You are the Bob Ross of miniboat building!! Great videos....I have built one mini boat before, an 8 ft pram, but Id like to build a scale looking cabin cruiser!
First two builds are at just under 6ft. I am 6'1" and 224 lbs. It's fine for me and sides are 12" high with a slight outward tilt. Just light enough to carry and just short enough to fit in a truck bed or in back of my suv. Great tips American Boathead!
Thank you as always the best videos such a good job I still have my boat plans from 1 1/2 ago I got from you and will be building soon the full size plans. Thank you for providing such a good explanation and you rock thank you Bro.
Love your channel! I just subscribed this week, joined the Mini Boats FB group tonight. Where can I get plans of the boat featured in this video? I'd like to start building it. Thank you for opening my eyes to the mini boat world 😁
Hi American Boathead...my mini boat is nearing completion but now the dilemma I'm facing is painting my boat. Will an ordinary hardware store spray paint last?Or do I really need to purchase marine type paint...if I go the spray can route and then coat a thin layer of epoxy resin ...Will that work?Thanks for the help you have given to me all this time.
Congratulations!! I'm not an expert by any means but I will say this: people who have painted first have nothing but problems. In my mind it's ok to stain first but you REALLY need the epoxy to bond to the wood by 'soaking into it' as much as you can. If there is a layer of paint already there, the epoxy will bubble and come off likely. I've used oil based porch paint on top of resin and regular spray paint. The oil worked better but they both can scratch off. Probably needed a better primer and then some varnish I'm not sure though. I hope this helps hahaha I wish I knew better!
I feel much better after watching a boat head video. Just got that all-American feeling to go build a boat and get a new hobby for the next four years. Ha, Ha Loved the video great job.
I could see this guy with his own show on basic cable at some point. Well, at least discovery plus. Boathead and Mike Rowe, now there's a combination that's sure to lose a finger.
In my opinion, the "little miss sally" from elkinsdiy.com is the best option. Not only are the plans cheap and easy to follow, but the boat is a great, light , functional lil boat!
Hey man I’ve been wanting to build a boat for a very long time. Ironically I’m in central FL and I can’t find any marine grade plywood. I’ve searched for places to order it, called into my 84lumber and checked local small lumber yards. Only thing I can find is pressure treated pine plys. Any recommendations?
Sorry for the late reply! I've never used marine grade and I think I get away with it because the boat is only in the water a few times a year and only a few hours at a time. The cheap underlayment 5mm ply is cheap and easy but not professional lol
Your good bud, thanks for the reply. Yeah I was going to try it. I work a lot so I probably wouldn’t be out more than a dozen times a year anyway. I’ll give it a shot and see how it goes, it’s cheap enough! Subscribed
First, love your channel. I'm in the Boise area and I'm going to build a mini boat. Wish I was closer to you. I'm sure you get a lot of questions and I welcome anyone's input regarding sealing the plywood. I want to use a small amount of fiberglass for strength. Basically zip tie plywood hull, use fiberglass with (not sure but I guess some type of epoxy, same stuff as resin and hardener?) and probably some sawdust to fill in cracks? Lots of questions on that part. After I'm thinking of sealing with a 50/50 (edit 25 ploy and 75 mineral spirits) mix of polyurethane and mineral spirits all over. I used that mix before on a few wood projects and it's great for preserving in the elements but have no idea if it would work on a boat in the water. What do you all think?
You are %100 on the right track and already know more than most people that have already built a boat!! Seriously. Obviously take out zip ties and fiberglass that area as well. (You probably knew that but under the water line is the most important part to focus on the rest is fool proof!) I wish you lived closer too! If you have Facebook and have any questions, the fb group "mini boats and more" has a bunch of members like us that would love to help and ill help all I can too!! Good luck friend!
I just found ur channel today and am loving it!!! Uv built so many u don’t need plans and can go by memory and experience. For a newbie, can u recommend any plans or...?
Thanks!!! In my opinion, the plans that are the best value and easiest are the "Little miss Sally " plans found on Elkinsdiy.com. Paul Elkins has some great videos as well! Honestly I've never used plans to build a mini boat and many people just make it up as they go! Either way, I think you will be embarking on a wonderful journey!!! Also, if you have Facebook, the group "mini boats and more" is a great group full of people like you and I and would love to help you out! Thank you for watching and good luck! I cant urge you enough to build a mini boat!
