Building a TINY HOUSEBOAT (It's Finally Done!!!) vs.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

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[@labratmanny1251]

Use heat for removing the protection layer pexiglass

[@3amForge]

Some of the best stuff I've ever found is 3m adhesive remover. The stuff is incredible for removing old stickers on lexan and plexiglass. It's cheap also

[@juliebaker6969]

Try using packing tape or duct tape to remove the protective film. Tape it over the film and rub it down good to get it to really adhere, then pull off the tape, and the film SHOULD come off WITH it. I use this method to remove adhesive from stickers when the paper peals off, but the adhesive stays on. It MAY take a little playing with it to find a tape that has a stronger adhesive than the film does, but it CAN'T be any worse than pealing it off a fingernail sized piece at a time

[@vapingmatty4209]

Use wd40

[@juliebaker6969]

@@vapingmatty4209 WD40 is a penetrating oil which will actually melt some plastics. This MAY be a type of plastic that WD40 is safe to use on, but since OTHER petroleum based solvents have reacted with it, it MAY not be wise to take that chance. Though it wouldn't HURT to test it on a piece of scrap and see how it does.

[@kindakylie4735]

For me, the ideas in kzbin.infoUgkxAfqpMLyFn37qcqUl0FAzqkkycQeXqrhP Plans were a starting point for building different sheds . Ryan gives ideas that allow an individual to draw nicest conclusions into the design and building of his or her own shed.

[@cogboy302]

The tarp should shrink a bit once the sun gets at it. As has been said, it's not very UV stable, but you can paint it with rubberised roof coating which will reseal it. That's how I've done the roof on my garden shed.

[@williameldridge9382]

It depends on the type of tarp. Some of those plastics are highly UV resistant, hard to say just by seeing it though.

[@Trying_very]

You want the stabilisers to be shaped to minimise drag in the water - narrow boat-shaped. Maybe you can source some from boat-builder’s scrap. Or buy them ready made as they need to be light and the right shape. I imagine that they’re normally made from fiber glass. I’ve seen some great home-made fiber-glass made using a pre-made foam mold on another channel. A young lady engineer attempting to make a bullet-proof ball gown - she did a pretty good job!

[@meme2287]

Tar-paw-lin. I little factoid - In the age of sail, British Navy sailors were often referred to as 'Jack Tars', Tar being short for tarpaulin, which was a tar coated pall/palling (AKA cover), used to protect objects on deck from the elements. Sailors often covered their outer cloths with tar in the same way, hence the nickname (tarpalling).

[@wrenchdoozer]

I like the barrel latches to stop the doors from swinging in the wind. Nice touch.

[@northstarprepsteader]

Try a hot hair blow dryer to peel the paper off. It will melt the glue. Also, I had an auto repair shop polish my headlights because they were so cloudy. Worked beautifully! Maybe something you could try on the damaged areas?

[@virginiarocks]

Water Strider. What a great name for a watercraft! 😎

[@SaffyFoo]

I’d like to see more challenges with other DIY channels. Love seeing things being made out of products that have been collected over the years 🙏🙏🙏🙏😂👍🐾

[@KaWouter_]

Glue removal on acrylic stuff: isopropanol. It dissolves the glue, but doesn't affect your plastic for relative short exposure. Used to work with that stuff in microfluidics, so very sensitive to warping and what not. Isopropanol was always the safe choice.

[@KaWouter_]

Oh, and a plastic scraper, not a metal one, for obvious scratching reasons

[@Epded1832]

or hairdryer for heat to soften the clue and then wipe it clean with isopropanol

[@luckyedwards4870]

If u use very soapy water with a flat razor scraper, or u could try WD-40 with a flat razor scraper, being gentle and careful, I do believe that will remove the protective paper on the plastic. That's what worked for me in my window washing business. Interesting fun build with ur boat, I like it. Always a thumbs up.

