DIY House Boat Build (I'm starting to think I can do this)

[@traviskinchen2265]

Emma, please use the hearing protection that I see hanging on your wall. Especially with routers that produce high frequency sound that can damage your hearing even if it doesn't seem especially loud, and double especially in a small shop. As for the double sided tape.... clamps. Lots of clamps. Then some more clamps. Building a boat takes lots of clamps. Good strong spring clamps, some c-clamps, some more quick clamps, some bar clamps in different lengths, and then some ratchet straps will come in super handy when you are trying to assemble all those large parts. Sometimes drywall or wood screws make good clamps, as long as the little hole isn't going to be a problem. Prefer torx heads over phillips heads, they are MUCH easier to get in and back out without stripping the head and needing to waste time with that. You can use toothpicks or little dowels to plug the holes after, if needed.

[@cmar4076]

Emma, pro tip: Once you stick your template to the top of the wood, use you jigsaw to “rough cut” the bulk of the material to be removed. This will not only make the routing process WAY smoother and faster, but will also extend the life of your router bit. So when you rough cut, just leave around 1/8 to 1/4 inch of wood for the router to remove. Trust me, this will improve your whole experience by 100% 😃👍🏻

[@boatsmthfl]

wat e sed!!!

[@boatsmthfl]

also tininitis sucks way more than hearing protection

[@pdwilliams6615]

As a "retired" cabinet maker of 32 yrs, it's very encouraging watching you (people in general) learning tools and all peripherals of tools as your top & Bottom bearing "pattern bits" keep up the great work, excited to see you sail!

[@martinvho]

I like that you're not pretending to know what you're doing while having a man doing it... your insecurity but determination to do this and learn how is why I keep coming back. Please use the headphones when using powertools, and use a stable work surface. Those things make any work you do 25% easier.

[@TheChaselg1]

Might be worth doing something about that floor Emma. If you fill the worst of the damage with mortar, then pour a few bags of floor leveler on, you won't know yourself. Perfectly flat smooth surface for your trestles, no more tripping and much easier to sweep and wheel things around on. Pretty fast, cheap and easy fix. My girlfriend and I are thoroughly enjoying your build progress.

[@scotegertson2300]

Well, now that you THINK you can, you CAN. Love the building skills progress that you've made since you started the bus, but even more than the skills, the amount of confidence that you have now is quite satisfying to see. Thanks for sharing the progress with us!

[@BiglinesNL]

Your comment about sticking with the small router because it's easier to handle is a valid concern, but in general don't be afraid of a bigger tool. Using an underpowered or blunt tool for a job is generally much more dangerous because you have to apply way more force, making it so when it goes wrong, it really goes wrong. But using a trimrouter for this thickness of plywood should be fine as long as your bit is sharp and you don't push too hard to get it to go faster (a bigger router would allow you to go faster safely, but is heavier to handle, especially without a sturdy workbench).

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

luckily the small one doesn't seem to have any problem with this stuff!

[@r13s]

​@@EmmaBuildsBirbieit might just be the lense, but did you measure the garage to make sure the boat, trailer, and tools will fit?

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

I'm not going to assemble it in the garage @@r13s

[@MinOfForest]

I identified so strongly with the struggle lifting the plywood onto the sawhorses by yourself. So impressed you got it on there without sawhorse collapse and movement 😂

[@tedpreston4155]

I felt empathy watching that struggle! Even with broader shoulders and twice her weight, I struggle to put a sheet of plywood on sawhorses too!

[@johnjamerson1759]

Emma, you got that router down. I'm impressed. See you on the next one.

[@forwimp]

The first bit that didn't work was a solid carbide laminate (Formica) trimming bit. If you cut heavy wood with it, it's likely to break. That top bearing bit is just what you needed. Be sure to put a drop of oil on the bearing every day. Some guys put them in a jar of oil overnight to make sure the bearing is fully oiled. I'd always use the bigger router for this plywood. It's smoother to operate because of more power and is actually safer.

