Boat Building Let it rain Building Dragonfly E 50

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.

[@erikverhoeven2853]

Congratulations on the 50th 🎉 as always it’s a pleasure to watch!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hey, thanks Erik. Glad you enjoyed it. Take care. Steve and Maple

[@gioeljack]

I just discovered this channel and I could already see that it is a determined man. I'm going to watch your other videos, to better understand the complexity of this type of construction, because I'm thinking of building my own boat precisely in naval plywood. I'm Brazilian and I'm on the 'other side of the world' but, dreams have no borders! I liked the style of your music, I'll try to translate it to know what the lyrics say. Strength to you!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, thank you for watching all the way from Brazil. Take care, Steve and Maple

[@artregeous]

How wonderful to see great achievement of a humble man

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

hanks, not sure about humble, maybe stubborn might be more accurate. LOL Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@blumo0n032]

50th episode and nearly 3k subscribers; not shabby Steve. Dragonfly is coming along great!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yep, can't believe I have managed 50 videos. Time flys when you're building a boat. LOL Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@ehofman7636]

She gets a nice look with the plates on the outside 👌👌

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks as always for your support. Steve and Maple

[@warlockborn1031]

"I'm at the bottom of the ocean I I'm at the bottom of the sea" Not a good choice for building a boat! LOL! Love the build!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Haha! Yes indeed. And for some strange reason I tend to have quite a lot of songs with lyrics about water related disasters. Thanks for watching. Stay dry LOL Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@Shady-Shane]

now I've just got the 'Edmund fitzgerald' song stuck in my head lol.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@Shady-Shane Yes, Gordon Lightfoot sang some great songs. Thanks for watching. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@jmlitts]

Steve, it’s really looking amazing! I’ve watched every one. Massive (literally 😂) inspiration for my kids’ and my little 20’ houseboat project! We’re trying out a channel of our own progress as well. Thanks for being awesome!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello and thank you. I would love to see your build. Send me a link or some pics, cheers, Steve and Maple

[@jmlitts]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 kzbin.info/aero/PLecsi5gcprEGfGX5jFP7eOc8_AeKTC-Ik&si=pc4Wbg3BUys6nUp4

[@joaobatistalemos1980]

Rapaz, que trabalho maravilhoso é a construção de seu barco. Parabéns pelo belíssimo projeto e que DEUS te abençoe.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thank you and welcome board. Take care, Steve and Maple

[@Poppy_love59]

Where has this channel been all my life ?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hahaha thanks again Poppy

[@fredetrickdard9455]

Whaaaaaat ?? In france we say people a bit nut out of this world are "cracked". We also say: "happy the cracked one because he lets the light pass" You are completely cracked...😀

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yes, thank you. But I hope the boat is not cracked LOL

[@keage53]

Congrats big time!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks, I think she is really taking shape now. Can't wait to get het wet. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@nicholas1968-f7v]

Hello Steve, how are you this beautiful day, we love watching your boat building and are also learning so much. Your music keeps me whistling during the day! We look forward to the day Dragonfly is launched, all the best, Nicholas and Susan Byers from South Africa

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Nicholas and Susan, thanks for your lovely comment and for following along with this crazy build process. I have had enough in the shed today. Just suddenly decided at 1pm it was time to head inside. Sometimes I just have to have a break. Anyway, seeing your comment has made the break worth while. Hopefully back into it tomorrow. Cheers from South Australia

[@nicholas1968-f7v]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 Great to hear - glad to be part of your journey, when you are in Africa - give us a shout :)

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@nicholas1968-f7v Indeed I will. And like wise, chase me up if you get to South Australia.

[@begoodjohnny62]

Great progress Steve, love all timber and glass building. Would you consider closed cell foam to beaf up those double skin side cavaties. It would add resilence but many are against it's use these days as it doesn't add bouyancy and that's a cost worth considering. JCB

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yes I have been considering that. Definitely pros and cons there. I am still thinking on it. Thanks for your interest and support. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@markpalmer5311]

Great work Steve!! Jealous of your weather here in Texas!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks Mark. Your weather in Texas looks pretty nice right now. Send some over here please LOL Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@roblescurbappealconcrete]

I’m just lost for words, Steve. She looks amazing! The view of the port side from up high brings it into scope. You have done fine work. Hanging those sheets of plywood by yourself is very difficult, but when one works by himself you find a way to make it work. Oh, I won’t forget the big help Helina was. I was wondering if she’s wore her sunglasses to hide from your viewers, 😆 JK. Enjoyed the video, Steve. Thank you.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks so much. Yes she is really starting to look like a boat now. Re Helena's glasses. I could make all sorts of jokes, but the real reason is that she had an eye injury about a year ago and she is extra careful about protecting her eyes from dust etc while in the shed. Hey eye is all good now, but still quite sensitive to dust etc. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@jeffreylord8172]

A heat box with a 40watt incandescent bulb and the resin will, be easier to use .

