I made a big, dumb mistake on the boat build

This week i was back at it on the houseboat build. I'm almost ready to flip the hull, and I spent several days working on the last big step before realizing i'd done the entire thing wrong 🙂
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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 🤞
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Personal messages: [e-mail]
Instagram: / thebirbiebus
music: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@dannyroberts5056]

Hey Emma one thing to remember is work with smaller batches of epoxy reson. Also #1 thing to remember is to get the epoxy on the boat as quickly as possible. It will kick off allot quicker if left in the container. I usually wet out my wood lightly were I plan to lay my tape . Then I roll out my tape and use my plastic squeegee to lay it flat. I then mix up a new small batch of epoxy and wet out my glass. When working by your self remember smaller areas are more manageable. Always sand through a blister ( air bubble) and cut small pieces of scrap to lay in those spots. If you leave an air bubble moister will build under the glass and rot your wood from the inside out. You are doing fine and this learning curve can be overwhelming the first few times you do it. My first boat I used way to much resin and I had large puddles in the bottom of my boat on the inside. The only downside was it added weight and I had to buy more resin. You will get better at laying fiberglass the farther you get into your project. You are doing a great job and your neighbor is so kind to come and assist. Buy that man some beer if he drinks or a good meal.

[@mildlyinterested6983]

I have started using extension cords with the ends cut off for trailer wiring, mostly because of all the rabbits around that live to eat the off the shelf trailer wiring. Use an excessive amount of zip ties so it Doesn't sag. use watertight connectors, and use submersible lights, otherwise you will need to remember to unplug/ plug in the trailer lights before it goes in the water. Also be sure to grease the hubs!

[@steveaw5895]

I admire the way you go ahead and show your mistakes. This is the first boat build that I’ve seen what the learning curve is with fiberglass. They always show the finished product that magically appears. Keep up the good work. And thanks for posting.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Emma, I’m not sure you are aware of how much have learned in your young life. The skills you are gaining are two fold: carpentry skills and life skills. You are doing a bang up job in both. You are fortunate to have your neighbor guy. I’m proud of you! You accept your mistakes for what they are. Then you set about fixing them. There are millions of people who can’t accept that they make mistake and they never get to the learning part!

[@TheCasualTraveler-sm4yu]

Your doing fine. I'm a contractor and rebuild boats for fun and your doing better than me. I describe my progress as 3 steps forward and 2 steps back!

[@HajnalkaGyurgyovics]

“If I spend all day outside in the sunshine and accomplish absolutely nothing…that’s how I aspire to spend most of my days.” is absolute gold wisdom right there 💯👌🏻

[@solarfunction1847]

Vertical runners are okay & better than flat runners. The runners are there for helping you turn when motoring up or down the river. If you look at any runners on most boats such as aluminium dinghy's they will have skinny vertical runners, the same with most fibreglass boats too. So don't stress you're doing fantastic.

[@bonniepettersen4063]

Be careful when washing clothes when fiberglass is done. It gets in everything and will be itchy and get in anything you wash it with and your washer🤷🏼‍♀️ Learned the hard way🤪

[@greaseknuckles601]

When you attach the runners make sure you fillet along where they meet the hull with thickened epoxy. Fiberglass hates 90 degree angles. You’re doing great for your first go.

[@kezzatries]

Epoxy loves gaps, it doesn't like tight joints. You're going glass over them anyways so it don't matter. You're doing great, keep at it. From down under.

[@maryellencook9528]

Well, by the time you finish the houseboat, maybe your neighbor will hire you as a journeyman Carpenter. Between the bus, truck camper, and boat, you should have done your time as an apprentice.

[@locutus8496]

Two things that I just have to point out: 1. If that's red oak you're using, you'll be sorry sooner or later. Red oak absorbs water in its grain by capillary action. That's why white oak is used in boatbuilding instead, which doesn't absorb water nearly as much as red oak does. 2. You mentioned screwing through the oak into the plywood. But you should really do it the opposite way. First, mark where your boards will go, on both sides of the boards. Then drill holes in the plywood along the center of that marked space. Then return the boards to their spaces. Have someone help you to hold the boards in place. Then go underneath to the inside of the boat and screw UP through the holes in the plywood and into the runner boards. You might want to test fit this before you glue, then reverse the process, apply glue, and re-screw everything for the final fit. You will have MUCH greater holding power if the heads of the screws are sunk into the plywood instead of the tips of the screws.

