It's a BIG week on the houseboat build

I've been in the final stretch of finishing the hull of the houseboat build for what feels like forever, and this week it's time for some big moves to get this hull ready to flip (and let the house part of the houseboat build begin).
Watch next: • I made a big, dumb mis...
Boat Build Series: • House Boat Build Serie...
Build this boat: www.roydesignedthat.com/
See it in action: / @roydesignedthat
About me: I decided to jump on an opportunity to buy a school bus for $1000. After a couple years of building and a couple summers doing bus life, I sold the bus and began building a tiny house boat from scratch. My hope is that with a couple years of practice building under my belt, I can do a bit better of a job this time and build something that actually floats 🤞
Business inquiries: [e-mail]
Personal messages: [e-mail]
Instagram: / thebirbiebus
music: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@mike-vw1zn]

Just keep reminding yourself your building character which will be more than you think , later in life. This is exactly how I started now after 73 years on this planet , I’ve built houseboats, homes for people, am currently building a stilt home from ground up, I drive a 1949 pick up I built myself which is my daily driver. I still go through the trial and errors every other hour and continue building things one project after another. I figure I’ve saved $150,000 dollars on my current house build. Keep up the great work and never give up.

[@ygrittesnow1701]

I strongly encourage you to do a float test first before beginning the house portion of your build. If there is any flaw, you will know it before you put all that effort in.

[@David_S52]

If you’re having a bad day, just watch Emma, you truly have a calming effect in your videos. The boats looking great.

[@lauramoor7730]

This is for me I’m having the weirdest time in my life

[@jimkonst]

Emma, the thing to remember is that the strips of aluminum are sacrificial. They get damaged and replaced. Traditionally half-round brass or bronze (expensive) or just hardwood. The runners themselves are sacrificial. Rustoleum Bright Red! Gotta love it!

[@thetrashgoblin]

I absolutely love that you show the parts you're having to re-do as well as the parts that went well on the first try. So many builds just show the highlight reel of it going well with one big "oh no it failed how will we recover" fake drama point that's almost always not a real inhibitor. I think most of us prefer seeing what a process really looks like, and how to recover from when it doesn't go as planned. 10/10

[@ericswearingen8791]

I think what you are looking for is called Aluminum Flat Stock. Menards sells it in different thicknesses, widths and lengths (up to 96 inches long). If you need something longer, look for a company close to your location that is like Alro Steel. You might have to drive a bit (closest one to me is just over an hour away), but pickup is a LOT cheaper than paying freight. The boat looks amazing, looking forward to the next video. And stop selling yourself short. Nothing you have done so far is "beyond your skill level". Doing something you have never done before is always a learning experience. So instead of thinking you don't have the skills (you most definitely do), think of it as learning how to use those skills in a new or different way.

[@atw98]

So 45 years working and building boats, you doing good. Feel free to contact for any questions. The negative comments are so full of holes their idiotic.

[@truckergare]

Great job ...Looks awesome. Food for thought, paint the runners and just screw the plastic strips on no glue. The only reason for the runners is to protect the wood bottom if you beach the houseboat on shore. The plastic will protect the runners from rocks. I love your attitude when you come to a problem.

[@RolftheRed]

You're Really Doing Well, said the dude who worked with his hands most of his (now long) life.

[@dougintothesunset]

Nice progress Emma, and nice colour choice. Thank you for sharing!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you 💙💙

[@joshuamathis4179]

Just a tip,I.ve found that those thin pieces of metal might make small structural brackets for the interior. just bend them and drill some holes. Thanks for the great content!

[@stevengregory8686]

I must say Emma, the boat is looking good right now. I love your persistence, you don't let nothing deter you!!!!

[@TheLemonAndBeanBus]

You make Fridays way better!

[@durbeshpatel3047]

You can just use a long pvc pipe and steam to get those runners in almost anyshape, 1 piece

[@raycucchi5557]

Emma, u can use a aluminum transition strip sold for flooring transitions , home Depot or Lowe's sell it in long strips in flooring isle, it is prefilled for tacos but u can use screws, it's usually not flat but has rounded edges and will be much more durable than plastic ☺️

[@espnmk]

You'll now when Emma is on water just look for the Chinese red hull. Thanks for Sharing incredible job.

[@flightplan1000]

I remember building my first boat. Everything went fine except for the times that I had to stop to make sure the portisan was cool and barkney. Sometimes I had to framble it first...

[@debblucher2513]

We call that "lipstick red" 😂❤😂❤

[@BigIronTexas]

Plastic is a great option for those runners. Not sure what kind of plastic you got but Delrin is a great choice for future reference. Also, just about any epoxy glue will bond with Delrin

[@chrissuter4107]

I recently found your channel by accident. I've been watching several Birbie bus videos a day. Quotes I love hearing. "Will I regret this? Probably." and "I really have no idea what I'm doing." lol I'm mechanical, I build stuff. I am constantly amazed at how you are able to complete jobs with your utter lack of understanding. I'm not trying to be rude. You are so much fun to watch. And the fact that you don't give up is inspiring. More people need to try, fail, and try again, until they get it right, or right enough to make them happy. Mat Armstrong, another KZbinr, has a saying. HWBT, Hard Work Beats Talent.

