🎉🎉🎉☝🏼☝🏼☝🏼 I knew you could do! Let's get it on I am a fan,love how you take care of the life in our waters,I like how you rebuild boats and Davey Gravy... Even your sense of humor😂🤣🤣🤣 Funny side Good luck! I know you can do it...
You can just tell from his general attitude and outlook that this houseboat is going to turn out absolutely bloody fantastic. Stand up guy with a stand up project. Best of luck to him and I can't wait to see the end result!
repower with an outboard on an enclosed bracket. It'll give you a lot more room inside the actual vessel provide more flotation and essentially lengthen the boat making it more fuel efficient and better riding.
I've rebuilt dozens of transoms over the years and converted sterndrove to outboard with a custom transom extension/outboard bracket system. A 48" extension with single or dual outboard locations will give you a longer running surface hull, more stability, higher hull speed, and room for a generator, baffeled fuel tank cells, battery boxes, water tanks, storage below decks. Generally you can add upto 10% of overall length without any adverse effects and will actually add many benefits as listed plus free up old engine compartment to increase storage or cabin area. Keep in mind you will also be relocating the fuel and water tanks in the new aft extension. I would add 60" and completely rebuild existing transom and stringers and extend the rebuilt stringers through the existing transom aft to end of extension and tie it all togther making the current transom a bulkhead. Do not cut out existing transom but hollow out the inside of the existing transom and remove the old, rotten, water damaged plywood and use the fiberglass interior and exterior surfaces of the transom as a form and replace the hollowed out cavity with marine grade plywood and fiberglass the sandwiched assembly togther. Cut out a 3/4 " or 1" aluminum plate that contours to the inside of the transom and drill and through bolt it to the newly remanufactured transom/stringer work. Then you can begin to fabricate your transom extension and integrate it into your completely refabricated and reinforced transom.
Michael S - DUDE you have a vision that's very very detailed - Do you have a couple weekends to show-up and check out the boat LOL? BUT - Maybe AYO could Facetime w you and you could virtually walk the boat with him
Wow! That's some serious knowledge, experience, and talent talking right there! It would be great if you could collaborate on this project! I can see 1M hits on UA-cam!!
I rebuilt a motor in a boat like that and I found it was way less damaging to disassemble the motor in the boat down to the short block then remove it. Took longer but no damage or cutting needed.
Thank you. I didnt understand how they kept saying there wasn't enough room to remove the motor. Strip it down. The actual engine is pretty small on most things once you take all the hoses, brackets, belts, and accessories off.
A tip for next time: disassemble the engine down to a short block (bare engine without heads) while the engine is still in the boat. The engine will be shorter and more narrow and will be much easier to remove with less collateral damage.
This might’ve been more than you expected but you got yourself a content farm. The only reason I came here is because your first video in the series was recommended to me and I instantly subscribed. Can’t wait to see the progress
AYO, Love the Itty Bitty, Cool Boat! ADVICE - Go to Frisco Boater's You Tube channel. He has a great transom rebuild series. You will learn a ton about fiberglass and how to build a new transom. DUDE! You could have saved a ton of work by taking off the Exhaust Manifolds and rotating that motor 90°. It likely was build so that the motor could be removed. Slow down and plan your moves, this is going to be a super unique boat if you get this done. On the other hand, your videos have been seriously entertaining. I found myself shouting at the video screen! We are all rooting for you!
i agree take off the carb ,exhaust and front pulley and water pump would have made it much easier, worst case having to remove the heads but that is easy it is just bolts...
this is AYO's hands-on classroom. There's nothing like that 1st crappy car that you rebuild and custom paint -right? My crappy car cost $500 ( Pinto) which I rattle- can painted in parking lot LOL! AYO has such nice friends and family helping him out - that's the best part.
The scariest part of a boat restoration is the first time the reciprocating saw comes out. It typically gets much worse before it ever gets better but every time you don’t cut a corner and do something properly your confidence in the end project should grow!
The fact that this is EXACTLY how an old boat project should go, the pay off in the end is gonna be sick! Keep given er hell, AYO! The Itty-bitty will rise like a grower, not a show-er. 😆
Dude you are very cool to watch and your cheerful and positive ‘can do’ nature is shining through. Absolutely gripped to this project, I’d definitely recommend swapping to a large outboard instead of the stern drive. Great progress
I'm loving this project! For all of us who are chained to our work computers, or trapped in office cubicles, you provide that life we can live vicariously through! So keep it up! One thing I did want to suggest, your already gutting this boat down to the hull, you should give yourself some headroom and lift that front porch roof a good 6". The other thing I'd do, add a side deck on both sides so you can walk around the outside of it while your on the water, would give a ton of casting optionswhen your fishing. Not sure of width limitations (if there are any), but if so you could even design decks that could fold up when towing. Just a couple thoughts.
Wow love the deck extension idea - don't know how it would work but maybe someone here can figure out? The Itty-Bitty is a super cool design and deserves awesome restoration.
He’s awesome and funny 😄 can’t imagine the work that’s going to be in this but to revive this old lady of the lakes will be worth all the time and every dime
this series brought me to your channel.. never in a million years would I have guess that you were just a editor at one point with a dream.. Im here for the long hall man, good to see this channel booming.
I'm gonna hang till the end on this restoration. It's like the neighbor that you drink beer with and BS with all the time . You get home from work to see just how far he's gotten 😂😂🤣 Can't wait you see the end result .
Being the owner of an old boat myself I thoroughly enjoyed this video and I can’t wait to see more on the future of this very unique house boat. If I were you I’d seriously think about going with an outboard motor. Since your rebuilding the transom anyway it wouldn’t take much to increase the thickness a bit to support the weight and stress an outboard would need to function properly. It might be just what this old girl needs to be sea worthy again.