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello Jeffrey, thanks for your suggestion. I am familiar with the light box set up and have use them in the past. To be honest I really don't know why I didn't set one up this time. The only thing I can think of is that I started this project when the weather was warm and I think winter just crept up on me. As we still have a couple of cold months ahead I think I will make on. In fact I still have the lead and cage light with the bulb in it from the light box I used building my 31 footer over 20 years ago. LOL I hope the bulb is still good LOL

[@user-ob1xw9kf5l]

Australia in mot really the weather expected 😊😊

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

I love our seasons here is South Australia. We have long dry hot summers and wet cold winters. We are such a big country with a diverse climate from very tropical in the north where it is always hot and wet. To down here in the south where we have a clear distinction between summer and winter. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@user-ob1xw9kf5l]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 thanks for explanation and for the video channel 👏👏👏

[@zeekwolfe6251]

First time viewer! 'Strine' is sometimes difficult for Americans to understand. You are easily understood. Nice boat project.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MrTallpoppy58]

(you probably explained this before) Question: why outboard engines ? Outboards are expensive, require more maintenance, are less efficient and don't like to be left in the water between uses. Something like a small single Yanmar marine engine was not considered ? Yes, the initial install is more complex but not impossible.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello and thanks for watching. I love diesels and I love shaft drive. However, the aim of this boat is to explore the backwaters of the river Murray which involves a lot of very shallow areas and many sand bars etc. That is why she will only draw around 12 inches. The outboards will be hidden under the aft deck and tilted out of the water when not in use. So completely out of the water and out of the sunlight. Twin high thrust Yamaha F60 4 strokes are ideal for the use of this vessel. Especially as I can tilt them up when crossing sand bars or navigating extremely shallow areas. My preference would also be for single or twin shaft drive diesels, but then the draft would be much greater and the engine cost also pretty much double. I hope that adequately answers the question. Thanks again for watching and taking an interest. Take care, Steve and Maple

[@zeekwolfe6251]

In-board engines in smaller boats, while not obsolete, are headed in that direction. Sail boats up to 10 meters and even longer are now being designed to accommodate medium or large out-boards. Not hard to understand because maintenance, to say nothing about replacement, is difficult and very expensive for an engine buried deep in a hull. Clipping a propeller on a obstruction is also not what you want. Out-boards on a flat bottom river boat is a good idea for an intentional design.

[@PublicMixHardworking1]

Amazing very nice ❤ Best contact 🌹🌹

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thank you :) Steve and Maple

[@jesusislord-ht1nj]

What a mountain of a project!... I have subscribed to follow the journey all the best.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Welcome aboard and all the best to you too. Great to have a new subscriber. I hope you enjoy the madness of this crazy one man build. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@brucerazor5202]

I live in the state of Washington in the US and it rain’s probably 300 days out of the year we’re just used to it. Stay dry

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

yes Bruce, keeping dry and braving the cold. To be honest, once I start moving in the shed I usually warm up pretty quickly. :) Cheers.

[@davebourdon3258]

I saw some King Air cabin windows on Ebay (U.S.) that would work perfectly on your boat. They were priced very reasonable. As you rotate these windows, you can either increase or decrease the tint/dimming.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Wow, sounds great. I am actually seeing my window supplier Friday next week. I have used them in the past and am really happy with them. I have also already cut the window holes to match their corner profile. Thanks anyway. Cheers from way over here. LOL

[@davebourdon3258]

I have been enjoying your program. Keep up the good work, There is something special about building your boat by yourself.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@davebourdon3258 Yes indeed there is. It's a challenge though.

