Boat Building I'm being watched E 52

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 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.

[@roblescurbappealconcrete]

WOW! Steve, you never cease to amaze me. The progress is amazing. It goes to show that building anything and trying to record the process takes a lot of time. It just amazes me, when you do upload a video, everything you have done. Thanks so much for the videos and the awesome music, I really do enjoy it. Keep up the great work, my friend. Joe 👍

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thank you thank you thank you :)

[@brucevogel2693]

Its all about Boat Building and the camera angles are appreciated but not what I tune in for. Great progress and explanations on the direction you're taking. All the best and well done.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks Bruce. I only decided to film this as a bit of a keepsake and something to look back on in years to come. Then I thought I would put it up on youtube just for a bit of fun. I never thought so many people would take an interest. Cheers.

[@brucevogel2693]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 Really one of the best episodes I've had the privilege to watch on the internet. Enjoyable and educational all in one.

[@blackbirdxx4613]

Good stuff Steve I missed your videos

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yep, it's been toooooo long, but I just got bogged down with the building. Cheers.

[@ahmetaso]

Great work. Very inspiring

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, thank you very much. I am getting somewhere now I think. It is the small things that seem to take the most time. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@gregvanderboom5011]

Hi, first time watching. I haven't done anything research on your boat design, but my first thought was the Phil Bolger design Wyoming. Thank you for the video.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello and welcome. Yes quite a large influence from Phil Bolger's designs. In face his designs probably got me interested in the building process over 30 years ago. The design is completely my own, but influenced by lot's of boats of course. This is much heavier construction than the Bolger designs, but also includes a lot more creature comforts, which add weight of course. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Cheers Steve and Maple

[@kennethjunkert2990]

The one man one camera show is brilliant. I particularly enjoyed pictures of your past boat project.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks Kenneth, I am definitely a one man band on this project. Amazing what you can do when you have to. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, much appreciated. Take care, steve

[@dennix01]

What a great project. And what a beautiful boat that will be. Too bad I am on the other side of the world otherwise I would have asked for a visit 😊

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thank you, and you would be welcome to visit. Where are you? I seem to have people watching from everywhere. It really never ceases to amaze me. Anyway, thanks for watching and take care. Steve and Maple

[@dennix01]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 Thank you for your reply. I'm from the Netherlands.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@dennix01 I have quite a few watchers from there.

[@erikverhoeven2853]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 i’m one of them 👍🏻. And an extra question from me; the outside hull you are going to fiberglass and epoxy i presume? That’s gonna be a hell of a job 🫣💪🏼

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@erikverhoeven2853 Yes Erik, all will be glassed. Not that difficult, just time consuming and messy. Preparation is the key as always. The bottom is already glassed with a heavy glass, but the rest of the boat will just have a light weight glass to protect the timber surface. Thanks for 'watching me' LOL

[@brucerazor5202]

I am so impressed with what you’ve accomplished, you guys never get enough appreciation. Blessings

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hey, thanks Bruce. You are too kind. Have a great week and thanks for watching. Steve and Maple

[@martinbarker5045]

Brill filming Steve. I can hear and see you all the way over in England, no problem.👍

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Really? All the way over there? The pigeons must get tired flying all that way with the little film roll attached. technology, amazing. LOL

[@stevenvail6277]

The project is moving along quite well.... keep it up mate

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Howdy Steven. Yep, she is getting there. I am starting to get quietly excited. Still a long way to go, but the end is in sight. Cheers, Steve

[@trinescape]

looking good !

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks. I do feel like she is turning in to a real boat now LOL

[@brucerazor5202]

I live in Washington state in the US, we are truly happy when we’re working on projects

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Indeed we are Bruce. Thanks againg for your interest. It helps to keep me going.

[@nicholas1968-f7v]

looking forward to next update from SA

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

I'm working on it. Not long to go :)

[@blackbirdxx4613]

Yes Steve we appreciate your efforts 😂

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

hahaha thanks blackbird.

[@johnnyslap1009]

I would have never known you were not a professional camera person. I thought you had 20 guys behind you. like in a studio somewhere, lol You are doing great we just love watching your dream slowly come true

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks Johnny, 20 people hey? Imagine how fast the build would be. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Steve and Maple

[@jetson328]

Great job Steve all the best

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, thanks for following along. All these comments really keep me motivated. Except today. Just a bit too cold to get my bones into the shed. So warm in the house LOL Take care, cheers, steve and Maple

[@zackfortiscuejr2407]

Watching from Texas, dragonfly beautiful boat 👍

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Zack, Texas hey? I've been to Nashville but not quite Texas. One day maybe. Thanks for watching. Take care, Steve and Maple

