Finishing Homemade Floating Raft House Boat

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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!
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3+ Years of Van life with 2 dogs
Off- Grid Living at our Cabin in the woods
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[@greatpix]

Keep a few paddles on hand in case of motor failure. Maybe some long poles too. You could add some pullout pontoons for added stability.

[@berrymand71]

Yes, moving that big square without a motor is going to be difficult . I would experiment to see whether paddles or poles would work better.

[@seafishwendy]

Crystal keep in mind don't go swimming in any type of water with your leg being sewn up you can get a bacterial staph infection even though that it's stitched up you can lose your leg over it, so be careful. I've seen this where a person lost their leg because of that they got in water that had bacterial staph in the water I didn't even know it until it was too late.

[@Vanwives]

Thank you Wendy. Yes so important to keep it clean. Thank you for caring so much to share your experience with me. It truly means so much. 💛💛

[@Dgervelis1]

You need stitches and a tetanus shot and antibiotics

[@greatpix]

Crystal --- Spent the past 3 weeks in the hospital fighting a similar bacterial infection that turned into severe sepsis. I'm lucky to be alive. I'm still feeling wiped out.

[@JudithBisson]

@@greatpix 🙏❤️

[@Vanwives]

@@greatpixOh no, we are sorry to hear that. It must have been scary sepsis can be fatal. So happy you are on the road to healing. Sending love and healing thoughts to you. 💛🐶

[@vlakslee]

Your ability to work together without a lot of strife is an inspiration. At least in front of the camera. Thanks for the teaching video.

[@davidmiller6010]

When installing windows, dry fit your windows and strike a pencil line around the perimeter. Then remove the window and caulk the BUILDING between the pencil mark and the opening. That way you'll never caulk the wrong side again, AND you can pick up the window any way you need to. You ladies did an amazing job and deserve to be proud! KUDOS!

[@sharondoan1447]

Sounds good to me! I have no idea how to do any of that. 😂

[@davidmiller6010]

@@sharondoan1447 Thanks! I've put in hundreds of windows so far and that's my best method.

[@julieholcombe7422]

OH MY GOSH!!! The floating tiny house is SO CUTE!!!!! I love that you painted the door red and used the life saver ring that you found in the "new" house crawl space!!! Awesome job y'all!!! ❤️🐾🐾❤️

[@frankperry2874]

Tip people: when you cut Tyvek around windows, cut an x pattern and wrap the triangle flaps inside. Do not actually trim a square around the edges. Well done compensating on the flashing though. Also, boat construction is very different, 2x4s aren’t necessary. Weight is a consideration, that thing is way overbuilt! Well done though, it will last forever!

[@FloatingVillageLife]

Your dedication and craftsmanship in completing the floating house boat from scratch are truly impressive. Your meticulous attention to detail and creative vision have resulted in a masterpiece that embodies resilience and passion. And I am Floating Village Life

[@cathylivingston368]

Tyvek is water tight, but also Air tight, and the super duper tape will seal off any drafts or cracks. It's probably more important in a full size building with windows, doors, and sealed indoor air system, but I used it on my van under the Reflectix to keep OUT the road dust, exhaust, wildfire smoke, etc., so that I can more easily control the "indoor" air quality and temperature. I'm with you Jas...pretty amazing to look at and feel the Tyvek, and how consider how such a simple lightweight material can be so strong.

[@marcyfalconer1275]

Y'all are having fun. It's so nice to see the simple life!! Thank you for sharing.

[@NancyStoewsand]

You two are absolutely amazing! You are the perfect example of “you can accomplish anything that you put your mind to,” Incredibly inspirational. Hugs!

[@moavdi756]

YAAAAY! SUNDAY PACK DAY 🐾 🐕 🐕 ❤🎉 Phil & I have been waiting since 5:30am. 😊Have a great day everyone!