[@henrikstenlund5385]

Yes the lexans are usually covered with polyethylene films which is not weather resistant and becomes brittle. Otherwise, you are doing fine. The porthole with the latch belongs inside. Prepare for twisting and moving of the wooden structurs in real life since over water, there will be plenty of humidity and water splashes.

[@williamsimmons8927]

your finishing and ideas are pure genius, well that is as long as it floats, enjoy the many challenges that you share with us, good stuff.

[@anthonystickel3463]

Your boat is looking great! And inspiring me to add that to my many projects to build. Something you may want to try is using a propane torch to take out the fine scratches from the thinner and goo gone on the plexiglass material. Also try using a power washer to get rid of the protective film

[@teaddict-]

I think it might still be wise to add some ballast to the bottom center of the hull to give it stability. Stacking all the heavy bits to one side will make it list heavily in the water without you in it, and might limit where in the boat you can sit while moving it with the motor. The proposed outriggers aren't the best shape for the job either, they will create an awful lot of drag even partially in the water, and with no ballast those are your only source of roll stability. Very interesting project, but there's a bit of engineering left to do to make it the best tiny houseboat it can be! 😁👍

[@jamaldaniels7402]

Love when the update come on a Saturday....that means you and don put in work the whole week

[@lpschick7237]

Looking good Kevin!!! Always great to have help. Can’t wait for the final video & to see the finished product.

[@fatzmalone5705]

I love these little competitions between you and fowler... Both are amazing channels!!

[@bobbiechavez2990]

You and Cousin Fowler, yep, fruitful competitions. Good times!

[@visnuexe]

Me too! Two geniuses let loose on the same project with a stiff need to win! You both make it look so easy, but a heck of a lot of creative ingenuity makes for astonishingly appealing results!

[@langdonplaster491]

Try using a random orbital buffer and some Headlight restorer. It is available in most auto parts outlets. And it is made for modern plastic headlight lenses.

[@JakeRichards]

That's a really good idea!

[@Trying_very]

There were some great comments last time about attaching some outlying floats to help balance the boat. I was wondering if you could build some outriggers that could fold up when you take it out of the water?

[@shimasfaris2917]

tip: I strongly discourage using a tarp . they are waterproof when they are loosely over something but unless maybe it’s a heavy duty one , when pressed against a solid surface water tends to seep through the fibres and will cause mold I’ve tried this for a small project to replace roof felt although I ended up buying roof felt in the end 😅

[@StormyWeather93]

I was thinking the same but with an issue like that I'd think that a coat of polyurethane or exterior paint would mitigate that issue. That being said though it's just a temp challenge so long term shouldn't be a problem. Was also thinking that if it was me I'd have sprayed the plywood with spray glue to sit the tarp down clean and that'd make it a little more water proof too. Those wrinkles make weak points. Either way though it's a cool project

[@recoveringsoul755]

Boaters use tarps but they disintegrate over time with outdoor exposure

[@sarahloy830]

It is looking great. The buffer kits for polishing car headlights might work on your Lexan to remove the damage and the stuck plastic.

[@russellwatters5891]

This is going to be a great challenge...lol A wood stove, outriggers, a foul weather canopy? Yep, gotta love it! Love what you're doing ❤️

[@JohnWatkinsUK]

Put sticky tape over the Lexan protective film bits, peel the tape off and it should bring the bits off with it. Also, tarps aren't usually very UV stable so degrade quickly.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

Tried that still required brute force to remove.

[@sherryr5462]

How about a Dawn dish soap/water mix for the Lexan? You could spray on and let it sit for a while to see if it will soak in and loosen the tape.....and I don't think it will harm the surface. Or Krud Kutter is supposed to help remove stickers, but I've never tried it for that, and I don't know it it would scratch the surface. You could always try either of these on a scrap "test patch." Just some thoughts....

[@loduke3905]

Pressure wash it

[@gregtheredneck1715]

I worked in the optical industry for many years and we always used isopropyl alcohol for cleaning untreated polycarbonate lenses. Solvents like acetone will frost polycarbonate.