@@americanboathead5390 oh my gosh thank u so much! We literally JUST finished watching mini boat jamboree part 1 and can’t wait to build our own mini boats! We live in White Salmon WA. Many waterways around here. And so close to Idaho if there’s a jamboree! Thank u again for being so generous!
Oh wow! My brother lives in Kennewick! I was inches away from picking a place near there for a jamboree. I was also thinking behind grand Coulee damn that way people from even Seattle area or big cities could make it. I just don't know the area well enough to host my first jamboree so I'm most likely doing it here in cda. Mini boating is super fun but the fun doubles with friends to cruise with!!!!
Ordered palms for the Little Sally today. Gonna get them printed tomorrow. Also joined the FB page. Thank u so much for ur advice and help. We’re super excited to embark on this new journey 😃
Kid and I are doing a science project, he has to make a boat out of just 11 8 ft by 1/2" by 1/2" strips of wood, butcher paper and waterproofing (polyurethane / lacquer. It needs 1 ft high sides, cant be a "raft", How is this possible? Thanks much
Maybe cut them in half so you have 22 4 ft. Or leave a few longer to be the bottom that curves up on both sides. Then like an old rowboat, overlap the sides. Idk but it sounds fun!!
Don't hit the dog! All I did was yell at her and she chewed half the transom off. It's all good now, I don't yell, and so long as she gets to ride, she doesn't use the boat as a chew toy. That's the way it is with an 80 pound hound. I think the next one I build will be just a tad longer. I want to make the cockpit long enough so that she can have her own seat behind me. 🐕
@@americanboathead5390 ha ha, no, she's a Heinz 57. We think she's got some Doberman and Pittie cause she's big and has a blockish head. She loves riding in the boat. Actually, she loves riding in anything. I'm sure that if she were to ever see a beaver in the water, she would jump in and try to chase it, she barks at any fish she sees. She chases deer and rabbits every chance she gets. She hasn't caught a deer yet but she has brought home 2 rabbits now. I sold the boat she chewed the transom off of. I repaired and repainted it and ran it for most of the year. Last time I was at the lake with it, this guy offered to buy it while I was putting it back on the trailer. I towed an empty trailer home that evening. I've been working on a flat bottom canoe, 18'. It's built pretty much the same way the mini boats are. The frame is mostly pine 1 x 4 with 5mm plywood, then glass and epoxy over that. I'm hoping to have it ready by this spring. I've had to leave it be since mid December though. I'm still recovering from covid. My wife says it's too cold for me to be playing out in the shop. She's become very protective all of a sudden. Used to be I'd come in from the shop at 10 PM and ask about some food. She'd say, "Dinnertime is 6 o'clock, you should have got yer a$$ in here then." I've not heard that for a while now. The canoe I'm building is very similar to this, just a few feet longer. ua-cam.com/video/L7PwJw91Bi0/v-deo.html
@@darrellshriver30 hmm, a sidecar, on a mini boat, with a swim platform, for a dog. That just about checks all the boxes. Talk about a specialized build. 🙂
@@americanboathead5390 I used gorilla construction adhesive to join the sheets, but I'm not sure that's the best way. It's fine, but I think that either regular gorilla glue or possibly great stuff for window seals might be best because of weight. I didn't want to go with regular gorilla glue because of the expanding and squeeze out, but there may not be a better way. I'm going to experiment with the scraps with the great stuff to see how doable it is to use. Right now with the forward compartment covered with pmf and all of the foam put together I'm sitting at 49 pounds, but it's awkward because it's 12ft and 40 inches wide.
The great stuff expands quite alot but also sticks great. I've used spray contct adhesive and it seems like it'd work to hold it for pmf but not over strong imo. You think the gorilla construction stuff is a rcomend?
I got all the stuff to build my next boat my mistake is not just gosh darning building another boat that is my #1 mistake (while holding up 2.66 fingers)
Same here, last summer seemed like a huge depressive time for everyone . Bright points here and there but on the whole 1 out of 10, It was like winter.
Nothing makes my day better than good coffee and good Boathead.
Me but good coffee and great comments!
Is boathead the same as carhead? 😂
Not as good...
@@americanboathead5390 Sorta the same, just add water.
I love the introduction make sure you're allowed to have this much fun
Good thought, this could be outlawed any moment!