[@zackfortiscuejr2407]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 I would love to visit Australia ... Maybe someday , just love watching how dragonfly coming along... My dad past on in 2005 but he was 85 he was captain of a shrimp 🦐 boat... his life was mostly working on shrimp boat's for 40 year's ...I was his adopted son, he was Cherokee American, my step mom was Mexican, I was told by one of my half brother's that I'm part Australian on my biological mother's side , and is part of why I totally love Australian accent and lots of video's that are about stuff from Australia channel's I'm a survivor of cancer 🙏😊 I'm planning on going back to work as trukdriveing after my remission complete 4 more month's to go... I,ll keep tuning in The boat building channel 👍.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@zackfortiscuejr2407 Wow Zack, what a great mix of cultures you come from, wonderful. And how interesting that your dad was a boat captain. I bet he had some stories about the fishing days at sea. I better try and get this boat finished before you go back to work hey? Take care during your recovery and I wish you all the best health for the future. I have experienced cancer in my family and we got through it too. Good times for you ahead Zack, take care. Steve

[@whatscoldoing5627]

If you are concerned about the mic battery going flat, get a small, slim power bank in your pocket and run a short cable to the charge socket on the mic. Same for a camera when mobile filming.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello and thanks for such a great suggestion. It seems so obvious now, but I just didn't think of that. I do have the gopro plugged in to the power sometimes when doing a really long shoot, but didn't think of plugging the mics into a power pack. Thanks again. Take care and have a great week. Steve and Maple

[@bruceyoung1343]

She’s really coming along. Taking shape. I finally “cought up”. LOL

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yippee lol

[@05stones]

Many thanks to share your channel. By this way, we learned your project. How long time do you need before the launch?

[@americanrambler4972]

Now that the form of the boat is complete, it’s good to see her final form taking shape. The real thing is looking better than the model. Her lines are looking quite good. The shape of the stern is beginning to look quite boaty and yachty. She is quite a big one overall. I am still having esthetic issues with the bow shape and don’t remember why you chose to not have a graceful flare at the front but transition to perpendicular sides at the bow. It will be interesting to see how you do the venting for the fuel tank and gas bottle areas. Right now I am wondering how your going to an avoid the big KaBoomba of accumulated flammable gas concentrations. Plus I am interested in seeing how the venting of the outboard exhaust gas is going to wok out and avoid being drawn into the aft cockpit and living areas.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello and thanks for taking an interest. Great questions. Re the flare or lack there of. It really comes down to just how long I am prepared to spend building this boat. The flared bow would be lovely, but I also want to enjoy this boat on the river. (before I die of old age) It really was just a choice of time verses reward. Re the fumes being drawn into the aft area. The last boat I built had even less aft deck area and the same outboard set up. We had zero issues, so I am confident there will not be any problems with that. The aft deck is just over 1200mm (4 feet) from the aft cockpit to the transom, so the engines are actually quite a long way back. Now to the fun part, the Kaboom LOL. I am particularly careful in this area and as such have been looking seriously at this. I have a couple of options. One is venting the gas bottles out of the side of the boat (was always the intension) Completely away from any ignition source. Or.... I am also considering mounting the bottles on the roof just where the roof rises up to meet the aft cockpit roof. I have decided to mount the generator at the back of the wheelhouse roof where the current cut out is. The roof will be enlarged to cover this area on both sides of the wheel house and the sides will be enclosed with louvered venting. Not my preferred position, but safest. The other side (starboard rear corner) of the wheelhouse will house the air/con. Yet to be confirmed but this is most likely scenario. Mounting things on the roof even if hidden add weight which will be countered by appropriate ballast, if required. Thanks again for watching, cheers, Steve and Maple

[@larryg.4398]

👀 I am watching😎

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

I knew someone was LOL Cheers.

[@kevinlytle6215]

I may have missed it but wondered if you would use some of the void space on the side and aft decks for lockers for lines small fenders and hoses etc?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Kevin. Hmmmmmm... yes I have thought about that and I am still considering it. The locker space would be great, but it means we would have hatches etc along the catwalk and I am trying to keep that as smooth and trip free as possible. Also, there will be cables and pipes running through those areas, so not as much space as you can see now. Thanks for the great suggestion. Cheers, steve and Maple

[@helenagreen4170]

How did I miss this vid?? 🤔 😬👍

[@Poppy_love59]

What will you be using for your transom where the motors will mount ?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Poppy. The engines hang (mount) directly onto the mounts inside the transom. They are hidden under the aft deck. The only thing on the outside of the transom will be a swim platform and a drop down swing bar to protect the props if and when I reverse up to a river bank. Cheers, have a great week. Steve and Maple

[@willsanders661]

did you ever launch the boat?? where is the video of it???

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Not yet, the latest video 'I'm being watched' was only filmed last week. Thanks for watching, Steve

[@southernwulf3335]

What's your propulsion you plan on using, outboard or in board?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, Twin 60hp Yamaha 4 stroke high thrust outboard hidden under the aft deck. I deal for shallow areas, and when it is a stinking hot day there is no engine heat inside the boat. Cheers, Steve and Maple (the chewing digging 10 month old pup)

[@erikverhoeven2853]

Hi Steve, what is the name of the rubber insulation that you use?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Erik, I just checked and the product does not have a name or brand on it. It was just through ebay and advertised as heat and sound rubber insulation suitable for various applications.