[@locutus8496]

Roaming_dave99 sent me this reply: "Thanks for mansplaining." I don't know who this is but excuse me?? First of all, did you just assume my gender? Secondly, I was only trying to be helpful to the builder. Making snide remarks like this are not helpful and reveal an unpleasant personality trait.

[@durbeshpatel3047]

Honestly thats way too much work she aint building the titanic. Just throw some self tapping sheet metal screws in there and caulk it up. Why the hell would you countersink screws on a plywood boat?!? Lmao

[@locutus8496]

@@durbeshpatel3047 It really isn't more work in the grand scheme of the build and will produce a stronger result. I'm speaking from the point of view of having built a few plywood boats from plans. Pre -drilling the holes from the outside makes it possible to set the screws in proper alignment from the underside (the inside of the hull). The threads will grip the oak much better than they would the thin plywood. Having the heads of the screws on the inside gives the joint the most strength against pulling apart. And as for your comment about using caulk, just no. Caulk would add no strength and be only a temporary barrier against seeping leaks (and introducing water and rot into the interior of the plywood). Using thickened epoxy however makes a permanent and strength-enhancing bond, stronger than the wood itself and renders the boards and plywood a single unit.

[@trevormutch6098]

If you're not making mistakes, you're not learning. I have full confidence in you completing this to your desired vision. Love watching you from Australia.

[@Scottydawg777]

Northern Canada here, Been watching for about 2 years. Love your charm and tenasity. Please dont stop you are fun to watch.

[@janiwallin482]

Hi Emma, I found you today and got hooked on watching all of your boat videos, maybe even a few of the very first ones, to understand what kind of initial explosion had happened before all of this. It’s inspiring to see how eagerly and determinedly you approach your projects. When it comes to work methods, it’s good to remember that the right way is the one that gets the job done. Let others focus on needless complaining while you concentrate on learning and evolving. A healthy fear of power tools is essential, as it reminds you to respect their power. If that respect is forgotten, accidents can happen. Has your hair gotten caught in the router yet? 😊 By the way, you are so fine - in your craftsmanship and attitude as well!

[@themikeh1961]

Ok, I'm over the "strange man" thing. If your fix doesn't work out for the runners, I had a thought. As an actual subscriber, I believe I have the right to make comments and suggestions. Sorry. I regressed for a moment. Anyway, I was thinking. If you just need a three-quarter-high runner, you could do successive laminations to create the curved runners. Eighth-inch material will bend really easy. You could epoxy successive eighth-inch strips to the bottom of the hull and build up to the required three-quarters final height of each runner. You would have to pin-nail the layers to hold them in place while the epoxy dries. But the pins only need to be long enough to hold very thin strips. Maybe half-inch pins would work. Or five-eighths. That wouldn't go through the hull if it's three-quarters thick. There would be no need to scribe, as each successive strip would easily bend to the required shape. You wouldn't even need to screw it. The final layered runner would be permanently bonded to the hull with epoxy. And any gaps between the hull or between strips would be filled with the thickened epoxy. Just an idea, in case your fix doesn't work out. Hull's looking pretty darn sweet, though!!!! Good luck!!!

[@brianmacadam4793]

You've been taking on new skills and LEARNING ! GOOD ON YOU !

[@justdavidphotos]

A drum sander would've been your hero to blend the two pieces after joining them.

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

since they are agressive need to be careful you don't take off too much in one spot

[@watzizname]

That's pretty amazing and all, I just hope it doesn't delay your upcoming Airplane build.. Greetings from Nottingham England.