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

Hey Emma, I saw the double sided woodworking tape online. Looks as if you have a pretty good “running start.” At your core is that can do attitude and it shows when you get that bolt of confidence, your eyes light up!, I am sure that you will do it. Merry Christmas to you. Happy New Year.🤶

[@fillg]

The little hiccups you had when routing out the full length pieces you can probably completely fill in and hide when you fiberglass everything. So don't worry about it. For a better experience with your mask you should get one of the rubbery ones with the filter cartridges that attach to it, you should have one of those when you get to the fiberglass anyways because they can filter the chemicals and odor out as well. I think they're usually around $50 but they're soooo much better than the one you were wearing

[@nightthunderadventures]

Great work! You did so much more than you thought you could on your bus, and I'm sure you'll do the same thing on your boat! Happy building!

[@DeAnnaG_KissingFrogsMedia]

❤🎉YAY! Emma! Keep going! I know I’m a complete stranger but the “Auntie” in me can’t help but be proud of you and cheer you on. It brings a smile to my face every time you have a burst of self confidence and you light up like a lighthouse! Keep having faith in yourself and sometimes that is learning the warning signs of when you’ve had enough and its time to stop before something bad happens that forces you to stop or will make things more difficult in the future. That is a hard self boundary / warning sign to learn to listen to and respect. So Kudos to you on that as well! 😊. Stay blessed not stressed! Looking forward to the next episode! Happy Holidays!

[@jasondamico_webdev]

There was never a doubt that you can build this. Enjoying every second of your adventure. ❤️

[@johnson8950]

Suggestion for you. I have a back ground in residential construction. But I grew up not knowing how to do things, so when I went to work I bought the tools I needed to. You will find that the best tools and even the right tool for the job does not work well without quality bits or blades. They don't have to be the most expensive but have quality and be sure to have replacements, then change them. Your cuts will be easier and cleaner and safer. The same with holes. And don't worry about using the tool you feel comfortable with to do the job. You are the one doing it. Make sure are safe.

[@espnmk]

Absolutely you can do it, Emma! you're so positive, one tip I might give is with your nailer put a small pin nail thru both pieces of plywood in different spots. (don't forget to pull them) or maybe some glue to keep plywood from shifting when making these cuts. thanks for sharing keep up the great work and Happy Holidays...

[@michaelneville3455]

Hi Emma, of cause you can do it . Don't underestimate what you learnt from birdie build. Have a lovely Christmas and an exciting new year , and thanks for letting us follow you

[@EvanEdwards]

I have a personal philosophy about doing new things: The great thing is that you can't do this. You're making the kinds of dumb mistakes everybody does that proves that. But by the time you're done, you *_can_* do it -- because you made those mistakes and learned from them. That's the wonderful thing about going out and doing stuff and learning along the way.

[@twoforonecreativelife]

We know you’ve got this!! You’re gutsy, creative…amazing really. Love watching your builds, Emma ❤

[@fredzoler2750]

You have already shown you can do anything you put your mind to. Progress may be slower than a professional boat builder. Just think how good it will feel when you have completed this project and can say, "I built a boat". Love your smile🙂

[@ronaldseitz3677]

Emma you can do it you are doing a awesome job just go at your own pace and you be a house boat owner Enjoy your day and night

[@cmar4076]

Are any of you other viewers watching this, woodworkers like me, and wish you could spend a day teacher her SO many useful tips?! Argh! So frustrating. BUT, Emma, you’re doing amazing, keep up the good work!

[@robbyoliver4953]

Here is my favorite female KZbinr Emma. Still pretty and to smart for her own good! Maybe too much nervous energy! You seem to always want to be busy. But I know you will do an amazing job on this house boat ! Hope the plans call for fiberglassing the hull so it will last for years. After the build of the hull epoxy resin will take care of any imperfections. And using that on inner hull frames and joints will help seal the hull. Can’t wait to see more of this build.

[@joianne7511]

You can do anything You want to do but get in the habit of saying I can do this you have to make sure you are confident in yourself at all times you build out a school bus you’re trying things that others is just too scared to do and it might be challenging but you got this. I love to see you challenge yourself to do things that in your wildest dreams, you might not have done and I am so excited to see the finished product and I enjoy watching everything you do. But like I said, you got this. May you continue to have the passion to build things with your own two hands and the knowledge to show your younger self see look what we did.❤❤❤ May you have a Wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year and continue to be Blessed in each and every New Year.