[@AlikiRocks]

Have a great day to you and Phil, from me and Apollo 🌞💙🐶 #packmates

[@Vanwives]

We sure do love your support. I am thinking Phil was your alarm clock today. 🐶 🐱

[@khillikialea]

I only came across you beautiful ladies 2 weeks ago. I watched one and was hooked. Went right back to the start of your journey and watched frome start to now. Love how fun loving, advantages, willingness to give everything ago and never give up. Your both so very inspirational, inspiring Ladies. Thank you for your amazing content look forward to everything yet to come. Much love to you both and hugs.

[@sandrasandymanning4354]

Sundays are for video binges! Love your work!

[@alicecain4851]

With Vanwives and Tyler and Todd, our DIY day is filled!

[@acdallas6356]

Even if you end up with a scar, it will always bring a great memory of the house boat building. Thanks for giving me a reason to sit and smile on Sunday mornings! 😺

[@danaowen9014]

Im impressed on how the little cabin and floating dock came out. You will have so much fun on it and what views at night. I love all the happyness that you all radiate to us all

[@Soey77]

You Ladies are amazing! Even stitches don’t slow you down. No excuses, back to work. So inspiring

[@Vanwives]

Thank you for sharing your kind words with us Soey. 😊🐶

[@smellslikedirt525]

Tyvek is great stuff to put under your tent. Also good to save a few small pieces to sit on if you hike and want to sit down on wet grass. Enjoy your new house boat!!!!!!!!!!!

[@loril.mangold8160]

That's Soo Great !! You 2 are the Best Living the Dream Life, Row, Row, Row your Boat, life is but a dream, you create it as you go

[@cskvision]

Excellent job you two! Glad your leg is healing well Crystal. I just imagine the floating house being an awesome ice fishing hut in the winter. 🎣

[@pameladavies337]

You two have WAY too much fun!!! Love your videos and all your projects. The raft is amazing!!

[@debihuntsman9314]

Is there anything you girls can't do??! You never cease to amaze me. Your houseboat is beautiful! Have fun and stay safe. ❤❤

[@gen2-x364]

Remembering when I used Tyvek and Typar wraps….don’t miss those days. Was common to wrap right over window and door openings as long as they were not overly large. Then when done wrapping would use a utility knife starting at the center of the openings and cutting to each corner. Then folding the wrap inside and stapling off…….there would only be little areas on each corner to cover…..less areas to tape after also. Oh…thanks for showing your beavers. Think I’d put the motor up front and with a chair you could steer with your foot….lol…..now that would be laid back plus your favorite beverage.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

You actually don't pass code in certain areas now when you wrap house wrap around the frame of your windows! You can't pass where I live. It's because when you wrap it in, it can rot out your header and studs!

[@tristanarnoux1946]

LOVE the red front door! I was so disappointed when I saw you repainting it white but luckily it was just the first layer!! Looks very good! I could have seen blue with blue shutters like greek homes too. Your cabin looks so enchanting

[@barbarahoover3941]

What a better life, that is. So cool, another great finished project

[@raktoda707]

It's a truly darling home on the water ! Ladies,take a bow! Doggies did you ever have a doubt ?

[@kellilandry2825]

That thing is the coolest! Can’t wait to see you and maybe some friends enjoying it this summer! Also, really loved seeing all the wildlife with you! What a treat! ❤❤❤

[@meturns4666]

If your looking for a shortcut on cutting the vinyl siding , put your blade backwards on your dropsaw , it will cut plastic, vinyl, metal roofing etc . 😊. ❤..

[@Vanwives]

Thank for the great tip. We will definitely try it on upcoming projects. 💛🐶

[@bozzhalliday5896]

Brilliant build lasses. Fantastic seeing the beavers & other amazing wildlife there. You are so lucky. I'm so glad you've build the Housefloat. If there is ever a forest fire you can escape to the middle of the lake. You should have it stocked up with emergency supplies just incase during fire season. Bella & Izzy amaze me getting on the paddleboard.❤❤❤❤

[@manipura_sun]

What about making a glass bottom boat next! That would be so cool and you could see everything under the lake!