[@arrye7790]

I did the exact same thing with the goof off on the job, where we had similar hard plastic containers and had to take the labels off. Next time, I'd recommend getting a light scraper and doing it that way, then use goo gone for the remaining sticky stuff

[@TheJeracuda]

I think you should build some kind of a barrier in front of that stove considering your bed is going to be so close to it you could easily bump into it at any point in the night while sleeping

[@WarthogChief]

May need to lightly sand with (3000-15000 grit on lexan) then use a plastic polish on an orbital to bring back the perfectly clear windscreen.

[@alexkasacous]

I don't know if the product is available in Canada, but Orange Power goo remover uses an extract from orange peels that is pretty good at removing sticky stuff and it is water soluble so it washes up well. I use it all the time. I'd test on a small scrap before risking the shore window.

[@kingrafa3938]

This is really fun and exciting friendly competition with Zach. I can't wait for you to try it in the big water Kev. Looking forward to it.

[@alyssafreeman6006]

Looks like its time to sand the window down and use headlight restoration on it. It will clear it all up nicely once you cut all the nasty down. It looks great. Can't wait to see the function test!

[@glg3945]

Great build! It is looking amazing. Goo Gone and soap and water would probably take off that film. This is just a hoot! Great video. Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family and friends. 😃

[@ddjrm]

Goo Gone, is a citrus based adhesive remover, would work well for removing the old plastic from the window without destroying the window. Also, olive oil and a little elbow grease.

[@cindyfinn4845]

You always amaze me with your builds I look forward to Saturdays to watch what you can create next .

[@davidstout1095]

While it is not a completely cheap option, I would suggest using a TPO or PVC plastic RV roofing sheet for your roof. Tarpaulins will break down quickly in the sun and winds.

[@artursmihelsons415]

Great job and excellent video, as always! That plastic protector is welded by sun and there isn't a chance to remove it without damaging material. Same thing happened with family friend who build its house and leave plastic cover on new plastic frame windows 2 years in sun and decide finally remove it after facade was done - all ended up with changing windows because they can't peel it off..

[@ModernSelfReliance]

I have a feeling this happened.

[@paulsavage33]

really nice design and creative looking forward to the next episode

[@charlesab]

I have already watched Zach's build and after watching your build, I'm giving you the Trophy.

[@kellieglass1722]

If you haven’t decided on a NAME for your boat, I suggest STRIDER (as in the hero of The Lord of the Rings). You gave me the idea when you were talking about water strider bugs and boat riggers.

[@brendag2891]

Kellie, I like that boat name!

[@cynthiat6505]

Excellent!

[@desert-walker]

Yes, I was going to say use a heat gun or submerge it in hot water with soap that should get rid of it then maybe a razor blade to peel it off or just the rag either way it looks good

[@SethCarignan]

Both Your channel and Zach's have inspired me to get back outside and get creative with what I have.

[@JakeRichards]

i feel that too!

[@tomfl58]

You can use ultra fine sand paper and buffing compound to polish the plexiglass, they have kits for car headlights you can use .

[@JoshuaGraves113]

I forget the name but there's an alcohol-based product he could use too though idk if they have it up there in Canada.

[@kylejones2075]

Nope you can't if you soapy water any kind of solvent will ruin the it's lexan not plexiglass

[@JonBoehm]

Yep, I was thinking wet sand then compound and polish.

[@emeaniebrakkee1094]

that would absolutely work.

[@mickeybartlett1274]

What a mess? Did you try a heat gun?

[@johnlmoring]

WD-40 works great for removing adhesive labels,price tags. I spray it on,let soak for a bit and lightly scrape it off. it might take a couple of applications and it won't harm the plastic.

[@toddrouch7526]

It also might be helpful if the lexan were brought up to an overall warmer temperature. Just a thought.

