I'm building a houseboat (and it's getting fun again): boat build series #9

A few months into the house boat build and I've given up on making spectacular progress every week. In this episode I continue working on shaping the hull to prep for fiberglass and I also start to work on modifying my second-hand boat trailer to to able to haul the house boat that I'm trying to build.
Watch next: • Boat Build Timelapse: ...
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 2.5 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...

[@james-gn9cq]

I’m a full time exhibit fabricator that’s built two boats in wood epoxy. Your outside corners look fine for 6 oz fiberglass. I try for at least a 3/16 radius. For inside corners you need at least 3/8 but I often do more because it’s easier to get the glass to lie flat without bridging. West System Epoxy has a technical support line that is incredibly helpful.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you!

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

Yea That is where I got my applying epoxy on a verticle surface comment came from They have a free website and magazine called EPOXY WORKS Thanks for mentioning it for her

[@trevorcozens1677]

Just a bit of advise from a boatbuilder, you will find it a lot easer and less messy if you use a fine nap roller to apply the resin to the hull. Same when you apply the fiber glass cloth. On the first coat of resin it is better to ease the resin by 5 to 10 % that allows the resin to wet out the cloth a lot easer, then you can apply another coat of un thinned resin afterwards when the first coat is dry. Another hint if you use the proper filler powder you will find it a lot easer to make a neat job and it will make your life a lot easer. You will need three eights to half inch radius to lay 6 ounce cloth around , otherwise it tends to not lay properly and you will get a lot of air bubbles. West system resins have got info sheets which will show you the correct powders for each part of the build process. Any way Emma keep up the great work, the only way to learn is to get in and do it.

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

Still looks good. The corners look round enough. You just dont want to have to crease the fiberglass. Its pretty flexible but it is strands of glass, so sudden changes in direction will breaking the fibers. I would just build wooden spacers on the trailer. You have all you need to make those any shape you want. Make sure you understand the layering rules for your epoxy when working days apart. Usually you want to stick the next layer on while the first is still tacky, or you need to sand. New epoxy does not stick as well to dry unsanded epoxy. I think thats more of an issue with polyester but I am no expert. But there are so many options. Some are meant for layering, some has a wax layer that forms an needs removed. Look up the rules for the exact product you are using. Not sanding before a new layer when needed is one of the few mistakes that can cause real problems later.

[@bowiesbytes2230]

Best quote ever from Emma during the Birbie build: "How many elements here are'nt' square? And at what point do they all just cancel each other out and fit perfectly?" You are a rockstar! Mad respect for you for doing what so many fear to attempt!

[@hgj2019]

Good to see you getting a coat of epoxy on the hull. It will protect the wood from water in a blowing rain. Dry wood will be MUCH BETTER for the project.

[@tedpreston4155]

Ha! When Emma opened her shop door, I felt so at home: her mess looks a lot like mine! Hopefully, her cleanup footage will inspire me!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

what would we ever do without the chaos?

[@tedpreston4155]

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie Make some! 🙂 I just came in from my shop, after disassembling a transmission. My shop is a wreck, and I'm covered in tranny fluid. My workbench will be covered in tranny parts until the replacement parts arrive!

[@jclements65]

99% of the advice is from couch builders, You have a lot of real life building experience that can guide you. You are incredibly smart, thanks for taking us along with you

[@stevecam724]

Simp

[@bowiesbytes2230]

Just your dedication to the work makes it real. Nobody starts as a master, but everyone starts as a master. You are the zen of of craftwork because you just do. Keep doing. Everyone loves you and how you approach the work. Everything you keep in your vision will be successful .. and there are 30k plus people supporting you just on this simple channel. Trust yourself and love this journey ... you are doing much more than just building a boat. Hope you feel that.

[@Kyra_Skye]

Linseed oil on the bench! It's a beautiful finish (especially on cedar).

