S2-E2: Haven 12 1/2, Building the Stem &Transom

[@MarcMartino]

I have started a project to restore a 17.5 foot sailboat my uncle made over 35 years ago. This video taught me about how he made it which is invaluable! Thanks!

[@andrewballantine]

I discovered framing saws few years ago, but these were unavailable in UK so I imported 2 from thee USA which were 110v of course. Framing saws are “left handed” and worm driven. They work fine at 50 cycles. Since then more “left handed” saws have become available especially battery driven ones. I have a Makita “left handed” 18v battery saw. Thanks for making the considerable effort to make these videos.

[@drewgibbons7245]

Early days, the old boatbuilder said, usually either the designers or the builders carved the hull or half hull as a communication devise, like truly 3D Cad I suppose. Apprenticeship in boatbuilding included carving as well of coarse. My sense is for creating anything large with parts etc it can be hugely helpful to do ‘staging’ of some kind. Any planning ahead is going to improve efficiency. That and regardless of size it is challenging and rewarding to create, especially sailboats. Like your sculptures very much. All the best Drew

[@buffplums]

Wow I love the patterns of the wood at the bottom end of the transom … this is the beauty of wood

[@lorng1675]

Your comments on "left-hand" and "right-hand" circular saws is spot on. You might also note that worm-drive circular saws are usually "left-handed".

[@dougintothesunset]

I really enjoy the dichotomy between the purely mechanical process of building a boat from a set of drawings and the significant artistic interpretation that you put into it. Having the former as a solid baseline protocol creates a perfect canvas on which you express yourself as an artist so eloquently in the details. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidc6510]

Step 1 off to a good start on the stem. Thanks for sharing!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Watched this so long ago I'd honestly forgotten what's in the video. Been rewatching quite a few of these lately. Still as good as they were three years ago.

[@bravofighter]

My father used to use a southpaw skilsaw. His was made by porter-cable, and my brother now has it. I prefer to use battery operated hand tools for most applications, and I haven’t yet found a southpaw model. For cutting like this, I usually use a handheld scroll saw for exactly this reason, so that I can see exactly where I’m cutting.

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Porter Cable makes great saws. I have one with the blade on the right. I have a Bosch cordless saw that has the blade on the left. a.co/d/eYEVEF5 Thanks for watching! Cheers, Bob

[@milodmulholland7448]

I have just started on this series and am thoroughly enjoying it so far. Whilst I don't have the facilities to build a boat I have just purchased an old wooden canoe to refurbish. Your videos are an inspiration!

[@voodoochild1954]

I saw a left hand circular saw many years ago and it made sense to me being right handed. So I bought a Porter Cable left hand saw probably 25 years ago and I been using it ever since. Love your videos!

[@buffplums]

Thank you so much sir for this splendid video and so looking forward to watching the rest of the series and your other videos

[@moonolyth]

Wow, very nice bevel gage! Love that boat, just got myself a Nordica 16 not wood thou ght

[@chrissd08]

I watched a few of your videos over the years, but now Im watching this series in order. Ive been browsing designs for months as I try to decide what to build! It's come down to the Haven 12.5 and a Vivier Ilur.

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Both great boats. I'd be happy to chat with you about your build. You can schedule a call at calendly.com/artofboatbuilding/boat-building

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

The walnut transom is outstanding, almost a nice as true African mahogany. Nice idea on the forged bolts.

[@WSallai]

Just found your channel through “Acorn to Arabelle”. Very impressed with your approach and life skills. Your sculptures are definitely unique, nautical-themed pieces and clearly see how they are popular world-wide. I had an opportunity to sail off the Carolinas on a 32’ Herreschoff Ketch. It was a thing of beauty. Looking forward to seeing your Haven build. Thus far it is very informative and exciting.

[@campbellmj9405]

You are right. I am left-handed and bought a left-handed saw years ago. Wish I had a right-handed one due to exactly what you are talking about. But it's a safety thing as the blade is away from the body.

[@je-fq7ve]

I have two saws that bevel opposite for roof cutting, hips and valleys helps to have both saws. You get used to them and can make a fine cut with either saw. A simple tip on cutting plugs, draw dark lines on the wood showing the grain direction before cutting the plugs. Makes it a lot easier to make a plug that doesn't stand out because grain direction is odd.

[@jwperkins7635]

You’re quite the skilled craftsmen! You even make your own tools including a bevel gauge. Keep the videos coming as I’m more inspired with each episode.

[@rainbowchild63]

Excellent work,Bob!Professional, hi-fi.

