We Built A Homemade Raft Boat with Electric Motor!

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Instagram: @vanwives / vanwives
Jaz - IG / jazzyjoyy
Crystal - IG / crysdd
TikTok: @vanwives / vanwives
Twitter: @vanwives / vanwives
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Our Journey! How did we get here?
In the winter of 2019 we moved in to our self built van full time to begin living, working and travelling Canada. We quickly fell in love with chasing our dreams of adventuring off the beaten path, living off grid and being self sustaining. We drove our van thousands of miles through various countries-Canada, USA, Mexico & Guatemala. All of which we documented here on our channel, be sure to check that out! After many years on the open road we found ourselves 15 acres of remote woods of Canada where we are building a homestead and renovating our fully off the grid cabin. We are diving into this chapter of our lives in no experience, we're so happy we can bring you all along as we learn to do it all with our own two hands. Thank you for being here with us for cabin life, van life and all the in between!
NEW VIDEO EVERY SUNDAY 9:30​​​​​​​​ EST 🌞
3+ Years of Van life with 2 dogs
Off- Grid Living at our Cabin in the woods
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[@Vanwives]

This raft can hold 4800 lbs any guesses what we will be adding to it ?? 👀 OR any fun ideas?? Going to be a great summer- so excited to have access to the lake!

[@maxmac7845]

Have you seen Zac Fowlers Pirate ship?

[@CindyMccain-t4u]

Hi girls. Why build another deck? Just got out of hospital. Loss my rectum n colon due to cancer. Now recovering. Wheelchair john. BFE

[@JudithBisson]

Maybe bring a yoga ball to the camp, so you can stretch your back out. 🥳🥂 Maybe an umbrella for the dogs.😜

[@BobBohner4851]

Solar, shade, music/sound system

[@stellamorettin9370]

Where did your mom go? Did you finish the roof?

[@AngelLestat2]

These women can not stop working, I can not even understand how they accomplish so much in such little time. Any of these projects would take me forever.

[@Vanwives]

Awe thank you Angel for your kind words! We enjoy building but really couldn’t do it without the motivation and help from our community💛

[@meganelise277]

Don’t forget that they do this full time! It’s much harder to get projects done when you’re working a 9-5 or just don’t have as much experience. You’re not alone in taking forever haha 😊

[@Vanwives]

@@meganelise277absolutely true things take time and it can’t happen over night 💛

[@amorl4520]

This is the coolest thing you ever built! Such a great summer video! Captain Crystal and dancing Jazz are shredding it! Boy, trolling around on lake cooking with your favorite person in the world is all you need. Yes, your 2 babies to. A bar or kitchen in that 8x8 space. Maybe a bed.lol You girls are doing you! I'm loving it! Be safe❤from NY

[@alicecain4851]

I agree they're doing this full-time, but they're still getting so much done! They are focused and excited and driven! Of course, their season for outdoor building isn't that long either! They need to get in position to work on the inside of the cabin in the Winter. Oh... Oops... I forgot the property the bought in Mexico as their Winter activity! Who cares?!? I'll watch them no matter WHAT they're working on!

[@InDeathOnlyNothing]

Probably a good idea to switch out that Trolling motor wood mount to an Aluminum material made into whateverr shape and bolted onto the raft and then you can clamp the Trolling Motor to that. Pretty cool raft. Keep life preservers on board. Every vessel needs them and the life saver rings.

[@las174]

yes, life preservers a must, as well as an anchor that reaches the bottom in case you have to abandon ship and come back later to get it, it will still be there.

[@LeaG12]

Crystal did say they were putting life preservers in the bench :)

[@Vanwives]

Great idea!! Yes trolling motor needs a big upgrade LOL thanks for the tip!!! We do have life jackets and paddle on board 😎

[@lint2023]

If the grain of the mount for the motor was running vertical instead of horizontal, it would not have broken. The grain orientation is why the board broke. Just mount the board vertical and with carriage bolts and it will suffice for the trolling motor.

[@ladikmk]

Everything you mentioned and a way for the dogs to get back on board safely.

[@emilee1963]

I can't tell you how much I enjoy and look forward to your videos. My husband knows that at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings, I have my coffee and I am set to watch "my girls" while he takes our 16 year old puppy for his walk. When I was 15, my mother gifted me with my first set of power tools and I was thrilled. Now at 60, I am living vicariously through you both, living your best lives, with your dogs and each other. You are showing that you truly know what's important in life and to be joyous about it. I love you both!!!

