Flying Solo With A 300 lb Rudder - Episode 246 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@Zacks-Channel]

I'm honestly overwhelmed by how much I care about this project and how invested I am in seeing it all come together. I can only imagine how bizarre it is to have so many people you've never met be so invested in the work you are doing, but I hope you see the positive impact you make on the world with your videos. In spite of a crazy world and some trying times for all, you consistently bring something constructive and inspiring to thousands of people every week, and I am just incredibly grateful. Steve, I can't imagine how difficult this time has been for you and your family, but I hope you know your mom is in our thoughts and there's no question that taking care of her is the highest priority right now. I know it doesn't change how real and scary these health issues are, but I hope you can feel the support of the community here through the t-shirt campaign and I hope it allows you to get all the support you need in this time. Steve, KP, Annie, Ben, etc: Please don't forget to take care of yourselves through this time as well! It's easy to do less self care when times get tough and people around you are going through a serious fight of their own, but your personal health is so important too (for yourself and your family/friends).

[@AcornToArabella]

Zack, thank you for this kind and thoughtful comment. 💌 and thank you for your support.

[@nfisheremti]

what a great helper Aaron is. Cheers to him for being so hard working, Cheers to Steve for being such a good teacher

[@horatiohornblower868]

It's not for nothing that Steve has a master's degree in educational sciences

[@benh59]

Steve, I'm not sure Aaron realizes it yet but he's learning some valuable skills on this project. He may not build his own boat but he will carry this experience with him for the rest of his life. It's fun watching his progress in tandem with your work. Bravo to the entire crew.

[@jimfisher8990]

I agree. Aaron has a familiarity with being around this build that is now ingrained in himself.

[@Bystander333]

There's something special going on there for sure.

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

My bad, I though he was a she!

[@benmac940]

@@nzsaltflatsracer8054 so did i

[@patrickwentz8413]

"You are going to fish out the pin without getting your fingers pinched" Good plan carefully executed. Well done.

[@fonhollohan2908]

It's so awesome Steve that you've become that boy's mentor he's learned so much with your generous offer to allow him to come on board with the team. He's learned so much! I can see his confidence has grown in leaps and bounds since he's join your team.

[@neilfairless4589]

Steve, we all know who is going to be aboard for the first sail and Aaron deserves it. Little trooper that kid. Huge effort this week fella.

[@hodwooker5584]

Aron is a really nice young man. You are lucky to know him. Some children seem to have old souls. Aron is like that,but he is still very much a child. Unusual combination to say the least.

[@user2C47]

*NO.* Until Steve figures out how to sail and can guarantee that the boat is safe, no child or bystander should be allowed on the boat while underway.

[@AcornToArabella]

Uhhh, in no way is Steve going to take off on his lonesome on a sailboat without learning from friends how to protect the thing he’s just spent almost 7 years building, let alone abscond with the neighborly helper boy. It’s an odd assumption to make, friend. -Anne

[@william6526]

Absolutely one of the most impressive moments watching Aaron struggle to help you with this rudder. Quite a little man who should be very proud of what he accomplished. Well done young man !!!

[@russmarchand3962]

Steve, I've got to hand it to you. Nothing says fine woodworking like a Husqvarna chain saw.

[@rdmanone]

That little girl was a good helper.

[@AndrexT]

Amazing to see the thought process in getting that fitted, and well done to young Aaron for stepping up to helping out when you are flying solo.

[@larryshaver4260]

I lost my mom a year ago to a multi-year battle with Cancer. You will never have enough time with your loved ones. If you cant meet the deadline, its OK,, anyone who can't understand that has never been in your shoes. Take care of yourself.

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers, Larry, and peace and healing to you.

[@gutzb4ll]

Steve, a laser level would make this whole ordeal SO MUCH easier. Love the channel, thanks.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for being here, Mark!

[@sicanady]

I got my itch for woodworking about his age. (20 years of building houses later.) I wish I could go back to being that kid wandering the worksite….. So cool! I’m telling you now Aaron, SOAK IT UP! All of it! Working with an awesome guy like Steve will shape your life into something AWESOME!