[@glennking1086]

I enjoyed watching your mini bus build. Boats are a little different because if they're not done correctly they sink😂. I came back to your channel at the end of the hull construction so any comments, hopefully constructive, will be too late. Remember to fill all the screw holes before you fiberglass to stop the metal from bleeding through the glass. Preparation is the key. You are doing a fantastic job and I enjoy following your ups and downs.👍

[@stevengregory8686]

Emma, you're one tough cookie; you're be sailing in no time at the rate you're going. I'm rooting for you!!!!!

[@lukekao8136]

RE: the rust, file away the rust to smooth it out first then get get "rost oleum" and spray away, easy! Hope it helps. :) But, do it on a sunny day.

[@matthewloeffler5846]

Your sanded round overs looks great. I use a belt sander for shaping longboards. Takes a little practice, but when you got curves a router doesn’t work. Again, looks great.

[@Adamthegeek70]

You need a bunch of C clamps to hold the wood to draw your cut lines without screwing them in. :D

[@user-be6nl4ph6n]

nice to see you had some good weather emma ! l dont like that cold wet rain either. luv the porch idea i would use weatherproof stain. but iknow emma will decide what she wants.luv from arkansa-david

[@user-mh2qp2pz2p]

You're doing a great job. Taking breaks from big projects can be mind-clearing and you should never feel guilty about it. I do it all the time.

[@brockvagis1657]

Hey coat the wood with just the resin and let it dry before you do the resin and fiberglass mat or the wood will soak the resin out of the mat 🥰

[@lbjackson5179]

Cover the entire boat hull with the same epoxy soup you've been using, the fiberglass will stick better. Fiberglass comes in a roll and it's like clothe and it doesn't matter if your corners are sharp or rounded but as for the shape, rounded corners are better. The fiberglass with cover everything, including screws.

[@hobartelam3799]

I myself am in the process of a boat build, but I took the easy way out I'm building a barrel boat shanty I wish I had your youth to build a wooden hulled boat.

[@kastenolsen9577]

Use pivots so the runners swivel to fit the bottom of the boat.

[@danaowen9014]

Roll on the epoxy with a weenie roller. Emma you can use a big pair of pliers to loosen up the chuck on the drill, place your hand at the base of the chuck, and place the pliers at the top part and turn in oppositt directions and it will come loose.

[@user-fs2gp8br6v]

He's sick

[@bdacolt6941]

I would use a clear matte finish on cedarwood.

[@norrisdabney4298]

Just hang in there, you'll git her done

[@markmckeachnie4484]

I really like apoxy finish if you have some extra for your bench

[@kastenolsen9577]

I recommend pivots and rollers for the trailer.

[@johnthackrah6615]

Emma, you continue to do an excellent job!! Chin up, you're doin great. I agree with others that the radiuses are fine for 6 oz cloth. One thought, any runs, drips or errors in the epoxy that may be sticking out or running down the sides of the hull, use some course grit sandpaper on your DA to get those smooth. Drip marks will "print" through your fiberglas and you'll not be happy with the result. Keep up the great work!!

[@user-ch7ux2wt7i]

Try taping the end of the chuck beside the drill bit when it’s stuck

[@jongibbons730]

To finish the cedar seat... use, Osmo Bangkirai Decking Oil. If you watch Drew Builds Stuff, he just built some cedar furniture and used this.

[@KarlKarsnark]

Neat project. Upgrading the brakes in your truck might be cheaper and easier than putting brakes on the trailer itself, which can be quite an undertaking. Finding a trailer that's at least already set up for brakes may be a times saver, as well. Cheers from FL.

[@jlucy401]

I love the beat down airmax work shoes lol I have a paint company that’s what I use for my beater shoes too lol

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Use Linseed oil for your cedar bench. You are doing great on the boat. You aren't afraid to tackle anything. Awesome ❤❤

[@6bettyboo9]

I love this series! also I think you're beautiful! I look forward to every episode!

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

If I recall correctly the hull centerline will be on center with the trailer tongue. 60% of the boat mass will be in front of the trailer axles leaving 40% behind. Should the boat hull sit flst on the trailer or slightly bow high ... .just a few degrees / two - three inches higher than the stern post? Remember 60% of the mass is forward of the axles. ✌🏻👶🏻🚬

[@BigIronTexas]

The challenge with a small workshop space is that it gets messy and cluttered really fast, which is absolutely a pain in the behind, lol. Also, the boat looks to be coming along nicely. I think you’re going to be surprised at how sturdy and strong it when done.