THIS is a really good suggestion if you've got the money. The first time you have to get back into that hole, you'll think back to this suggestion and kick yourself.
This was such a stressful video. Glad you guys were able to get it done. Charlie is hilarious. Its always good to have someone like that around when you're doing something dumb.
I JUST LOVE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR..........DRY SARCASM IS FANTASTIC!!! YOU ARE A GREAT STORYTELLER AND VIDEOGRAPHER. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THIS IS SO ENTERTAINING.
You probably should of taken the intake and exhaust of that motor. It would of saved you alot of extra work. Then you could of used the exhaust bolts ran through link on chain it would of spun 90 ° and came up out without ripping the doorway out..LOL. But the good news is its out. You may want to think about putting the doorway back and that lip so it can be unbolted next time the motor has too be pulled. Just a suggestion. Funny video. I was laughing at your description of your setting..LOL..HAHA. The Iddy-Bitty will be nice when completed.
Love it!!! This is the way it would go for 90% of us restoring a boat… slow… having friends help…. Not always going to plan but will still come out awesome in the end. When its all done should put some weekends up on Air BnB for fans to stay in. Help fund the cause!
That boat looks absolutely awesome. I'm really looking forward to seeing it fully restored and back on the water. I love that you bring us along on the adventure of restoring it.
Hey. Thanks for your show. I really enjoy your unique commentary. I had the same issue with my 34 ft Uniflite house boat. I took out the motor, outdrive and fuel tanks, and installed a bracket and outboard on the transom. It was a very simple process after closing up the hole left by the removed outdrive. . And it gave me a huge storage room instead of an engine room. The bracket and outboard were much lighter than the inboard and outdrive, so i bought bags of sand to even out the trim of the boat. Also, because the bracket put the outboard so far aft, it was a dream to stear. I also had the rotten stringers in the floor along the bottom. I just cut new ones using the bottom as my guide, and glassed them in between the remaining fiberglass that held the old stringers. Also, the roof "joists" were weak. So I sistered plywood pieces on either side of the old ceiling joists and glued with epoxy. Worked great. Good luck, and have fun!
GREAT COMMENT AND INFO - Yes exactly what I was thinking - simple is best. I think what ever AYO can do himself or with his buds and the tools they have - that's the way to go.
Use two 50hp outboards each with its own fuel tank. Keep each fuel tank outside to avoid gas build up inside. This will give less strain on the transom compared to one bigger engine, plus you get engine and fuel redundancy and better maneuvering in port.
Don't be discouraged. You have such a cool boat! When you get through restoring it and you are sleeping on a lake, it will all be worth it. Not to advertise a different channel here, but you should check out the sailboat restoration they did over at Odd Life Crafting. They took two years and replaced just about everything. It was a lot of work, but it came out great and so will your boat! I look forward to watching your progress and eventually seeing you on the water with it.
I love doing my own work ,but there is one thing I've learned . When it comes to inboards or IO's and you have to rebuild the transom consider the rebuild with a outboard mindset . You gain a ton of room for storage-etc and there are now diesel out boards. This makes service and maintenance so much better. Just a thought. Love the boat and the regular guy approach.
@@JosephDiveley There are a LOT of large outboards installed on boats that never get stolen. It all depends on where you store your boat. In his situation, it looks like he shouldn't have too many problems with people stealing the outboard. However, he could always swap over to an electric drive. Houseboats aren't meant to move around a lot and he could probably work something into the boat.
And so if we're looking at the backend and having to rework the build- why not widen that back door? Yes it's probably attached to the fiberglass shell for bathroom but let's just think about it
place a piece of carpet over the side of the boat when using a ladder. It will prevent the ladder from sliding , save what paint may still exist and maybe mitigate damage to the fiberglass. But after watching the video through it's entirety, guess it ain't gonna hurt much in the grande scheme of things!
I’m loving this little series! Usually these types of restorations are crammed into a 30 min video with a time lapse. I love the realistic view and the work that goes into something like this. Thank you for sharing and you definitely earned a loyal subscriber from me my man! Good luck and I can’t wait to see the hard work come to fruition!
Been waiting to see the Itty Bitty again on your channel. You and her didn't disappoint! Was waiting to see Davey Gravey in the tractor at 1st. Great videos and obviously you have a good support system to help ya. We are all behind you. As Lojo would say "My guy is getting shiot done!" Keep plugging away, you have a great series here going!
I've been watching dozens of boat restoration videos as I am near retirement and had half a mind to do something like this to keep me busy. Of all the videos I've watched, this series convinced me the most that that would be a bad idea.
My dad bought a boat that sat in a barn for years and looked fairly new. Until he took it out and realized that mice had lived inside and the pee had almost eaten through the bottom of the boat After the first time out on the lake the garage had green water all over the floor and the boat had holes all over the bottom. It was just too much to reskin the boat and so he ended up with a motor and a trailer for three thousand dollars.
At least you have a good engine-302 small block Ford V-8. I would suggest when you get around to reinstalling the engine, to install only the completed block. Then install the heads, intake manifold, exhaust and everything else to the engine. OR-screw the inboard outboard, buy a outboard bracket and just run a 150hp outboard.
