Steve was responsible for the early construction of Arrebella but Alix built the UA-cam channel. The UA-cam channel has brought so much to the project, I hope Alix's contributions aren't overlooked.
So true, We can but hope. I must admit I still watch the episodes even now wondering if / when he'll make a re-appearance. It would be a lovely way to dovetail the building bit of the A2A adventure. I suspect sadly it will not happen.
We don't know what really happened between Steve and Alix. And we shouldn't speculate because it's none of our business. But yeah, I do hope that they're still on good terms and that Alix can show up for launch.
Slowly but surely transitioning from a build channel to a sailing channel. Can't wait to see what the future brings for Arabella, at launch and beyond. Thanks for sharing the adventure for the last seven years Steve and crew. It's been a great experience to say the least.
A number of boat build channels successfully transitioned from a build channels to a sailing channels. I'll continue watching as long as you produce content, wherever in the world you sail.
I for one cannot wait for this transition. I wonder how long it'll take them to go from a "Steve learns to sail" channel to a "Steve sails around the world" channel.
Dear "Newly Nomadic" Stephen D. 👍👌👏 You respectively Arabella have come incredibly far. Thanks also to all paid and unpaid helpers of course (including donations and patreons). Not to forget the video makers, your family, friends, fans, viewers and Akiva. Of course you have been and still are the hardest worker of all. I will definitely go on to watch this channel whatever content will be put out. That's a promise! As always: Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health in particular. To all involved life forms of course (humans and animals).
Ben F., you do a beautiful job putting the video’s together and explaining what’s going and what the goal is for each project. Thank you. Your efforts make the videos real, one gets the feeling we’re there. Ann also does an excellent job of putting realism in the scene as she shoots them, thank you Ann. From Missouri
With just a couple of weeks until launch, I've been reflecting on my own personal journey over the past several years and from first subscribing when you were in tree felling mode to now with Arabella nearly ready for the water, I am immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to follow along and experience your highs and lows along the way. I've had my own difficulties to overcome but Fridays were always a day to look forward to even when times were not so good. Thank you all and I'll still be here for the sailing - all the best from here in the UK.
It’s going to be weird not to watch A2A every Friday once she is launched. This Friday viewing has been a part of our life for quite a while. Thanks to everyone
@@AcornToArabella Yea... but they will be old news by then. Watching a video on the installation of the standing rigging after the boat has launched is going to be pretty anticlimatic. You Tube is best done in close to real time, just look how few views older vids get even if they are very good.
I'm delighted and relieved to see the cockpit coamings raking so far outboard. Most wooden sailboat cockpits are really uncomfortable, because the coaming sides are traditionally plumb (or close to plumb) when the boat is level. Given that almost all crew will be sitting on the uphill side when the boat is being driven hard, this means that the top of the coaming digs into their back ribs in a highly obnoxious way, especially when there's slamming going on!
I'm getting goose bumps. The videos are going to evolve from the construction of Arabella to the adventures of Arabella. I don't see an end to this journey any time soon. I love that your sharing this adventure you are on with all of us. And as long as you do this I will follow. I will help the channel with donations when i can. See you next Friday mate.
How strange it will be to see the boathouse removed and Arabella on her way. What an exciting time for Steve and the crew! I'm looking forward to years' worth of Arabella Fridays and the transition to sailing.
Suddenly finding the imminence of the water a double edged sword. Excitement, apprehension, satisfaction and joy. Countered with the end, the end of an era, a pattern of life and connection. I know it's a new beginning but it's rushing towards us all. Feels a little like pouring the lead when it all started to be real. Hugs to you all. Especially Steve's Mom.
It just dawned on me that it was only yesterday it seems you poring the keel in a spectaculair fashion and now there is a new vintage luxurious sailboat with an working engine almost ready to launch. You must be pinching yourself from time to time. Great work guys👍
With all the items left to attend to I think it's important that IT JUST FLOATS. wow, what a journey we've all had watching these trees become a boat. So many people helped. I will miss you guys
"Tighten the bypass adapter to same tightness as the oil filter" Hand tight is plenty. While using a wrench to make sure the adapter is tight, it may also deform the gasket, they are not designed to be torqued, only hand tightened.