Awesome. I got 1 sheet of 1/4 for the bottom, and 5mm sheets to do the top, sides, and inner bulkheads.
That'll be great! Light weight also!
That's how I do mine. 1/4" and 5mm. Works great. I use a 2x2 on the front. It's plenty if you don't put a cleat on.
Good tips Brian! Epoxy mixed with wood flour is the best for wood joints! Lightweight, super strong and sandable to round corners.
Truth!
Hard as a damn rock too
You are the Bob Ross of miniboat building!! Great videos....I have built one mini boat before, an 8 ft pram, but Id like to build a scale looking cabin cruiser!
He is so cheesy it works. I enjoyed it.
It's now 2023...after watching the cut up of that awesome mini boat, I just had to re-watched this video...😎good luck to you.
😮💨😪😭😣😐😏🤔🙂😀🥰
Well shiver me timbers...... Captain. Good tips 👍
Argh me thanks ya!
Thank you for the information by depreciated I am looking forward to the next videos :)
First two builds are at just under 6ft. I am 6'1" and 224 lbs. It's fine for me and sides are 12" high with a slight outward tilt. Just light enough to carry and just short enough to fit in a truck bed or in back of my suv. Great tips American Boathead!
Sounds perfect!
Brian, great video with good tips! I like that you keep it light and entertaining.
Its hard not to with this hobby! Thanks for watching Mr. I always enjoy your comments!
Thank you. Very informative.
Yesss, it's Boathead!
In the the red, white and blue corner! The one, the ONLY Aaaaaaameeeerrricannn Booooaaaaatheaddddd!!! Lol
@@americanboathead5390 The min Navy.
Thank you as always the best videos such a good job I still have my boat plans from 1 1/2 ago I got from you and will be building soon the full size plans. Thank you for providing such a good explanation and you rock thank you Bro.
My absolute pleasure my friend!!
I thought my sleep schedule was messed, then I saw when this was released.
Haha I was sleeping deep while this was being released!
Love your channel! I just subscribed this week, joined the Mini Boats FB group tonight. Where can I get plans of the boat featured in this video? I'd like to start building it. Thank you for opening my eyes to the mini boat world 😁
Hi American Boathead...my mini boat is nearing completion but now the dilemma I'm facing is painting my boat. Will an ordinary hardware store spray paint last?Or do I really need to purchase marine type paint...if I go the spray can route and then coat a thin layer of epoxy resin ...Will that work?Thanks for the help you have given to me all this time.
Congratulations!! I'm not an expert by any means but I will say this: people who have painted first have nothing but problems. In my mind it's ok to stain first but you REALLY need the epoxy to bond to the wood by 'soaking into it' as much as you can. If there is a layer of paint already there, the epoxy will bubble and come off likely. I've used oil based porch paint on top of resin and regular spray paint. The oil worked better but they both can scratch off. Probably needed a better primer and then some varnish I'm not sure though. I hope this helps hahaha I wish I knew better!
Are your plans still available? I am looking for the Model C plans?
Really great info, thank you!
My pleasure!
I feel much better after watching a boat head video. Just got that all-American feeling to go build a boat and get a new hobby for the next four years. Ha, Ha Loved the video great job.
Its a wonderful sickness!!!
Just subscribed. Good advice. Thanks for sharing!
No, thank YOU!!
This video is awesome. Thanks dude
Thank YOU! you are most welcome friend!
I could see this guy with his own show on basic cable at some point.
Well, at least discovery plus.
Boathead and Mike Rowe, now there's a combination that's sure to lose a finger.
I want to frame this comment and hang it on my wall! Hahaha
Great video
What's the best plans for first build
In my opinion, the "little miss sally" from elkinsdiy.com is the best option. Not only are the plans cheap and easy to follow, but the boat is a great, light , functional lil boat!
And don't make the nose too long and your seat to far back and hang a heavy 2S motor on the back like I did! I love your videos!!
Oh no! Wheelies are cool but not so much in boat! Thanks for watching
9:46 You gave us the finger. !😂
Haha! Free of charge! Good eye!
Where can I get plans for the boat featured in this video? Love your channel, just subscribed and join FB mini boat group 😊
I like this guy
Hey man I’ve been wanting to build a boat for a very long time. Ironically I’m in central FL and I can’t find any marine grade plywood. I’ve searched for places to order it, called into my 84lumber and checked local small lumber yards. Only thing I can find is pressure treated pine plys. Any recommendations?