You actually need to be a millionaire several times over to live on a boat. If you try to do it with no money you’ll end up going from there to a tent ⛺️
When u put the motor back in, do it in short block . It's a smaller package and will be easier to mount up to the outdrive. Then u can put the heads and manifolds and heat exchanger on after its in. Way more manageable. Also get new exhaust 4 inch rubbers. Don't screw around with 40 year old junk. From a guy in Alaska with a 1984 bayliner trophy that did all that and more
When I pull boat engines it's sometimes a lot easier to pull the exhaust manifolds (those things are heavy and make the engine wider than it needs to be - then rotate 90* and pull it straight up - works 100% of the ones I've pulled on boats that looked too small to get them out of - bet you wouldn't have even had to cut anything or break any fiberglass.... Then do the opposite when putting it back in. If I were you I'd just look for a later model vortec pickup engine (1997-2000) and rebuild it with new rings/bearings, marine cam and carb intake manifold and a 4bbl - you'll gain probably 40-50hp over the one you pulled out and better efficiency too.
Keep your chin up AYO! The "Itty-bitty" will be runnin and lookin better than it did when it came out of the showroom! I think that motor is in good hands with Mr. Charlie. He's gonna make that thing look and run like new! I'm loving this series brother! Keep em coming! I can't wait to see the final product and watch the video of your maiden voyage with our boy Davy Gravy!
You may consider reinforcing the transom, patch the i/o hole and put an outboard on. 50 hp. Merc or Honda, etc.. would push Itty Bitty around the lake. Outboad motors can be found at a reasonable price & eliminate a lot of issues with servicing the motor.
We knew that motor and outdrive would have to be thrown away. Now clean, sand and wipe down the hole where the outdrive was. A plywood plug with several layers of fiberglass mat and thick cloth inside and outside the transom. Sand the outside give it a couple coats of paint. Hang a decent dependable outboard on the stern and have a beer. Make sure you use ribbed rollers to roll the fiberglass on. Use Acetone to keep those rollers clean. Remove the rollers from the handle and thourgly clean them every time you use them. I am a very experienced fiberglass boat builder. Dont ever buy a Inboard outboard engine again, unless you plan on throwing the engine and drive straight into the trash. They suck..You can handle this project. Just think of it one step at a time. Dont think of EVERYTHING that has to be done. Just one small project at a time. Once you get everything removed from the inside, clean the shit out of it and start rebuilding ...man your going to have the sweetest Sally Smacker on the water. Its going to be so nice your going to want to camp out in it with it sitting in your yard on the trailer. One step at a time.
James Frost - AYO should print out your comment and put it where it can be his pep talk - maybe on the cooler lid where the beer is. But seriously AYO print this out -it's what will keep you going.
Great series! Hope it turns out well, it's going to cost some money for sure to make it a one of a kind but then it will be ONE OF A KIND special for sure.
You are a brave fisherman/boatman.. I love your channel. Keep up the good work. Man, I would sure like to see your Itty Bitty in working condition with you and Davey Gravy fishing.
IMO, with fuel prices doing what they are you may want to look into going electric. The channel Electric Tollycraft would be a great starting point for looking at. He’s done the conversion on a larger cabin cruiser with years worth of in depth information for the in’s & outs. Far cleaner all the way around & really cool having a near silent drive out on the water. Also, you can always have an onboard generator for charging/hybrid drive & range extension. Just a suggestion, keep up the great work!
You're going to need a 12' follow along dinghy to tow those massive cojones behind ya when you're done. Having done a fair bit of work on boats, that whole process of removing the engine had me on the edge of my seat- I know how fast those events can turn UGLY. Cheers, dude. Righteous channel.
I’m glad I found you from one of the other channels. It’s been tons of fun watching your transformation from cameraman to badass/super funny fisherman now to major marine mechanic! I am STOKED to see where this series goes! Best of luck man!!
Bro I'm so glad things are just getting better and better for you! I'm proud to say I been watching you and DvyGrvy since before LOJO. You are one of my favorite humans. Keep it up bro!
Great video and I feel your pain as I am restoring a 1971 Freeman 22. I noticed you connected the battery to the screw terminals and I learnt that they can't carry the amps required for starter motor, so always best to hook to the fat terminals with clean clamps. The screw terminals are great for connecting battery monitor and solar chargers too. Good luck sir and never quit. Cheers.
Love the videos! This is a tough job. I get annoyed because I’m always waiting for you to drop another video but I know it takes time brother! Keep it up!
Have you thought of replacing the old motor with an electric motor? About a quarter of the size leaving heaps of room for battery packs. Not only could they power your motor but the houseboat as well. And you have plenty of roof space (or put on a canopy) to put up solar panels to keep it all charged. Will likely cost you a bit up front but could save you $1000s in fuel down the track? Food for thought!
I really look forward to seeing the progression of this rebuild. I attempted a project like this some 20 years ago. I blew through my budget I set for the project and didn't get it 25% complete. Needless to say that was that. Didn't proceed any farther lol. Best of luck to you my guy, look forward to seeing this masterpiece come to life.
rolled down the comments just because I was sure someone would have think about it as well! That could even make the boat lighter, less trouble maintaining the engine and more time fishing, while the sun recharges your battery.
Dude. I know very little about boats. What I do know is that old boat deserves to be water worthy again someday, and your labor of love for her is inspiring.
Man I wish we could see you on this all day, this is quality stuff my dude and if the only support I can give is a like, a comment and a view then consider it done my friend 👍
That boat is going to look so nice. Myself I would either go with a smaller diesel engine like a used kubota engine that could be serviced or removed without cutting the hull or go with twin outboards as servicing would be easier and you could add a generator in the old space. If you add some solar panels and extra batteries too would extend the time you can spend on it.
You’ve got me hooked brother! Taking the water jacket and the inlet manifold off and swing the motor 180 degrees might have worked? Loving your work all the way from Australia where the s#*t is getting serious!
Just discovered ep. 1 of this. I’m all in. Partly because I think I know what you’ve let yourself in for. Thanks for the vids and big ups from Germany son.