[@Torsee]

20:19 Priceless look of glee! Fire Engine RED!

[@NVPhotography]

Hi Emma, i just wanted to say that a lot of times I'm screaming behind my monitor about what you should do instead of what you are actually doing but on the other side there is a girl that set her mind to do something or create something without the knowledge how to do it but that does not stop you. You fail and get knocked to the ground and stand up even more determined to the project and i have a hell of lot of respect for that and at the same time you make very entertaining video's showing not only the success but also the fails and that takes a lot of guts to put that on the internet for everyone to see. Your boat is gonna look amazing when it is done I'm sure of that and you built that with your own two hands. looking forward to your next video best wishes

[@adriankung1625]

Looking GOOD!!! The hull too!! That bright red really pops! Cheers!...from North Vancouver

[@apollolang3399]

Hi Emma you must countersink your screws into the alloy because they will pull the screws out if you catch the bottom of the boat on rocks and things, great Chanel loving your can do anything attitude, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@j_j_h221]

I love watching this trial and error process. There is no greater feeling then educating yourself. well done!

[@Victor.McCann]

I call it blood red Love the paint

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

You know, of course, that I talk to you as you work. Especially when you ask us questions … like, ‘ should I stack them?’ … meaning the tinfoil aluminum strips. I’m saying ‘no, no, Emma, don’t do that!’. I so enjoy your video and projects! Like the red paint! Now, what are we going to do with that trailer?

[@trace9130]

The more coats of paint you can do the better. Painting it again later, after it's flipped will be so much harder as well.

[@CaptnSacto]

Always look forward to a new Emma Builds Birb....... Boatie.

[@jimtoob]

Seeing the paint go on made me want to build a boat. Lofty goals for someone living in an apartment... maybe a really small boat. Really small.

[@R.Daneel]

Looks great. Wish I had some of that attitude that's leaping you over those hurdles!

[@petermiddo]

The 'cat got the cream' Emma in the thumbnail, though!

[@user-no7lg7nz7h]

Just something I found helpful when I built a wooden boat is to use cheap Chip brushes from Harbor Freight instead of expensive paint brushes. Because they never come completely clean.. but chip brushes are disposable.

[@dirwinzzz]

Perhaps screw those strips down after you paint it with brass or stainless screws . Then in the future if they get damaged you could easily replace them

[@ritabroils6190]

Yeah for the RED and almost flipping over the boat @

[@bryans8656]

You are correct, it's "fill + it". Beautiful work, I'm always impressed.

[@rebuildingnoseas]

Build it the way you want, just follow Roys plans. I watched every single one of his build videos of all 3 of his designs. He designs and builds things in a very utilitarian, common sense way. I'm really glad I found your build because you're the first person I have seen besides Roy who has built that houseboat. I know others have been built but I don't know of anyone making a vlog of it. If you can't find the aluminum in the length you need try to find either a metal scrap yard or a recycling center, they may have something that you can't find in a store that you can cut down.

[@uncertainscientist]

Watching you navigate these challenges really helps me build the confidence to tackle my own build challenges 🫶 And the color is perfect! I cant wait!

[@melodyhopponen7504]

Love the color, your doing GREAT

[@patriciaharkin1571]

Oh Emma, the color is fabulous. Love it, love it, love it and you're smiling- yeah!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

😊💙

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

You are doing great and enjoying it That is what counts

[@AndrewKumler]

Thanks!

[@petefranghis738]

Emma your doing an amazing job, love the color too. I love the way you problem solve, OK it cost a bit more time and money, but when it's done you won't be able to wipe the smile of your Face, Go Girl.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Strakes on a flat bottom boat are for tracking and longitudinal stiffness. 😊

[@kannieschrijfnie2042]

The sparkles in your eyes when you were about to paint your boat!! And the ones when you were ready are so beautiful. It makes watching your video such a pleasure. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱👋

[@Lyvngdedgyrl]

You are doing a tremendous job. It looks really good. There were some parts early on when I, personally, thought you might could use a helper and was curious why you didn't ask someone. But, you really are coming along brilliantly. Keep em coming. Looking forward to the next one.

[@normanhebert2388]

Use Teflon like on a air boat

[@bonniepettersen4063]

Looks greats!,,Love the Red hull👏 You are amazing!👍

[@roydesignedthat]

Wow, I love the color! She is "poping" Emma!!! AllthebestRoy

[@kevinhayes1656]

You should see if they have a boat supply store near you that sells accessories for boats and see if they have what you need

[@dirwinzzz]

Emma builds boatie ! Love it

[@HajnalkaGyurgyovics]

Whoa what in the poison apple 🍎 magic is this🔥

[@lanetatom2701]

Maybe aluminum siding for a house? Cut it up.

[@user-do9ff8rg4y]

I love watching you working on the boat,,i dont think you do as much as you can should

[@brickyty1980]

Loving your boat journey so far, it's looking amazing!! love that you show the highs and lows and how much you smile when you've achieved something great, like picking the colour, looks fantastic!! keep up the great work and vids, can't wait to see the start of the house build part, going to be awesome.