[@GreatOldOne]

00:02:00 - yeah, not that bad Em. ❤

[@adriankung1625]

Emma, it's perfectly normal to be a little melancholy, or down in the dumps with colder, wetter weather -- they even call it SAD -- Seasonal Affective Disorder, affects all of us at one time or another. Usually a day or two of sunshine and warm weather cures it! It's strange just how much peace washes over me, watching you tackle even the smallest of tasks on your build -- it's like the sense of *pride* you get when a friend demonstrates some amazing talent. If I were nearby I'd love to offer a hand in any small way that I could. Not too sure about the raccoon -- you probably just woke him up from a deep sleep ( the nerve!), after all they are nocturnal and can get grumpy. None the less, I'd be a bit wary and keep some distance. Cheers!...from North Vancouver

[@Victor.McCann]

Emma can you show us the porch bench? would have enjoyed watching the build myself! Love you and take care See you next video

[@geoffreybartlett9293]

Boatworks Today is a good utube channel with the type of work you are doing. The chamfer I am seeing looks good to glass over.

[@edrosa5079]

use rollers on epoxy

[@littleredridinghood5622]

Nice work on the boat .. Your garage looks like mine .. LOL .. Must be nice to work outdoors in a tee shirt , I live in small fishing village in Nova Scotia and today temp. is -3 cel .. And with the windchill it's around -8 to -10 ... Usually if you see a raccoon in the daylight it's possible it could be sick .. Boat trailers suck at least here in Nova Scotia they do .. Salt water will corrode the light bulbs and wires and the bearings in no time at all ..

[@svexitstrategy2595]

If the boat needs to sit higher, add another plank on top of the existing ones.

[@rudyfisher7660]

Look online at warehouse marine. They have what they call adjustment rowers. You can just them up-and-down to where they fit the hole of your body of your boat. And and they're nice nicely and everything else. That was out there. They're probably the best, but you can also get them to where you can put the flatboards on there. And they'll be they'll go flat down the hole.And you can adjust them up and down to fit your hole in your boat

[@kastenolsen9577]

Emma. You don't need to make things perfect. Sand paper works wonders.

[@thomasbraeking6225]

For fiber glassing a hull, not only do the corners need to be "softened", but the long lines of the hull need to be "faired" into one smooth curve. Not only helps with glassing but cleans up the hydrodynamics to make a smoother ride. Every little bump/dip affects how the water flows over the hull surface. For the trailer bunks, if you only need 2" or less, blocking should be fine for height adjustment. Just like your bus build, the boat/trailer will be a learn/research as you go. No one is born knowing everything!🙂

[@allancurran5162]

FOR YOUR TRAILER IF YOU HAVE A ANGLE GRINDER GET A PAD THAT ALLOWS YOU TO USE ABRASIVE DISKS TO REMOVE TTE PAINT AND RUST. YOU CAN DISCS IN ALL KINDS OF GRITS YOU NEED.ITS VERY EASY TO CLEAN USING THIS METHOD

[@jasonjones5213]

Looking more like a boat every episode, You should be proud.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you 😊

[@1k9trainer]

Not sure what to think about your boat build. Have you considered how to propel it? And have you spent any time living on the water? I suggest you see if you can try a sailboat or any live-able boat on the water.

[@robbyoliver4953]

Yes there is a way add on to the standards that support the runners go to a boat shop and explain to them what the problem is they have u-bolted on standards to raise up the board runners.

[@user-kn4mm8tx6y]

You are incredible person on an incredible journey,strongly agree,you my heart. Shamim 🕊🌷👏🎎💑🤱🏡🏢

[@user-hi7ie9xv8i]

Thanks for sharing

[@histufly]

It may be obvious, but it looks like the trailer has brakes. The box on the front pushes fluid to the brake cylinders that push shoes to drums on the wheels. Every part probably needs service.