I would definitely do away with the inboard outboard. And if you could swing the cost definitely put you an outboard seat bracket on the transom after you rebuild the transom then go with a 250 or 300 horse outboard 4-stroke
I've had three colonoscopy's and three endoscopy's so I know exactly how you felt. The first time the nurse funked up the sedation. Apparently I screamed a lot and the people in the waiting room went white. Well, those awaiting their turn. I'm glad that you took that beastly lump of engine out first. You could do with an awning over the top so that you can work on it easily all winter. I assume that you're going to completely strip it down first then rebuild from there? I guess the back of the boat needs covering to stop it filling with rain water? Mind you it would be the quickest way to find any leaks lol 😏🙄🤑
Good god, I didn't scream but heard the assistant say something like 47 and I thought "inches or centimeters?" Fully knocked out for 10 years later and that is the only way to go.
Woo boy. I've never restored a boat but watching these videos certainly brings back that sinking "can 'o worms" feeling I got so many times whilst restoring a '65 Old Toronado and a '64 Airstream International. Keep looking for that light at the end of the tunnel! She'll appear eventually. Damn fine work.
Bout to binge watch the whole itty bitty series/ playlist.. got to know the origins to truly appreciate how it comes together. Thanks for putting all this time into something so cool to bring us all this content, love your videos! 👍
Bro … all you had to do was take the breather and intake plenum off the motor and walaa you would have cleared the fiberglass and not broke it. Btw should have wopped that starter with a hammer while trying to crank it. Works wonders brother. 🤙🤘
🤣🤣🤣 I swear I lost it when I saw this post, reminded me of my dad. Not making fun as I've seen it work. But he is no mechanic and uses only a hammer, crescent wrench and screwdriver on his vehicles!
That threshold sits right over the front of the motor. When you fix up the fiberglass you should make the threshold and the top piece of the transom part of the new engine cover that way when ever you need to fix the motor it’ll lift right out…
I'd make it a 3 piece cover with the door threshold to the transom as the center section. The center would be bolted down and the two sides would be lift off hatches. Most of the necessary service work would be done from the sides and the sides would also allow easy access to things like batteries and bilge pumps.
Oh man I work nights been following what your doing on the house boat and just cant get enough I cant wait to see more!! Nice boat nice work so make more videos on your boat I really enjoy these videos I want to see it being put back together!!
During the tearout video: "Huh, this looks like a bit of a bigger project than the blue/white monarch." During this video: "Give up while you still can!" loving this series cant wait to see the itty bitty's maiden voyage!
Did you inherit that truck from your grandfather
I bought it from him😂😂😂
@@AYOFishing this can be done u could even build yes some an put an outboard on man this is sweet it def can be done
@@AYOFishing transom not yes
Oh boy
🎉🎉🎉☝🏼☝🏼☝🏼 I knew you could do!
Let's get it on
I am a fan,love how you take care of the life in our waters,I like how you rebuild boats and Davey Gravy...
Even your sense of humor😂🤣🤣🤣
Funny side
Good luck! I know you can do it...
You can just tell from his general attitude and outlook that this houseboat is going to turn out absolutely bloody fantastic. Stand up guy with a stand up project. Best of luck to him and I can't wait to see the end result!
He’s going to have to learn as he goes.
repower with an outboard on an enclosed bracket. It'll give you a lot more room inside the actual vessel provide more flotation and essentially lengthen the boat making it more fuel efficient and better riding.
I was about to comment the same exact thing
@@turneynicholas Great minds think alike. Yup 👍
yup he has to rebuild the transom anyways. and a bracket and a nice 250Hp should power it nicely
@@djtechinics97dj37 absolutely. Transom looks hooped. Cool little boat though. So ugly it's beautiful. LOL
If the bracket isn't mounted right the boat will porpus. A 150 hp O/B will cost 15k+. A 260 hp remanufactured Chevy 350 is $2500. I'm cheap
I've rebuilt dozens of transoms over the years and converted sterndrove to outboard with a custom transom extension/outboard bracket system. A 48" extension with single or dual outboard locations will give you a longer running surface hull, more stability, higher hull speed, and room for a generator, baffeled fuel tank cells, battery boxes, water tanks, storage below decks. Generally you can add upto 10% of overall length without any adverse effects and will actually add many benefits as listed plus free up old engine compartment to increase storage or cabin area. Keep in mind you will also be relocating the fuel and water tanks in the new aft extension. I would add 60" and completely rebuild existing transom and stringers and extend the rebuilt stringers through the existing transom aft to end of extension and tie it all togther making the current transom a bulkhead. Do not cut out existing transom but hollow out the inside of the existing transom and remove the old, rotten, water damaged plywood and use the fiberglass interior and exterior surfaces of the transom as a form and replace the hollowed out cavity with marine grade plywood and fiberglass the sandwiched assembly togther. Cut out a 3/4 " or 1" aluminum plate that contours to the inside of the transom and drill and through bolt it to the newly remanufactured transom/stringer work. Then you can begin to fabricate your transom extension and integrate it into your completely refabricated and reinforced transom.
Michael S - DUDE you have a vision that's very very detailed - Do you have a couple weekends to show-up and check out the boat LOL? BUT - Maybe AYO could Facetime w you and you could virtually walk the boat with him
TRUE
This seems very sensible to me. An outboard setup seems to solve several problems
Wow! That's some serious knowledge, experience, and talent talking right there! It would be great if you could collaborate on this project! I can see 1M hits on UA-cam!!
Use a small Yanmar diesel...
Not sure how I stumbled on to this but I’m sure glad I did. You have a killer presence on camera. I’m pumped to see how this turns out.
Actually same. UA-cam putting this man in the spotlight. Enjoying the content!
I rebuilt a motor in a boat like that and I found it was way less damaging to disassemble the motor in the boat down to the short block then remove it. Took longer but no damage or cutting needed.
