SV Seeker Launch - 14 years in the making

Four years of planning. Ten year of building. And Sailing Vessel Seeker is in the water and has her mast. But the best think about Seeker has been the journey and the path she has lead me down. The things I have learned, the friends I have made, and the ability to share the experience with others. If she were to sink to the bottom on launch, it still would have all been worth it. --Doug
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[ Music ]
"Vaseline Machine Gun" preformed by Doug Waterman

[@jester-gq9jq]

Seeker fans and builder's unite to build the mini golf course or multiple to help finance the Sea chest foundation

[@SVSeeker]

That would be cool. Build a hole and meetup with others that build a hole, and have a Sea Chest Charity Tournament.

[@janefaulkner3749]

That'll be a novelty the first underwater miniature golf course.....

[@SVSeeker]

@@janefaulkner3749 Oh, I like that idea too.

[@bartman422]

How about everyone build a hole and we can have a nationwide/worldwide course. And call it the Seeker Tour.

[@DJRoach520]

Floating or non? there's an old zoo here for sale, lol

[@cruiserdog9913]

I got a little emotional seeing Seeker finally resting on the water. Congrats Doug.

[@Karebear9001]

Right? I think I’ve been watching for around ten years now

[@tomscorner3656]

@@Karebear9001 Me To

[@DKG1NDP]

Same. Well done. Proof dreams do come true.

[@zman2234]

Finally

[@donchonealyotheoneal5456]

How in the world did you comment 3 days ago at least that's what the posting says

[@sixtyfiveford]

Looked huge in your front yard and looks tiny in the water. This is awesome.

[@juanmercado2577]

I think it’s time to make a bigger one !

[@poprawa]

Most importantly, you still can look at it as there are some parts actually above the water level :>

[@flightace1]

its always bigger in your pants than it shows in real !

[@Marciemae]

Boats always shrink when you get them in the water

[@BodyGuardOfLies1]

First boat I worked on was a coaster called the Nautic W she looked big to me when she was alongside but she felt small the first time we hit a gale at night in the middle of the North Sea.

[@SampsonBoatCo]

Congratulations, Doug! It must be an amazing feeling! What a great journey you've been on, and what a lot of people you've helped along your way - including me. Thanks Doug.

[@SVSeeker]

Thanks Leo. Yes, it's an amazing feeling. Love seeing the progress on Tally Ho. BRAVO to you and your crew!

[@Michael-he7xn]

No wonder KZbin is so addictive. You guys all support each other. I tip my cap to two inspiring gentlemen. Doug and Leo.

[@SailingUma]

Wow!!! What an amazing day. Congrats to you Doug and all the countless folks who've helped build such a cool boat along the way. It's been such an amazing journey to follow, but in many ways, the journey has just begun. She looks great in the water by the way. Excited to see those sails up and flying. See you out there.

[@TNTheStig]

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade of watching this boat being built. You are an inspiration Doug. Congrats.

[@I-KNIGHT-OF-YOUTUBE-I]

Why is the Stig here he can't drive a boat or can he. If the stig can drift this boat I would be impressed with his skills.

[@benmac940]

I had my doubts when I started watching this 10 odd years ago whether this would ever float, but good to see it finally happen

[@Upsidedownorangejuice]

Absolutely epic. The first half is done... now on to the next half, the adventure.

[@J.Smith-rc6wh]

it has only just begun . . .

[@joepie221]

Congratulations sir. Thats a hell of an accomplishment. Many safe miles to ya.

[@andrewp6562]

YEAHHHHHHH GO TEAM. Congrats to everyone. I have been following you since SV Seeker was sheet metal. Doug, through the 14 years you have inspired me to get out there and take risks and learn to fail. As a result, I have built my own cabin with my own hands, something I have always wanted to do and would not be possible without a community like you have with SV seeker.