[@tomsmith-rr6ch]

I am an expert at nothing but i think you're doing an amazing job. Please keep up your great work. Love your video's and can't wait to see the next one. Enjoy the beautiful weather

[@BlackBeautyDD]

Porch bench: no finish oder linseed oil

[@AndrewKumler]

I vote thicker bunks for the trailer, and a clear natural finish for the cedar porch bench.

[@turtleslaw]

You and I have gotten to a mutual point - I'm building a trailer and need to grind the rust and rustproof it, as well. So THAT's fun.Especially since it's been super cold and rainy up here in New England. So I tip my hat to you. Also you might want to check out. a guy on here called "RhodeSoda". He's restoring an old sailboat. He only has a few videos (he stopped for the winter), but the last 3 or 4 videos are him fiberglassing the boat, and he films himself doing it with such detail you might pick up a few good tips. Good luck!

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

Yea! Another vid! belt sanders can be too aggressive Gotta to keep it moving so it doesn't take off too much in one spot Just need to take the sharp coners off Doing great You hated KZbin You hated your many fans? Rolling the epoxy on in a thin film and applying an additional coat only after the previous one has reached the green stage (when it's about as sticky as masking tape) is the best way to prevent epoxy from sagging on vertical surfaces in hot weather Maybe try it first with a practice piece

[@martinjjnoagenda5536]

Hit the drill head with the palm of your hand a few times in the right direction. You can also gently tap the three tapered pins holding the bit inward. Should release it.

[@roybarnes388]

...you need rollers so you can move that very heavy build on and off that trailor....alluminum pontoons would have been a good idea...

[@HajnalkaGyurgyovics]

Yes but now I'm invested in the porch bench too, we gotta see how that's coming along 😄

[@juthered]

Hi Emma, Followed you from the start and love your have a go at anything attitude. I'm a pattern maker by trade and worked in the fibreglass industry for years. Please make sure all the screws are below or level to the surface or this will cause you a nightmare, good luck and keep going all the best Julian UK x

[@kastenolsen9577]

I wish I could find a beauty like you. At 64 I don't know.

[@mazdarx7887]

If you have to wet out more larger areas of wood, use a roller, it's does a much nicer job with a lot less mess You shouldn't have wetted out the until you were ready to lay glass, Chemical bonds are much stronger than mechanical bonds and you avoid all the sanding

[@gonzo919]

Can't wait to see it floating!!! ❤ 🤙

[@martinvho]

*screws in the trailer* le moi: Someone is learning! :D You're doing great. You got this. :) Overkill is never bad.

[@bradleylampo2535]

Hi Emma, love what your doing, for your next boat you can get a couple of pontoons & build a little house on it. That would be fun ❤❤❤. Have a wonderful summer ❤❤❤

[@hlcdriver]

If you want to test the radius or get some practice before committing to the entire boat, tape some pliable but impervious plastic, eg stretched out trash bag, over the relevant curve & see how a small strip of glass will lie when wetted out. The corners will be hardest but you may be able to cut the cloth & overlap each side. The curves towards the bow won't be easy either.

[@bridgetl8363]

So happy to see some progress on the hull! Take it from someone older who has always liked to do her own DIY's. Wear proper protection while working. Resin is terrible for the lungs, some kinda mask is better then nothing, but should be respirator. Wear gloves when working with nasty rotten wood and rust. Cant wait to see this project at completion! Please show us your porch bench when its done :).

[@Kiddieacat1]

For the porch bench you might look into polyurethane stain, or stain and then poyl it. Check into UV on it and consider how much sunlight it gonna get. I have used Varathane Brand Poly + Stain on my custom Kitchen Sink countertop 3 years ago and had have had no problems with deterioration. For the boat and My home built catamaran. I am still undecided. Oh See ya next time and I Love your desire and determination. 👍

[@seansouthern1504]

So cute

[@FrethKindheart]

For the drill, use a pipe wrench. Since it has a long handle it gives you the leverage to loosen it. If you have to, put the drill in a vice or between something to hold it still so you can loosen it.