[@helenagreen4170]

Hey Steve I would love a large margarita please! 😉 So much progress! Hope to help out more soon 👍

[@user-kz2lk6nq6p]

Cocktais on the African deck, nice😂

[@user-kz2lk6nq6p]

AFT DECK

[@helenagreen4170]

I meant pizza but I like the way you think Captain

[@garyphillips7993]

It's certainly coming along now Steve. Are you planning on putting any small deck vents on those side chambers to allow any damp or condensation to evaporate away naturally?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Thanks, and yes. I will most likely put them on the inside for ventilation but also to provide some access to cabling and wiring etc. Always so much to consider, and everything is a compromise to some extent on a boat. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@Anne6621]

Dang Steve the ship is really growing up fast and soon she will be ready to leave home , will the ship strictly be a warm weather ship or are you going to insulate and have central heat and air con ? also , wow what an advantage to a brick floors , builtin wedges !!!

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Anne, yes I will be installing reverse cycle marine A/C (heating and cooling) The main unit will go under the wheelhouse floor with outlets into the saloon, wheelhouse and bedroom. When I built the shed, the cost of a concrete floor was massive, so I paved it with recycled pavers. They came from sea side town square here in a suburb called 'Henley Beach' and they have seen many events in their day. From festivals to picnics to fights and parties. Anyway, there is some history there and as such I call my boat shed, 'Henley Square'. here is a link to a picture of the square before they pulled up the pavers. architectureau.com/articles/henley-square-urban-design-competition/

[@Anne6621]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 absolutely cool !!

[@Robin-by7nd]

Why did you build her so narrow , a boat her length normally has a beam of between 13 to 16 feet ? I'm thinking you gonna wish you had that extra beam , nice job none the less .

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hi Robin, yes, a wider beam would be great. However, the wider the boat the bigger the project and I don't want to spend my entire life in the shed LOL I am also comfortable with this design as it is similar to what I have done in the past. Phil Bolger did some flatties with this beam working to the plywood sheet width, and that was also a factor for this build. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, cheers, Steve and Maple

[@johnnyslap1009]

You may have already answered this, but are you going to fibreglass the outside?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, yes absolutely. The bottom is already done. The chine (bottom edge) gets wrapped in a thick glass and from there up the boat gets wrapped in a thinner layer. Great question, cheers, Steve and Maple

[@tom5051666]

I drew that boat design when I was 4yo.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Good for you.

[@fredetrickdard9455]

And since you forgot the child part of you, you are boring saur man...

[@gunnarfernqvist4896]

Two years already? You’ve made a lot of progress but it feels like I haven’t watched you for that long, but I must have… What number of teeth’s do you have on your saw to not splinter the plywood?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yep, two years! Not sure how many teeth, but a reasonably fine cut. It also depends greatly on the ply wood. The light ply I used initially did not splinter hardly at all where as the recent heavier ply splinters a lot. Thanks for continuing to watch and comment. Cheers, Steve and Maple

[@ronaldlorthioir3714]

Good job Steve, but what thickness of panels are you using for the hull!! That said at home, in Belgium it's summer

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Summer sounds nice! Three layers of 12mm on the bottom, so finished bottom thickness with the fibreglass is 38mm. Everything else is 12mm except the transom which is two layers of 18mm Total thickness 36mm) and the false or back transom where the engines protrude when tilted is two layers of 12mm (total 24mm) Cheers, Steve and Maple.

[@bruceyoung1343]

Who did the camera work while you and Maple walkin on path

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Ahhh, well noted. That would be my good wife.

[@bruceyoung1343]

So happy for that

[@tompell2487]

the problem with this kind of construction is that if every screw hole is not perfectly sealed with epoxy, moisture will enter and cause massive panel failure due to rot. How do I know this?

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Yes that can be the case, however, I used the same method on a 31 foot boat that I built over 22 years ago and it has not had any issues at all. It has been in the water that entire time. But I do take your point and am very careful to ensure all is sealed correctly. Thanks for your input, cheers, Steve and Maple.

[@user-up8fi4nm7n]

Jones Ronald Brown Nancy Allen Linda

[@MrTallpoppy58]

Less viscous you mean.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

Hello, yes indeed. I thought that viscous meant the level of fluidness, but of course you are absolutely correct. Viscous means thick and sticky. Somewhere between liquid and solid. I will point hat out in my next video. It is surprising that no one else has noticed or pointed that out. Take care, cheers, Steve and Maple

[@MrTallpoppy58]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 Love your project btw.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

@@MrTallpoppy58 Thanks :)

[@user-Mike755]

Hello, hey when you say boat lovers it’s sounds like butt lovers, to me, just sayin.

[@steveshierdoesstuff7420]

hahah Yep, that's what the kids tell me. They think it's hilarious. Cheers.

[@user-Mike755]

@@steveshierdoesstuff7420 cheers!