Finishing THE BOW [EP131]

[@kirkschultz3728]

Consider what a big wave will do as it hits the bow and moves upward from underneath. I would suggest you blend the wings into what you have done already and come around underneath the bow spirit with rounded surface in order to knife the water to the sides so that water does not hit a dead end or the flat bottom of the bow spirit.

[@edkranz]

I think the vertical side plates of the bowsprit need some curve in them, and possible a little more "organic blending" into both the sprit and the bow... but it would be a compromise of looks over strength. The straight lines of the sideplates just don't look right with the nice curves of the bow. It's so hard to look at a blank canvas and go from nothing to something, and I think you've got the hard part done! Just a little tweaking, and it'll look as amazing as the rest of the boat!

[@dennisash7221]

I initially felt the same but thinking about the forces on the bowsprit and realised a curve might not be the best engineering solution. There are both up and down forces on the bowsprit.

[@robm.4512]

⁠@@dennisash7221A curved blend from lower bowsprit edge to bow would enhance the bowsprit’s strength through feeding loads in either direction, in the vertical axis, into into both hull and bowsprit structures more progressively. A curved fillet is actually the preferable basic shape to use, though the ideal radius or shape modification to a simple arc of a circle is best identified through FEA if weight vs performance is a significant concern. I’m sure that the current virtually straight sided triangular fillets are adequate from the point of view of outright strength but they will produce a “hard” point of stress concentration in the bowsprit at the place where the foremost edge of the fillet meets it, which could be mitigated by introducing a curve to the leading edge of the fillet. On an aesthetic level, I think I’d probably go for a much more visually organic blend from ‘sprit to hull in all aspects, fairing in with an infill curve up and forward from the centreline of the stem, blended into the hull side profile. That solution would probably perform better than the current layout when the bow is getting buried in less than ideal sea states, deflecting water sideways as the bow goes down, rather than trapping it between the fillets and having a flat underside of the ‘sprit “slapping” the water surface as it enters. But again, I’m sure it’s current form is adequate from a structural viewpoint, I just think it would benefit from refining a little.

[@chrispomfret8592]

Mane the the ‘flat plates’ should be made to look different? Colour can achieve this. I think the bow sprit and side plate should be black if the hull/bow is dark grey.

[@mrjoseywales1865]

Agree 100%. The blocky look is not pleasing to the eye. It’s Matt’s boat and he can do what he wants but it reminds me of a beautiful woman I once met who had a schnoz so large it blocked out the sun. Why would you build a beautiful boat and put a bow on it that looks like a combination of 2x4’s and wafer board?

[@neilmacewan8706]

The curves … and then a square bowsprit… not cool, but it’s cosmetic I’m sure they could fix it without much trouble.

[@dudleysandifer4219]

The bow will look fine once the sail rigging and the anchor is installed. Paint will help also. Remarkable work. One of my favorite KZbin channels. Can’t wait to see Duracell back in the water one day.

[@kestreljc1559]

It seems like the force of waves breaking against the bow will be funneled into that cavity under the sprit.

[@trentR3437]

Won't the anchor be up there?

[@ZenWithKen]

For me, I think a softer, curved angle on the bow sprit gussets. The 45 degree angle doesn't mesh with the bow and toe rail lines. I'd build a bulkhead over the gussets, fill it with foam, shape it, glass it. Easy for me to say, lol.

[@Finn-McCool]

@@ZenWithKen I was thinking similarly. Also it looks like that hollow could create an "explosion pocket" as the waves crash into it over and over. Could that weaken a joint by going into waves like that? Probably not I suppose. But filling it in would be better aesthetically. I thought he was going to over fill it with slabs of foam kind of like Ross did with his bow bulbs over at "On The Hulls." Then carve. et voila.

[@ZenWithKen]

@@Finn-McCool Yes, that's a good example and I have no idea on the stress levels. I'm an armchair boat builder, lol.