[@SVSeeker]

Awesome

[@DonnDIY]

I was about to go to work but got the notification. So... to hell with work, it's SV Seeker time! I'm super happy for you Doug. Your ambitious dream has come true. This channel, this project and the people who built SV Seeker are a true inspiration. Thank you again. Donald

[@1DIYGuy]

Exactly what I was thinking.. This was one of the 1st you-tube channels I started watching and got hooked. Eating lunch and not leaving the house until it is in the water...Congratulations.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Just an amazing testimony to sheer grit,determination and passion.So good Doug and Betsy,incredible effort.Rossco

[@SVSeeker]

That you! Grit means a lot coming from you!

[@nathancoye]

You’re next rossco… can’t wait to see yours on the water as well

[@muellermade4857]

@@nathancoye I think he has 10 years left to go yet?

[@DenHvideHund]

This got me plenty emotional. Been following along since you started with those huge sheets you welded together, got caught in the wind and everything seemed to be a perdy huge mouthful for a younger inexperienced version of Doug. And now this. Oh my....this is so unreal and I'm so happy for you Doug, Betsy and everyone else who made this dream come true.

[@joelcurtin9409]

Bravo, Doug. I’m in the 15th year of a “2 or 3 year” project. I can see the end point from where I am. I’m getting lots of pressure to walk away and get on with my life. I’d love to, but no way. This video is why.

[@philhealey449]

That's almost my one liner; I'm 14 years and 50% through my five year house renovation plan ! You can't rush quality !

[@dozer1642]

This is legitimately the episode I’ve been wanting to see for years. It’s a little anticlimactic but it’s still life changing for me. The preparation for this day is what makes you the amazing person we have all come to love Doug. You are amazing.

[@svrustyjunk3327]

That is so crazy amazing. Your patience and perseverance is legendary. I mean that. You should go down in history because you and your friends built and launched it against all odds. Score one for the little guys doing big things.

[@ShipHappensUK]

What an incredible achievement, we are so proud of everything you have done! Congratulations to Doug and all the Seeker crew x

[@Lou-Lou.]

I remember watching the Hull being folded and welded together 9 years ago!!!! What a journey it's been, congrats Doug 👏

[@bin_chicken80]

Congrats Doug! Also congrats to every person who has worked on or has been involved in this project. It was cool to see the reflection of the water coming though the portholes. Can't wait to see the next episode. Thanks for bringing us all along for the ride.

[@williamsmith8437]

7years of watching seeker! Never thought I’d be feeling all the feels over a launch. Congratulations guys!

[@bluegreenash]

me too :)

[@qsmxpilot4599]

I came late to the party and just watched the launch. A belated congratulations! And to top it all off, I recognized Vaseline Machine Gun from way back in late 1972 when I came home from Sembach AB, Germany, for Christmas. My father told me I "HAD" to listen to this new album, "6 & 12 String Guitar" by a guy I had NEVER heard of before that moment. He pulled out the album and then opened the bottom drawer in the dining room, (which was more extended kitchen than anything else!) He closed the drawer and I was just stunned by all the wonderful music from those fancy fingers running up and down on the frets and picking all kinds of crazy rhythms that blended so perfectly. Almost 50 years later, I finally got to hear Kotte play live for the first time, thanks to my son who drove us up the Cache la Poudre canyon, west of Fort Collins, Colorado, to The Mishawaka outdoor venue. Good night! Thank you for the memory, Doug and for All the wonderful people who helped! May you & SV Seeker sail longer than than it took me to go full circle introducing my son to Leo Kotte like my dad did for me! Thank YOU, Sir! 👍

[@chweissinger1]

Congratulations Doug and Seeker Crew!!! What an exciting milestone in your journey! As always, thanks for sharing it with us. Cheers and wishing you many safe adventures in the near future!

[@erikdailly]

Hi Doug, and crew, CONGRATS on another MILESTONE! The baby's born, she's moving and breathing. What a flawless launch, what an incredible project, I feel so proud to be (a small) part of it. Looking forward to wear my 'crew' cap and spend some time on board. Love from Amsterdam, Netherlands.