[@erikverhoeven2853]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 ah ok, nevermind i was just curious. I’ve used something similar myself in my boat hence the interest 👍🏻

[@loxbex]

W.E. D.O. A.P.P.R.E.C.I.A.T.E. I.T. 17:56

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

hahaha T.H.A.N.K. Y.O.U. I appreciate you taking an interest and leaving a comment too. Cheers. steve and Maple

[@Dionysius.D.LVersteegh-gv5ic]

Well is that not the idea

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yes, but not from the alien on the wall. Well, the lights that I put up there anyway LOL

[@Waveluth]

Are you planning on filling the outside walls with foam as well? I haven’t seen all your videos yet so that question might be already asked and answered. Here in the USA, it’s very RARE to find propane gas on a boat. It’s very dangerous and can easily end your dreams in a second. After having an onboard fire from a faulty gas bottle, a spark from something set it off and it burned to the waterline 6.5 miles offshore. PLEASE reconsider that choice. Solar along with a Generator ( diesel is best) will supply all your power needs. Also just a thought. If she were my flat bottomed boat it would be all ELECTRIC. NO OUTBOARD NOISE, no fuel bills , no worries about propane fires. Use the very same design for your outboards and place sealed electric motors hooked up to your power supplied by a small generator and stored in a battery bank of lithium ion batteries. It will take 4 /200amp hour batteries. The solar will top off your power at rest or on the go and the generator will kick on automatically when power depletes. The system is capable of going faster than the outboards could ever go and they are essentially MAINTENANCE FREE for life. It’s a River boat with a Flat bottom. Your not going to push 53’ faster than @8.5 knots with those outboards anyway. Think about it, it will cost LESS than your current plan and it will never let you down. It’s such a beautiful boat I just love it. You’ve done a wonderful job so far. One last thought… When you epoxy and cover the hull with the final coats, USE a fabric called Dinel. It’s super cheap 50% the cost of fiberglass mats. Dinel starts to melt when saturated with epoxy. ( I use West System) The reaction made dries to a super hard surface than is bulletproof from rocks or coral banks. You can hit the hull with a claw hammer and still not rip this fabric. It just takes the shape of whatever the damage is. Great stuff I’m telling you. The boat is now almost 40 years old and has never had a single leak nor has there ever been a single crack in the finish. All boats should use it but sadly they don’t. Anyway your doing great. Much luck!! Peace✌️🇺🇸

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello and welcome aboard. Thanks for your detailed questions, suggestions and concerns. I will do my best to address them. Ok, LPG gas or propane as you folks call it is very common on boats here as it is in England. In fact nearly all of the canal boats and narrow boats are equipped with it. Most houseboats also have LPG here. I really do respect your concerns here. However, here we have very strict rules and regulations re install and storage, gas leak detection etc. For example, gas bottles must be in their own compartment with appropriate ventilation that is away from any ignition source. In my case, the bottles will be under the aft deck in their own sealed locker (only big enough to hold two bottles) and will be vented from the base of the compartment out through the side of the boat. Of course we will have gas leak detection and the mandatory safety shut off valves where required. I also like nice long showers, as do most of the friends we travel with. With a gas HWS and using filtered river water, this is a luxury only available with a continuous gas HWS. We also cook a lot not just with stove top, but oven baking etc. Re electric: After much research I decided not to go electric for the following reasons. Here in Australia, an electric outboard equivalent to the Yamaha F60 high thrust outboard is close to double the price. Then we have to add the cost of solar panels, battery storage set up etc.This makes the setup, even when factoring in the cost of custom fuel tanks, more than double the cost of petrol outboards. Don't get m wrong, I love electric and I love diesel, but the choices above meet my requirements and budget. Now, as for the Dynel cloth. I am very familiar with this. I used it on the superstructure surface of the last boat that I built over 20 years ago and it has had zero issues. However, there are pros and cons with Dynel. For example, here, once again, Dynel is way more expensive than cloth. It also only comes in about 900mm wide rolls, less than one yard for you guys LOL. I can get the 200 gsm cloth in 1400mm wide. Just under 1.5 yards which saves a ton of work. The bottom of this boat is already covered with a layer of 600gsm double bias fibreglass which wraps around to the top of the chine ready for the glass on the sides to overlap it. Above the waterline will be wrapped with one layer of 200 gsm cloth purely as a protective layer to the plywood. Then it will be painted with epoxy high build and then a couple of epoxy top coats. This is how I finished my last boat which as I said, has been in the water for over 20 tears with no issues. No leaks, no rot, no cracks in the paint etc. As you know I'mm sure, everything on a boat is a compromise of some sort. The hull, the layout, the power, COST lol, and it goes on. So nothing is going to please everyone or do everything well. But this design is to travel the calm fresh waters of the Murray River here with really good control, (hence twin engines) shallow draft (there are many sandbars to navigate with miles of river where the channel is 2 to 3 feet deep), the ability to moor bow or stern in to the river bank, and to do all of this with as many of the creature comforts that we can. (I am old as are many of my friends) lol So my friend, we could debate these issues until the cows come home, but I have made my choice. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to communicate so thoughtfully. Take care, cheers from Steve and the currently very mischievous Miss Maple.