[@Vanwives]

That would be so cool for sure. 😎🐶

[@oliveoyl1802]

One with a skylight !

[@sharondoan1447]

How about adding a viewing window to the floating house boat?

[@derekwalters4980]

OMGosh!! That looks AMAZING!! Hoping to see a "Night on a Canadian Lake" video, with lots of Canadian lake wildlife footage. Yes, this would be very cool for some of your city slicker fans.

[@brendacartee3879]

I love the new floating home! You girls have some amazing talent. You are getting prepared for the Mexico build for sure!🐶🐾🐾❤️

[@Siris35]

I can imagine sleeping on the lake while it's raining.

[@anneyday3493]

Ouch, hope your project battle wound heals quickly. I love, love, love the floating cabin.

[@rexxawesome6529]

I just looked at my husband and said. "let's be vanwives" happily tearfully. Lol. You two just spread positivity. You're following your happy. We love it. That's how we strive to live too. ❤

[@nanabananainavana7534]

OMG even the thumbnail had me so excited for this video!! This cabin is beyond amazing. I absolutely love that you did this for the summer fun!!

[@SteffanieOfOz]

That houseboat looks amazing! Great Job! You two are so inspirational.

[@carrieraupp757]

The girls are so relaxed and happy. 🐶 🐶

[@salparisi4201]

Great job ladies! You created something unique and useful. I am certain you will have many hours of enjoyment for the work time and effort invested. I continue to be amazed at your ability to work with new materials and do top notch construction. Cheers to your new floating mini home!

[@jackrose7977]

So cute! Looks like fun. Loved all the little animals.

[@rolandtb3]

Put some tempered glass on the front door. Driver can see through with door closed on bad weather days. Also add a bow electric foot pedal trolling motor to steer on lazy days. Also acts as backup if main engine goes down. Major outside work done, now to insulate and decorate the inside. Houseboat cabin starting to look more like a floating home. Attach a safety line/chain around the rear motor to prevent it accidentally dropping into the water.

[@shellybreaux7633]

Love your floating cabin. Great idea, executed perfectly!

[@thomasmacek5745]

You two ladies are amazing. What a great idea making the floating house boat. PEACE ❤❤❤❤❤

[@badbitecrew]

Thank you for sharing the wildlife viewing!

[@yayac6503]

You girls work hard to play hard . You both rock & are so inspiring to all . Enjoy all the comforts of home . Another job well done 🥳✌🏻🎉

[@joyannmace3141]

I just love Sundays my favorite wives are on I hope you have a great week ❤

[@mjmcinnesincanada]

Great idea and job Pack! Blessings 🌱

[@judithsimoni357]

Absolutely awesome!!!! Love love love it!! Kudos ladies!! ENJOY!❤❤😊

[@beckyshebesta3567]

Give yourselves a pat on your backs a job well done. Very awesome, you both are just amazing. Hugs to you both and, of course, the girls❤

[@dolessproject]

Amazing work! And love the story about the "do less" fish in the winter!! Keep being your awesome pack!

[@jannikalilja1033]

Looks so incredible! You guys are amazing. Just thought of a little lip around the bench to keep things on the boat while folk and you enjoy another one of your beautiful spaces ❤

[@shirleycarter2451]

Crystal your such a tough cookie. Keep it dry, no lake swimming as still can get infection into wound. Loved your build, looks real cut.🎉❤

[@marybethfrederiksen1875]

After seeing the beavers frolicking, your leg with stitches, then you jumping in the Lake! I fear for beaver fever (giardia). My niece is suffering with it now and it's no joke.

[@gloriaeller4328]

Congrats Ladies✨✨ The floating houseboat is awesome🎇🎇

[@genestatler2514]

That has to be the cutest floating houseboat I've ever seen. I love it.🤩😇 Lots of love from Gene in Tennessee.