[@SVSeeker]

Howdy Eric! Yes indeed. You need to plan another trip.

[@Pillowcase]

That's a fine looking boat, Doug. I remember when she was just an empty hull and it seemed like you were doing everything by yourself. Every step of the way I admired how good of a job you were doing creating, organizing, designing, crafting, and leading. I couldn't be more happy to see you achieve this goal, it's a very fine thing to do for everyone involved. I firmly believe this world could use more boats.

[@tonyurquhart8278]

This is a fitting reward for your years of perseverance & hard work Doug & all your team! Well done. Looking forward to the next chapters on the water!!

[@lebonfrago3800]

This is truly wonderful to see. Heartfelt congratulations to all involved in the project. Wow! Now that is accomplishment!

[@danielk225]

I watched you weld the first sheets together and I've been waiting for this day for a long time. Good for you. Really interested in see this go out into open water.

[@jay90374]

Us too 🙂🙂

[@judd_s5643]

I did too…. What a journey! Congratulations to EVERYONE that made this happen.

[@keithcook8173]

Congrats from all of us at Thompson Diesel!!! We’re proud to be a tiny part of the SV Seeker story!

[@wbryantclark]

I've been watching (hit and miss) for years. You caught my attention with your foundry build. It makes me happy and satisfied to see you're on the water and your masts are up. I have no idea how much more work there is to do to get to sea worthy, there's no slowing you down now. It's amazing to me how far you've come. I'm looking forward to see how far you can go. I can't wait for your sea ventures. I'm sure it will be nothing less than amazing.

[@jamarie1972]

How exciting, been watching 8 years, bet your proud of what you and all those others have achieved. Brilliant Doug really really thrilled for you that she finally starts to do what she’s built for.

[@flightace1]

Ten years ive been follow this epic build ,this is the end off an era and maybe the start off a new one,i sure hope so, anyone else miss Bart?? he should have been there for the launching.

[@pcofmind65]

Doug congrats on getting Seeker finally into the water, when ever I have a task I think is too hard I just need to take a look at the effort you and the others have put into Seeker, you are all the inspiration I need to get on with it, Thank you for sharing the journey can't wait to see what the future has installed.

[@ScottyDuzKnow13]

Congratulations Doug! It’s been inspiring watching your journey!

[@ZoderOne]

Thank you for the journey, and congratulations!

[@christopherc7757]

To see the launch of Seeker after all this time was truly an amazing sight. Congratulations to Doug and to all who have been involved in this incredible story. I now look forward to the launch of Tally-ho as the next great milestone!

[@ingojochl9444]

And Arabella too :)

[@Sapper21b10]

Just remember, there are far more planes in the ocean, than boats in the sky! Congrats on the launch! Been looking forward to this.

[@dylanzrim3635]

Brilliant.

[@dylanzrim3635]

Except I’m sure some dialects still refer to planes as airships so 🤷‍♂️

[@rogerbrown6433]

Wow what a long trip it's been thank you so much all the best God bless cant wait for more

[@davecooper8465]

Fabulous very well done . love to see her in the water after so many years of watching her grow from steel plates in your front garden. Wish her all the luck in the world and thank you for allowing me to watch for the last 14 years or more bon voyage and good sailing

[@hamijoh]

I’ve been watching since the beginning. Makes me smile that it’s just the first couple chapters. Congrats everyone.

[@ronicard]

Makes my heart smile to see her on the water. Been seeing it on the Facebook page but something about seeing it on the video makes it "real". Well done, Doug. Congratulations to all of you who persevered and made Seeker into a working boat!

[@makeitbreakitbrodie]

Congratulations Doug. I've been following you for over a decade and I'm so happy to see her in the water. There are few people in the world with the grit and determination as you and your crew. Looking forward to the adventures to come.