[@colingerard7863]

Hi Emma. Sing along to a favourite song once a day is my best tip coz I don't know diddly about building stuff. Many smiles from London.

[@patriciaharkin1571]

Sunshine makes everything better Emma 🌞🌞 I suggest you do a light sanding between layers of epoxy as fresh epoxy does not stick to fully cured epoxy very well. Sanding just gives it "tooth" to hold on. You're doing great girl. 😊😊

[@kimratto271]

On the edges on the wood to prevent the fiberglass sheets from splitting when they dry if there’s a sharp edge when they dry, they pull it will crack if it’s rounded edge it’s just gonna stay attached to it and not go awry. You’re doing the right thing a belt sander would definitely be faster because, they chew up quickly and they’re definitely a little difficult to get used to using so you might be better off with the orbital sander that you’re using.

[@bluewhaleadventures152]

It’s looking more like a boat every day! Keep on charging. No one is born an expert but they can become so with experience.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

💪😊

[@Victor.McCann]

Two pairs of chanel locks will get drill bit out 😊

[@nealmurphy647]

Shaped a little and coated! Starting to really look like a boat!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

ive been in washington al winter and holy f i have missed the sun. i can relate. im really enjoying this build, i know nothing about fiberglassing !

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

we’re so close to the good months 🙏

[@maryellencook9528]

Where your benches are concerned, if it is true cedar wood, I would sand it, use Thompson's Water Sealer, and then polyurethane the heck out of them. 😊

[@BillySBC]

This is a little bit like watching Kimmy Gibbler build a boat. %^)

[@seajCharleston]

Looking good! I’d suggest checking out your local sandblast shop, see what it would cost to blast the rust off that trailer. A lot faster than doing with wire wheels, etc. blast to bare metal, coat in metal primer and topcoat. Done!

[@aaronriedel5372]

Good video!

[@roydesignedthat]

Your sander did a great jhob rounding the corners! I noticed a void or two (min 5:19), I like to use bamboo Scewers (don't rot) dipped in PL PREMIUM Construction Adhesive rather than epoxy! It expands, so therefore ther will be less voids. Scewers are small enough for small holes and more can be used for wider gaps. They hav a pointy end and a flat end so you can push the first deaper by putting flat end to flat, to get them way into the void, if it is deap! I sometimes need to sand off some thickness so they fit, though! Looks great Emma! AllthebestRoy

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

great advice as always 😊

[@espnmk]

Cedar has natural weather-resistant properties that make it a good choice outdoor furniture, considered to be a very durable wood that can withstand exposure to the elements. make sure you buy marine lights for your boat because they will be submerged on occasion specially the brake light assembly. Thanks for Sharing...

[@Buses2Bikes]

That raccoon isn't rabid. He's just pissy because you didn't offer him a sammich.

[@bryans8656]

I think you're wise to be patient and not rush the project.

[@jhavedk]

If your drill is stuck in your drill, take a hammer and gently hit the drill chuck and it will come loose. Another thing, epoxy is not entirely healthy, so a mask would probably be an idea :) - Nice work Emma its look good.

[@dawnsnyder216]

Your boat and trailer is looking good

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Me : Hi. My name is Jimmy and I’m an Emma The Boat Builder Addict. The crowd, in unison: HI JIMMY‼️

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

hi jimmy

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie 👋

[@flybywire5866]

My boat trailer has adjustable supports, which are fastened to the trailer with U clamps. This way they can be positioned everywhere on the rectangular tubing, and then adjusted in height and angle. It would be helpful if the boat has fixpoints/eyes for hooks corresponding to fixpoints on the trailer to make strappping it down easier. I have straps with ratchets and hooks. Hooks in, tighten with the ratchet, done. The trailer seems to have no shock absorbers, but maybe there are already attachment points for them. Mine didnt have shock absorbers when i bought it, but had the attachment points. After adding the shock absorbers, the trailer drove much more stable. If there is a chance to add them, i highly recommend doing so. The lights and number sign on my trailer are on a separate carrier, it is removed before putting the boat in the water. This way the lights are not submerged.