[@Vanwives]

Aweeee Emilee, you filled up our hearts and now they are overflowing. We will always remember your kind words. Your mother was sure a smart momma. We are honoured to have you in our pack.. Sending love to you and your family. 💛🐶

[@Dikomanis]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@BigggRoss]

Fishing pole holders? Outdoor cushions would be a plus. A food prep table?- Solar panel and fridge/freezer? I mean if you want to spend time a Porta potty (in a little tent thing to put up as needed). A depth sounder so you know how deep it is. A screen canopy to avoid the midges and mosquitos.. My ideas to add lol

[@youtooaromatherapyyoga2991]

They're vegan so I don't think they'll be wanting to catch fish but I would love to do that!

[@alicecain4851]

There's fishing that's not eating! Catch and release.

[@jodiewilcox6772]

Love this project! I'm making a couple of recommendations just to guarantee a good experience: Please add strings of solar lights, connecting the posts. The post lights alone will not be enough for others to see you easily (plus, we know solar lights don't all last at the same rate, so more lights for safety); Add at least 2 oars, maybe 4, in case you have issues with the motor; Lastly, add drop down rails for your grill. It is easy to bump something like that, especially with many people moving around on the platform. Enjoy that beautiful build 🎉

[@alicecain4851]

I worried about the grill, too. Visualized seeing it fall in and sink. Glug⁰⁰⁰ glug⁰⁰⁰

[@Ms.Laterholmes5253]

I love these two supervisors you have. Just have to say that you two seem so much more lighter in your spirits and your smiles having the time of your lives. Over the years watching that you, it haven’t seen before but the last couple months have just been really refreshing. It looks like for the two of youlightheartedness and just the realness that you ladies are given to not that you weren’t there before and some days aren’t great but some days are fabulous. Thanks for sharing your lives.❤

[@Vanwives]

You filled up our hearts. Thank you for sharing with us. So happy you see that and you are refreshed! 💛 so sweet!

[@AB-ol5uz]

they don't have to struggle to meet basic needs on the property now so that frees up time (literally) and mental/emotional energy to enjoy other things....

[@alicecain4851]

​@@AB-ol5uzThat's true. They talked about the years without enough/any electricity and water and how physically draining it was just to have their needs met. Anyone who wants to look at them now and think they have it easy now are crazy! They worked so hard for every bit if ease they may have now. This ability to take some time to make things that aren't "needs." They're still working to get these things, too.🎉

[@chipprice1174]

Trolling motor tips: 1. Get a back up battery. 2. Mount a solar charger up on top of one of the posts. Put Anderson quick connects to unhook and or change from one battery to the other. Also, quick connects to the solar charger. (Btw, I'd use no less than a 100W solar panel)3. the board you broke that holds the trolling motor on the raft, is called the transom. Get some steel, and cover both mounting sides with the steel, that insures no broke boards, and if they do, you won't loose the trolling motor. 4. Speaking of loosing the trolling motor, Get a piece of rope or small cable to catch it should it come loose. I'd also wire in a small volt meter to keep you informed as the how much battery life is left in your battery.

[@oscoto]

So many good recommendations and advice. Now as an 80 yr old guy I think some shade and a private space for a changing room and toilet would be handy. What ever you do it will be perfect. Well done ladies.

[@AB-ol5uz]

I would be tempted to put up ceiling frame/rafters to allow for shade sails so you can enjoy it even on the hottest days. Such an awesome build....I love seeing how confident you both have become in building things....dream it and build it!

[@twoforonecreativelife]

!!!YOU RULE THE INTERNET!!! Way to go, girls! Epic summer fun ❤❤❤🩵🩵🩵💚💚💚

[@Vanwives]

Wow! Thanks, happy to have you in our pack. 💛🐾

[@lauriekowing1653]

You two make the best videos eva!!!

[@Vanwives]

Hey Laurie, that’s a big compliment! We thank you! 😊🐶

[@ladikmk]

So, so fun! Lots of great comments with sound suggestions too. Enjoy!!!

[@lwitt8448]

You guys are simply amazing!

[@terrilepine9065]

You are showing that you truly know what's important in life. love you both!!!

[@jessicagreeneyes1793]

I totally love how real y’all are… real life, real life problems issues and ya don’t know it all… just coasting and learning as you go ❤

[@Vanwives]

You are so right Jessica. You summed it up well.😊🐶

[@riff2072]

Happy Sunday Morning pack.