Right, I was looking for this comment.
Thank you. I didnt understand how they kept saying there wasn't enough room to remove the motor. Strip it down. The actual engine is pretty small on most things once you take all the hoses, brackets, belts, and accessories off.
A tip for next time: disassemble the engine down to a short block (bare engine without heads) while the engine is still in the boat. The engine will be shorter and more narrow and will be much easier to remove with less collateral damage.
I bet it was not possible to disassemble it do to rust
and suggest replace in sections
Removing the wet exhaust and I bet it would have came out. Rusted bolts can be broken or drilled.
Even removing the air cleaner would have shortened things enough to avoid those pesky wires. Well done anyways!!
It is possible to disassemble while in. It's how it's done at repair places. 👍🏼
This might’ve been more than you expected but you got yourself a content farm. The only reason I came here is because your first video in the series was recommended to me and I instantly subscribed. Can’t wait to see the progress
Same !! I Second That ...🤙
Same!
Same
AYO, Love the Itty Bitty, Cool Boat! ADVICE - Go to Frisco Boater's You Tube channel. He has a great transom rebuild series. You will learn a ton about fiberglass and how to build a new transom. DUDE! You could have saved a ton of work by taking off the Exhaust Manifolds and rotating that motor 90°. It likely was build so that the motor could be removed. Slow down and plan your moves, this is going to be a super unique boat if you get this done. On the other hand, your videos have been seriously entertaining. I found myself shouting at the video screen! We are all rooting for you!
This is an under rated comment!! Good advice!!
I would remove all accessories and spun motor 90*. What to her done already. You found a beautiful boat. Best of luck👍🤞
i agree take off the carb ,exhaust and front pulley and water pump would have made it much easier, worst case having to remove the heads but that is easy it is just bolts...
Frisco Boater and Boatworks Today are probably the only two channel AYO is gonna need.
this is AYO's hands-on classroom. There's nothing like that 1st crappy car that you rebuild and custom paint -right? My crappy car cost $500 ( Pinto) which I rattle- can painted in parking lot LOL! AYO has such nice friends and family helping him out - that's the best part.
*Worst case scenario* enclose the transom, put Armstrong bracket on, drop outboard on it, and plumb controls.
Your killing it on this series.Wish I was there,we'd have that boat running real quick.
Best series to date in fishing YT🎣‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
Thanks homie!
Agree with you
Agreed
facts this series is awesome
100
The scariest part of a boat restoration is the first time the reciprocating saw comes out. It typically gets much worse before it ever gets better but every time you don’t cut a corner and do something properly your confidence in the end project should grow!
The fact that this is EXACTLY how an old boat project should go, the pay off in the end is gonna be sick! Keep given er hell, AYO! The Itty-bitty will rise like a grower, not a show-er. 😆
Dude you are very cool to watch and your cheerful and positive ‘can do’ nature is shining through. Absolutely gripped to this project, I’d definitely recommend swapping to a large outboard instead of the stern drive. Great progress
I'm loving this project! For all of us who are chained to our work computers, or trapped in office cubicles, you provide that life we can live vicariously through! So keep it up! One thing I did want to suggest, your already gutting this boat down to the hull, you should give yourself some headroom and lift that front porch roof a good 6". The other thing I'd do, add a side deck on both sides so you can walk around the outside of it while your on the water, would give a ton of casting optionswhen your fishing. Not sure of width limitations (if there are any), but if so you could even design decks that could fold up when towing. Just a couple thoughts.
Wow love the deck extension idea - don't know how it would work but maybe someone here can figure out? The Itty-Bitty is a super cool design and deserves awesome restoration.
One of the most humble youtubers out there, always love the uploads
Couldn't agree with you more!
He’s awesome and funny 😄 can’t imagine the work that’s going to be in this but to revive this old lady of the lakes will be worth all the time and every dime
this series brought me to your channel.. never in a million years would I have guess that you were just a editor at one point with a dream.. Im here for the long hall man, good to see this channel booming.
I'm gonna hang till the end on this restoration. It's like the neighbor that you drink beer with and BS with all the time . You get home from work to see just how far he's gotten 😂😂🤣 Can't wait you see the end result .
Love it, bro! Monetize these videos. You deserve it, and that boat deserves it.
Being the owner of an old boat myself I thoroughly enjoyed this video and I can’t wait to see more on the future of this very unique house boat. If I were you I’d seriously think about going with an outboard motor. Since your rebuilding the transom anyway it wouldn’t take much to increase the thickness a bit to support the weight and stress an outboard would need to function properly. It might be just what this old girl needs to be sea worthy again.
Definatly an outboard, lots more internal space, easier to fix. Love watching this.
Yes a bracket and an outboard please!!
THIS is a really good suggestion if you've got the money. The first time you have to get back into that hole, you'll think back to this suggestion and kick yourself.
It’s always a good day when Ayo uploads a video.
This was such a stressful video. Glad you guys were able to get it done. Charlie is hilarious. Its always good to have someone like that around when you're doing something dumb.
I JUST LOVE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR..........DRY SARCASM IS FANTASTIC!!! YOU ARE A GREAT STORYTELLER AND VIDEOGRAPHER. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THIS IS SO ENTERTAINING.
Super happy that I stumbled across this channel!! Gonna love following this restoration/build.
The tension was real watching that motor come out! Cant wait to see how the project turns out! Just remember, BOAT Bring On Another Thousand
You probably should of taken the intake and exhaust of that motor. It would of saved you alot of extra work. Then you could of used the exhaust bolts ran through link on chain it would of spun 90 ° and came up out without ripping the doorway out..LOL. But the good news is its out. You may want to think about putting the doorway back and that lip so it can be unbolted next time the motor has too be pulled. Just a suggestion.
