Into the Gulf of Mexico

Fifteen years ago the idea of building a boat in my front yard and taking it down the rivers to the Gulf of Mexico raised a lot of fear in me. Today; 1200 miles from Tulsa, it feels like the best decision I ever made. Feel the Fear. And do it anyway.
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[ Music ]
"Trickin Pickin" performed by Doug Waterman

[@hoosierpete]

To think this all started 11 years ago with a dream and a couple of sheets of 1/4 inch steel, and a school bus engine. What an accomplishment.

[@sc1338]

I thought it was 3/8th lol

[@djdebusk08]

I’ll never forget when he got the first load of steel and was moving it across the yard!!

[@gushhnet]

@@djdebusk08 Doug is an inspiration, a driving force. I've been a bilge rat ever since the first submarine project but I promise in exchange an endless supply of beer if the boat is ever near Argentina, take my word for it!

[@johnmccallum9542]

@@djdebusk08 x2

[@zopEnglandzip]

@@sc1338 it was 3/8, 11 years later it's now 1/4... huge respect for this fella.

[@claudehopper9813]

Doug , watching the build of Seeker was amazing ; but watching Seeker plowing thru a swell with dolphins made it real . Well done Skipper !

[@user-sp1bo3hc6p]

Извиняюсь , не Шкипер , а Капитан !

[@scs408]

Congratulations on making it to the Gulf of Mexico. “A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.” - Thomas Carlyle

[@jfbaze2001]

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important. “The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.” Well done Doug!

[@jackdaniels8898]

What a monumental accomplishment! I’ve been watching your channel since you had flat pieces of steel, and have longed for this day. I am so excited for you and the adventures that await. I hope to someday see you again.

[@mrmatt2525able]

The satisfaction of this project must be incredibly fulfilling!

[@bartonrobinson4266]

All the best to all that made the trip and new fans onboard. So excited to see Seeker splashing salt water over Her Bow, beautiful for sure Boss!!!

[@williamensign1408]

Hey Bart!

[@bartonrobinson4266]

@@williamensign1408 Hey William, thanks for the Hey!!

[@jayburrough4308]

That little dinghy unload from the front is awesome 👍😎

[@doughudgens9275]

I’m enjoying the voyage as much as I enjoyed watching the build! Please keep it up.

[@SandyWolf-]

This truly is the best life! I spent 2 years on a charter sailboat out of Ft Pierce Fl. Back in my glory days! Im so envious ❤

[@lowellmccormick6991]

It was awesome seeing the Hwy 11 draw bridge in action. Thank you for that. Despite what some politicians have said, we did build that. I've got a copy of the original 1927 design drawings that I used to draw the new bascule girders. I will send the link of this video to the shop manager of the steel fab shop that I did the drawings for so he can show the shop guys. I'm, sure they will enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor as much as I do. I used to sail my 22' Chrysler thru that bridge & the Rigolets bridge from Southshore Harbor to Pass Christian every Easter. One year I called the Rigolets swing bridge and asked to open for me and the lady operator ask me when I'd be arriving. I told her that I was already there. She walked out of her shack, looked around and walked back in. She said that she couldn't see me so I told her to walk back out and look down. When she saw me she said, "are you going into the Gulf in that little boat?"

[@MrEric_API]

A shake down tour is beginning to shake loose some of the piping connections and other threaded connections/plugs. Totally expected. Can't wait to see the upgrades now that it is floating in the environment she was drawn for. I am so excited for the new chapters in the adventures of SV Seeker!!!! MrEric

[@leverman7517]

I loved the sunrise breaking away from the horizon, leaving some reflection on the surface as it breaks away. Saw that many times from the deck of the USS Ashtabula AO 51 back in the '70s

[@RipVanAllan1983]

So cool seeing you down there. I moved from Missouri to Alabama in 2008. I was the Miller/Coors delivery driver there on Dauphine Island and went over that bridge many times, and I even delivered to the golf course restaurant where you ate. And Lulu's and even Pirates Cove, have been to both of them. I moved back up to Missouri in 2017 so I don't get to see those beautiful views anymore. Glad you're having fun down there.