[@glennr9913]

Emma, I just stumbled across your channel. Your excitement for life & adventure is really refreshing to watch. It's wonderful that you aren't afraid to follow your dreams. I've followed quite a few of mine, but never "built a boat". (That's the search that brought me here.) I really like the compact & simple boat design you chose. It's big enough to fulfill your needs without being too big, heavy, complex, and expensive to complete. It's important to dream big, but aim within your abilities to succeed. As an old man who dreams of houseboats too, I wish we were neighbors. I'd love to join your houseboat group. We are fortunate to live on a lake, but when the warm season is over our boating is on hold until the next Spring. A warm & cozy little houseboat with heat & a coffee pot would make a wonderful addition to our dock. The peaceful, calm, and uncrowded Winter days on the lake are so inviting. Thanks for taking the time to share your dream with us.

[@nintendolunchbox]

I’ve refrained from saying this for as it as you’ve been building Birbie. I can’t help but to say it now. You are adorable. I have full confidence in you. :)

[@danieltporter959]

Merry Christmas Emma and Family, May your Boat be Sea worthy in 2024.

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

Truly an inspiration to every young woman out there, super impressive and YOU CAN do this! So well done, great job! Rick

[@QluGymdad]

You’re doing great! You should put a couple of 2x4s long ways on your sawhorses to give you a more stable and straight work surface to cut on. Also adjust your circular saw to just cut deep enough to get through the plywood, like 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Will make the cuts go faster and easier to push the saw. Can’t wait to see the final product!

[@AB-C1]

You can DEFINITELY do it! Nice job Emma, so glad you're starting to have a bit more faith in yourself! I've no doubt you'll knock it out the park! Have a great week and Merry Christmas from London 👍🎄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@lesheath6216]

Forget the 2sided tape and just use 2 drywall screws and fill the holes with putty later on. It's much simpler and less time consuming

[@jamesHadden-l6l]

When I built my cold molded boat out of 3 layers of 1/8th cedar veneer I temp each piece to the one below with staples To keep them from going into the other piece completely I used pieces of 1/8th scraps That way they protruded enough to pull them out Took a ton onf staples But that method is common Now, they use a lot of vaccum bagging

[@richardroach9030]

You can do that Emma you've got thi can't wait to see the finished product

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

This is exciting. I, too, think you can this. I’m looking forward to the next episode!

[@adriankung1625]

With your top-flight and professional attitude, you definitely can and will get this boat built. I predict it'll be perfect! Don't let this random guy on the internet down, Emma! and Merry Christmas!! Cheers!...from North Vancouver

[@doofhund3526]

Emma builds boatie!

[@patriciaharkin1571]

Emma, you are glowing with confidence and it's brilliant to see. Not to rain on your parade, but; do remember that we go through peaks and troughs in every adventure. I hope your troughs are few and your peaks are many. Merry Christmas.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you! Merry Christmas 😊

[@tedpreston4155]

Hearing you say "bow and stern and bulkhead and hull" makes this old sailor smile! Next you'll need to figure out port and starboard! (hint: port has four letters, like left. Starboard has more than four letters, like right.) At least you won't have to figure out "flight deck" and "Hangar bay" - unless you start filming with a drone!😉

[@jntcustomcars]

EMMA!!! You, my dear lady, are doing fantastic! Be proud, be loud, and keep smiling. It was fun watching you build the bus. Now, this adventure is going to be even better. Like others have already said, when working with any wood, SHARP tools are a must. So don't be scared to spend another $36.00. It's is like you girls and hair dryers gotta have a good one. Lol. Be well, play hard, and play safe.

[@Niteskate1]

You can do it Emma, this is something you want really bad, and that will help you get through it..

[@waynepeterson1061]

Good job on knocking out those bulkheads for the boat. Not sure where you are at right now, but an early recommendation once you get the hull all put together. You stated, if memory serves me, that you will be fiberglassing the hull. My recommendation, if you haven't considered this already, to fiberglass the interior of the hull, "the bilge area", because they are sure to accumulate water at some point. They all do. Rather than have that water resting on painted plywood, fiberglassing the hull's inside will prevent that bilge water from soaking into the plywood. Fun to watch you work on the boat.