[@WillH0724]

… new toe-rails should slope towards the sprit

[@Finn-McCool]

@@WillH0724 Agreed, look at the OG toe rails. Set back a few inches as well as tapered away. 👍🏽 At least that's how they appear to my lying eyes 😆

[@roobarb8463]

The bow is the first part of this project that just doesn't seem right. You have a really elegant and smooth hull shape with faired in portlights etc. The 45 degree angles below the bowsprit simply seem at odds with the rest of the boat. I would have perhaps taken a straight line from the waterline to just forward of the white/grey join below the bowsprit, then faired in a bow section to the existing hull, incorporating the bowsprit structure. Imagine something like a section taken from an inverted traffic cone, broader and rounder at the top and thin and narrow at the bottom. Whichever way you go it's a great project. Thanks for keeping us all updated.

[@RogerFleischer-p3f]

You restored the most part of the original line of the both and got good ideas for adding structural strength and improving the esthetics when you have time to come back to it. It looks and feels like you are on top of the gnarly bow-related issues, so congratulations to you and your very helpful naval architect and anchor consultant.

[@chrismiotke6543]

Fill in that rectangle under the sprit and tie into the bow piece you added

[@jaeorumn4242]

Thank you for sharing the baby with us! He looks like Daddy 🥰

[@sucapizda]

That cavity under the bow sprit will concentrate the force of the waves as the boat bobs and hits big swells. Eventually ripping the entire bow sprit right off the boat in a massive deadly failure. Get rid of that cavity under there some how.

[@gabehill4035]

Have you considered filling the void under the sprit with foam, shaping it by hand, then glassing it over? That process would give you the most control over how it looks. Not very structural at all, but similar to the existing construction

[@budkirkpatrick7086]

Thanks, you and the boat deserve the hinges.

[@between5and6]

your hinges look fantastic and very fancy - combining carbon and fibergalss in a project is very cool.

[@Finn-McCool]

I don't know much but I know hinges. From piano to euro to butler to hidden Hafele I've installed them all. One thing that you could have done is to route a small channel into the gap and install the knuckle of the hinge into the gap that was routed. Then it could be very much a perfectly flush installation. Bare feet seem to be a thing in boat decks and a small protrusion might be a large annoyance. Time will tell. Cute kid. Love the channel. -✌🏽

[@scoutjonas]

That would be awesome. Flush. But wouldn't that restrict the opening angle?

[@Finn-McCool]

@@scoutjonas you have a point. That's why the hinge needs to installed in such a manner as to facilitate the wings being able to fold together completely in one direction but not limited in the closed position . I'm probably butchering that explanation I'm sorry. Basically the piano hinge is the classic design that permits up to 180° swing in a given direction and maybe 270° overall? So perhaps if he needs the door to open 180° completely laying flat on the deck, then the trade-off is in fact having the knuckle protrude above the deck surface. 👍🏽 I was under the impression that it merely needed to remain open once opened. 😊

[@MCKNHM-Architects]

The dialogue part between you guys about the hinges as a video narration was something new you have not done before, this was very successful and enjoyable.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Thanks for noticing!

[@MCKNHM-Architects]

@@TheDuracellProject I guess practice makes perfect, you are becoming a more professional videographer through time. This particular part felt like a very professional documentary style edit, when Duracell is finished, you will be at BBC / National Geographic level, looking forward to more!

[@ErrolJames-n5r]

Carbon hinges are the way to go. The stainless steel can start to rust at some point. I love your work 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@phensriwood2093]

Like me it’s so good having your project on your own property. Really sucks paying rent on the hard.

[@TheDuracellProject]

totally

[@dancarter482]

YES you do need to apologise for keeping us in suspense over the rusty piano hinges! Form and function all the way; as others have stated, the bow needs to be able to cleave safely though concrete. Some of those brutalism angles are going to get jammed up and create some drag that could be eliminated with a little finesse.

[@hecdc305]

All of the bow work looks great and sturdy. Don't burn yourself thinking about it, it's strong and functional. The baby is beautiful.

[@marchuvfulz]

The bow will probably look fine once it's all faired and painted. If it were my boat I would cut and fit another piece to close off and fill in the hollow area under the bowsprit. I would think that area would "trap" waves and be really noisy in any kind of sea, and maybe weaken the bowsprit over time.

[@TouchMilap]

Bow sprit needs a softening. Forward of the leading edge line of the bow, it should resemble the shape of your mast, even if it is an obvious illusion.