Funny video. I was laughing at your description of your setting..LOL..HAHA. The Iddy-Bitty will be nice when completed.
Love it!!! This is the way it would go for 90% of us restoring a boat… slow… having friends help…. Not always going to plan but will still come out awesome in the end. When its all done should put some weekends up on Air BnB for fans to stay in. Help fund the cause!
That boat looks absolutely awesome. I'm really looking forward to seeing it fully restored and back on the water. I love that you bring us along on the adventure of restoring it.
Im soooo pumped to see the outcome, following this project from New Zealand! You got this brother...
Bro keep the series going.I wait for them every time…you make my day thanks and keep up the good work
I’m so curious to see the finished product it’s gonna be an awesome boat and it’s value will be priceless
Love this new series easily one of my favorites on UA-cam right now. Love the channel keep up the killer work!!
Hey. Thanks for your show. I really enjoy your unique commentary. I had the same issue with my 34 ft Uniflite house boat. I took out the motor, outdrive and fuel tanks, and installed a bracket and outboard on the transom. It was a very simple process after closing up the hole left by the removed outdrive. . And it gave me a huge storage room instead of an engine room. The bracket and outboard were much lighter than the inboard and outdrive, so i bought bags of sand to even out the trim of the boat. Also, because the bracket put the outboard so far aft, it was a dream to stear.
I also had the rotten stringers in the floor along the bottom. I just cut new ones using the bottom as my guide, and glassed them in between the remaining fiberglass that held the old stringers. Also, the roof "joists" were weak. So I sistered plywood pieces on either side of the old ceiling joists and glued with epoxy. Worked great.
Good luck, and have fun!
GREAT COMMENT AND INFO - Yes exactly what I was thinking - simple is best. I think what ever AYO can do himself or with his buds and the tools they have - that's the way to go.
Use two 50hp outboards each with its own fuel tank. Keep each fuel tank outside to avoid gas build up inside. This will give less strain on the transom compared to one bigger engine, plus you get engine and fuel redundancy and better maneuvering in port.
AYO is the next big thing in youtube fishing. This man makes must watch vids. Love your content, man!
Don't be discouraged. You have such a cool boat! When you get through restoring it and you are sleeping on a lake, it will all be worth it. Not to advertise a different channel here, but you should check out the sailboat restoration they did over at Odd Life Crafting. They took two years and replaced just about everything. It was a lot of work, but it came out great and so will your boat! I look forward to watching your progress and eventually seeing you on the water with it.
I love doing my own work ,but there is one thing I've learned . When it comes to inboards or IO's and you have to rebuild the transom consider the rebuild with a outboard mindset . You gain a ton of room for storage-etc and there are now diesel out boards. This makes service and maintenance so much better. Just a thought. Love the boat and the regular guy approach.
Not to mention you can make a small platform on the back for getting in and out of the water easier.
Having the motor inside though is nice because people will steal an outboard especially if it's one big enough to move a houseboat.
@@JosephDiveley There are a LOT of large outboards installed on boats that never get stolen. It all depends on where you store your boat. In his situation, it looks like he shouldn't have too many problems with people stealing the outboard.
However, he could always swap over to an electric drive. Houseboats aren't meant to move around a lot and he could probably work something into the boat.
And so if we're looking at the backend and having to rework the build- why not widen that back door? Yes it's probably attached to the fiberglass shell for bathroom but let's just think about it
Gonna be an epic little house boat when you’re done! Looking forward for more videos of the restoration!
place a piece of carpet over the side of the boat when using a ladder. It will prevent the ladder from sliding , save what paint may still exist and maybe mitigate damage to the fiberglass. But after watching the video through it's entirety, guess it ain't gonna hurt much in the grande scheme of things!
Brian: "That's not the only thing I'll teach you!"
AYO's face: ** BEST. POSSIBLE. Mixture of terror and boyish curiosity **
Tim deese I caught that too 😆😂
I’m loving this little series! Usually these types of restorations are crammed into a 30 min video with a time lapse. I love the realistic view and the work that goes into something like this. Thank you for sharing and you definitely earned a loyal subscriber from me my man! Good luck and I can’t wait to see the hard work come to fruition!
Been waiting to see the Itty Bitty again on your channel. You and her didn't disappoint! Was waiting to see Davey Gravey in the tractor at 1st. Great videos and obviously you have a good support system to help ya. We are all behind you. As Lojo would say "My guy is getting shiot done!" Keep plugging away, you have a great series here going!
Gotta love some who loves a challenge! Can't wait to see how this maiden vessel turns out, through the process and then the final completed vision! 🙌
I've been watching dozens of boat restoration videos as I am near retirement and had half a mind to do something like this to keep me busy. Of all the videos I've watched, this series convinced me the most that that would be a bad idea.
😂😂😂😂😂 looks like a lot of work and lots of moola.
Spat out my coffee when he said buy the time we finished we will have a trailer 😂
Ayo comes with some awesome one liners!
My dad bought a boat that sat in a barn for years and looked fairly new.
Until he took it out and realized that mice had lived inside and the pee had almost eaten through the bottom of the boat
After the first time out on the lake the garage had green water all over the floor and the boat had holes all over the bottom. It was just too much to reskin the boat and so he ended up with a motor and a trailer for three thousand dollars.
At least you have a good engine-302 small block Ford V-8. I would suggest when you get around to reinstalling the engine, to install only the completed block. Then install the heads, intake manifold, exhaust and everything else to the engine. OR-screw the inboard outboard, buy a outboard bracket and just run a 150hp outboard.
I am digging watching this project! Looking forward to upcoming videos as it progresses!