[@mackenziejames7427]

I am constantly in awe of Steves abilities, patience, knowledge, dedication, devotion and absolute all round wholesomeness. You are a total gem of a person.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for those kind words.

[@mackenziejames7427]

@@AcornToArabella Might want to check out this dingus trying to impersonate you guys

[@kurtwerner4258]

Some seriously good camera work there Steve, even better craftsmanship. Keep it up. Sailing soon!

[@michaelc.3812]

Aaron is a kick! Funny comments at the end, and a big help to you. And what a gift for him to help and learn.

[@cybermanne]

- I thought you were helping me? - I thought we were doing something different. Hillarious!

[@AcornToArabella]

Hahaha

[@TheArtofBoatBuilding]

Spruce for the spars has been delivered. Thanks Bill! Now if I could find an Aaron to help make them. You two are and awesome duo!

[@erictakakjian6021]

The rudder, gudgeons and pintles are looking great! Very cool to see Aaron helping out. I started working in boatyards at about his age, so it kind of brings me back. A tip for when you go to install the cutlass bearing inside the aft cutlass bearing housing on your sternpost. Leave the bearing in the freezer overnight and you will be able to tap in in with a block of wood and a mallet. No need for a press, works every time.

[@AcornToArabella]

Neat tip, Eric!

[@gregorychaney7604]

This was one of my favorite segments so far. It had a similar feeling as the early part of the project when it was 2 guys and a dream but now Arrebella is so much more substantial than a dream. That rudder is a work of art. The beauty of Victoria's freshly machined bronze mated with that sculpted homegrown timber defies description. Credit goes to Steve for filming himself. That's so difficult to do. And, of course, taking the time to mentor the next generation is priceless. You can't beat this! Happy New Year from Alaska

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks, Greg!

[@muchmorecoffee]

Thank you! This was another wonderful episode, quiet, intense, dear. I find strength in watching and learning with Steve while he, (and we), all manage personal challenges. Missing Anne and KP, (hope you are feeling better by now). Cheers, T

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Toby! 💌🌲❄️

[@knuddelwinzig498]

Looks like a crew member! Jiggeling , jiggeling... So funny!

[@stevenm61]

Really loved this episode, was a real taste of the methodical determination required. Pacing, detail , overview, insight all reality great, and so wholesome you got a helper. Thanks for sharing x

[@cadalot58]

Love watching Uncle Steve and Aaron working on Arabella, that kid is building some great memories and learning some super lessons from what must be his favorite Uncle. His deffo going to want to go sailing with Uncle Steve once Uncle Steve has worked out how.

[@russgaulke1364]

My favorite video you've done for a while.

[@AcornToArabella]

Wow, thanks, Russ.

[@paulhoneyman6923]

Prayers for K.P.s speedy recovery and continued prayers for Stephen's mother. Happy Holidays to you all at Acorn to Arabella

[@jeffstout6567]

What a trooper when pulling the pins..

[@jimfisher8990]

As one who works solo almost all of the time I can appreciate Steve's work on the rudder. You just find a way to make it work.

[@MrPotatochips4]

working alone, the way you find is a way that cannot be followed, a true way.

[@LoveToMix]

This is so amazing. You don’t get to do this twice there is only one piece of wood to cut. Such a good job Steve

[@oletorbergsen6086]

Clever methode for aligning the rudder-hinges! :-) All the best for your mothers recovery, and Happy New Year to you and your working-crew :-)

[@sparknflash3]

Another great episode and progress on the boat. The top of Arabella is really starting to come together. And thanks to Aaron for coming by and helping when he can. What a great kid he is.

[@AcornToArabella]

We’re lucky!

[@stephensimpson5283]

Love that kid. What a learning experience and a fantastic learning environment to be around. He will a be well rounded human being when he get older.

[@impliedpower]

Steve, you are so good at giving clear instructions!