[@Vanwives]

Hey Riff! Happy Sunday to you.😊🐶

[@carolyngrotaers4454]

Looks like a fun summer on its way.😊

[@kathyanderson1509]

A room for the marked space , you ladys are amazing , bella doing the clean up for ya lol

[@derrickjones9882]

Good morning ladies!!

[@Vanwives]

Happy Sunday Derrick😊🐶

[@SolsticeOnAnOdyssey]

24:18 It's so peaceful and quiet. You're like a modern Huckleberry Fin.

[@Vanwives]

Right! We love that!😊🐶

[@wendysaggus7058]

i love the raft build. i would be on that thing all summer long. i would make a counter top to put your grill on- secure the grill down, prep space and storage space for a garbage can and such. plus you wanna make sure the weight is equal on both sides, you have that storage on one corner and nothing in the other.

[@lindasartore3303]

It was so fun to see what you’ve done to your raft. It brings back many memories from the 1960s in Michigan on a 80 acre lake where we had a cottage. My dad had a float like that and he put a railing across the back of it, attached a slow motor below that, and we named it “Pokey”! So we used it to swim out to during the day while it was anchored in front, but then at night or on the weekends he would pull up the anchor and they would put aluminum lawn chairs on the raft (without any railing, except by the motor) , and we would slowly meander around the lake, waving at everyone! His invention was before pontoons were ever developed, as far as I know. They would even fish off it at night (in the dark) by hanging a lantern out and catching trout with canned corn. They were very successful. It will be fun to see what you’re going to do. Note: those aluminum chairs did NOT hold up well and you had to be very careful sitting in them! LOL!

[@chrissyjett8]

You are the most adorable people. Glad I found your channel. Thank you for this inspiring content.

[@racheltraynor5995]

The best part of my Sunday after work, watching you both. You inspire me just to get stuff sorted/build .. ❤

[@allangillis2033]

Love those Canadian Tire post top lights :)

[@adriennefraschetta5391]

Nice job ladies!!!😊

[@MartinWilsey]

IMPORTANT Motor tip: The grain on the board it is clamped to is the wrong direction. It can break along the grain and lose the motor in the lake.

[@MartinWilsey]

That happened fast. Ha!

[@Vanwives]

Hahahahahaha very fast! Thank you we will be making upgrades 😎

[@MartinWilsey]

@@Vanwives You can mount a 2x10 vertically. Grain verticle. Maybe add a galvanized plate to be sure. Love the raft.

[@SandiKB1]

Awesome floating dock ladies❣️

[@Vanwives]

Thanks Sandra. 💛🐶

[@juliabanes204]

Thank you so much for sharing your joy of doing things together, building new things, and just sheer *living*! You make the Sunday evening more tolerable for me

[@glendalephoto2007]

This is One of my favorite videos on this channel

[@Vanwives]

Thank you, we had so much fun making this video. 🤩🐶

[@marche49]

Wow!! Very impressive, you are both amazing. Excellent job,enjoy the raft! Looking forward to seeing what's in store next week. 💛💛🐾🐾

[@Vanwives]

We really loved this project. See you next Sunday. 😊🐶

[@craiglowe5412]

You need a dingy in case motor stops

[@lynnberube8489]

You girls have so much fun and you’re so talented!!

[@gerardcurnew1734]

Nice to see the two of you miss you

[@jamessawyer4971]

Crystal, Jaz you girls just built the absolutely best party barge I have ever seen !!!! What a great job you 4 did!! I love it so very much !!!! I have always been a fan of party barges... they are great!! I swear this is the best video you have made. I know I've said that before and I'm sure I will in the future, but what the hell !!! Bella and Izzy has put their approval on it and that means everything !!! Well done !!!! Love and peace from Salem, Or. PAWS UP FOREVER!!!!!!!

[@Vanwives]

We love everything you said. Thanks James. We always need Bella and Izzy’s approval. Paws up Forever: 💛🐶

[@rosieg1603]

What a cool raft 💜well done both 💜looks amazing 💜

[@davidself5235]

Nothing better than a barbecue on the lake - awesome - enjoy ladies.