[@calvary1808farm]

I have to admit that I found one of your later videos first and could only watch a few minutes of it. Starting from the beginning of S2 has given me a whole new perspective of you and your style. You're a cross between MacGyver and Mr. Rogers...please don't take that as a negative. I've subscribed and I'm about to binge watch. You're attention to detail, use of new and traditional hand tools and over all approach is excellent. Slightly jealous of your workbench!

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Thanks John, MacGyver and Mr. Rogers! I take that as a big complement. There is definitely a learning curve to video production. Thanks.

[@Blue_Ox]

In total agreement with circular saw comment. Just finding this channel so bummed I missed out on that bevel gauge

[@robertcapen6814]

Great video! Two men, Steve and Alix are building Arabella a 38' ketch. Watching your videos helps make sense out of the documentation they provide. Thanks

[@mikebassett1663]

Beautiful boat by a very organised, methodical and talented man. With some good tricks up your sleave. It was also nice to see you learning something yourself at times. I want to build one but where I am we only get very well seasoned white oak however, I can get european red oak in any stage of seasoning. Would that be a good substitute for steam bending? I think european red oak is stronger and more durable than american red oak and it is often used for marine building. You used western cedar for the planking, is it possible to use marine ply instead which is much easier to obtain, otherwise can you suggest something else? Maybe even cold moulding, what do you think?. Anyway, my hat off to you.

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Hi Mike, I assume you are located in Europe? Red Oak should not be use in boat building. Here is a video from my friend Lou Sauzedde, in it he demonstrates the difference between red and white oak. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmfXY3SQqsd5brcsi=YwDHheDvLKhIZX5i I used Atlantic White Cedar, however western red is fine. Plywood would not be advisable for a Haven. If you are interested in using plywood for planking I would suggest you look at the Somes Sound by John Brooks www.brooksboatsdesigns.com/Somes%20Sound%20main/SomesSoundmain.html It is a plywood lapstrake version of the Haven. You can cold mold, strip plank, edge plank or variations of them. Hope that helps. If you interested in learning more about building your boat with me check out the online boat building clinic that I host. www.boatbuildingbootcamp.com Thanks for watching! Bob

[@JonnieBGuud]

Great small bevel gauge and great start to your boat!

[@andreipopescu9197]

I'm amazed at the work you set out for yourself, which such confidence. That hand tool work was impressive, simply in the level of patience: I've worked with dry walnut and it is HARD. Chiseling, scraping, planing, then smoothing that surface? While full knowing what you were getting yourself into? I would simply have been too intimidated by the work to even start.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Beautiful bevel-gague. Love that walnut. With the proper finish, walnut is always a beautiful choice for any wooden build.

[@blackpetero]

Excellent work and a very nice small bevel gauge.

[@dennisdownes9319]

Greetings from Rhode Island! Great video Bob! You make lofting patterns and templates as easy as sweeping the floor. Last week I rode my bike past the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol. I used to sail the Herreshoff S Boat, and I had an Alden designed Indian. I don't miss the maintenance, but I miss the beauty of the sail. DD

[@jackw9034]

Yes Bob, I find the circular saw to be backward for the way I use it also. I want to see where I'm cutting

[@mikejustice1196]

That elm will last you 150 years. Wagon wheels were made of elm and spokes of hickory and the felos were ash.😊

[@nelsonattwood795]

I love your videos and what you're doing. as a carpenter for 30 yrs, the right hand saw is designed so that the waste side of your cut is to the right of the piece you're cutting. There is (or should be) an opening space to the left of the blade, to be able to watch the line so that your eyes are more protected from the sawdust and occasional splinter flying up (and of couse you're wearing safety glasses too). Or you can watch the line with the two notched guides at the front of the saw table. As an interesting side note, most cordless saws now come as lefty's ??? go figure! Either way, whatever works well for you and you're comfortable with and confident to use. Again, love the videos and am looking forward to watching the rest. Gopod Onya!

[@BurtKwouk77]

It is also a design feature fo safety, the spinny choppy bit is away from your body, and most importantly, fingers! Notice how the gent puts his fingers on the base to push it......

[@mjschaeffer2112]

I love your detailed explanations on the process. Very helpful to understand.

[@shipskepr1]

love what your doing,getting me all fired up to build,

[@noelmartin4908]

Nice bevel gauge Especially like the use of the bronze screws and splining pins

[@SteveHayes1]

That walnut is beautiful, and that bevel gauge is pretty sweet!