[@davescheer5038]

🌴 slow and steady wins the race , what your not in a race , ok we’ll slow and steady gets things done , hummm just a bit slower . But they got done ! You got a coat of epoxy on the hull this at least seals out any moisture on the outside , you’ll have to sand it in between coats for good adhesion , yea the weather always sucks especially when fiberglassing , to hot ,to cold ,rain, humidity, that’s why they build boats in big buildings 👈🏼😄

[@edrosa5079]

remember you can rent a welding machine and find a steel shop and but scraps of metal to weld on to the frame easy do not doubt yourself as you have come this far and will go alot further

[@emeraldrhyme5634]

To create a fiberglass stick or any fiberglass structure, it's important to avoid sharp edges or abrupt changes in curvature. Fiberglass materials are typically used in applications where strength, flexibility, and durability are required. Here are some considerations for shaping fiberglass: Smooth Curvature: Fiberglass materials are more easily formed with smooth, gradual curves rather than sharp angles or bends. Sharp edges or abrupt changes in curvature can weaken the structure and increase the risk of stress concentration points, which may lead to cracking or failure over time. Minimum Bend Radius: Fiberglass has a minimum bend radius, which is the smallest radius at which the material can be bent without causing damage or compromising its integrity. The specific minimum bend radius will depend on the type and thickness of the fiberglass material being used. Mold or Form: To shape fiberglass into a specific curvature, it's often molded or formed using a mold, jig, or form that corresponds to the desired shape. The fiberglass material is then laid over the mold and allowed to cure, forming the desired shape. Laminating Technique: Fiberglass materials are typically built up in layers, or laminations, to achieve the desired strength and thickness. Each layer is applied and allowed to cure before additional layers are added. Careful attention should be paid to the orientation and placement of the fiberglass layers to ensure optimal strength and flexibility. Professional Assistance: For complex or precise shapes, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of professionals with experience in fiberglass fabrication. They can provide guidance on the best techniques and materials to use for your specific application. In summary, when shaping fiberglass, it's important to avoid sharp edges and abrupt changes in curvature, and to adhere to the material's minimum bend radius. By following these guidelines and using proper techniques, you can create fiberglass structures that are strong, durable, and fit for purpose.

[@CrustyBiker]

You should be able to turn the chuck without powering it, so.if you can wedge the handle somehow between a couple of immovable objects and just use both hands turning the chuck counter clockwise it should come free, it is safer than using the power anyway, and preserves the battery, motor and snatches that can catch you off guard!..

[@kastenolsen9577]

Fiberglass is finicky but easy to work with. I would recommend two layers of 3 oz fiberglass. Run narrow strips along the seams first. Always sand between coats and clean the surface before applying the next coat. I built boats when I was younger. 30 metrr yachts.😊

[@MKDSime]

thank you for another video :) May God bless you and fulfill all your goals.

[@the_dingo_show]

Keep on keeping on, you got this

[@RcFlyingFil]

Nice video, contact the Total Boat rep for soms sponsering and help for the epoxy proces. Good work

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

The gloomy disposition in gloomy weather is(was 25yrs ago) called Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD, in me anyway, can be easily adjusted with light therapy. I do it now with yellow filters on LED lights. But the original I used was 9 100watt incandescent lights. The theory being our brains are accustomed to the natural light of a yellow sun; in the winter when us modern humans are typically not outside as much as we are in summer. This means we don't get enough sun which means we don't get enough vitamin D which affects us as you were saying. Today's electronics are LED based and aren't yellow light, so using some kind of filter or using incandescent lights helps, as does making sure your blue light filters are on all your devices. Taking a vitamin supplement that has vitamin D can help but finding a moisturizer with it is far better in my experience. Fire is the best tho, exposing yourself to natural light is always the best. Just hard to do when it's bright and -40C outside. A fireplace and candles will help in the home or go out in the yard and burn the scraps from your project! Just make sure they're actually scraps! You're doing great! Keep it up!

[@dianemelling5446]

Love your face Emma. ❤ You are awesome

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

😘

[@kylesaab]

Great work it is like IFC and builder channels. In a good way!