You’re going to crush it on YT. Hidden gem but you will not be hidden for long. Much love man, thanks for the entertainment.
That transom was flexing allot!!!
Love this series, you’ll never be homless with a house boat
You think like a young man. You still in your early 20's? I use to think like that.
@@libertyforamericanow god I wish I was in my early 20s.
You actually need to be a millionaire several times over to live on a boat. If you try to do it with no money you’ll end up going from there to a tent ⛺️
@@AboxofMonsters even the boat on dry land is a home, hence a house boat lol
@@JohnnyDub have to pay for the lot rent or property taxes
When u put the motor back in, do it in short block . It's a smaller package and will be easier to mount up to the outdrive. Then u can put the heads and manifolds and heat exchanger on after its in. Way more manageable. Also get new exhaust 4 inch rubbers. Don't screw around with 40 year old junk. From a guy in Alaska with a 1984 bayliner trophy that did all that and more
When I pull boat engines it's sometimes a lot easier to pull the exhaust manifolds (those things are heavy and make the engine wider than it needs to be - then rotate 90* and pull it straight up - works 100% of the ones I've pulled on boats that looked too small to get them out of - bet you wouldn't have even had to cut anything or break any fiberglass.... Then do the opposite when putting it back in.
If I were you I'd just look for a later model vortec pickup engine (1997-2000) and rebuild it with new rings/bearings, marine cam and carb intake manifold and a 4bbl - you'll gain probably 40-50hp over the one you pulled out and better efficiency too.
Keep your chin up AYO! The "Itty-bitty" will be runnin and lookin better than it did when it came out of the showroom! I think that motor is in good hands with Mr. Charlie. He's gonna make that thing look and run like new! I'm loving this series brother! Keep em coming! I can't wait to see the final product and watch the video of your maiden voyage with our boy Davy Gravy!
Davy Gravy is the man can't wait to see ayo and Davy gravy rippin some fat Sally lips on the itty-bitty
Best series on UA-cam hands down!
Keep grinding! It wont pay out moneywise, but in being proud of yourself and the work you have done!
That colonoscopy comparison had me dying 😂 absolutely love this project man! Keep it up!
You may consider reinforcing the transom, patch the i/o hole and put an outboard on. 50 hp. Merc or Honda, etc.. would push Itty Bitty around the lake. Outboad motors can be found at a reasonable price & eliminate a lot of issues with servicing the motor.
We knew that motor and outdrive would have to be thrown away. Now clean, sand and wipe down the hole where the outdrive was. A plywood plug with several layers of fiberglass mat and thick cloth inside and outside the transom. Sand the outside give it a couple coats of paint. Hang a decent dependable outboard on the stern and have a beer. Make sure you use ribbed rollers to roll the fiberglass on. Use Acetone to keep those rollers clean. Remove the rollers from the handle and thourgly clean them every time you use them. I am a very experienced fiberglass boat builder. Dont ever buy a Inboard outboard engine again, unless you plan on throwing the engine and drive straight into the trash. They suck..You can handle this project. Just think of it one step at a time. Dont think of EVERYTHING that has to be done. Just one small project at a time. Once you get everything removed from the inside, clean the shit out of it and start rebuilding ...man your going to have the sweetest Sally Smacker on the water. Its going to be so nice your going to want to camp out in it with it sitting in your yard on the trailer. One step at a time.
James Frost - AYO should print out your comment and put it where it can be his pep talk - maybe on the cooler lid where the beer is. But seriously AYO print this out -it's what will keep you going.
!I am soo hooked on this series dude!! Rewatching it in one sitting...........EPIC!
Great series! Hope it turns out well, it's going to cost some money for sure to make it a one of a kind but then it will be ONE OF A KIND special for sure.
You are a brave fisherman/boatman.. I love your channel. Keep up the good work. Man, I would sure like to see your Itty Bitty in working condition with you and Davey Gravy fishing.
IMO, with fuel prices doing what they are you may want to look into going electric. The channel Electric Tollycraft would be a great starting point for looking at. He’s done the conversion on a larger cabin cruiser with years worth of in depth information for the in’s & outs. Far cleaner all the way around & really cool having a near silent drive out on the water. Also, you can always have an onboard generator for charging/hybrid drive & range extension. Just a suggestion, keep up the great work!
You're going to need a 12' follow along dinghy to tow those massive cojones behind ya when you're done. Having done a fair bit of work on boats, that whole process of removing the engine had me on the edge of my seat- I know how fast those events can turn UGLY.
Cheers, dude. Righteous channel.
I’m glad I found you from one of the other channels. It’s been tons of fun watching your transformation from cameraman to badass/super funny fisherman now to major marine mechanic! I am STOKED to see where this series goes! Best of luck man!!
Im looking forward to this series. Awesome stuff!!! keep them coming, this will grow your channel big time!!!!
Let's gooooo love seeing the restoration projects make it yours ayo
Bro I'm so glad things are just getting better and better for you! I'm proud to say I been watching you and DvyGrvy since before LOJO. You are one of my favorite humans. Keep it up bro!
This is going to be an awesome series 😎😎 Your going to have an amazing houseboat when done 😊
Great video and I feel your pain as I am restoring a 1971 Freeman 22. I noticed you connected the battery to the screw terminals and I learnt that they can't carry the amps required for starter motor, so always best to hook to the fat terminals with clean clamps. The screw terminals are great for connecting battery monitor and solar chargers too. Good luck sir and never quit. Cheers.
Love the videos! This is a tough job. I get annoyed because I’m always waiting for you to drop another video but I know it takes time brother! Keep it up!
Love this series
i love this project! Could you not have taken the risers/manifolds off and rotated the block out east to west rather than north to south?