[@Vanwives]

We appreciate that Gene. We love it too. Sending love back to you from the pack. 💛🐶

[@keithwinslett9016]

Great job on all your projects that I have watched . Haven't been following you ladies for very long . The smiles & great times you guys have. Will definitely keep me watching . Keep the videos coming. 🫶

[@Cspspack]

It’s so great you can spend more time on the lake now. Being on the water is good for the soul. Make sure to always take big oars with you in case you have engine trouble! Boat engines enjoy conking out when you’re in the middle of a lake. You could also have a backup motor onboard too.

[@amym8479]

Amazing Tiny Floating Home! Great video as always. Thank you.

[@carolyngrotaers4454]

Congratulations on your build. You all have amazing lifestyles. 😊

[@RaisingVoyagers]

Epic work!! You two are super impressive!

[@101doreen]

Get *Tegaderm* for waterproofing your wound. Cabin in the Water looks great and lots of good times ahead of you. Enjoy! 💛

[@Vanwives]

Thank you for sharing with me. 😊🐶

[@carolgilreath9416]

Have a great Summer, take care of your leg Crystal.

[@ladybluear]

Another perfect project completed!! Great job ladies!! Make sure you don't get any red streaks going up your leg from your cut!! That's a very strong indication of blood poisoning!! Keep it clean, keep it dry!! Happy floating ladies!! ❤❤❤

[@lizziefrances]

We have defined four seasons where I live in Victoria, Australia, but it blows my mind how fast and busy nature works in the few warmer months you get in Nova Scotia. Absolutely loving the houseboat!

[@davidayer1]

Chai liking the window inside out.!!!! Gotta chuckle!!

[@stephenkennedy7931]

You ladies did a fantastic job proud that you are fellow Canadians nothing slows us down or stops us. God Bless from your Canadian Friend.

[@doctorbills790]

I threw in an extra shot in our "everyone" drinking game for Crystal's cut. Keep up the great work!

[@Aggaliano]

You girls are amazing. Absolutely gorgeous cabin you built there. Well done! xxx

[@jeanettemole6323]

THIS is unbelievable you two have done a fantastic job you can do anything . Anytime when I think you have finished everything you wanted to do you come up with another great plan. I hope Crystal is doing much better. I tell you if had a place by the water I would be hiring you two to make me a floating home it looks like great fun and what a great way to see all the nature and wildlife Have a good week and thank you for posting

[@Randy-u4c5o]

What a great project! Inspiring work!!

[@kathyanderson1509]

You lady's are amazing 😊 . Hope your legs heals fast, I love the house boat

[@rossmail5924]

Yay looks amazing 🤩 I have one request/suggestion: the structure that your grill is on appears to be just two dimensional, some bracing would ease my mind that that if someone lent on it it would not give way... So some triangulation; just a diagonal timber from the top outer corner of the grill bench/counter down to the far edge of the raft (perpendicular if you looked down from above). If only comments would let he draw a picture😂

[@DeanColding]

Great job. Thanks for taking us on your journey.

[@Vanwives]

Thank you for your support Dean. 😊🐶

[@twoforonecreativelife]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🩵🩵🩵Eeeeeeeee!! Hit play so fast. Gotta say, I don’t subscribe to many channels and of those, your channel is one of only two that I rewatch many of the episodes. This home is aahhmaaaazzziiing! Thanks for allllll the inspo, fun and for just being you! Love ya, girls!

[@Vanwives]

Well thank you for such a wonderful compliment We are grateful to have you in our pack. Sending love back to you. 💛🐶

[@deborahashaw6044]

Another good job ladies!! 🫂🫂🫂🫂

[@sandragracie647]

That looks so beautiful, and peaceful enjoy can’t wait to see what is next. Until next Sunday stay safe and sending lots of love ❤️

[@Vanwives]

Aww thank you Sandra. Sending love back to you from the pack. 💛🐶

[@SLNason]

As an building inspector your doing a great job. Watch your corner when your taping the bottom.