[@thebigstick117]

Congratulations Doug. So glad to see your hard work pay off. To you and your crew fair winds and following seas. We all look forward to the new set of adventures at sea.

[@parkersadv]

Great work Doug and Crew! Persistence. Nothing can take the place of Persistence. Proud to see it in the water.

[@jacksonclinton349]

I was definitely getting a laugh outta the folks on Reddit explaining how you could never trim 5° of list out, I learned a long time ago that impossible is just something people who've never done anything really challenging say to justify their boring lives

[@kwkspectre]

The svseeker subreddit is a hot garbage mess. I've never seen so many people so angry about something they have no investment in. There are numerous threads predicting that Seeker would never launch. They didn't age well.

[@jacksonclinton349]

@@kwkspectre reddit in general has gotten nasty lately, I wonder if people are fleeing the toxic sludge of Twitter not realizing they helped make it toxic.

[@larrydbarr4045]

Congratulations, Doug! This is a great day. I've been following this project since Seeker was a pile of steel sheets on the ground. So glad to see her in the water.

[@jefflee6660]

Doug, I’m so proud and so happy for you that you have accomplished this. Congratulations!!

[@Brian-rv2rv]

Congratulations Doug. An amazing achievement fueled by so many helpers, driven by Doug's determination. Well done all round. 👍

[@8419james]

Congratulations Doug and crew, what an inspiring journey, and it's only beginning!

[@onKnowLookWhatHap]

Congrats. Been following since the hull was being welded. So happy for you, and thanks for all the inspiration over the years. Look forward to you new adventures.

[@welshpete12]

Excellent , wish you well in your new adventure , sailing her !

[@timpaslay]

Congrats Doug! I always knew you would get it in the water one way or another, but still feels so good to see it happen. You have been a great example of grit, determination and hard work. Love getting to see the pay off. Enjoy and savor the victories in the process.

[@erikhuijsmans570]

Wauw, great respect for you Doug and all your helpers. Finally Seeker is were she belongs in the water.👌🏽

[@xander333333]

WHAHOOO WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT! So glad to see it in the water at last. Just think that yall will soon be in the Caribbean.

[@sjbj18463]

It is fantastic to see SV Seeker (Sinker) on the water after so many issues and problems. Congratulations - I have followed you for many years, enviously, so pleased to see her floating. fair weather and calm seas. May she be as much a pleasure to use as she has been to build. take care and GOD SPEED.

[@coenvanwyk1]

Proud moment! You can be proud of having built such a team.

[@benjamindelnat9448]

Thanks for giving me the ability to see through a day, a week, a year, a decade of work and be able to see the achievement at the end. In some small part your project drives mine. It’s people like us that the world forgets about until we’re done, and then everyone says their impressed with the finished project, but it’s the drive to push through when you’re cold, wet and have a pile of materials and problems ahead that’s impressive to me. Doug you’re an inspiration to anyone who says fuck it, I’ll just do it myself.

[@dmitrymikheev7899]

Congratulations, Doug. Your team is a pure treasure. And she is beautiful.

[@incognitoyt7940]

Congratulations Doug and all supporting people who have helped. Doug you must feel good man enjoy the fruits of your courage and labour.

[@bernardgourlay6320]

You and your team have completed a wonderful and fantastic phase one, now to sail her away and really have some fun, on phase two. Crack the champagne over the bows, best of luck to all who sail in her.

[@cgrant26]

We all waited a long time for this. Congrats Doug!

[@mmaiorano3]

Congratulations Doug, I have been following this for many years and what you have done is nothing short of extraordinary.

[@farmerneal]

Your gift of encouragement to others, engineering and resourceful prowess, and charming way of describing it all has been nothing short of remarkable! Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@Comp670]

I have launched 1000's of boats up to 120' long in a 35 year career of trucking boats and I can say that went really well! Sure you have some trimming to do but not a lot. Pretty good for a "home built" boat! Congrats.