Sorry for the late reply! I've never used marine grade and I think I get away with it because the boat is only in the water a few times a year and only a few hours at a time. The cheap underlayment 5mm ply is cheap and easy but not professional lol
Your good bud, thanks for the reply. Yeah I was going to try it. I work a lot so I probably wouldn’t be out more than a dozen times a year anyway. I’ll give it a shot and see how it goes, it’s cheap enough! Subscribed
First, love your channel. I'm in the Boise area and I'm going to build a mini boat. Wish I was closer to you. I'm sure you get a lot of questions and I welcome anyone's input regarding sealing the plywood.
I want to use a small amount of fiberglass for strength. Basically zip tie plywood hull, use fiberglass with (not sure but I guess some type of epoxy, same stuff as resin and hardener?) and probably some sawdust to fill in cracks? Lots of questions on that part. After I'm thinking of sealing with a 50/50 (edit 25 ploy and 75 mineral spirits) mix of polyurethane and mineral spirits all over. I used that mix before on a few wood projects and it's great for preserving in the elements but have no idea if it would work on a boat in the water. What do you all think?
You are %100 on the right track and already know more than most people that have already built a boat!! Seriously. Obviously take out zip ties and fiberglass that area as well. (You probably knew that but under the water line is the most important part to focus on the rest is fool proof!) I wish you lived closer too! If you have Facebook and have any questions, the fb group "mini boats and more" has a bunch of members like us that would love to help and ill help all I can too!! Good luck friend!
@@americanboathead5390 Awesome man. Joined the FB group. Really appreciate the videos. I'll be sure to share my build!
I just found ur channel today and am loving it!!! Uv built so many u don’t need plans and can go by memory and experience. For a newbie, can u recommend any plans or...?
Thanks!!! In my opinion, the plans that are the best value and easiest are the "Little miss Sally " plans found on Elkinsdiy.com. Paul Elkins has some great videos as well! Honestly I've never used plans to build a mini boat and many people just make it up as they go! Either way, I think you will be embarking on a wonderful journey!!! Also, if you have Facebook, the group "mini boats and more" is a great group full of people like you and I and would love to help you out! Thank you for watching and good luck! I cant urge you enough to build a mini boat!
@@americanboathead5390 oh my gosh thank u so much! We literally JUST finished watching mini boat jamboree part 1 and can’t wait to build our own mini boats! We live in White Salmon WA. Many waterways around here. And so close to Idaho if there’s a jamboree! Thank u again for being so generous!
Oh wow! My brother lives in Kennewick! I was inches away from picking a place near there for a jamboree. I was also thinking behind grand Coulee damn that way people from even Seattle area or big cities could make it. I just don't know the area well enough to host my first jamboree so I'm most likely doing it here in cda. Mini boating is super fun but the fun doubles with friends to cruise with!!!!
Ordered palms for the Little Sally today. Gonna get them printed tomorrow. Also joined the FB page. Thank u so much for ur advice and help. We’re super excited to embark on this new journey 😃
Plans...not palms 😄
2:14 had me laughing. Funny stuff.
I thought nobody noticed!!
Kid and I are doing a science project, he has to make a boat out of just 11 8 ft by 1/2" by 1/2" strips of wood, butcher paper and waterproofing (polyurethane / lacquer. It needs 1 ft high sides, cant be a "raft", How is this possible? Thanks much
Maybe cut them in half so you have 22 4 ft. Or leave a few longer to be the bottom that curves up on both sides. Then like an old rowboat, overlap the sides. Idk but it sounds fun!!
Don't hit the dog! All I did was yell at her and she chewed half the transom off.
It's all good now, I don't yell, and so long as she gets to ride, she doesn't use the boat as a chew toy. That's the way it is with an 80 pound hound.
I think the next one I build will be just a tad longer. I want to make the cockpit long enough so that she can have her own seat behind me. 🐕
Thats sounds like a great plan but tell me, does your dog have a flat, circular, black tail and large front teeth? Builds stuff in the water? Hahaha
@@americanboathead5390 ha ha, no, she's a Heinz 57. We think she's got some Doberman and Pittie cause she's big and has a blockish head. She loves riding in the boat. Actually, she loves riding in anything. I'm sure that if she were to ever see a beaver in the water, she would jump in and try to chase it, she barks at any fish she sees. She chases deer and rabbits every chance she gets. She hasn't caught a deer yet but she has brought home 2 rabbits now.