[@imeanihopeiambutlike8676]

Hey, awesome video, but just to let you know, the saw bald is away from the body for safety in case you get extreme kickback, so that it’s away from body parts. Also, as far as seeing the lines goes, that’s smart, and I never thought of that! But I personally would steer clear of it just for safety. Great video!

[@dustinbodin3224]

I'm quite late to this video, but the reason that the circular saw is traditionally oriented the way it is (right handed) is due to the stability of the saw and it's plate. A right handed person will hold the saw in the right hand, which leaves the left hand to stabilize the board to a saw horse or table. This means that the saw plate will be resting on the secured end, and the off cut will fall off as the cut is completed. In the left handed configuration, the saw will be resting predominantly on the off-cut side which will cause it to tip as the off-cut falls away. At best your end grain won't be true, and at worst the blade could bind and kick back as the off-cut falls away.

[@badassfood5713]

Bob, you know I love your videos. The content is beautiful, very well explained. The fact that you pull out plans, patterns and such is so informative. Like I said love love love your videos. My only caveat is that you talk more than you work wood. You do a lot of woodworking off camera, and a lot of explaining on camera. Love the longer format. Most of these other makers make a 10 min video for something that should been made in three minutes. Your projects are complicated and stunning. Thank you for this content!

[@rt88glow]

Thanks Bob; great video, and it's always good to see boats being made with wood, chisels, and traditional intentions. Please add me to the running for the bevel gauge, and please keep the video's coming; they are quite inspirational and informative.

[@davidheal4623]

Very enjoyable video series. To minimize warping of large assembled pieces such as the transom (or a tabletop for that matter), may I suggest that you alternate the grain of the planks. I am looking forward to future episodes.

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

David , that is a very good point. I failed to mention in the video that as I was selecting planks I place them with the annual ring up and then down on the next plank. I also should have pointed out that is good practice to place a 3rd clamp on the opposite side the protect against a center bow in the blank. Thanks!

[@1234567surf7654321]

Great bevel guide. Great series. I am currently turning my work shop into a boat house to makes room to store my flying scott and build a haven 12 1/2 in the next bay over. Plan to build using a cold mold method fiberglass hull rather than traditional planking.

[@Fizzyeverywhere]

So happy to see this video in my feed! Can’t wait to see the boat finished! Bevel gauge, as well

[@MidnightMaker]

So glad to see your next boat is a Herreshoff! I sat next to his granddaughter on a ferry and had a great conversation with her. I too am looking for my next boat build. Really inspiring! P.S. Bevel Gauge!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Looks beautiful! Thank you.

[@timreynolds1195]

Beautiful work! Nice custom bevel gauge.

[@stevekoral9703]

Love the bevel gauge, even your tools exhibit your artistic nature.

[@WinterBeachProductions]

BEVEL GAUGE! Love this series and I'm excited to follow your build. I'm a fellow amateur boatbuilder up in Brookfield IL so not terribly distant from where your shop is at. I actually just finished cutting a stem rabbet for a row/sail whitehall I'm working on from the Wooden Boat-published book Building Catherine. I'd love to hear more about the intricacy of how you cut the stem rabbet, dealing with getting the right angles and depth between the inner rabbet, outer rabbet and bearding lines and any tricks you found for getting it right. My stem was fairly successful, but I'm faaaaar from an expert. Best, Andy

[@rwe2156]

You bring up something I’ve always wondered about. Most cordless saws I have seen are left hand, as are also worm drives. I have a 6” circular corded saw (PC) that is left hand and use it most of the time.

[@danhislope5694]

The reason for a right handed skill saw blade being away from the body is for safety, if the blade get caught and jumps it will be away from the body legs hands and fingers. The left handed saw for the right handed person is easier to see but much more dangerous to use.

[@rudynunweiler2916]

I have to agree with Dan. Although I wear eye protection I would still rather use the right handed saw on my right side for safety. I also don't mind the leaning over a bit to see if it saves me from being covered in saw dust, LOL! I really love the boat though and maybe for the small amounts you are cutting at a time it won't bother you. Just be careful and good luck! I'm off to watch the rest of the build!

[@WhirlybirdFlyer]

Agreed. the kickback on a circular saw will kick it straight backward and up. I am always sure to keep my body to the side and away from the kick back path. There is a small sight in the guard where you can see the front edge of the blade in order to cut accurately.

[@kevgermany]

Left hand/right hand saws. Wish I'd known about it before I bought mine, which is, of course, a standard right hander.

[@helshabini]

That walnut is just beautiful :) Also, bevel gauge

[@kemet432]

looking forward to the many more vids and using that bevel gauge.