[@HajnalkaGyurgyovics]

😂

[@vonheise]

Those runners don't need width, just the proper height. They serve one purpose, to keep the boat from skidding forward instead of turning properly or wobbling from side to side. Too short, the boat will skid. Too high and and it could bite the water and make it turn too hard. Based on boats, canoes, and kayaks, I would put another layer of glass on the front couple feet, and over all the seams. On the front, they are called skid plates where they may rub on the shore. Love how you don't give up or quit trying, unless you have to have a second person for physical help. I can relate in my senior years, I find a way to get it done. My wife will help, but it isn't usually her first choice...🙃

[@Tru_G.R.I.T]

OKI was talking to my boss about you the other day. I was frustrated with my employees who are so paralyzed with fear to make decisions to try something New. You are an inspiration I wish my employees would be more like you and just try something take a failure as an opportunity to learn and try again. You are building a boat!

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

That lady can do anything she puts her mind to Have seen all of her vids One thing be sure such as on the runners When you attach 2 pieces to get the length needed Coat the joint with epoxy Traditional boalbuilding the joints are sealed with bedding compound So the runners are 3/4 x 3 1/'2's

[@bumpkin52]

Just found your channel. I am building a SCAMP sailboat. Re sawing and laminating two pieces side by side allows you clamp them together and take out any warping. My boat has a pair of inch and a half wide skews. I made them from two 3/4 inch black locust planks, that had a slight bow after sawing them to size. Keep up the good work and don’t feel bad about mistakes, I spend a lot of time fixing “oopsies” that come from the learning process.

[@michaelbrausch8874]

I use copper grounding wire to make contours!

[@GNUBRAIN]

My experience boat building similarly, when I got proficient at something, like planking, or caulking, I didn't need it anymore..... at least not til the next boat. Congraulations Emma on having the courage to tackle such a task...! You're doing great.... Watching you is also inspiring.

[@schuyler256]

You should make a steam tube out of pvc to steam the wood to be able to bend it to shape, no scribing.depending on what the pieces are being used for, and their thickness.

[@RossFlack]

I was going to suggest this method well cause it could have saved her time and materials. Also, there is a contour gauge tool that has pins/rods in a straight line that will copy the contour and then you can scribe it on the wood.

[@pupdog4040]

You have a far better boat that the millions of people who weren't brave enough to try. You are doing fantastic.

[@DecayPlaysTv]

Hi Emma, I stumbled upon your channel yesterday and I binge watched all the house boat videos, I love what you are doing. Having watched them all up to date I have noticed something that you should know right now, You should TRUST your intuition more, because it is pointing you in the right direction. The skids on the bottom of the boat serve 2 purposes, 1. they help the boat maintain stability when going straight, so the hull doesnt skip across the surface of the water. 2. if you happen to run aground the skids prevent damage to the hull and the contact between the boat and ground is as small as possible making ungrounding easier. (it wouldnt matter too much if the skids where upright or flat). I actually really like that you put in your procrastination days, because we all have them, and most of the building type videos on youtube dont put them in and its work work work all day every day and its just not realistic. love ya Decay, Melbourne, Australia

[@cullendarling7916]

So cool to see a young person doing this! Crap I sound old.😊

[@Aliceinjonesville]

Nice save Emma!!! Glad you caught that b4 install!! P. S. your intuition was spot on… always listen to that little voice❣️

[@James-zj9ky]

What you should have done is cut 1.5" strips of plywood and stack them up. Laminated with thickened epoxy around the curve.

[@57monoshock]

I think the runners would be fine standing on the edges. That may hold the boat on a straight line when underway in the water. Just my thought.

[@D_R_Martin]

You are doing a great job. Keep it up.

[@edwardspyker4943]

@ Emma. Great work, I've enjoyed seeing it come together. It sounds like you only intend to epoxy the exterior. It is my understanding that with wooden boats, the exterior as well as the interior and all joints should be sealed against any water infiltrating the wood in order to prevent future wood rot. At some point in the life of a boat, water can find its way into the interior of the hull, and while marine plywood uses waterproof glue, the wood is still subject to rot if penetrated by moisture. If the plans do not call for some type of waterproofing for the interior of the hull, I hope that you would consider painting or fiberglassing the interior of the hull while it is still all opened up and easy to access. Best Regards

[@crazyharry1586]

You need to buy your neighbor a slab of beer to say Thank you, just not Bud Light lol. Mistakes are how we learn so your learning heaps. Cheers from Australia

[@kdowensjr]

Hey Emma, the runners should bend over the curved bow of the boat now that you have them flat. If not, get or make thinner ones and laminate them to the curve of the boat with epoxy. You may have to screw them down to force them to take the bend. Ken

[@Niteskate1]

We still have faith Emma, when you are done you will know every inch of that boat like the back of your hand, and if anything needs to get fixed on it you will have the skills to fix them.