[@Toms_Bright_Ideas]

I suggested you go with a tri-hull to have more of a stable platform to work with. Though outriggers are good too. Make sure you have plenty of flotation devices with you and I also suggest for any boater a personal locator beacon to help Search and Rescue to find you. The tall and narrow boat body profile creates a difficult moment of inertia to keep stable even on calm waters. So you might need more ballast near the center of gravity and the outriggers definitely will help, especially if they are slightly heavy too. You'll have to be aware of where in the boat you are at much like a small plane the pilot is careful to place certain weights in relationship to the center of gravity and the center of lift (quarter chord of the wing). Good luck in the competition. I doubt your friend can make a decent House Ball.

[@MrHunterseeker]

30:00 heat. Use a hair dryer to heat up the stickers on glass and plastic fiberglass, to warm up the glue, then peel it off, can use a razor blade to peel it.

[@larryhutchinson4271]

My thoughts exactly, of course my first thought was Goof Off, but Kev showed us how well that idea worked.. I would also try the hair dryer and razor blades on the screwed up one first, never know..

[@Gillespie91]

Not sure if any one has told you yet or not but take a handheld propane torch and lightly go over the spot on your window that is foggy and that might bring back your clarity through it. I've see people do it before but not because of the reasons you had happen. So it may work

[@hillbillywisdom777]

I hope you're going to make a dry dock for the boat to live in the village so it can be used as a cabin anytime. And it can have a permanent place in the Unnamed village of Sir Don and Sir Kevin

[@ModernSelfReliance]

That's not a bad idea.. perhaps by the pond.. just slide it in when you want to Bob-around.

[@hillbillywisdom777]

@@ModernSelfReliance great idea !!!

[@chickenwriter]

The maker of the plastic sheet, make a solution to help peel the protective layer off. I don't remember what its called. It's been a few decades since I used it. I think I picked it up at the same place that I bought the plastic.

[@Owens_Racing]

Edit: Plastic Tip in reply. Another great video! Really enjoying this build. On lexan. You can flame polish it. So those clouded spots from petroleum products maybe polished out with a few passes using a propane torch. As well consider clear protective wrap on it. Think car Clear bra or my favorite is Xpel. The town does a card board boat race. Well used to before Covid. They do another you and Fowler have inspired me to build a boat for it, if they do it again. However even a house boat built of a aluminum John boat. We have a welding and machine. Grew up fabbing metal. I’ve worked with wood but metal fab after 30yrs is like walking.

[@staceyvegamarkum4071]

Looks like a beautiful little boat! Reminds me of the steamboat willie tug boat with mickey mouse.

[@dyannejohnson6184]

You are honing your skills ;with your spider;…..adding BIOMIMETICS. YOU HAVE ENTERED THE WORLD OF COPYING NATURE! amazing honor

[@jasonplant5432]

I just watched the first video. Then BAM !! 30 minutes later it's concluded.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

Isn't it great when that happens.

[@timwintersoncntr]

I, too, left the backing paper on my Lexan sheets (used as storm windows) too long. The paper peeled off fairly easily, but the cloudy glue was almost impossible to remove. I tried all the usual suspects in the effort to remove the glue. Finally, I tried 99% isopropyl alcohol sprayed on liberally and wiped with microfiber cloth. In a few applications, all the glue came off, and I have clear, unscratched Lexan. Should work on your Bamboo Streama houseboat too.

[@HeathFoley]

I wonder if 99% isopropyl in the spray bottle would have helped with the Lexan since it flashes off quickly? Naptha is also a good solvent and flashes off quickly but you would have to test to see if it would eat into the lexan on a small piece first.

[@Boomhauer69]

Definitely looks nice. The only thing I would done differently is I would of added on the other wall another camper window instead just for matching purposes. Then went with a small rv door like see on teardrop camper just for insulation keeping the heat in a little bit better. I definitely do like how it turning out looks nice. Got me kinda wanting to try build one but I have know building experience and plus here in Michigan it's to cold and have to wait til spring. Definitely like the video. Definitely gained a new subscriber. I'm myself is working on building a KZbin channel as well.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

You'll have to send me a photo of it when you get around to it.