[@michaduszewski8056]

Thank You for Your exceptional videos. I dream of similar workshop equipped with all the tools, especially the bevel gauge.

[@scottswineford6714]

Working heavier material you'd quickly understand the reasoning behind left and right handed. The sawdust exhaust! Especially obvious if cutting overhead wrong handed. I've had a Skil 767 left handed saw for decades, originally a 61/2" blade, with the guard removed a 71/4" blade works fine. A bit lighter and smaller than the 777 worm drive it's easier to drag around rafters and joists. Tight spaces on boats a little more accessible.

[@KingdaToro]

Regarding the saw handedness, have you considered a worm drive saw? They typically have the blade on the left.

[@FRIDAYNIGHTGARAGENIGHT]

beautiful work.

[@davidh7268]

Hi Bob, what was the final thickness on the transom?

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Finished thickness is 1 inch.

[@gregmottram292]

I’m loving this series which is pushing me towards pulling the trigger on starting my own boat. Well done. I also enjoy making my own tools and jugs but haven’t thought of a bevel gauge. What’s the dremmel blade you used to cut the stainless steel. Brass and wood are such good friends!

[@trebledog]

Wow, as an old plastic salt, I really am enjoying your series on this boat. Curious question: when building the stem and glueing the two scarfed pieces with epoxy, is it normally enough to build strength into the stem piece. Are there any building practices where a biscuit or dowels would be used to enhance the epoxy attachment at the scarfjoint or is that not a good idea or even necessary.

[@brianwhitehouse8380]

Nice video and a great start to your next project. There’s still a long way to go, and I’m sure you’ll get a lot of use out of your bevel gauge. I agree with you - that walnut is beautiful. I presume your plan is to leave it “bright” and paint only the sides?

[@peterrobinson7803]

Hereshoff 12 1/2 is by far the best looking sailboat ever. I'm confused about the stem splice however. The epoxy is plenty strong enough. Why weaken it by drilling now unnecessary holes, then plugging them? Kind of an odd mix of traditional and modern techniques.

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Peter, I agree. The Herreshoff 12 1/2 is one of my all time favorites. One of the many reasons I'm building a Haven. I put the stop waters in as a nod to tradition, as I said in the video. With the epoxy they are not needed. If I build according to the plans the joint wouldn't be glued at all so the epoxy is over kill so no worries about joint strength Cheers, Bob

[@lordcelticfrost8686]

Im learning a lot..thanx

[@scottswineford6714]

The reason for the left vs right hand saw label is the sawdust ejection. I've owned skill 67 (61/2 blade worm drive) for decades. Working overhead which side is ejected becomes an issue.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

The fun begins!

[@andreattazanella]

Hi, I was wondering how did you determine the apex line for the stem rabbet? Excellent video!

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Thank you! All of the information on the laying out of the boat is described in the plans. Thanks for watching!

[@andreattazanella]

Thanks!

[@TermiteUSA]

I really like your bevel gauge. Can you discuss a little how to determine the fore and aft position of the center board for balance? I'm curious how you find rusty. Thanks.

[@skwyrz1]

My brother builds some of the most exotic custom staircases ever seen and he swears by always having both left and right hand saw's on the site.

[@UncleWiggy252]

I'm a leftie and I've used a "regular" right hand saw my entire life. I could never figure how the rest of you knew where the cut was! I'm always aware of how dangerous that blade is.

[@i.p.p.5594]

4:47 In English : it's to avoid accidents the engine gets between the saw the body ( in portuguese :acho que é para evitar acidentes o motor fica entre a serra o corpo )

[@psblad2667]

May I ask why you use Underdog, which is a anti fouling paint, to paint the whole stem (and other parts) in the building process? Normaly one use oil products to impregnate the wood to make it water repellant. Lead based products and tar to protect hidden joints from rot. Then use anti fouling under the waterline on the outside to protect against growth.

[@enlightenedlotus336]

Where did you learn such valuable knowledge!

[@caseydixon8714]

looks like almost a 6mm gap under the middle of your stem where the join is when its flat on your table. Which ones not flat?

[@johnbrice4146]

Nicely done video. Bevel gauge.

[@daleskidmore1685]

The left handed saw makes so much sense. I have a lot of criticism about people who design things and their apparent lack of knowledge of the usage in the real world. Some beautiful wood you have there going to great use.