[@lint2023]

We appreciate your neighbor. Good dude. I keep thinking "steam bending". It might be fun for you to google it while you are waiting for the parts to dry. I've done many small parts. It is interesting. It's a project in itself but it works.

[@robertsawa3407]

Steam bending green oak fresh from sawmill not kiln dry.

[@kannieschrijfnie2042]

I admire your ongoing optimism and perseverance during this build. It shows again and again why we love you and love watching you do these projects. You do where 99,99% of the public only dreams of. Including myself to be clear. Greetings from 🇳🇱👋

[@alanhat5252]

There are 215 countries, many with several flags, which one is that?

[@kannieschrijfnie2042]

It is the flag from the Netherlands.

[@BoydHenry-dq1xb]

Emma, I hope you are going to put fillets on both sides of your scags/runners. I built a 24 foot boat with a bunch of high school kids and we used powdered fiberglass mixed with resin along all inside corners. Mix it with lots of powder and it will hold its shape better while drying. It will make a big difference when it comes to making a tuff boat. We used no screws in the whole boat, except to hold the backbone on, in the beginning.

[@jclements65]

You are a true craftsman, you try anything, you learn as you ho, every project just gets better and better

[@tedduke1699]

Sometimes it happens, One step forward and two backwards. BUT, then you take three steps forward. And your solution is clever!

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

We ALL know you can do this was wondering about the runners being verticle They are just sacificials to protect the bottom You are doing fantastico! The glass is not put on to keep the boat from leaking But, to protect the wood from scratches, beaching the boat etc that is why the runners are put on after the glass If, they get banged up easy to replace The number one screw boat builders love is slotted silicone bronze easiest to remove being slotted You will realize if you ever had to take galvanized screws out of an old boat and the silicone bronze lasts the longest One way to handle the bend is laminating thinner wood You are a master scriber :) In those cases I just use a compass span it to just exceed the widest gap and keep it verticle The epoxy by itelf can protect the wood But not the scratches caused by beaching the boat A Giant :)

[@felinetherapy4782]

Oh no! It looked great to me. At least there's no leaks!

[@michaelneville3455]

Hi Emma, that was a true honest vid . But you missed puting in the bit where you explaned to your helpful neighbour the stuff up . Could have just duplicated what you had already done and joined the two pcs together after all you had a good template . But thats done onward and upward , amazed at you determination, love your vids , all the best

[@jujugypsyjourney3826]

OMG~ I was also going ~ Why are the runners so tall ??!! Geeze Louise~ I’m right there with you. You’ve got this 👍💕✌️💥😎

[@user-qy1ms1ot1g]

I just want to say thank you for an amazing content, honest and interesting to look at. The way you're going to your dream is really motivating other people to wake up, so please keep going (if you still want to, though)

[@steveaw5895]

Howdy I just found your channel and subscribed. I watched Roy build the original Dianns Rose. He videoed the build then later took it down when he started selling plans. I really like that boat. It looks like your doing good! I'm going to go through the playlist for this project. Thanks for documenting this.

[@assafjacob5762]

It's always fun to recognize another ADHD member as myself😁💜❤️ love the energy🎉

[@kenhoward3512]

Knowing nothing about boat building, I would think attaching the runners as you first thought they should be (projecting deeper into the water) would give the boat greater directional stability, to go where you point it. 'Guess not.

[@alfredpinkham4321]

Enjoy your videos, to hold the strips on the bottom you need to screw through the bottom into the streak, use a bonding compound between the hull and the rub strakes and they will not leak. 😎

[@keokigray4199]

Yea! You’re so adaptable and can solve problems as they crop up. I am such a fan! Anchor aweigh!