Ben, thanks for reminding me of the timeshift in effect. In the back of my mind I knew the move date was getting nearer, though in our own early season travels here my sense of time has already gone with the wind. It’s been a privilege to watch along throughout this trying endeavor. As the journey continues into this next phase, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to each smile and pair of hands who’ve been a part of this work. Fair travels and smooth sailing to all. Steve and co., bravo! I wish you well through each further step or stumble. Each moment, a gift. That endless expanse of horizon awaits!
I remember back when I first stumbled across this channel a few years back, it's been amazing to see the progress on Arabella, from the first trees being felled to the lead keel being poured, now all the way to the diesel engine being fired up, these videos where one of the things keeping me going during the pandemic, and I often had all the videos in a playlist going in the background during remote learning, (these videos helped me get through my last two years of High-school btw). overall it's been amazing to see the construction of Arabella, from start to, now to near finish.
I love this project, when I was rebuilding my boat I would watch every Friday, mine is a plastic floating caravan but the list of jobs never ends, these videos could carry on for ever.
I was hooked from the moment the lead keel was poured. Great journey of many different skills, with many different materials on show. Even the tools you resurrected to make the bits that went on the boat was interesting. Guy from uk
I know you are busy and may not see this but last night I got my latest edition of the American Woodturner AAW and read the article on the dead eyes and the turners club in Mass. as a wood turner and member of AAW I was very happy to see that one of our clubs stepped up and did a part for this amazing project. Getting close to the goal Steve you are an inspiration to all aspiring craftsmen.
I've been absent for awhile, but I remember the earlier days when holes in the boards were sealed using different coating and corking techniques. It was well thought out. Looking at this - A non permanent sika flex below the water line😮 Two years it will be in for wood rot repair. Epoxy sealing end grain first would have been advisable. All silicon based products fail after a few years in the weather. That's why recreational boats rotted out, not because of the wood, because dealers fitting motor's had no idea about boat building, they'd just sika the motor bolt holes up, along with ladders, transducers etc and send it on its way. West systems blue book describes how fittings should be fitted. Worth a read. If someone said no you can't epoxy brass fittings, which is true, doesn't mean you don't seal the timbers with epoxy before using sika. Not trying to be critical, it doesn't seem right and I'd hate after all this effort to see it go sideways. Unless I'm missing something?? Great to see this thing get a motor, coming along nicely.
@@andrewiannello6548 they are using 3M 4200 not silicon , it's a marine sealer formulated for that specific aplication , is a kind of polyurethane not silicon based
@@andrewiannello6548 I own and maintain a 64 year old traditional wood sailing vessel, we just removed one of her original through hull fittings, and there was no "rot". Those bolt holes were probably sealed with tar, the new holes and bolts were sealed with a Sikaflex product by a shipwright with decades of wooden boat building experience. First of all, salt water generally prevents rot by "pickling" the wood, that is wood decks are routinely washed down with salt water, fresh water is the source of rot not salt. Modern bedding compounds or sealants do a very good job. Epoxy, penetrating or standard is incredibly hard and brittle once cured and does not expand and shrink with the wood so is not appropriate for below the water line in general, and particularly on a small area like plank ends. There is some discussion about using penetrating epoxy as a sealer on old planking but I don't think the efficacy and any side effects have been well documented. Barring collisions or other mishaps, Arabella's planking will outlive Steve.
The only way that most of can equate the type of changes in ones life that Steve is facing would be buying a first house and having a first child shortly thereafter. Praying that everything goes well and for Steve's mom as well. What a ride this has been to witness over the last 6+ years!