[@floridasaltlife]

Subscribed and following

[@abraxasracing]

OK this is a fairly old video, but I was intrigued by the left hand right hand saw concept. I thought to myself that I think all my saws are left handed, but I'd never purposely bought one that way. So I went to look. I have seven saws. Four Ryobi 18 volt, two direct drive Black and Decker and one worm drive Skillsaw. I use the Ryobis and the Skillsaw 99% of the time and they ALL have the blade on the left. Only the two direct drive saws have the blade on the right, and I had never really realized that until just now. My opinion is that it is because of the motors. I am presuming that most ac motors turn the same direction because the cheap direct drive saws have the blade on the right, but the worm drive with the same motor rotation has the blade on the left as the gears would cause the blade to rotate the wrong way if it was also on the right. The dc motors would rotate either way depending on which way they are wired so I guess Ryobi thought the blades should be on the left. I was surprised to find all this out because I really thought they were all on the left until I checked ...

[@davidh7268]

Hello Bob, Wondering if you could share the method you used to make the transom plywood pattern from the paper half width drawing. Having a brain freeze on laying out the pattern. Thank you

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Hi David, I laid out the transom pattern the same as I did with the stem. Punching holes with my awl and connecting the dots with a batten. Hope that helps. Bob

[@davidh7268]

@@TheArtofBoatBuilding definitely helps, a little confusing at first until I made a paper template and it made sense once I looked it over and transferred to plywood pattern.

[@davidh7268]

FYI stem came out great, just need to plane to size, add bolts and work the piece

[@litsoschastlivyy7002]

Could larger boats be built using the same technique? I am interested in building my own but I'm having problems finding resources.

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Yes, I'm always happy to chat about boat building. You can schedule a call with me at this link. calendly.com/artofboatbuilding/boat-building

[@Fuhugawagah]

this is great! what kind of sealant did you use on the transom?

[@scoo73r]

Left vs right hand is a safety thing, most contractor grade saws are "left handed"

[@rockytopwooddesigns1283]

I am left handed and have used a right handed for years and it has worked out good. I don't think I could use the left handed saw now if I tried. The reason they seemed to be named wrong is because of safety, they were designed when you use your left hand on the left handed saw and your right hand on the right handed saw that the blade would the furthest away from you. Seems to me it is safer to use them the way you can see better. Bevel Gauge

[@garymilosovich3882]

I'm a lefty as well and I think it's less about safety and more about avoiding a face full of sawdust when cutting (and shirt full and coveralls full...you get the point). Not a big deal when trimming a little bit of the thin ply that's being shown in the video, but trust me, a long day of cutting 2x's with a "righty" is downright miserable. I've spent my life having to work around a world designed by and for right handed folks and power tools are some of the worst offenders. Kudos to Porter Cable and Skil for making the left handed option available. Now if only the bolt action rifle guys could get their act together...

[@andysparks7381]

You didn’t show how you drilled the dowel holes. I assume you used dowel centers to line up?

[@andysparks7381]

What grade of bronze are the bolts and nuts? Were the nuts and washers difficult to source?

[@ateliedemaquetes.aereoenav4894]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@NoChrReq]

can I use the same technique to produce frames to change my rotten ones? is this what's called a "sawn frame" ?

[@THEFALCON58]

Hi you need a tall filing cabinet for your power tools under that bench. ?

[@mikejustice1196]

Anyone catch what kind of epoxy was used on the stem?

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

TotalBoat with medium hardener.

[@andysparks7381]

Did you use elm for the transom also?

[@jmb9492]

How do you determine the angles of transom?

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

The angle of the transom is noted in the plans. Thanks for watching.

[@christianrogers2361]

Could I suggest a sidebar video showing all of us who don’t win how we might go about making our own bevel gauge?

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Thanks Christian, great minds they say. I'm just finishing up the editing of making the T-Bevel Gauge. It should be posted in the next day or so. Hope you enjoy!

[@charlie7057]

Nice bevel gauge

[@bizim_eller]

👍👍🙂

[@madebi85]

1.5x playing speed for best results

[@rexsheldon1042]

When I was young and helping my dad work on a sailing dingy, he called it a “sliding T bevel”

[@thomasarussellsr]

Same thing. Different names depending on the background and geographic location of the craftsman's heritage and tutelage.

[@cutlash09]

no walnut in a boat.

[@fernandofert9960]

B´cause i live in Brazil i bet you will not send me one of these lovely Bevel Gauge!

[@stephansmith1062]

Is this therapy for you? It is for me, thanks.

[@johnbrock1602]

I am left handed, ACanHeating Mac. by trade I am retired now but all tools are made for right handlers.