[@FrenchCrow]

You rock, young lady.

[@Breamin]

Did you ever think about using a heat gun on the wood to bend and shape it? Especially if you do long narrow pieces of wood. It works if you have something to heat and form it to.

[@lardo666]

Belt sander might have helped, also get the rubbery belt cleaning block (greatly increased belt life). Having the wood laminated may even make it stronger. And besides - those runners are sacrificial - they will wear away on trailer launches and especially if you ground on sandy beaches. You may renew them during the boat's life. Carry on learning in the sun - nearly 33000 people want you to succeed. I for one am staying around whatever happens. Stay safe

[@keyproductions100]

you need a special roller for fibre glass, they have spikes on them

[@keithburkett9448]

Your doing a great job Emma. You did yourself a very good job when you built your bus and you are now doing a great job building your boat. Mistakes happen the importance thing is you learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward. Great Video 👍

[@Popsy1972]

If you can work out how to mount your bigger router upside down and flush with your work bench you'll have yourself a router table, this will then make it much easier to rout those curved pieces and keep them straight and true and square. Nice work though, you are one stubborn feisty lady, keep it up.

[@Victor.McCann]

Will never lose faith in you you always own the mistakes and I look up to it your a rockstar ❤ Love and respect Be safe and take care

[@TheOaksHeart2024]

I love how honest you are with all of us. Love your videos.

[@crantheman77]

Keep up the content. Please and thank you. I appreciate watching.

[@alltimeadventure8196]

Another great video Emma. Be sure to insulate the trailer wiring. I’m sure you have similar where you are but in Oz, we use plastic convoluted/corrugated split tubing to protect 12v wires rubbing through on metal surfaces and shorting out.

[@arthurdentau]

RAOTFLMAO, Emma, at least you have a good attitude. Keep smilin Kiddo, you will get there. Cheers m8 !!!

[@jeanniehamm1207]

Emma you got this!!!! Lol I love your videos

[@lennym1636]

Belt sander with a 36-40 grit to get it in the right shape then 125 to smooth it out...

[@johnwright5639]

To make the runners form to the bottom of the boat the wood should be in thin strips not more than 1/8" thick. Glue the strips together until you get the thickness you want. This is normally done clamped to a mold (form). You can use the bottom of your boat for this purpose. Steaming will also make the wood flexible. The runners act like a keel and also support the bottom. Good luck and I hope you splash by early SUMMER 2024.

[@helmshardover]

The laminates could be cramped to the incorrect runners, which have the correct curve now...

[@terrybrannigan9963]

worst case scenario is you need a couple new boards for the curved piece, plus side is they can be bent in the horizontal plane.

[@GTC1967]

Sis, you should be using thin strips that are the width you need. Apply them one at a time laminating them together with epoxy and fiberglass as you go until you have the correct height. It'd be infinitely easier, and you'd end up with a much much stronger and tough result.

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

just need to be able to replace the runners if they get messed up over time

[@stephennowicki7158]

You can do this! You've got a great attitude!

[@flybywire5866]

I cannot find any hint of a leak🤔Thats good news😁 Amazing!🤭

[@ArtworkAnon]

Go Emma!! We love watching you!❤

[@steve318k]

😮 that was my very first thought when I saw you stand the runners up on their side... "Those should probably be laying flat" ...

[@mscarlarn]

Yeah!! No leaks. Greatness!! Love how you reason things out and how they come to fruition. Xoxo

[@kastenolsen9577]

Emma. Before all else fails, read and study the directions. Make sure you understand ALL aspects of a project. Don't feel bad. Your a kid learning . Great luck.

[@bruceklein9008]

You can use them on their end but I would put a layer of glass on them.

[@MichaelLynch-zs9mr]

Thanks!

[@Derfgrebennar]

Es macht Spass dir beim arbeiten zu zuschauen!🤣

[@chrislaplante5040]

Are you buying hardwood at a big box store? They generally have terrible pricing on dodgy quality hardwood. The boat is looking great!