[@naturenut7695]

Wow that looks fantastic. You girls are on fire. Okay if you're going to have a floating house you've got to learn how to fish. Even if you do catch and release. You'll be hooked 😉 for life. 😂. Also a little FYI. If you ever go tent camping the tyveks works great to put under your tent for a moisture control. No condensation inside the tent when you wake up. It's great seeing that the nature around you doesn't pay any attention to you. That's how it should be. Love you guys. As always thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@PBG345]

I learn so much from you two. Thank you ! Beautiful job. :)

[@alicecain4851]

I'm going to remind everyone, even with all of your good intentions - these ladies have been very kind and patient with you and they ARE very intelligent and have every reason to want to stay alive and well. That's all I want to say about that. I'd love to say great job on your tiny lake house! You have all of that beauty at your fingertips! Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@whirlingnative]

Awesome job ladies!😍🤩😍🤩

[@lynnemac1402]

Wow the floating cabin looks so nice well done. Crystal your poor leg, I hope it helps nicely x

[@clydesmith1855]

Very cool. Speedy recovery

[@amandasousa8812]

😢 Poor Crystal!! First her ankle , her eye and now this!! 🙏Please take care!! Xoxo I love your channel. 🥰

[@lyndioli]

You girls can do anything!!! Everything!!! 😍

[@bettybanfield5121]

I love watching your videos. You both have so much energy and make it look like fun, even if it's extremely hard work. I live in Texas and have been here for many years, but I'm originally from New Brunswick so I feel a little bit closer to home watching your videos.

[@grahamclayton1445]

Hi ladies , I am a new subscriber. Just watching all your videos. Can't believe how much work you have done on your cabin. You guys are badass !

[@julianadams3738]

Great job ladies. Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labour.

[@frankzimmerman1133]

I think ur cabin is a good idea ,,plus it gives u safety ,,, be safe have fun ladies

[@marylsnyder9409]

You two are totally incredible, makes me so proud to be a women watching you along this journey of yours.

[@Laura1221]

Omg! It’s so freakin cute! Great job!

[@ejohnson3131]

I had to come back to your channel because I saw the dog commercial with one of you girls and some guy. I was like no, please!!! I’m glad you two are still rocking it together!

[@Vanwives]

Can you send us what you're seeing please? If possible of course. Thanks

[@ejohnson3131]

@@Vanwives I clicked on a random video this past week and there was a dog food ad in the beginning. It featured the blonde girl (sorry, I forget who’s who) your two dogs and some random outdoorsy looking guy with long hair. It could’ve been AI generated, I’m not sure. I searched for it to send you the link, but I couldn’t find it. I used to watch your channel religiously when you were driving through Mexico, but I haven’t turned in in a few months. I thought there had been some life changes, so I rushed to your channel and was relieved when I saw you two were still making videos together!I swear I’m not making this up, I wish I had the link!

[@coldwarveteran4239]

That’s going to leave a mark😊

[@saramullens1786]

Poor crystal it seems like every summer she gets hurt! The twisted ankle the stuff in her eye and now her leg! Lol your a tough cookie! Such a good video ladies

[@LeonardVanHouten]

You can get a rubber grommet and put it in the hole that you made in the tin roof. It will keep the wire from rubbing the metal.

[@jaimelynn8548]

I love how you compliment each other! You make me wa t to start a project with my husband BUT then you dropped a tool in the lake and I remembered if either of us did that someone would be overboard 😂. Good work wives!

[@xrayman073]

Lol!! You ladies will never stop blowing my mind! Great build. One thing...maybe you should install a depthfinder and position it near the captains seat. A little peace of mind for shallow water. Keep up the astounding work!!

[@David-my3uu]

Wow - congratulations!!!

[@ALICIACHAVEZJONES16]

I love it!! It looks great!!! 😍

[@JayBane-n9l]

So proud for you two ladies love y’all so much wouldn’t miss an episode.(Jay from Mississippi)

[@rayfreeman2305]

Fantastic job ladies.

[@SisterSherryDoingStuff]

Good use of the word "keen" - !

[@billyhaddock5540]

Congrats Lady's on getting ur own house boat. looks cool.. lv from florida..