I sold the boat she chewed the transom off of. I repaired and repainted it and ran it for most of the year. Last time I was at the lake with it, this guy offered to buy it while I was putting it back on the trailer. I towed an empty trailer home that evening.
I've been working on a flat bottom canoe, 18'. It's built pretty much the same way the mini boats are. The frame is mostly pine 1 x 4 with 5mm plywood, then glass and epoxy over that. I'm hoping to have it ready by this spring. I've had to leave it be since mid December though. I'm still recovering from covid. My wife says it's too cold for me to be playing out in the shop. She's become very protective all of a sudden. Used to be I'd come in from the shop at 10 PM and ask about some food. She'd say, "Dinnertime is 6 o'clock, you should have got yer a$$ in here then." I've not heard that for a while now.
The canoe I'm building is very similar to this, just a few feet longer.
ua-cam.com/video/L7PwJw91Bi0/v-deo.html
@@bob2161 a Mini with a side car! That would be great for the pup! Remember to add a ramp to enter from the water!
@@darrellshriver30 hmm, a sidecar, on a mini boat, with a swim platform, for a dog. That just about checks all the boxes. Talk about a specialized build. 🙂
@@bob2161 outriggers, but how to offset the weight loss and gain?
I'm currently working on a 12ft foam micro skiff. I'm already wanting to start on a 8ft mini foam boat.
I've been wanting to build with foam for a while! The freedom of shape, the lightness and the water resistance longevity are second to none!
@@americanboathead5390 I used gorilla construction adhesive to join the sheets, but I'm not sure that's the best way. It's fine, but I think that either regular gorilla glue or possibly great stuff for window seals might be best because of weight. I didn't want to go with regular gorilla glue because of the expanding and squeeze out, but there may not be a better way. I'm going to experiment with the scraps with the great stuff to see how doable it is to use. Right now with the forward compartment covered with pmf and all of the foam put together I'm sitting at 49 pounds, but it's awkward because it's 12ft and 40 inches wide.
I've done some stuff with foam and great stuff but used epoxy and it melted the foam so I've been planning on using titebond and fabric to avoid that
@@americanboathead5390 yes for the outside, I'm meaning for bonding the sheets together.
The great stuff expands quite alot but also sticks great. I've used spray contct adhesive and it seems like it'd work to hold it for pmf but not over strong imo. You think the gorilla construction stuff is a rcomend?
Dudes a boss
You're hilarious dude! lol 🤣
Lol thanks for watching!
Don't forget your cinder block anchor
Where I live, if you are outside and having fun and not paying somebody then you are breaking the lawwwwsss!
Hahaha
Smoooth as eggs
If I send my plans to your IG can you look them over and advise?
Yeah for sure if I can access my ig still!
I got all the stuff to build my next boat my mistake is not just gosh darning building another boat that is my #1 mistake (while holding up 2.66 fingers)
Hahaha touche
Can’t wait to get boat back in water....
Same here, last summer seemed like a huge depressive time for everyone . Bright points here and there but on the whole 1 out of 10, It was like winter.
How about poor man's fiberglass???
My dad ran hydros and one of his raceing buddys built one to light and he flipped it
Thats scary! Its scary and cool when sometimes those boats dive underwater!
Hey
✌5 mistakes 😂
Lol 💪
i appreciate your huma?
I've heard its a little dry.. lol
“Leg pits” are in fact the correct medical term in this situation
Thank you for the confirmation! Lol
NOOOOOOOOoooooo, we don't want to have to spend more on "registering" a mini boat than what it cost to build it! 🤣
So true!! But you know we can't out run the sheriff boat! Maybe head for a shallow inlet or in a culvert/cave! Hahaha
@@americanboathead5390 yes, we could make them to be converted into MINI submarines! TARPEEDEE them suckers! 🤣
Lol that would make James bond jealous!!
about building me a mini boat boat head
Leg pits lol
made all those mistakes
5 stars lol
hahaha
leg pits
what ever those things are called.
Sub'a'lub'a'dub'dubbed !
And don't build it too small
leg pits. muahahahaha
Well!?! Lol
Wife said no
Playback speed 1.25 lol
I'll have to try that! Lol
Way better!!
awesome video
Thanks!