[@timothyobrien1850]

no fooling , a damn fine first splash

[@johnnyhunter4345]

Also watched many loading, moving and launching of 60 to 100 foot houseboats in Kentucky and Ohio.....all required weight in form of concrete blocks to level after in water, seen multiple issues with incoming water, but no one sunk....good launch, great friends helping you! Surround yourself with people who make you feel good, always. We all watch you for the same reason.

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

A suggestion for getting snow/hail like that off of the boat faster: an electric or gas leaf blower. I used to use one to clean up in the evening when I worked at a retail nursery and it is so much faster than sweeping, especially when you are just trying to move the loose material out into an area that doesn't get swept.

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

@@dancarter482 Yeah, that would work if you had a wand that was about two or three feet long so you didn't need to bend over.

[@patriotmob3227]

Congratulations Doug I'am happy to see your work on the land is almost over. Happy trips ahead. God Bless

[@josephthomas3597]

Congratulations Doug! An amazing job and accomplishment! Enjoy her and have fun sharing her with all those who get the pleasure of joining you!

[@rudywoodcraft9553]

Unbelievable! Camp Patience paid off! The lines as she sits in the water are spectacular.

[@EnvirotekCleaningSystems]

Wow. That was awesome. I'm so excited for you Doug. It has been a hell of a journey and it is crazy to think that you are metaphorically only a few steps into it. Congrats to you and the whole crew.

[@pinebearclub]

Congratulations Doug and crew! What a story of perseverance and tenacity, surrounded by great people and the job got done! Thanks for the words of inspiration Doug, thanks so much for this channel! Bryan from Vancouver

[@NottsBobUK]

Congratulations and thanks for doing the video, fantastic teamwork!

[@KMWfoto]

Wahooo! Congrats and well done on seeing this epic project through.

[@bobm2331]

Doug, when I saw this I ran into the kitchen and told my wife. We have waited for this for so long. You made it to the top and the view must be amazing. Well done sir.

[@garrittpwl]

Hahah I did the same

[@adivrr]

Congrats Doug! Its been a long journey, may all your adventures come with safety and happiness.

[@normfacey104]

Always amazing when the hull you’ve worked so long & hard upon actually floats! Congrats Doug.

[@Bugalo0]

She’s beautiful! Seen a lot of launches in my life, but never was as excited as to see this one! Bon voyage from the Philippines!

[@stevefazzio]

Congratulations Doug! You’re an inspiration! Fantastic! 👍🇺🇸👏

[@stevekurtenbach1951]

I have been watching this boat come together for years. It feels so go to see it in the water. Congratulation.

[@chucksautter6154]

So pleased for you and all that support you, she looks great in the water.

[@SVTapatya]

Congratulations Doug. You must be very proud, and deservedly so!

[@naturalorang3]

So exciting! What an awesome journey, how much everyone has learned along the way and so much more to learn! Safe travels!

[@SVSeeker]

Definitely!!

[@littlephilo585]

Been gone awhile since seeker got drydocked! Lovr in the water! Super nice Doug!

[@ryanngalea]

Congrats Doug, I have been watching the build for years, impressive to see it make the water, nice job.

[@obbetiddens5536]

By far one of the most inspiring projects i have ever seen!

[@democracymmmk]

Congratulations man! I'm so glad to watch and learn with all these years! My dad and I went to the JC because of this boat and now we're learning to weld. Mazel tov.

[@reyquinto3538]

So happy to see the boat on the water.. at last! God bless for the journey ahead!

[@hamish02000]

Congratulations its been an epic ride have fun and good luck

[@robfnet]

Superb, she looks small now! I was in no doubt this would happen, camp patience was probably a blessing with the amount of snagging you managed to get completed on terra firmer. I look forward to being a Patreon as the next series journeys \ adventures begin. All the best from the UK.