[@mikewinkelman7015]

Glad to see you enjoying your dream, never give up your dreams people.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I have been watching you since your submarine days. I bet more people have climbed Mount Everest than have built a very big steel sailboat in their backyard and finished it and made it to saltwater. Watching you get excited over seeing the Dolphins on your own boat made me happy. I know you have had a wonderful time but I think you're just getting started. I bet it gets even better. Congratulations.

[@jakeyaboi6824]

Love to see you go through the places I go nearly everyday. I take my boat out in that part of the lake everyday!

[@TheStyx91]

You are living your dream, Doug!

[@nathancoye]

man, what a journey. Incredible to think that the views outside Seeker were from Tulsa OK and now look at what you get to look at. We took the kids on vacation to Gulf Shores, AL - it's a cool place.

[@SVSeeker]

Yes it is.

[@airmanfpv964]

Congratulations SV Seeker. The boat is a beauty and the project inspiring.

[@BradParler]

It brings me joy watching you on the open water. Thanks for taking us along with you and for reminding us to face our fears and do it anyways.

[@fonhollohan2908]

That sunrise was spectacular, Congrats Doug and crew for making a safe passage to the Gulf, that's awesome. You must be stoked...

[@mattevans-koch9353]

That sunrise at 14:15 and the sunset at 21:15 were spectacular Doug. I get the distinct feeling that Seeker is like my house, the first visit you're a guest, the second visit you're family. Good crew of good people. Glad Seeker finally got her taste of salt water. Fair winds and smooth seas to all of the seeker crew and have a happy Thanksgiving.

[@dwightmcintosh8511]

Doug it’s been a real pleasure watching you make your dream come alive. You are a true inspiration.

[@woodycooper7551]

I just started watching these videos and I find them fascinating. What you lack in experience, you make up for in competence. You're doing it right. There's too many captains out there with their heads down looking at electronics to see what's going on around them. You guys built a basically indestructible boat and put a lot of thought into it and from this cruiser, I like your style.

[@mvoldschool781]

You just sailed through my neighborhood, Cat Island MS. I've been watching for years. God Speed

[@lkirkp6468]

I made that trip on the inter coastal through Mobile bay back in 1980 on 40 foot motorsailer. This brings back memories

[@Mrcrowntown]

I remember watching you weld the two sheets of steel together for the hull so many years ago.... what a journey!!!!

[@fatb0tLP]

Doug, I've been watching for years. This is so awesome you're finally splashed and into the open water. I cannot wait to see all the adventures that unfold.

[@troyboyd3100]

Awesome! This is the episode I've been wanting to see these past several years... Congratulations!!!

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

Just wanted to send a brief "congrats!" to the achievement so far. Impressive. Thanks for sharing the journey also with the bilgerats like me. I still feed now and then on Your "we'll go on trying until we run out of wrong ways to do it" I learnt when You made the propellor blades for Seeker. Stay afloat and keep 'em coming. All the best from somewhere deep in the Bavarian Alps.

[@pgnandt]

What a great video. Great message too. Thank you Doug.

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

There's a lot of things I could say about this video and everything you've accomplished so far but I think I'll keep it short and sweet. Thank you for sharing all of it with us. Congratulations you've proven that with grit, determination, a little knowledge or the willingness to learn, hard work and a dream anything is possible... Fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God Bless...

[@panzer6522]

Your Truly living the Life and have good company to enjoy it with as a team. Thanks for sharing this adventure with us.

[@svlamancha9877]

It’s been great to follow Seekers travels through rivers and canals seeing all the diversity on the way. Looking forward to the the next phase of your journey. 👍

[@seamusreilly6522]

Fantastic to see Seeker on the sea. Looks fabulous. Well done Doug.

[@motohead1769]

I never realized this boat was actually put into the water until today. That’s insane congrats brother and very nice build

[@saltydawg1793]

The threaded plug on the side of the Racor bowl is for a water alarm sensor. I added the Parker sensor with a big alarm bell at the helm. Water can destroy injector tips.

[@rocktech7144]

Wow I remember watching this guy cutting and welding 1/4 inch steel in his yard in Oklahoma saying he was building a boat. You have come a long way baby. WHOAAH

[@monkeywithawrench27]

I can't wait to see the boat in Pensacola! I think you're gonna like it here, I know I do. Been following SV Seeker from the beginning, it's been a long time.