[@philipschrantz8402]

Matt, At the risk of complicating things, I’d suggest making a plate that closes the concavity formed by the transition between the existing stem and the side plates of the sprit. That would allow you to round the front edges of those side plates and blend them into the new front plate. It would create a void that you’d want to fill with more foam. Enclosing the negative space would make the sprit look more organically part of the hull. Just my $0.02 worth. Love what you’re doing.

[@TheDuracellProject]

It’s a good idea

[@Twelvestonestacking]

Moms are awesome! Especially if there are boundaries in place!

[@markchodroff250]

Matt , you always do a fantastic job, but I think the bow should be more of a angle to the bow sprint like a mini clipper bow ? The boat is long and with the deck house she needs just a little more character !

[@tomhusted3304]

I just think that when you are hitting waves the cupping under the sprit will put to much strain in that area. Maybe rounding out the area could be something for the carbon fiber in there and to be a stronger support for the new tail, and a better line.

[@gregepp3082]

Hey Matt, good job with the foam. I have used lots on my own boat builds. It's a real trick to get it right. Too cold it doesn't kick, too hot outside, or too slow getting it in there... Well, you saw.

[@gl2856]

The bow looks great , once painted it’ll all blend in , nice work, you both had me going there over those horrible s/s hinges , I thought they can’t be serious, 😂😂 can they , thinking they’re not up to the Matt standard, then we get “ only kidding “ thank goodness for that ! My heart jumped back in my chest , turned out looking amazing , hope those s/s hinges have been put in their rightful place ! “The bin” Your son is looking amazing ❤ Graham L

[@duaneayers6117]

Looking forward to watching longer videos in the future. Boat is looking great 👍

[@paraweir]

Love the hard work, effort and passion you both put into the boat and the channel. You do inspire a lot of people...

[@Randysunwantedthoughts-fo5fh]

The side profile of the bow seems correct to me. I couldn't even imagine an alternative. I think you explained quite well why you retained the original shape.

[@chrisbartlett6022]

When you were stood looking at the bow I thought you were waiting to see if the front would pop off with the expanding foam 🙂 Also Carbon hinges ROCK

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

I think the bow change looks nice. Once painted, the continuity of the bow line, up through the bow sprit through the toe rail, will be more evident.

[@dennisg8164]

Hey Mat, The void under the bow sprit at the bow. Do you have any concerns about coming off a big wave, burying the bow in the next wave and putting huge pressure inside that area? Mass × Acceleration including an uncompressable liquid. 🤔🤔🤔🤔. You could fill it in and keep the look you have now. Great decision on the hinges and your rationale is perfect. Your boat, your rules.

[@randyhonsberger47]

Your bowsprit looks like the alubat ovni 370. Check it out. Looks great and functional. Your baby is adorable.

[@FantomsNephew]

Came for the dogpilotothouse, but still I like your preference/respect for the original lines/soul of the boat. Keep up the good work! And big hugs to both of your mothers for facilitating this and that! 🤩

[@amazonhippie7826]

Ok, now that I’ve seen the shape with the old bow piece reinstalled, I have an idea. Put a flat piece on (under) the angle bowsprit supports that has an arch cut out to fit around the reinstalled bow piece. Closing up the box, if you will. Then at least you won’t have that pocket interrupting the dynamic flow of wind/water. I hope that makes sense. Then you still achieve a nice flowing look without having to do a complex shape. Although cutting the arch will be a slight challenge. But it’s not something you can’t handle. You could easily pattern the arch cut-out with some thin pieces of scrap wood and some hot glue.

[@vincehaag3895]

This is my thoughts exactly. Simple change that will look more finished and be better structurally.

[@geoffreymurphy896]

Great show guys the boat looks amazing the bow looks fine to me Matt an the baby boy is a great addition an bling bling bring it on it’s your baby so do your best an put everything you want into it an we really enjoy watching you do it great entertainment thanks 👌🇬🇧

[@bdkw1]

It's a very fine line between fully mixed and foam volcano.