[@forwimp]

I don't understand why you don't have a belt sander. I've watched so many things were I was yelling at you to go buy a belt sander. It's like you didn't even hear me. A 3x21 hand held belt sander would make these chores like scribing that oak keel board so much quicker. The Black & Decker "Dragster" is my favorite belt sander that I love to hate. It has a very small nose cylinder so you can get it into small places. But, it's Black & Decker, America's worst tool makers. I have 2 of these and I've had to replace the switch on both of them. When the switch died on the first one, I ran out and bought a replacement. Then I bought 4 replacement switches. But, it's a versatile sander for as long as it works. You're doing a great job as you learn and I enjoy your videos.

[@lint2023]

I heard you! Emma would live a belt sander. My small one is the one everyone likes so it's hard keep it at home!

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

Pretty sure with the board laying flat, you could just bend it. I am guessing that was what they wanted you to do. But however you get it done will work. They mainly just exist to keep you from sliding sidways in a turn at speed. There is no way to do it that would make it not do its job.

[@jeremy87turbo87]

Whole hell of a lot more working on those stringers, but they are going to be a 100 times stronger with the grain going the way you will have them instead of the opposite.

[@wakjagner]

Experience is what you get after you need it. You're doing great!

[@823Labs]

Why not get a new piece of wood and use the old cuts as templates, and yes the price per board you mentioned is high but it might be worth it

[@charlesbrunner258]

Awesome job, keep up the great work

[@kurtcraig3421]

the runners looked fine as was.

[@ssmith7100]

Steaming the boards and then bending them over the bow, temporarily fastening it while they dry may have been an easier way. Just for future reference. But hay keep up the good work, I'm enjoying the build process. I envy you as you're doing something that I would only dream of.

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

steaming wood requires wet wood most bought lumber is kiln dried So best to soak it for awhile longer the better For boats white oak is the way to go red oak is like straws glued toghether vertically

[@Childplz2221]

Great job

[@johnson8950]

There is a reason the saying is measure twice cut once. You managed to catch your mistake before it was put in. Think about how to put in a way to check things like this in every step. You will be doing things you have not done before. If you have in place a step that catches things it will save you a lot of redoing. However redoing will also teach you things as well. Keep up the good work and enjoy both the progress you have made and what you have to look forward to.

[@leslieservantofgod8601]

Great job you're doing good 👍😊

[@colemine7008]

I love this journey you are sharing. I love the vlog style of your videos as well.

[@williamwinter2638]

You really need to apply one continuous coat of epoxy over the fiberglass before you paint. Or the plywood will soak up water thru thr fiberglass. And yes, screw the runners on from the inside.

[@LastChanceTinyHouse]

truly amazing.

[@lauriewalker843]

Neighbor rocks!

[@andrewwhelan2669]

Don't get down on yourself , it is all new. Not many people are going to try to make a boat. Not that you want to , but what about buying new oak and starting fresh ? Your neighbor has been helpful , you're lucky to have him. Somehow it will work out . Good you are patient. Can't wait to see what is next

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

Knowing Emma a blue water yacht

[@DeAnnaG_KissingFrogsMedia]

❤Go Emma! 🎉 2cents, take it or leave it advice: If you have enough wood ya might consider making another set of runners while you are on task and tucking them away with another set of screws. That way if the first set is damaged mid season you'll have a backup. Thanks for sharing your boat building adventure ! How is the porch project going? And the camper?

[@raygottschall9101]

Keep up the good work. Like they say you learn from your mistakes. I look forward to your videos. It inspires me to get my interiors and wiring finish.

[@markgallagher1376]

You’re doing great!! Remember building a boat is not like building furniture. Joints don’t have to be perfect. You can fill any gaps with thickened epoxy.

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

boats are a lot tougher

[@lonniefifer8178]

You are doing great young lady. I have faith in you. We all make mistakes that is why they but erasers on pencils. God bless and be safe. Keep up the good work 💯🫶🐼

[@owlsnestoutdoors]

Love the show Emma, I have been watching for a long time. Love your determination, and willingness to learn. You always give me a good laugh. Keep it up.

[@realamerican6101]

It got to get better now after that.