[@helenac.4081]

You are AMAZING!! Great job!! You’re an OVERCOMER!!

[@user-sb9fw6ui2i]

Emma, the aluminum you need, needs to be 1/8” thick. Look at metal suppliers in your area. Aluminum is pricy.

[@ybuszone]

Great job. Perseverance, skill building and challenging yourself to solve life problems in the future by building a house boat can only be done by a few in the World, and to put it on YT is only you. Thank you for sharing.

[@spiderrestorationsandadven8029]

I’m glad you painted it red. It looks really good. One of my favorite colors.

[@donaldmcculley2253]

Google new iron to find a place near you. I would probably use 1/4” thickness x width x length aluminum. Drill holes and bevel holes so that the screws will be below the top of aluminum

[@waltervang]

Love you boat and to pop your red the base coat should be grey and the red relay comes out even beter. Like you positively thinking and taking action please keep on doing that!

[@Lucky-Lucy330]

Well you did it again another quality video. Plus your editing is really looking top notch. Keep going Sarah your numbers will be climbing Very quick.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

You still need to add fiberglass on them runners before you paint.

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

There are many ways to build a boat

[@jameswright9289]

I love that ur not afraid to try something

[@JumpinSS]

You can use rolled flashing it comes in 100ft rolls and it’s 10in wide.

[@stevetaylor5404]

Emma, you are doing just fine. Remember the bus and what you learned.

[@lorenzoarredondojr3737]

Hello, have you thought about tractor supply yet. God bless you.

[@realamerican6101]

The S.S. Rosebud .

[@alvincoston2051]

Proud of you! 😍

[@AdamHinckley]

11:01 i don't know if you knew this but plastic do expand and shrink in the heat, that's probably why it gone like that

[@caryallen62]

You are such a sweet young lady. I have to say that you have become one of my favorite channels. I know you get frustrated but heck girl. You don't like much help and you are learning so much. You have no fear. Love you girl ❤

[@bradleysquires9584]

I would use the thin peace of tin for the house part of the boat

[@user-kb7cb6fi3n]

Don't give up. It will all be worth it.

[@PeterKNoone]

The red is awesome. Can't wait to see what you are going to do on the house part of the houseboat.

[@joevestal9463]

Take your time. You'll get it. ❤

[@johnhenry8424]

A little GEL coat before painting would make the fibreglass pretty smooth. Nice work! Can't wait to see it in use. Be sure to name it before you put it in the water.

[@clintkay5860]

Thumbs up girl! Great Job 😮 Great VIDEO!

[@phasmarts6532]

You're gonna want to counter sink those brass screws on the white plastic strips. I used uhmw strips on both of my driftboats build and would highly recommend that if they're not. Looking good though, can't wait to see it finished

[@moonbeambruce]

Hi from Northern Ontario Canada. The plastic you want is UHMW (ultra high molecular density). You countersink the holes to attach the plastic and get plugs premade to plug the holes. And depending on the plugs gives the thickness of the plastic strips. Good luck.

[@moonbeambruce]

Opps, that should be Ultra High Molecular Weight. And UHMW is not a word it is U H M W.

[@stephennowicki7158]

IMPRESSIVE!!

[@nintendolunchbox]

Sell those strips of tin foil in pieces to your viewers with your art or signature on them. I’ll buy one!

[@Philippe275]

If those strips of aluminum end up not really working, you can always remove them, plug the hole with thickened epoxy and add a few layers of sacrificial fibreglass. It is fairly durable and probably would slide well.

[@OzZy-13820]

You're doing great. Things get frustrating, but push through and keep going. The progress looks great.

[@anton4video]

Cut the aluminum strips in half to make them narrower and try braiding a basket.

[@terrybrannigan9963]

Awesome!

[@aiden777able]

U go girl. Great job so far.

[@normanhebert2388]

1"×1/8 flat bar

[@r8edrv4fun65]

I want to flip that water puddle off your canopy so bad 😂 I have to do that when my canopy ties are loose. One of your ties might be loose.

[@iamhe999]

congratulations for reaching this milestone... I like your can do attitude... constantly learning constantly adjusting.. nice!

[@chrissuter4107]

Thanks! Love your channel.

[@hobartelam3799]

Good job, cant wait to see what's happening next

[@jameswright9289]

Lookin good

[@sandygraetz5166]

Love the red hull of your boat! 🏚️🚣‍♀️

[@paulwebber1657]

You should check McMaster Carr for hardware and most anything else they have the aluminum strips you need and can ship

[@jasonbradley3569]

Goto an aluminum store in your area for eaves troughs. They should have a skinning material you can buy in a roll or have them cut and bend it to size

[@joelroach416]

Looking awesome. When all else fails, paint it red. My favorite color always.

[@TheOaksHeart2024]

Yay!!!!! love the color

[@user-gp5wj8dr3m]

LV the color 😊👍

[@jujugypsyjourney3826]

Beautiful red! The hull looks great. You are building a BOAT from SCRATCH!! YES you certainly ARE! Have a good flippin’ time 😂Cheers!👍💕✌️

[@markitathomas4146]

Make some art for your boat with the aluminum.