[@jukkiivi4282]

Wishes of speedy recovery to KP and your mom. I really liked this episode. It had nothing unnecessary, just Stephen woodworking and explaining the process. The camerawork was minimalist but very effective. I wish a Better New Year for all of Acorn to Arabella's Crew and fans!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for that feedback.

[@jukkiivi4282]

@@AcornToArabella Keep up the good work

[@phildavis2544]

Aaron is one lucky and amazing person! Three cheers for Aaron

[@billspence1799]

Steve & Crew, but wishes to you and your families for the coming year. Seeing your achievements makes my year go better, so thanks for sharing your life with me.

[@mytrant]

Community is so present in this build... Steve, your work is inspiring, and folks that offer to drive spruce etc is also inspiring - and all the support from Patreon and sale of goodies. Just a community for Arabella...

[@mjsmith1223]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the skipper and crew of the Arabella. Best wishes to KP for a speedy recovery. Hopefully some rest and chicken soup knocked out the sickness.

[@MrMichaelcurran]

Hanging that heavy rudder and aleining the gadgets single saperates the amatures from the professional. I do believe, Steve you have stepped over the line. God Bless you and your mother.

[@lbh002]

Steve, you are an amazingly patient person and teacher.

[@bawrytr]

Great video. Absolutely critical step.

[@nickinthefield4202]

Well done on the rudder matey! 👍👏

[@lenhornsey2175]

When you're battling heavy seas you may reflect that the time and precision and attention to detail were all well worth it. Good luck and thanks for the great vid.🇻🇨

[@russelltate3703]

A good student makes it easy to be a good teacher. You have done both roles quite well. Well done to both student and teacher. Well done!

[@davidbreynolds4508]

Every time Aaron shows up, it makes me smile.

[@AcornToArabella]

Same for us!

[@oldshad65]

Well done Steve. You should be proud of that one!

[@AcornToArabella]

🙌

[@ryan_mcme]

Morning, 'bella fam! Here's to an on-schedule New Year! ☕

[@MikeC19100]

Tips the season to “jingle-Jangle-The-Rudder-Around.” That sounds like a good title for a poem or some kind of holiday jingle…. Nice work on getting the hardware lined up so you could get stated on the installation phase.

[@TheMatthewlonergan]

Another masterful editing job. Keeping all (most?) of his 'thinking out loud' comments kept the suspense going. It really makes visceral the intersection of boat naivete and a brilliant mind working overtime to get it right.

[@AcornToArabella]

Ben’s a magician.

[@Pocketfarmer1]

Minor note on technique: you need to break yourself of the habit of wrapping your hands and arms in line. At sea that can quickly lead to catastrophe. The forces of sailing can get huge and violent in the blink of an eye. Improper line handling can remove body parts. Proper line handling at sea is it’s own skill set that demands respect.

[@CorwynGC]

And unlike climbing, being able to let go, instead of hold on, can be the key to survival.

[@KennyP88]

I can’t express fully how much this episode brought delightful memories for me. I hung one on a new 60’ Herreshoff schooner in the woods of Barrington, NH early 80’s. You’re doing a great job.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for sharing that memory, Ken!

[@edstuff1198]

I've been watching this wonderful journey since the beginning and your woodworking skills and problem solving abilities never cease to amaze me Steve. Just imagine how much easier it will be to build your second boat! What? What?? Did I say something wrong? 😄 I wish you and all of the Arabellites a very happy New Year and all the best in the coming year!

[@greybear3090]

Our family has enjoyed watching your journey this year, thank you for sharing.

[@AcornToArabella]

Welcome! always nice to hear about people watching together.

[@michaelc.3812]

I want to thank you Steve for getting back to your roots in this massive journey and explaining what you are thinking and doing, and expressing your thoughts when unsure. Ben does a Fantastic job with his narration too, and has been such a great member of your team. Keep pushing Steven, as the journey is long but will be rewarding! Happy new year and merry Christmas.