A most interesting restoration, mate. Continue on with your diligent work; cheers!
This is the best series on UA-cam, not just fishing UA-cam, but all of UA-cam.
Have you thought of replacing the old motor with an electric motor? About a quarter of the size leaving heaps of room for battery packs. Not only could they power your motor but the houseboat as well. And you have plenty of roof space (or put on a canopy) to put up solar panels to keep it all charged. Will likely cost you a bit up front but could save you $1000s in fuel down the track? Food for thought!
We are certainly not that advanced in battery technology to be putting batteries and electric motors in house boats yet
I really look forward to seeing the progression of this rebuild. I attempted a project like this some 20 years ago. I blew through my budget I set for the project and didn't get it 25% complete. Needless to say that was that. Didn't proceed any farther lol. Best of luck to you my guy, look forward to seeing this masterpiece come to life.
Love the boat videos!
With all that room for solar panels on the roof, an electric conversion would be an awesome upgrade.
rolled down the comments just because I was sure someone would have think about it as well! That could even make the boat lighter, less trouble maintaining the engine and more time fishing, while the sun recharges your battery.
Dude. I know very little about boats. What I do know is that old boat deserves to be water worthy again someday, and your labor of love for her is inspiring.
I don't know why you were recommended but I've watched all 3 of the house boat rebuild back to back. Keep it up.
Man I wish we could see you on this all day, this is quality stuff my dude and if the only support I can give is a like, a comment and a view then consider it done my friend 👍
Agreed
That boat is going to look so nice.
Myself I would either go with a smaller diesel engine like a used kubota engine that could be serviced or removed without cutting the hull or go with twin outboards as servicing would be easier and you could add a generator in the old space.
If you add some solar panels and extra batteries too would extend the time you can spend on it.
You’ve got me hooked brother! Taking the water jacket and the inlet manifold off and swing the motor 180 degrees might have worked? Loving your work all the way from Australia where the s#*t is getting serious!
I think that they did what they could with the tools they had dealing with a rusted bolt frozen nasty broken down monster. PRETTY DARN AWESOME WORK!
Just discovered ep. 1 of this. I’m all in. Partly because I think I know what you’ve let yourself in for. Thanks for the vids and big ups from Germany son.
We are enjoying watching this at work, all the way over here in New Zealand. Keep them coming!
I would definitely do away with the inboard outboard. And if you could swing the cost definitely put you an outboard seat bracket on the transom after you rebuild the transom then go with a 250 or 300 horse outboard 4-stroke
I've had three colonoscopy's and three endoscopy's so I know exactly how you felt. The first time the nurse funked up the sedation. Apparently I screamed a lot and the people in the waiting room went white. Well, those awaiting their turn.
I'm glad that you took that beastly lump of engine out first. You could do with an awning over the top so that you can work on it easily all winter. I assume that you're going to completely strip it down first then rebuild from there?
I guess the back of the boat needs covering to stop it filling with rain water? Mind you it would be the quickest way to find any leaks lol 😏🙄🤑
Good god, I didn't scream but heard the assistant say something like 47 and I thought "inches or centimeters?" Fully knocked out for 10 years later and that is the only way to go.
@@jcadult101 Totally agree. 2nd and 3rd I made sure they knew what happened the first time. I didn't feel a thing after that..
I have to get those every year as part of the single-payer system I am in. One day a year I get to spend 5-6 hours getting prodded, poked and drained.
@@saw6436 that's very unfortunate.
@@JimBobDewayne Sounds extremely unpleasant.
sitting here in Scotland wishing I had a boat like that for Loch Lomond :)
Woo boy. I've never restored a boat but watching these videos certainly brings back that sinking "can 'o worms" feeling I got so many times whilst restoring a '65 Old Toronado and a '64 Airstream International. Keep looking for that light at the end of the tunnel! She'll appear eventually. Damn fine work.
Bout to binge watch the whole itty bitty series/ playlist.. got to know the origins to truly appreciate how it comes together. Thanks for putting all this time into something so cool to bring us all this content, love your videos! 👍
“It just doesn’t feel right” 😂😂😂😩
😂😂😂
Bro … all you had to do was take the breather and intake plenum off the motor and walaa you would have cleared the fiberglass and not broke it. Btw should have wopped that starter with a hammer while trying to crank it. Works wonders brother. 🤙🤘
🤣🤣🤣 I swear I lost it when I saw this post, reminded me of my dad. Not making fun as I've seen it work. But he is no mechanic and uses only a hammer, crescent wrench and screwdriver on his vehicles!
That threshold sits right over the front of the motor. When you fix up the fiberglass you should make the threshold and the top piece of the transom part of the new engine cover that way when ever you need to fix the motor it’ll lift right out…
I'd make it a 3 piece cover with the door threshold to the transom as the center section. The center would be bolted down and the two sides would be lift off hatches. Most of the necessary service work would be done from the sides and the sides would also allow easy access to things like batteries and bilge pumps.
I hope you see this project to the end ... Be nice see someone finished a project started .. Best of luck
Oh man I work nights been following what your doing on the house boat and just cant get enough I cant wait to see more!! Nice boat nice work so make more videos on your boat I really enjoy these videos I want to see it being put back together!!
During the tearout video: "Huh, this looks like a bit of a bigger project than the blue/white monarch."
During this video: "Give up while you still can!"
loving this series cant wait to see the itty bitty's maiden voyage!
Ol’Son, you have a hell of a trip ahead of you but my boy and I are gonna enjoy the ride.
Stay positive and know you got better doctor visits coming.
Inspiring! Amazing project! All the best! Can't wait to see the finished project!
You inspire me to do more with my life whether it be big or small or easy or a challenge. Thank you.