[@IndependantMind168]

Doug, I think I'll probably cry when I see those sails raised and she's moving along by the forces of nature alone. It's been a long journey with more ahead. You've had ample time learning her motoring character. Soon you will begin learning her character while sailing. I've been following along and adding my two cents since you had the sheets under the gantry(glad you decided to coat the tanks). Boarding the Seeker one day is on my bucket list. Stay safe Doug.

[@70stefg]

I can't wait to see you sailing, cheers

[@plhebel1]

Thanks for making that dream, rolling around in the nether regions of my gray matter, to come front and center screaming at me to get a move on. I want to live by picking a direction to transit towards, via water ways and open seas between those points. Enjoy freedoms and adventure in the everyday mysteries of what will be seen,, all the new people and friends that will be meet. Good sailing and calm waters captain.

[@mikethompson2137]

Congratulations Doug and crew! I look forward to following along on your adventures!

[@shopstuff5]

Keep on keeping on. Loving your narrative and outstanding balance of honesty and humility. That means credit or responsibility you get it done.

[@waynemetcalfe4353]

So happy to see you enjoying the venture.

[@armin0815]

So great to see, all the best!

[@pedrotheswift5937]

Amazing, from your yard to the Gulf of Mexico.. Dreams do come true...

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Awesome glad Seeker finally got to the gulf! Now the world awaits! Be safe and keep rolling! 👍👍

[@mossm717]

Incredible! Seeing seeker anchored on the ocean is stunning. Not many things more rewarding than seeing the thing you build set sail. And if anyone had doubts, you absolutely chose the best paint job possible

[@dunlap1814]

They are not in the ocean.. they are in the Gulf of Mexico.big difference.

[@philiptowell3281]

I love how far you’ve come;stubborn,irascible,funny,and at sea. ‘The floor of the ocean is paved with optimists’,anon. That cracks me up,but it’s kind of true! You backed your optimism up with hard study and toil,you’ve a fighting chance my friend. The best to you from here in England.

[@GregsGarage]

Another chest out moment for SV Seeker! Anyone who didn't think you could make it from Tulsa to open waters will now eat their words!!! Man, I get giggly every time I see you hit another big milestone. You set a goal, make a plan and the EXECUTE. Just awesome Doug and crew.

[@davidcatanach2620]

Congrats Doug. Well done Sir.

[@cbrusharmy]

This is just an amazing dream-come-true. You should be very proud of this accomplishment. Love it!

[@JoshRossness]

Thanks for sharing your journey with us! This was a special episode. 😀

[@michaelmclendon3039]

Liked the drumstick bit. My favorite place on ship was the ice cream chest.

[@n7565j]

I grew up in Crystal River Fl and used to fish in the gulf regularly. I took a young lady with me one morning and she was letting her hand ride in the wake when a porpous came up and brushed her hand multiple times!! Being a city girl from the midwest, that blew her mind :-) I still remember the smile on her face as well as the smile on all the other boaterss when she stripped down to sunbath on the bow ;-) I had guide boats easing in closer and closer to get a look... Those were the days!!! (This was back in the mid 80's) Safe travels SV Seeker!!!

[@good.morning.everyone]

Loving these videos! Keep the updates coming.

[@WSOII]

Congratulations on the Journey, Miles and Miles to uncover and discover. Keep it up Skipper 🤗

[@trnrbrnr]

26:29 Oh, that Pirate's Bar and Grill! We were there for dinner during our travels last winter!

[@jeffprator8171]

Glad you made it.....Awesome content

[@williamensign1408]

Fantastic voyage

[@SteveBraithwaite]

Everything about this is magnificent!

[@davidbeck5665]

Congrats! Love seeing the waves!

[@tayeddie2447]

Congratulations Doug and Seeker!

[@mashcury]

Soooo happy 4 you Doug, congratulations!

[@kathyeyman3744]

Congratulations on this huge accomplishment! Living your dream!

[@johnmccallum9542]

I have watched this build since the laying of steel on the ground ,,This has been an adventure to fallow as well as seeing you out to sea. Best regards John ,, Ontario Canada.

[@theoldbigmoose]

It amazes me how well your diesel has run. In fact I am amazed how well all of SV Seeker has performed. Following you from the start, and being a designer/faber, I can relate to all the design decisions you had to make in Seekers fab. You are an amazing engineer and fabricator! Man does Seeker look great in the salt water!