[@Boomhauer69]

@@ModernSelfReliance if ever did make one I probably post a video to my KZbin channel. Cause I plan on when get funding to do so try and do some build challenge on my KZbin. Like sometime I plan on doing a tiny house build. Made quite few videos on my channel talking about what kinda videos nolan on doing.

[@mothertlovesu]

Go Don!!!! Love all your projects.

[@julesa.5887]

Scotchgard on the cloth walls might be a good idea, if it's not too flammable.

[@rubyqpublic]

FYI - plastic razor blades work well for scrapping off the coating you are struggling with.

[@janhugo]

Try to use that polishing stuff they are using on car frontlights/headlights made of plastic, maybe you can save that window.

[@petechabot8948]

Can’t wait to see maiden voyage, how fun !

[@the_realist_John_Doe]

A red hot ember from your woodstove coming out of the smoke stack and melting your tarp top is a real concern... or even worse... catching it on fire.

[@HulkDad5083]

hahaha I love it !!!!!!!! (Outdoors) Craftsman V.S. (Thinking ahead/ Construction) Craftsman !!!!!!

[@65wldstln]

Rubbing alcohol or denatured should do the trick and not damage the lexan. Or get some 5000-10000 grit and polish out the degraded material on your window. Even car polish/rubbing compound can help. Looking Great!

[@kylejones2075]

If the tarp doesn't work on the roof get some of that real thin sticky roofing that should work but put something slick underneath it to like when you're doing a window so that you get all the bubbles and wrinkles out of it just a thought love the videos

[@philipvanderhoofven9848]

great for solo. I recommend rethinking design criteria for two people -

[@jessebuckley6867]

SUCH a fun video. Dude your creativity is incredible and we’re so thankful you’re sharing it with us through KZbin. After a long days work this is exactly what I needed. Longtime subscriber! Since day 1. Also I thought it was hilarious you have all these intelligent and intricate ideas to fix the window and Big Brother Chris just says “burn it all with gasoline” 😂 Keep up the good work brother!

[@JakeRichards]

I agree!

[@mcbnj]

I can only imagine what we get next week. Maybe it'll be a long-awaited update on the hole you dug, that no one wants. It could always be worse, I could be watching fowler.

[@PACOSBBQ]

Hey, Dont forget that you will need lighting outside too. Like your red/green port / starboard stern light, anchor light and you might want a light in your lil galley. But if your only going in your pond, my ideas are a moot subject. But why not one of those china weedeater motor air cooled trolling motors. ive been building boats since i was 17 im now 66.. Nice job. cute lil boat. Hurry want to see your 1st overnighter.

[@michaelalexander844]

Use a heat gun to soften up lexan film to peel off with more ease. And to fix the chemical burns try 3000 grit sandpaper and polish and low heat from heat gun to smooth it and add some shine and a polished glass appearance.

[@donnie2533]

Glad you posted keep them coming thanks

[@stevenfaber3896]

Spray bottle of IPA, the good stuff, not witch hazel. Left a lot of lexan out. It does haze it a bit like lacquer thinner, but not near as much as that or the snow from goof off.

[@waynefisher4327]

Lookin' good! Sounds obvious but boats have a tendency to be wet. I couldn't help think about the gunwale sides of your vessel. Great to have the lexan in front. Even have all the edges double seamed. But I bet even in back she's going to sit pretty low. It adds to the weight but you could make some type of lightweight gunwalel extensions for the stern and sides. Just to keep water from splashing in. Last thought, I know you're going lightweight. Even some thin white pine strips to make a structure to lift the mattress off the deck. That might keep your bed clothes dryer. She's looking quite tidy :) Bests~

[@devoregroup]

Looking forward to part 3

[@jmcova23]

Coming out amazing 🤙🏼.....man I love your videos 🤟🏼

[@justinsousa7624]

use a torch to polish that lexan. just quickly swiped the flame across the surface from a distance and it should clear it right up.