[@Scott-uo7ns]

The bow sprit instead of the toe rail, coming to an abrupt stop if it tapered down to the tip of the bow Sprit , it would look really good

[@exhstbearing]

I can buy stainless hinges. I cannot make carbon hinges. That’s why I love to watch the build.

[@claudehopper9813]

Extending the cap rail was a good it looks better & stronger . Boat's really come along congrad on the Babe !

[@yurchykv]

I think it is worth closing the empty space with half of the cylinder at 45 degrees, then the shape will be nice ;)

[@shanespring2669]

I think the bow will look fine once it's all one colour, and the anchor and rigging is all in place.

[@davidperrott4502]

liking the toe rail, my suggestion is to extend to toe-rail further to where that 45 deg angle gusset meets the bowsprit and have the end of the toe-rail angled in to meet the gusset angle and to flare out the angle of the upper edge of the toe-rail to soften out the change of angle. or my first thought was to continue the line of the original toe-rail and stopping it where it meets with the anchor chain channel and just match the other side to same length.

[@pjparkjd]

It looks like you should have enough room to put a figurehead up there behind the anchor. Get one unpainted and modify it to work with the space. It could make a unique and beautiful feature with the added benefit of appeasing the sea gods and warding off evil spirits.

[@FIL357]

Beautiful baby 😁. The bow - looks ok. Maybe slope the front edge of the new additions😅 gently down to the bowsprit which will make a less stark finish to the side of the boat at the bowsprit. So admire the time, trouble and skill you expend. Good videoing and great music. Thank you. Phil, Suffolk, U.K.

[@sethdorhety6452]

Stuff might grow up in the cavity under the bow sprit. Maybe just fill that weird space under the bow sprit with foam and glass it

[@h.rutten2187]

The little addition to the family definitely looks like mom and grandma.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Beautiful child guys, nice work. Pretty good for visuals on bowsprit

[@philmccumbee6938]

Good video guys. Everything you do moves you one step closer to launching your dream boat. That is a cute little boy. I assume he is a keeper. 😊

[@anthonyrondolino8148]

One option to emphasize the original bow shape is to visually treat the bowsprit like it was a metal structure attached to the boat. This could be done by painting the extension in a darker contrasting color, grey/silver for example. It could even be a fade going from white to darker as it moves forward up the triangular supports to completely dark at the rectangular extension.

[@joecioe8566]

I almost freaked out when you said you were keeping the stainless hinges. I like the total boat bling concept. As for the bow I like the idea of keeping the original shape, but I think it should be sculptured in because of the angled supports and open underneath it looks added on. Whatever you decide will look great because it is just a tiny piece of an awesome boat. I would like to add that moms are great.

[@alanjohnson2613]

I like how you always step back and think, I always did that with a wood project and when I don’t things go wrong

[@jamesmolloy6328]

In a previous post I suggested that empty space between the bow and bowsprit could cause some pounding in high seas. Here is an easy way you could get some organic shape into it. Take your cue from model railroad scenery building! Fill the hole (oversize) with blue or pink high density insulation foam. Then carve the shape you want into it using a hot wire, hot knife tool made for the job or even a wood working rasp. When you get the shape you want, glass over it. Hope this helps.

[@marcushatch5863]

The vertical stem is my favorite, and bringing the shear like up to the connecting point makes it right. Your instincts are correct. I look beyond the coating and say you have sweet lines .👍

[@scoutjonas]

I would like the bow to be a concave triangle (pointy bit down), top bit in front of your triangular reinforcement, under the bow spirit. The hard edged would blend with the bowsprit and the dog house.

[@KortNatali]

I like the bowsprit, that boat has always been form follows function, it’s a nice addition and fits it well.

[@bryanwatt9751]

Thanks for the baby update, I didn't want to be that guy asking! Future episode idea - how about on wastage / minimising wastage in tasks like fibreglassing and vacuum bagging?

[@MartinStottele-ye3nw]

Looks way better with the carbon hinges! Well done!

[@sailingbrewer]

Fill the void and fair. The bow spirit looks like a bolt on addition. Fairing it will make it look way more natural. The gaps look goof

[@marcoartini7480]

Awesome work with the hinges guys! Curious to see the how the bowsprit will look like once is primed!