[@bryans8656]

You're making great progress. Any small gaps you have from imperfect cuts can be filled with an epoxy/filler mix. When I built my small wood boat I used epoxy for the adhesive and bronze screws for the mechanical fasteners and I'm thinking your build will be using a similar process.

[@lauriewalker843]

Don't loose that bit girl friend. Because that would suck big time! Great job.

[@alanhenes1504]

I have been watching you since the bus build, your woodworking has improved greatly.

[@LoMac_]

Shaping up! 👍 Will be ready for the mighty Mississippi in due time. 🚢

[@TimlMullens]

Love your facial expressions, and your commentary, you are a great example of never giving you, thank you, tim

[@0HARE]

Rockin’ that router, and learning as you go. Bravo!

[@joelroach416]

You can definitely do this. Looking forward to the entire journey.

[@roydesignedthat]

Glad you found the right bit! The bearing on top is actually better than the one I used with the bearing on the bottom end! The bearing can blow appart if it gets too clogged with wood grimb! Add a drop of thin oil from time to time to keep it lubricated and you'll not have any problems! Great start Emma! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from R&D

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Merry Christmas 😊

[@ryanmichael5330]

I know you can do this! You have me believing that I can do this LOL. Watching you build this is actually building up my confidence to start on my own. You're doing great!

[@kdowensjr]

Hey Emma. Thanks for the inspiration! You just dive in and teach yourself. Even when it's snowing! I'm trying follow in your footsteps and build a furnace to melt bronze to make rudder parts for my boat. Ken.

[@russellhopson1658]

A helper some time's is never a bad thing Emma .

[@anthonymiller8979]

You have come a long way growing your skills. Very impressed with how you found ways to do this so accurately. Well done !

[@RamblinRoverMatt]

All your thoughts are so relatable to someone else with similar experience! I wish I could convey them in my videos like you do, but I've only had the guts to post one build video so far. (side mounted surf rack for the van)

[@stephenrosumek3503]

Emma, take it 1 page at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed, I think you’re doing great, merry Christmas to you

[@realamerican6101]

Just be safe and steady but you know that and have a great time with holidays.

[@justplaintommy63]

I believe you can do it ;) this seems like a real fun project. I personally, prefer to build rather than rebuild/convert. so I was excited to see you start this.

[@Swampkrew]

Of course you can do it. And it will be very entertaining

[@matt6740]

Been there with templates shifting. You rock, keep it up. Your attitude encourages me to push through my current project.

[@jclements65]

You can do anything you put your mind to, Your a very smart Young Lady

[@allencharlei8351]

For what you know you're doing an awesome job.

[@bernadettewolf8069]

A job well done Emma 😊 Your not afraid to try things and learn from it. You have a great attitude and I wish more young people had your values 😊

[@BiglinesNL]

I think a track saw would be perfect for you, the accuracy of a tablesaw without the cost or danger of one

[@key9west]

Hello Emma, I hope you had a great Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year! If you have not seen the Ship Happens KZbin channel, I hope you would look at it. It should give you some great tips on how to seal and prime the marine plywood edges. It also shows sealing the screws and nails with glue. I look forward to seeing your updates. 🚤

[@mikehaas543]

I am glad to see you using PPE. I see you are working smarter and not harder also. Making good progress! Keep it up :)

[@simplybeingme]

Honestly I think you are so resilient and I love that you are building a boat. I have so much confidence in you!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you 😊

[@donaldanderson1881]

When I took a machine shop class, my instructor called the carpenter shop Wood Butchers. I would think building a boat, the Hull is an important area to make good joints.

[@markgallagher1376]

You’re doing great. On my first boat build, when I got all the frames built I felt the same thing you did when you finished the bulkheads. If your cuts aren’t perfect don’t worry about it because when you glue things together with thickened epoxy the gaps will be filled and it actually makes a stronger joint. If the joints fit really tight, it squeezes out most of the epoxy and gives you a slightly weaker joint.

[@ryandocpolk]

I know YOU can do this, but I'm starting to think I might be able to. I've built out vans and such before and am about to start on my ambulance but the more I watch this series, the more I think how great it would be to have a houseboat. New Research and Dream Unlocked.