Congratulations on all your incredible achievements! Your channel has undoubtedly been the absolute highlight of my viewing entertainment for the past seven years. I am absolutely thrilled to witness the grand unveiling of your exquisitely crafted vessel.
The favorite part of my every Friday... I just wish I had the time and money to participate... You all are awesome! I have been watching you the entire time I've been building and living in my "land ship" however I couldn't even afford a camera to make a video story of my journey. Really wish I did, maybe someone would be interested in my solar integration, plumbing reorganization, electrical rewiring, frost protection, water mitigation, condensation solutions, and most of all, repair after a fire in the rig!
I have so many great memories from this channel. Many a glass of whisky has been drunk on a Friday night to the sounds of Arabella being built. I’ve already made my plans to be at the launch and I’m so excited to see the whole team in person. Those that have been with the channel since beginning, or like me, since the lead keel pour, have really been taken on a great journey. Looking forward to Steve’s first Bon Voyage.
This has been a Friday breakfast required viewing for me ever since @JayBates referred your channel when you poured the lead keel. I got a little emotional watching the mast and spars coming out of the boat house. Then hearing that the boat house was down and the Arabella was at the port made it even more so. I look forward to what the future for the channel brings. Thank you for sharing this journey with the world.
"I've been watching since you poured the keel" is now UA-cam legend and I've enjoyed it every week since. I hope to see Alex when the boat goes in he water.
I just wrote this. I used to own Crumplehorn Inn in Polperro, but moved to Canada in 2005 when I sold up. Pymouth, Massachussetts is just north of the launch site. I am ready for the journey from Ontario, Canada to Matapoisette next Friday. I am really looking forward to it all and at some stage standing on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Mass, because I have also stood on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Devon, UK.
This is becoming so exciting - between the effectively real time updates on Instagram (this week has been *amazing*), and these long form Friday videos the progress on Arabella is astonishing to watch. Only a fortnight now until she's in the water, and she's so ready (and yet so much for us to see you doing). I won't be in Mattapoisett with you, but I will be thinking of you all.
Yes, the engine sounds strong, and will sing a beautiful soft tune in the water. Man it is really getting to the place of floating, we all are excited.
Steve, Thanks for the comments at the end. You have assemble a great team. There are years between keels being laid, ships being launched and ships being commissioned. I loved my time on sailboats and on destroyers. You will love yours as well. I am glad I was able to stop by in Granby a few weeks ago on my way through to Maine. Anne, thanks for the restaurant recommendations, Surf was great. However there is a new place in Kittery Fishmongers just outside the naval base on whatever that main road is. Just spectacular. My son loves the area and has plans to move back there after he gets out of the Navy. Unfortunately, he will be in San Diego for a number of years before that can happen. I had a great time talking with you on my visit. Ben, Thanks for everything you do as well.
Engles Coach Shop, Tally Hoe - Sampson Boat Building, The Art of Boat Building. All of these utube channels I was introduced to by first starting watching Steve and Alex adventure. It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years. I have not missed any of you fantastic episodes on my friday morning coffee time. Im looking forward to you continued reports to your faithful followers as your adventure to set sail around the world. Hoping to see Alex maybe join you as you set sail.
@@AcornToArabellaa shame to hear he won’t be along. But stoked to hear he’s started on another adventure. Hopefully raising a child proves easier than steaming all those planks!
Been with you since the lead pour. What an amazing build, and thanks to the entire AtoA crew for taking us along all the steps the project. As it nears launch, I can't wrap my head around how Steve keeps track of "A" can't be done before "B" is finished, which must wait for "C" to be completed which must wait til the boat is in the water, etc.....ad infinitum. When Steve dies, he should do humanity a favor and donate his brain to science. Love you guys!