[@williambremner9022]

I'm a huge fan of those toerail extensions. You've just made your bow safer and the alingment with the bow's lines looks proper.

[@brianohehir9792]

Carbon hinges dude .. cool 😎

[@farmerneal]

I prefer the utility look of a Slocum to the sensual lines of a Herreshoff. Both have their own aesthetic qualities, so it boils down to taste. Duracell seems to have combined both nicely.

[@jean-marievennin8405]

nice Crashbox bow Bravo. Bon courage and stay safe ALL together.

[@BuckeyeChuck11]

Daggone it... 53 year old man crying...weeping a few tears!...over some hinges. Proud to be one of the nerds who got pulled in on the stainless hinges decision, until Matt's smile and reveal of the carbons. Good joke, well played! Falling in love with the whole family more and more. Thank you. 🥲

[@TheDuracellProject]

gotcha!

[@jasfirenz1]

Line at bow looks nice! Carbon hinges for the win!!

[@neilrush659]

Whooo hoooon you did the carbon hinges Matt, they look sooooo kool. All these little projects just lift Duracell to the next level. Great video guys and great to see the little fella doing well. Sending good energy ........Neil 😊☘☘

[@christianeklund9975]

The bow looks great and will look even better once it's faired and painted!

[@briviao]

The bow looks great as it shows the history of Duracell (original bow) and the history of rebuilding it! And happy you have the right attitude on rebuilding the boat: take all the time needed and add all the cool stuff you desire. We are here waiting to see your story unroll!

[@garycasey5788]

Spandex! I would like to see the bow change from the round of the bow to the flat of the sprit. Stretch a piece of spandex between the two, working the stretch so the that blend is what you want. Then lay a single layer of glass/epoxy to the shape, being careful not to change the shape. Then take it all off, trim the glass to shape, and lay more layers to the now-stiff glass. Now you have a beautiful compound curve piece that fits perfectly. I made several fairings for my airplane project that way and it worked quite well. I can sent pictures (assuming I can find them.

[@gregoryh4601]

Matt on your Bowsprit you have a vertical from the Hull to the Bowsprit. Those two top edges you add should have been longer than angles down to meet the Vertical angle 📐 to meet. Or wrap the Whole hull to close it in and change the Bow out.

[@erikjalefors9377]

Great content as usual, watching from my boat waiting to get through 9 locks in the morning ❤

[@davehine724]

Your boat is just a work of art and the both of you made an absolutely beautiful baby!!!

[@conradlogan5201]

To me, the underside of the bowsprit is calling for some type of lighting to aid in anchoring or shallow water sighting. As for the “original shape” of the bow… you could also utilize paint color to unify/delineate the old/new as you see fit

[@ElleKendra]

Pretty amazing how you make weeks and weeks of laminating fiberglass some of the most interesting content on youtube.

[@stevenweiss9124]

Toe rail extensions are a big plus, aesthetically and functionally. Regarding the bow sprit support cheeks, I'd be tempted to cut a shallow concave arc just to give it some softer shape (more like a traditional knee). Tough call, but drawing it in first might show whether it's worth doing. I'd also be tempted fill in the hollow space inboard of the support cheeks - make it all look a bit more like it all grew that way organically instead of being built out of sheet stock. My 2cents.

[@rogerboone1609]

Easier on your feet also your carbon henges are a great idea!! Your bow is great and its your home now so the changes are much better!!

[@jasonholmes6137]

🎉 nice to see you guys hope everything going well with the new crew member

[@flossey100]

Very nice problem solving and in the bigger scheme of things the surface will all be the same colour and the boat will be dressed with equipment….not boat person……and the focus will be on the sails and the tides and the wind direction.💖💖💖🇦🇺

[@Marco-g2s]

There’s a lot going on there, angels, planes, surfaces. They tend to not compliment each other. Consider extending the false bow further forward to the point where the horizontal bow sprit intersects the 45 degree down slope. The original vertical stem can then be retained without the too complicated surfacing.

[@mikeoconner557]

SO glad you’re doing the carbon hinges. I couldn’t comment last week… but I did figure that my fellow Duracell fans would ask for Carbon hinges!