[@brinohm]

Great job Steve!! I really enjoyed watching your approach to lining up all the hardware and getting it oriented on the boat! Also, on a personal note, our prayers are with your mom, you and the family as you go through this difficult time. Just know that we're thinking about you and supporting you all in whatever ways we can. Take care and great job through difficult circumstances. It's got to be hard plugging away, on camera, with the constant demand, while having challenges like this going on. It's amazing, and appreciated and much love from us, for you, through all of this ❤

[@Mookd0g1]

Best wishes to KP. Godspeed in healing. Hope you feel better soon!

[@howardwittwer7490]

Helpers are never to young to learn, but teachers have to explain the process and reason for each task and safety is most important. A great project well executed. I don't think I have missed an episode. Happy new year from down under.

[@AcornToArabella]

Glad you’re watching and happy new year, Howard!

[@imfrcd]

Well done. Good plan carefully executed.

[@Twelvestonestacking]

Can you imagine that young man's excitement whenever y'all are cruising the Caribbean and diving on kewl reefs? Goodonyas!

[@Gottenhimfella]

For anyone interested, another approach for lining up the bottom (male) pintle on the rudder would be to borrow or acquire a long piece of round mild steel barstock which was a running fit in the two (female) gudgeons, and long enough to almost foul against the timber leading edge where it curves forrard near the bottom of the rudder. A few pieces of scrap steel could then be clamped/tacked to reach from the lower end of the barstock around the intervening timber and bracket straps, and whose end would almost touch the outside diameter of the pintle. The nearest point of approach should be filed to a smooth convex contour, somewhat like a small fingertip. Using feeler gages between that contour and the pintle outside diameter, and turning the barstock through 270 degrees, the pintle could be centralised to the turning axis of the two gudgeons. If a suitably beefy (and long reach) dial indicator setup could be borrowed, there would be no need for the lashup with the scrap steel, but such setups are not often to hand, other than to millwrights who set up large machinery.

[@Gottenhimfella]

An advantage of such a setup would be that it ensures alignment athwarthships as well as fore and aft. However if the brackets are carefully made and the rudder is straight, this added feature should be superfluous.

[@thomaswhaley4024]

there is an easy way to make an alignment jig to align those hinges. Using a rod, a sleeve and a few pieces to connect them. You start by placing the sleeve over one end of the rod, then attach the two with connecting pieces, then cut the end of the rod off so that what remains can align all 3. Simple.

[@DonnaChassie]

I like hearing You tell Us Your thought process, as You work. Thank You.

[@craigsmith2889]

I always get nervous when you take a chainsaw to your boat but I’m always calm when you have a chisel and mallet in your hands. A prayer was given for your Mother today from your devoted fan in Michigan.

[@SaffronMilkChap]

I think some amount of nerves are appropriate when taking a chainsaw to anything!

[@m0redread]

@@SaffronMilkChap "What is the phobia of chainsaws called." --- "Common sense"

[@michaelgallant3708]

Steve and team, I’ve been following Acorn to Arabella since the beginning. All your skills and the thought and research you guys put into this has been inspirational.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you very much, Michael. Happy new year to you, and glad you’re watching!

[@TennesseeTraveler01]

Another excellent update! Very logical approaches to problem solving plus very nice carpentering skills. Stay warm! Get well, KP!

[@manny380sl]

Have a Happy and Prosperous NEW YEAR !

[@tomwalker3746]

You guys are awesome! Happy new year!

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

That was all a masterclass in jingle and jangle. Fingers all still in place at the end. Success.

[@davidc6510]

Great solo work with a great assist from Aaron. Thanks for sharing.

[@ss5s]

Great Job. Keep plugging away.

[@donwilliams3626]

Perfect precision is the minimum requirement.

[@davejohnson9959]

I actually found this episode more entertaining than usual. It was just like the old days when you video'd yourself.

[@Rootcauses451]

Steve got brass b*lls making those rudder mount cuts! Confidence with a capital C!! 😂 bravo 🙌. I really love Steve’s interactions with Aaron, so patient and supportive! Wish I had “uncle” Steve as my neighbor growing up!