[@Vanwives]

We are lovin it David. 😊🐶

[@GHE2005]

That rolling on the blue barrels looks like fun. A floating gazebo. Nice 😊👏🏾 Oh it's a floating raft with a motor. Nicely done. Very fun. U need to add a ramp for the doggies to go in & out of the water too. 😉

[@valniles6100]

Incredible job, you two! You can build anything!! It looks like you are adding a "Covered Section" to the deck in the middle. Some waterproof string patio lights around the perimeter would be cool, as would a large search-type light for nighttime boating! Water proof cushions on top of your storage boxes for comfortable extra seating. The trolling motor handle needs to be higher or the seat lower so it is more comfortable on the shoulder and arm of whoever the captain is steering. My other safety concern for you guys. If something goes wrong with the trolling motor, you need something to help you get the boat back to shore. (Maybe a backup motor? Rowing paddles won't do it! 🤣) You guys are going to have so much fun!!

[@danielaanastasio-karatop5491]

Wow it looks amazing so clever you both are fantastic x

[@julkim13]

I love it i love it ! An umbrella for a bit of shade would be nice, a slide also... and a back up engine.. lol ❤❤❤

[@patriciamarrion6802]

You girls sure know how to have fun in life. 🥰

[@andersljungberg3330]

Amazing job ladies 💞 you two can build anything you want jag 👏👏👏😘

[@jeanniekartis5916]

Morning lovies ! Its gonna be a great day ! Here we go.... ❤ ooooo a little houseboat!

[@Vanwives]

Morning Jeannie, it’s go time. Always a great day when you are with us on our journey. 💛🐶

[@mattmiller1471]

I enjoy watching these videos. Not only are you two amazing. I am a construction associate at a orange hardware store, so spotting the product that I sell and recommend for people is just an added fun. Thank you and keep being awesome.

[@kerrylynnparsons7879]

Such an INCREDIBLE and practicak and FUN project, Ladies!!! 🥰🎶❤️🎶🐶🐶🎶❤️🎶📚🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@lbh002]

Corn on the cob grilled in its husk is the best! No butter or salt even needed, but if you want some, it will still work.

[@tina-wt9zm]

Love ya'll ladies. What a life u have made for urselves. So much fun and ya'll get along so good. Blessings sent ur way.

[@barbhaley1820]

You Ladies are amazing. So gifted

[@beverlypoirier705]

Girls you always come up with some pretty amazing projects. This has got to be the best one yet!! You always seem to get things done 1st then always find time for each other and those beautiful fur babies! I wish you both the best!! ❤️🙌🙏 enjoy your summer because it doesn't last very long in the north...already looking forward to next Sunday. ❤

[@dreesebrownlee6]

Wow now that raft boat is awesome!!! Amazing work ladies, can’t wait to see part two 🎉❤❤

[@filomenaregan1537]

The girls are at it again! What fun 😂 building a floating barbecue barge 😊 yippee fun in the sun

[@ThomasGehlhaus]

I'm guessing you're adding a sauna to the raft! Great video and build 😀

[@salparisi4201]

Another amazing build! I was smiling and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Love the raft, AKA, little floating piece of lake heaven!

[@marcialovejoy9926]

The raft is so very cool and i know you girls r going to make it cooler. Your going to enjoy the raft. It just adds to all ready cool place that you call home. You two make my sundays.

[@carolfaberpeake857]

That is seriously so awesome!!!!! 🎉🎉

[@dennisbeaver5958]

I’m guessing a small cabin is coming for that raft boat! Another great project!

[@terryleonard7673]

Soooo COOL!!! Have a wonderful just relaxing on the lake!!!

[@elinb]

That raft is so cool! You girls can do everything it seems. Awesome!

[@Vanwives]

We love it! It was fun to build. But we are not finished yet. 😊

[@NatGreenOnline]

You ladies need a slide and a diving board now! Such a fun project

[@Vanwives]

That’s the best idea!!! We do 👀💛

[@ColletteC2106]

I love the darling built in dishwasher. I bet those tongs went from dirty to sparkling in no time!! 😂😂

[@kathyannk]

Kudos to you guys! Always coming up with crazy cool ideas! Gonna be a great summer!! Aargh!! 🏴‍☠️ 🍻

[@sofiemiclotte]

This is the ultimate 'I have adult money' raft and it is amazing 😄

[@xzouix]

Woooow!! I have never seen anything like this! What a wonderful idea, and fun indeed I am smiling ear to ear just watching you girls enjoying this beautiful build. Thanks for bringing us along ♥

[@bennyt.christensen3970]

Your smiles at min. 28:32 says it all 😁😁

[@user-TLC]

Oh my gosh,how cool is that!!!

[@Laura1221]

So fun!!! You both amaze me!!

[@Randompvp85]

wow! that looks amazing! great job guys!! you girls have improved so much with your building skills, keep it up!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

YO I'm so stoked!!!