[@mcpa2991]

Down the track, maybe make a 6ft length of hinge stock to squirrel away somewhere and it's there should any maintenance issues come up!

[@Aheitchoo]

That bow looks great! Looks like a robot on an organic shape.

[@amazonhippie7826]

Awww, man. I think you totally could have done a great job with a shapely blend on the bow. Using the old bow piece is easier, for sure, but it makes for a less aero/aqua dynamic bow. As a builder, I would’ve used the old piece, too. But as a viewer, I was really hoping for the shapely blend. 😂

[@FrontLineNerd]

The stainless hinges look like a great way to wind up in the ER getting stitches in your foot.

[@davidfellows6250]

Should have made the points meet on you new toe rail.so a little longer cut at 40° or whatever the bottom one is.

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Great episode! More progress! Baby looks alert and ready to take the lines in! Be safe and keep rolling Duracell team!👍👍

[@Randy375]

Hey my weekly dosage of what I can confidently call my favorite channel ❤ ❤❤

[@TheDuracellProject]

Wow, thank you!

[@Randy375]

I’ve always wanted to do something like this but after watching you with your knowledge and genius craftsmanship…ill probably buy a condo instead lol hope the family’s well and can’t wait to see this project move further into the future. I’m in awe of you sir

[@rolandtb3]

The extended toe rail and bow sweep lines flow together. The long edge of the gusset, unfilled cavity and the boxy bowsprit need to be softened. The original bow gets submerged with the complex angles and shapes (curved bow, large angular gusset, rectangular bow sprit). My version will require more work. Make a bow template from the existing one. Curve it upward and forward (6-10 in) to the underside of the bowsprit at the same angle and shape of the existing one. Close the cavity, more bow, additional bowsprit support, better shape and sight lines. Unfortunately not much room on the bowsprit to extend the toe rail further.

[@MichaelRhodes-w3k]

I am pleased you gave an update as to parenthood, because I was going to ask. Love watching your vlogs and seeing just how you tackle the projects. Love to both and the baby.

[@garyslivinski8464]

The bow sprit, has to be filled, waves pounding inside that cavity will rip it off. Make it smooth and round.

[@BillGornicki-qj9mk]

The bow looks good although the sprit seems to be aimed a little bit downward. It's probably level and does not show well via camera. I do however have concerns about the upward forces when you bow hard into waves. That open pocket where you replaced the bow point will make a slamming noise as it "cups" into the water. That's going to have some forces hitting it. Carbon hinges??? OF COURSE CARBON HINGES. On this beauty, it's a must. Great work.

[@DokterRoetker]

I think it looks perfect, don't change a thing!

[@andrewmoylan6295]

That's fine, Matt. Extending the toe rail is exactly what it needs, just cleaner lines for the eye, and an excellent choice with the carbon hinges as well.

[@mdmdmd-one]

I would say that the side plates of the bowsprit I would blend with the surface. They still can be straight but should smoothly go into the surface of the side of the boat (left and right). And it still will look pro and contemporary :) Btw thanks for really nice videos, this channel is the most relaxing one for every time :) All the best!

[@berndm9743]

I think a shapely mermaid figurehead would be a great option for your bow. 😇

[@Stein548]

May already know this but look into how fiberglass subwoofer enclosures are created using fleece. Even if it’s to make a shaped mold it works quite well. Would help blend and shape the bow if you decide to change the transition. Takes a lot of the hassle out of getting the shape and transition right by hand.

[@bobbthompson]

I think it looks REALLY good! My vote was for a curvy integrated bowsprit, but I think what you did looks great and pays homage to the original lines of the boat. Well Done!

[@svelocity2001]

I actually love how the bow looks! The rounded toe rail was a great touch and I think you have kept much of the original look as you desired. However, the boxy bowsprit I think is an aesthetic mismatch compared with the rounded lines of the bow. IMO that's what's throwing the look off. Perhaps there's some way to round out or soften the bowsprit? I think it that would make it all flow together very well. Cheers!

[@point29]

Another 2 cents - perhaps extend the toe rails a little further forward to align with the forward edge of the sprit gussets and then ease a slight concave curve into the gussets.