t know how thick the fiberglass is on the bottom of your yacht but most of the boats I manufactured in the 40’ ft range were 3/8 “ inch unidirectional or better as they were backed up with foam core bonded down with resin putty and covered with ounce and a half chop strand and unidirectional fiberglass over the top they had six inch overlaps on all the corners for strength and wear , since you don’t have a keel running down the center I think the bow or front of the hull is going to be the wear area as it will take the most abuse , I’ll try and keep an eye on your progress would like to see how she sets in the water and runs, ( I’m going on 73 ) I’m working on a flats skiff project boat in the back yard here in 🌴 Florida😅 ha,

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@davescheer5038 hello again, well I am not far behind you at 67 LOL I have one heavy layer of biaxial glass with a slurry of epoxy and filler over that and then two coats of two pack epoxy below waterline paint. Not particularly heavy duty like yours but this is really just a waterproofing and protection layer. The bottom of the hull is three layers of 12mm (1/2") BS1008 marine ply. So total hull bottom thickness after laminating ends up at about 38mm (just over 1 & 1/2") And yes all laps were about 6". I also have 120mm x 27mm hardwood rubbing boards underneath. One along each side about 1/4 of the way in from the chine and one running in the centre from the front of the wheelhouse to the stem. These have 316 4 1/2" by 1/4" plates on the bottom of those adding some weight and rubbing protection. Love to see some of your work on the skiff, Cheers, Steve and Maple the boat building interupter! LOL

[@MichaelGoudman]

I mean fiber glass over the plywood hull..

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Gotcha. Yep, she will fully glassed. The bottom is already done ready for the sides to overlap. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@rozinant1237]

Why on earth would someone with the financial resources to have this shop, tools and materials, not spend a fraction of the money on drawings from a registered naval architect? Please don’t say, “He wants to do it his way”. Design professionals are quite happy to work with you on your vision.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hahaha, yes I hear you. However, perhaps I make a little too light of the 'design' factor. I have been building and restoring wooden boats for over 35 years and this construction method is well tried and proven over many, many years. She is basically a long Norwalk Island sharpie with a few interior twists. As for drawings etc., it is common place in the boat building fraternity to build from a scale model. This is exactly how I built my last 33' boat which has been in the water for over 20 years and is as good as the day she was launched. In fact she just passed a full marine survey with no issues noted. This vessel is the same tried and proven glass over ply epoxy and steel fastened construction. Despite my 35 years experience, I did run my design and construction method past one of South Australias leading senior government marine surveyors, who gave everything a full tick of approval. Thanks for your concerns and taking the time to leave a comment. Take care, Steve and Maple

[@BoatbuildingIndia]

Good work ❣️ Amazing very nice

[@keage53]

Steve, you are a good egg!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Cheers, I do like that comment. Let's hope I don't 'crack' under the pressure of building a boat. hahaha

[@danacoyle1826]

To me I guess anybody can build a box waterproof it and call it a boat

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yes indeed I'm sure they can. However, perhaps my 35 years experience of building and restoring wooden boats of all shapes and sizes might give me some advantage. Not to mention that the last water proof 33' flat bottom 'box' I built has been in the water for over 20 years and is as good as day she was launched. In fact she just passed a full survey with zero issued noted. LOL Thanks for watching. Steve and Maple