[@Vanwives]

COME hang girl 🛶💛

[@josephyoung5395]

what a great job. fun for the summer

[@philkc2446]

You sure could post twice a week. Love it. Been following for a lot of years. You all rock

[@Vanwives]

Thank you Phil for being a long time pack member. We appreciate your dedication. 😊🐶

[@RhondaLeeAcoustically]

So awesome!! 🫶

[@Vanwives]

Thank you! 😊🐶

[@cimwennstrom4716]

You girls truly work hard and play hard, I love it!!! I'm guessing there will be a sauna in the middle?

[@mmsvg]

This is by far the coolest thing ever!!!!!!!!

[@MariE-go7ol]

😊😊😊 omg this is the coolest thing you’ve ever done! So impressive!! How fun!! 😊

[@NeilMaclachlan]

You 2 are some ladies right enough...I love your videos...Theyre full of awesome ideas.... its really great to watch...Stay safe you both and will see you on the next one...Love you all

[@justleslieslots]

What fun so cool!!! Great job!

[@ladytj4u]

Living U all’s dream! WOW!!! I’m so inspired and proud of U two👏🏽💃🏽💕

[@ladytj4u]

Thank You for sharing your amazing adventures 😊

[@virginiamschatz5180]

what a great build....you will enjoy that over and over...I have childhood memories of a simpler raft that we went rafting on over and over...enjoy...that corn, by the way, is the best!!

[@JTFandBEYOND]

I hope a slide comes next! 🎉

[@dayers9257]

I love watching your channel. I just have to say, Bella and Izzy are absolutely living their best lives.

[@Vanwives]

Bella and izzy are working hard but loving their lives for sure. We love them so much 💛🐶

[@padders1068]

Great Work Lovely Beautiful Ladies! That raft looks beautiful, and always better to over-engineer than to under-engineer! Hope you have lots of fun with it, and take us along to share you journeys! Much ❤ to you both and your girls! 😘

[@TheKindredTrucker]

I had the biggest grin on my face watching this video! Such a fun project, and I can't wait to see where it goes!! I want one of those tooo!! lol🙌❤

[@debraanneclark2188]

Can't wait to see how the raft develops and what fun times you will have on it

[@lauridykstra8684]

Love your moving deck! I love what you have done…great idea!😊

[@50spirithealer]

Always entertaining. Really makes a Sunday morning!

[@cecechambers1016]

You guys are simply the BEST GREAT JOB You guys could put a beach tent for shade see you guys next Sunday ONE LOVE

[@hugeblue]

6/23/24 - Once again you girls amaze me ! Good Sunday morn. Love your "Love Boat" ! Don't forget Life Jackets ? First Aid Kit?

[@GjuroZlikovsky]

I love watching people enjoying fruits of their own labor, and you girls are clearly loving your life ... cheers and hoping the worst you have on the raft is running out of battery so you have to paddle back home 🥰

[@eleanorcramer7986]

It just came to me when Jasmin says she talks without moving her lips she is practicing being a Van*triloquist. It’s another skill in the tool belt. You have made another piece of paradise. There are good ripples.

[@bertbernier3917]

This is amazing, happy for you. Enjoy your hard work

[@renatoduchene8525]

Absolutely great ! Just be sure to tie on that grill as it surely will fall overboard otherwise...

[@rudyfisher7660]

You can always add some rope to your chain. And make it long enough look, get a like a ski rope. Heavy duty ski wrote to add to it and make longer distance on your chain. So tyle, the chain to the row and the rope to the boat. Or to your doc, and then throw the Jean out there with t. Anchor on it, and then that way. The chain will wait the anchor down to the right point to hook into the ground

[@Vanwives]

Well that is a great idea. Appreciate it

[@farmchannel1231]

Good idea

[@joannhurst6987]

You r so productive it will inspire anyone!

[@Ms.Laterholmes5253]

Lakes are awesome so proud of you, both and those supervisors are grade A

[@johnrichardcleland4493]

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO, okay now I'm envious!!!! You two amaze me. Every week I tune in to the channel with my coffee expecting to see you working your skills to produce an entertaining Vlog. This week you exceeded my expectations with a great project but also managed to exclude some fantastic views around the abandoned cottage. It would be my dream come true to own such a beautiful property. You have been blessed to be able to have each other, the dogs,and the opportunies you are encountering. Stay Safe Stay Well and Enjoy Each Day

[@shirleyfranz3040]

Congratulations on another beautiful project.