[@VanskyAlleria]

Whoot! Well done guys. Fantastic seeing Seeker in the water. Also, offense is taken, not given. I wish more people would realize that.

[@darrenhunter2593]

Awesome Doug what an achievement, congrats. Your perseverance is inspirational

[@mgmilane]

Fantastic! you made it! congrats this thing is really nice! i almost cry when the boat touched the water! unbelievable! congratulations!

[@user-ke7ut4wx9d]

Поздравляю вас с успешным воплощением мечты! Это того стоило. Я рад что этот волнительный момент наконец произошел.

[@SlipFitGarage]

Wow....I wasn't expecting this video right after Doug's sailing vacation. So great to see SV Seeker finally get wet. You should be very proud, Doug. What a major accomplishment! Very few people in this world can say they have completed a personal project (not for their job) of this size. I was really looking forward to seeing this happen in person this past August (I attended the party) but this video is the next best thing. Any plans to have a public Seeker meet-and-greet down river like your were originally thinking of doing? I'd love to stop by and see all the great people again who I met at the first party. This isn't the end of the story, it's just now beginning. Congratulations, Doug!

[@philiphemphill4980]

What a great moment seeing SVSeeker launched Doug you must be so proud happy and relieved I have watched you from the beginning struggling with those giant sheets of steel that became the hull right up to today's launch well done im so happy for you good luck cheers from OZ

[@RadioReprised]

The ''Slow Boat from China'' has FINALLY arrived! From one Doug to another....Congratulations! What a long strange trip it's been!

[@geoffhalstead1811]

What a magnificent achievement virtually single handed by someone showing what can be achieved with determination and self belief👍👏🍸🍾 Doug soon sorted the slight list to Starboard as I expected he would. I served on a Frigate in the ‘60s and wish him ‘Fair Winds and Following Seas’ during his adventures! I salute you Captain‼️

[@rl2109]

Fallowing seas?

[@geoffhalstead1811]

@@rl2109 Following Sea current that is going in the same direction as the ship thus making for smooth sailing.

[@JasonGibbs]

Amazing journey! You're a role model for many; may your dreams come true! Thank you for reminding us that anything is possible if your only dig your boots in and make it happen!

[@danthefrst]

Congratulations and salutes Doug. What a great sight

[@goatworks734]

Wow that 2 degree list looks more like 15 degrees, must be the wide angle lens on the camera! This boat definitely has the "gasser" look where the front end is way higher than you would think it should be, this could be a new trend in shipbuilding!

[@matthewerwin4677]

Oklahoma squat

[@Vincent-Vega24]

Yea...... that's a Big NO!!!! That back end is way to deep in the water!!! I was thinking he was putting in way to much lead in those keels!!!! Rule of thumb, you can always add more, its not as easy to take out!!!!!! He is a know it all though. Me and him have argued about his sails are gonna come apart the first few times he actually uses them. I tried to tell him and he was. just a smart ass to me. I cant wait. to say. I told him so though! LOL

[@trey1531]

@@Vincent-Vega24 it looks like the pilot house will get a lot of weather hitting it.

[@robertn2813]

An emotional moment when the rudder gets wet , wow . If I was moved at that moment , Doug "had" to be in heaven at the same moment . Such a great journey to witness , and a truly gifted group of individuals who , through Doug's guidance and amazing vision , brought us all to today . And , I like that Doug acknowledged the naysayers , critics , and negative people who always surround and attempt to deter the realizations of the dreams of people that they "say" they love and care about . They will never understand just how motivating their criticisms can be . I hope the next person to criticize Doug remembers to put on his big-boy panties and wear some thick skin before criticizing him . 'Coz I believe Doug might respond with " I don't give a shit. Now "f" off , I'm busy " . Dreams never die , just the dreamers .

[@aaronransom3744]

Congratulations! This was fun to see, have enjoyed following along, looking forward to the coming adventures.

[@Paul_Marek]

So happy for you all!! Congrats and great work to everyone!