HI just a thought, place a 1 gallon freezer bag over the filter and it's mount after it is loosened slightly then hold the bag up and slowly remove the filter. most of the oil should end up in the bag. I saw this on UA-cam. works well. Rich
I came in during the keel pour. Back tracked through all the previous chapters and have lived every minute of it. No its like waiting for a friemds child to be born. Got a little dewy eyed seeing the masts coming out of the boat house. Probably gonna bawl like a baby when you dismantle her. Only wish I could be at the launch. If your cruising brings you into harbor in the San Diego/Los Angeles/Santa Barbara area, I hope I can have the honor of buying you and your crew a drink. Calm seas and gentle breezes.
Tony & Susan here, No way I have spent 7 years watching you build this boat. where has all the time gone. We, Sue and I got to go this year before we get too old to do it. Thanks and good luck on the launch!!!
Hi everyone, Happy Friday!!! that engine sounds sweet, big changes ahead. Steve, it's been a long journey so far, but a beautiful wholesome one, thank you so much for bringing us along with you, I've been with you since the keel pour, after watching it I spent a whole weekend trawling through all of the videos just to catch up, seems like yesterday, looking forward to seeing her on the water.
I've been watching these videos for nearly 6 years. It's surreal knowing that launch is so close. Thank you for sharing the process for all these years, it's been incredible!
Really feeling the emotions Steve. Bless you for your fortitude, care and continued communication. Been with you since the start and looking forward to seeing Arabella when she crosses the pond to the UK.
Some of the best advice I ever heard and have passed on multiple times to new boat owners. "Before you spend a lot of time/money on modifications you think you'll need, spend some time with the boat and I guarantee that list of modifications changes massively".
Wonderful to hear the engine running. My car is being serviced tomorrow and I am ready for the journey from Ontario, Canada to Matapoisette next Friday. I am really looking forward to it all and at some stage standing on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Mass, because I have also stood on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Devon, UK.
As we get closer to the finish, I'm amazed at the complexity of the tasks needed. What an amazing crew. Fred is an absolute gentleman. Mike 🇦🇺 ps Ben you are amazing.
This build has been an unbelievable success. Put once you splash the boat, the real journey begins. I'm 2k mile West of you and I can feel the anticipation. HOLD FAST and my God go with you!
Another step closer to seeing the beauty on the water! I really hope Steve will take us along on his journey of learning to sail as he gets ready for bigger adventures.
Personally, I’m looking forwards to the sailing, fishing/diving for tonight’s catch down in the southern parts of the tropics. Building a ship is only the beginning part of the adventures to come! Let’s see if she floats first. I know she will💪🏼🙏🏻❤️😄
Constantly amazed with the progress through these Friday morning reports. There are so many details behind and many more to complete. Satisfying to hear that diesel roar to life. The forethought of preventing unneeded spillage of oil or fuel during filter changes - and the remote location to a bulkhead of each - shows the planning for future problem elimination. The 17th will be a major milestone but certainly not by any means the end of Arabella's journey to the Oggin.
As launch day nears there are plenty of first and last benchmarks: the last through hull, and starting the diesel for its first time. Thanks for making it possible for us to be aboard for A2A's maiden voyage.
What an incredible surprise to see the three best UA-cam channels converge, A2A, Keith Rucker and Windy Hill Foundry. Only the best talents on this project!!!
I wish i had moved the oil filter on my engine. Once you get oil in the bilge it is oh so hard to get rid off. Great work as always. All the best and hope everything is going well towards the launch.
My dad had a saying i learned to understand " Of course I know what I'm doing that's why it's taking so long " . Each step is important this no time to cut corners , the fit and finish looks amazing it's going to be a fine sailboat indeed !
Long time viewer. I have to say, that since about January, the amount of work that still needed to be done before mid-June was just staggering. Without the added help, I don't think you could have finished by June, 2024, much less 2023!
About the epilogue: A boat, generally, is a constant project. A wooden boat even more so - even if it is new! Even during the sailing videos, you will probably have every third of fourth video at least be a project video! No matter where in the world you will be, you'll always have something to optimize, repair, maintain. Also: your adventure videos will certainly be good!