[@herrskeletal3994]

Test pieces are always advised when trying chemicals in new and wonderful ways.

[@SoulfulSmokie]

What about keeping some "Goo be gone" around it helps remove adhesive materials like labels and so forth. Thanks for the Vid.

[@65wldstln]

Much safer than Goof Off for sure, People mix them up all the time.

[@c.a.g.1977]

Can't wait to see it on the water! Great fun project, Kevin!

[@SJC49]

I think you should have a contest to name the boat and an official launch ceremony.

[@scottsoriero9827]

You can use a quality clear coat compound with a good orbital buffer to get that Lexan clear again. It will take a bit of time and patience, but it will be worth the effort. also, I am a boat guy for 45 years. why not find a flat bottom boat that is all aluminum. Very light weight and much, much more stable than that v-bottom. A Grumman 1437 for about $350 or less.

[@HOOAHDUDE]

Nice boat! You'll need an antenna and a radio for emergencies.

[@bwcok7947]

Hydrodynamic stabilizers. PVC pipe works great for these. Seal and float!

[@AwakeLazarus]

Some overhead cargo netting as storage for your bedding and odds and ends, maybe?

[@dieselrugg]

Don had the correct pronunciation.

[@Tom_Bee_]

Really enjoying this mini series. Never watched this channel before that I remember, but I'm subscribed to Fowler's Makery and Mischief so that's likely why the algorithm brought me over and I'm very pleased that it did. Planning to build me a little pontoon houseboat soon bc I just happen to have a powerful electric trolling motor and a huge lithium battery laying around in my shop. This has been pretty inspirational in making me want to prioritise that project and bump it up a few places on the to do list. Thanks for making and sharing this material and I'll drop a little sub in return 🥄

[@shawnrinkel8377]

You can put tape on the old plastic covering to pull it off of the plexiglass

[@TheYourfaceable]

I'm wondering if maybe a heat gun combined with some isopropyl and/or distilled white vinegar might help with the Lexan? Although luckily now you have the first piece to test potential solutions on without ruining your good one

[@xTechDecayx]

been there done that with the old lexan. Make a scraper out of the same material. Very minimal scratching if you keep the scraper clean.

[@xTechDecayx]

By scraper I mean a nice square piece, with a sharp 90° edge. And at that I round over the corners. Coming from scraping 2 full sheets of 15+ year old lexan I got at an estate sale for pennies over the course of many smaller projects.

[@aarond4821]

You could always try a power washer to that plastic or a heat gun might work too. It's looking pretty good.

[@Megan-Yoder]

I thought about using a heat gun also.

[@JakeRichards]

Was thinking the same thing

[@wrenchdoozer]

One thing that has worked with me to get stubborn labels off is Goo Gone. Very oily and sometimes it takes a few applications before the label and residue slide off.

[@FATHERSOFBASS]

Build small wings with floaties on the ends for extra balancing and tip over prevention

[@j.r.millstone]

For the stuck plexi wrap, use a heat gun and a plastic razor blade.

[@jessicad83]

Hot soapy water !!! That's all you needed..

[@mikerogers9711]

put some bricks in the gunnel keep the center of gravity LOW. oh and Zach got his ars kicked on this build. great job

[@Paces2]

This is sick! I have been looking for something like this.

[@Trying_very]

Maybe you could try a cleaner for a glass hob electric stove to remove the plastic without scratching it. It might still be too harsh for the LEXAN, but worth a try - combined with a glass scraper while the LEXAN is still flat.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

That's pretty much was wrecked it first time...

[@random_ostrich]

Boil a kettle and use the steam to soften up the adhesive until it comes off with your finger nail

[@jamesellsworth9673]

...and to THINK: FOWLER is the BOAT BUILDER! I believe you have topped his original effort.

[@gregsmith8469]

Your little boat looks like a message in a bottle from far away.

[@Tuur75]

Love how the boat is turning out, hate how the mattress looks. Really should be more straight and a little bit thinner. Maybe make it so its also a bench.