[@zoidberg444]

Yeah. I've been surprised by how well it all worked as well. The cruise down the river to the gulf has been excellent as a shake down to iron out all seekers little issues.

[@luvndana]

We Soooo Love Pirates Cove.... My Pontoon is there weekly..

[@johngaller278]

Just discovered you and your lovely ship. Wishing you all the best. Very inspiring story.

[@TrzCharlie]

Outstanding that you finally made it to the gulf. Very happy for you. I am so envious of your adventure. Wish I was aboard Captain.

[@perrysims3320]

Thanks for reminding me of the magic of sitting in silence on the ocean and hearing the slow approach of a pod of air breathing mammals. I'm taken back particularly to sitting over a sea mount dangling live bait on a dead calm Sea of Cortez when we heard whales blowing. It was loud but standing in the boat there was nothing to be seen. Finally, three especially large Grays passed right by us and let us idle along behind for a while. When the trailing behemoth lost patience he gave two fluke flaps and disappeared. The size and depth of the vortices that immediately surrounded us was awe inspiring. color me green with envy.

[@SVSeeker]

Thanks for the story. I look forward to that.

[@ppulambe8311]

Wow... in the Gulf of Mexico! Congratulations 🎊

[@virgilviereckjr.6881]

Thanks for sharing, Looks like fun. Take care, all the best, & God bless.

[@purpleom9649]

Loving the videos and I've got a huge smile on my face seeing you have so much fun, you deserve it :)

[@bgd73]

I had some catching up to do. I absolutely love seeing this moving with you. Happy New Year.

[@Mister006]

I can't wait to see it under sail. Good move working out the engine bugs!

[@foty8679]

I am so hyped to see her sail.

[@georgecormier601]

I'm happy for your success after all that hard work.

[@podfuk]

I know I am repeating myself a lot, but this is just fantastic! Thanks Doug

[@oso9809]

Awesome to see what it takes to navigate down to the gulf. Thanks

[@jimmincey2285]

Congratulations on making the big briny. WOOT!!!!

[@johnnymelendez4836]

Simply awesome Doug🔭 and Rocky's pretty cool too👍.

[@rudywoodcraft9553]

And into the Gulf! Fantastic! Dolphins from the deck of your own boat! And coming ashore on white sand beach outstanding!

[@robrae5292]

Well done to you and all your crew!!!❤❤❤

[@gc1914]

one of the best!! thanks for the video,

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

Wow Doug . Incredible sun sets .think you found your happy place .

[@williamhenderson9535]

This was a good shake down for SV Seeker! Great video Doug. Enjoy it!

[@mySeaPrince_]

Hi Doug. I found your channel when I was looking up about casting aluminium.. Then watched from the beginning... At 10:45 ... was the moment I remembered you putting the two big sheets together to form the hull... You did it... 😻 ... Now the dreams of the Sea become reality... Kindest regards Bella 🐈 & Mark

[@notsoweisz1]

That’s how it all started for me too! Watching him cast the aluminum and I’ve been following it ever since 😊

[@stevefox6864]

Lovely boat !! A massive job. Well done. Steve, New Zealand

[@user-sp1bo3hc6p]

Поздравляю Дуг с первым так сказать Крещением - выходом в открытое море . Мореходность у SV Seeker на высоте , как и ваша гордость и наша радость . Я безумно рад за Вас ! 👍👍👍

[@SVSeeker]

Thank you.

[@connorbloomfield2601]

THIS IS SO AWESOME!

[@alargebeaver]

Good on ya!

[@Womblewobble1321]

Such good vibes

[@tribum]

10:44 Doug, THAT is COOL! Congrats on making it to the Gulf!!!!!!! 14:20 Awesome sunrise!! 21:30 Amazing sunset!!

[@richwaight]

Congrats Doug! Simply amazing you have come this far. You must be quietly proud of yourself and rightly so. That engine sure has done some work.

[@SVSeeker]

Kudos for the old school bus engine. : )

[@sootymammal2891]

Amazing job 👍

[@youmanskids]

CONGRATS!!!!

[@jamesflake6601]

Congratulations. Well done