[@charlesmoore456]

Steve, you are a living legend!

[@paulschmidt189]

What a great episode. Possibly my favorite of all. I was right there the whole time! Thanx. 28:43

[@AcornToArabella]

Wowie, thanks, Paul!

[@randyclyde4939]

Wonderful video! The care and effort you went through for proper rudder placement was amazing! Always good to see Aaron working with you, he'll gain invaluable experience and knowledge from everything he does with your team. So grateful you've taken him under your wing, he has a much better chance of growing up to be a successful and contributing member of society! Stay well, stay safe, continuing prayers for your Mom! Happy New Year to the entire crew!

[@claudehopper9813]

One of the best episodes yet ; really focused on a detailed layout of the guddions and pindals . While basically working alone hoisting a heavy wooden rudder is not for the faint of heart . Well done Steve and Best wishes for your family & crew for a New Year .

[@kevinvey9474]

Morning Steve I wish the best to you ,your crew,and family. I appreciate seeing you work with kid. Wish they had straight edges like that in my day beats the string

[@CorwynGC]

You are so lucky to have Aaron helping out. That job would have been very frustrating by yourself.

[@jeffstout6567]

I purchased coins years ago to get this project rolling, you guys were just cutting the trees!. Glad to see it’s doing well.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for your support!

[@paulbaker6233]

Thanks for posting.. enjoyed it..

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching, Paul!

[@wb8065]

You’re a fucking Hero Steve. I love your work ethic and patience with the kid in spite of everything. :)

[@jeramiebradford1]

I'm really glad I found this video I watched several of the first videos where the kill was poured and just the beginning of the project and then somehow I forgot the name of the channel and I never could find it again and I really like these videos

[@AcornToArabella]

Welcome back, Jeramie!

[@mitch8226]

Your pre job brief was spot on ,that kid is in good hands

[@roberthoepfl4513]

Hello from Adelaide South Australia

[@NZobservatory]

It's amazing how much this thing is beginning to resemble a boat. Also, nice to see David onboard again.

[@gfunkHP]

Wishing you the best moving forward! This journey continues to surprise and imvigorate many who watch it and I hope that helps everyone on the project continue to move forward in their best form and when they may struggle as it seems to always have. So much to be proud of and such a great example! 👍❤️

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for these encouraging words, Gary

[@Cradley684]

Getting there Steve with your little helper !!!.

[@kevinmartin3859]

A truly wonderful episode today Steve you are good mentor to young Aaron he did everything you told him to and how well he did it a credit to you get well soon KP

[@dmmaddex]

That rudder is a work of art, like the rest of this vessel.

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers, and happy Friday!

[@randomviewer3494]

Its crazy how that small screw is enough to move the whole boat. I love engineering

[@rancillinmontgomery2480]

Just Effing Awesome!

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Another gripping episode. Praying your mom gets well. I had a great Christmas and I hope you all did as well. It was fantastic waking up on my birthday to fresh coffee from my new Keurig and my favorite Friday morning crew! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[@RazDaz74]

Crazy you just eyed up the depth of that first drill hole!!! 😳

[@richardsiddon610]

Great work guys! Best wishes for 2023.

[@williamschmidt8944]

KP, feel better soon! Steve, Great process description for your helper to not get his fingers crushed.

[@deeparks3112]

Sending my "get well soon" to Ms KP, along with my best wishes for your mother Steve. Gonzo job with the rudder, glad you had Mr Aaron helping at the end there, he did very well. I am sure you had a close eye on him. I would have leaned more toward a cream tan for the cabin top, but my say doesn't carry any weight a'tall... Y'all are making good progress - Forward

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy new year, Dee.

[@davidantill6949]

Love the way Aaron is learning 👍🏼

[@dejorgensen10]

Every step to next step is always exciting!

[@JK-zx3go]

A rigging master class. Brava!