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Merry Christmas Emma. You will get more confidence using the bigger router. ❤

[@mscarlarn]

Strong work girl. You got this. I loved your comparison of boat Emma to bus Emma. Boat Emma seems all grown up. Bus Emma- not so much. 😂😂😂

[@richardmoore2590]

Thinking your next project after the boat will be an airplane!!! 🧑‍🎄Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Emma☃️

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

merry christmas to you! 😊

[@dxg999]

You should get a big sheet of, say, three inch think foam or polystyrene insulation board. Put that on the trestles and then cut the ply on top of it. You will dig into the insulation and destroy it eventually, but it will support the ply while you cut it and it won't fall.

[@jasonjones5213]

Love your enthusiasm going into this.The boat is going to be a little bigger than I thought.

[@offthebusnpath]

Hi I enjoyed the bus build and I am enjoying the boat build. As a long time woodworker I completly understand the table saw concerns. After years if dreading long and reetitive cuts on the table saw I broke down and purchased a track saw. OMG where has this thing been for all these years. Crazy accurate, very repeatable, and smooth cuts. Not inexpensive but for large sheets and repetitive cuts its awesome

[@michaelirizarry5037]

emma is back! you're doing great!

[@JimBerryman-uf9io]

I gotta say Emma, watching the last video, I was worried cause you seemed kinda rushed. Finding out that you were making this video and that one at the same time, that makes alot more sense now. Merry Christmas to you Emma, and you're doing a great job 😊

[@malikdigger4544]

Emma ur doing fantastic job on the house boat project have wonderful weekend & Christmas

[@hallowther9735]

Emma, you have made a good start and you are double checking your measurements before cutting. As you have completed the bulkheads , it is step by step . Each part done will build your confidence . I look forward to seeing the completed boat because I know you can do it . May you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year . All the best, Hal

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you 😊

[@flybywire5866]

If you use screws instead of double sided tape, nothing will shift. The little holes the screws make arent a problem. If you dont like the mask, get a more professional one with two filter cartridges. It allows for a much higher air flow. They also seal better.

[@HajnalkaGyurgyovics]

I'm so impatient to see this build 😄 in a good way

[@jamesbeaman5944]

Very good work. Your concentration to accuracy is nice to see. You might look for 3M mask with exhale valve. Much nicer. Best, Jim

[@trevorupton6904]

Emma it says to use Vinegar. If soapy water didn't do the trick, try soaking a cloth or cotton ball in vinegar and gently rub it on the affected area. For removing epoxy.

[@adamb7220]

Looks like you got it figured out you've got the know how you will do just fine!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@candyball4881]

You got this girl, Merry Christmas.

[@kraftystuff]

Of all the power tools I have used, if I am going to make a mess of a job, it will be with a router. Practice with every type of bit you use on every scrap you have. Yes, you CAN do this thing.

[@MKDSime]

Slow and steady 👍

[@p8prslar]

Of course you can do this!!

[@kevinjohnson4418]

I look forward to seeing your videos

[@jamesHadden-l6l]

Yea! Emma vid What a great Christmas gift We always knew you could Your record shows it You can use a Sliding T Bevel to get any needed angles Boat builders LOVE IT

[@GiMom19]

Awesome job Emma 🙌🏻 Sending you blessings for this holiday season. Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year 🎉

[@jimhohl9003]

Ypu can use double stick tape to hold your pattern and panel together when routing the panel to shape, instead of using clamps...no shifting with the dedicated double stick tape.

[@VLOGS-skyun]

great make a bet First an RV, then a boat, and the next step may be a sailboat to travel around the world. Then modify a propeller plane.

[@tomsmith-rr6ch]

Love watching your video's. Looks good so far keep on going, and cant wait for next video

[@stevengregory8686]

Emma, Merry Christmas to you and great work this year, look forward to next year!!

[@terrybrannigan9963]

As I was putting on my Birbie merch shirt this video dropped. I want a router now! Always super excited to see your progress.

[@davidwalker9188]

Of course you can do it just don't get in a big Hurry take your time the longer you take the more videos we have to watch and I'm sure I can speak for others were cheering for you

[@ryankelly5303]

Awesome job Emma.

[@jimcollins5440]

You can do it !!! Measure twice and cut once.....JS

[@JamesSouth-d2c]

Look at some wooden boat building videos it’s very helpful you will see that you can work out some minor things when you fiberglass.