Ben, I know Steven agrees, but the show and Arabella are truly blessed to have found you (perhaps you found each other)? I understand that your hours are long, and the compensation isn’t making anyone rich, and so I offer my thanks to you and your wife/family for the sacrifices you have made to this channel. I’m hoping that your experience will give you a huge leg up on your next gig with other UA-cam channels that need your amazing abilities. I do hope that you love the work and that you can make a very comfortable living as things change with A2A. God bless you and your family.
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, no one’s going to buy a yacht with this. 😉, but Ben plans to stay with a2a and do all he can for continued success with his family’s theater in Newburyport.
Having build a boat (much smaller and shorter duration than this one) I know that feeling… “It’s been a long haul”. It’s a feeling of accomplishment, and a quiet realisation the end of a long mission is near. Looking forward to launch day.
Wish I could have made time to come see the launch. Been watching the channel since the band saw restoration video. Need a vacation for myself and this would have been perfect. Life’s got me down right now so I can’t but I’m glad I can at least see it from online ❤
Steve, to get where you're at with Arabella today is absolutely fantastic. What a fantastic job you all have done. You can be proud of your accomplishment. Great work!!! Ed C
What a magnificent achievement and inspiration to all, by both you and SV Seeker‼️👍👏🤝 As an ex-navy man, having served on a Frigate in the ‘60s, am looking forward to the launch. Lots of work yet to be done, as has been going on on SV Seeker since her launch.
The Construction is near, but the Journey is just beginning. Never say Never. No tears shed, only smiles for Miles!!. Fred Knowels? is a Mechanical Artist, and a wise ass!!. I guess there is a little wise ass in every Artist, and Mechanic. You can "close loop" the cooling system while in harbor or Moorage, and then pump Prestone into the cooling system, to stop the corrosion on the cooling,, and keep the engine water pump seals conditioned from bits of barnacles and sea junk. More plumbing involved, and a reservoir tank with 15psi rad cap. Also, you can find small, sometimes perfect sized, sacrificial anodes on just about every outboard motor made after 1950. That Nanni Diesel should run for 15 years before it needs internal work. Nice Work to everyone. Coingrats!!.
Steve, I have been following you and the crew for the 7 years. An AMAZING journey and I am so pleased to hear that you will be continuing the channel long after the launch. In a way, you, and the crew have become a part of my weekly ritual. I just wish that I could be there to see the launch and meet you in person, however work constraints keep me "welded" to my business and location here in So Cal. (San Diego county). Before you do take off for parts unknown and are remote, I do hope to get to the East coast and see you and Arabella. Even though we can "see" you on UA-cam, it will pale in comparison to meeting you and seeing Arabella up close. Such an accomplishment for a "novice" boatbuilder. NOT ANY LONGER, eh? You will soon have a "PHD" in marine engineering and construction as you find out what was well engineered and what has to be tweaked. But from the looks of things and how the boat has progressed, I doubt that anything major will have to be done. Nice thing about the boating community; there are so many nice people that are eager to lend a hand, consult and assist in your quest. You are the kind of boater that anyone would like to "raft up" next to and share stories. With your background, education and experiences, you are just going to add to the fabric of your "scrapbook" of experiences. I have a tree service company here in San Diego County and to see you fell that large tree in your drive way was unique to see how you do tree work on the East coast. aWe do not have the species of trees that you have on your farm so boatbuilding out here (a desert, so to speak) is subject to imported woods. God bless you Steve and all of your "family" of workers, volunteers, and associates. Even though Alix is not in the pictures, we still hear his narration so it is nice to know that he is still involved. Looking forward to "launch day" Randy
Hi Randy! Ben’s been narrating for a long, long time, even since before Alix decided to leave. Thanks for all these kind thoughts and taking the time to relay them. Glad you’re on the journey with us!
A boat with no spars or rigging and a load of missing accessories to make sail .. Yeah its going to be a while. And I get seasick easily as my age goes up .. won't be joining you. BUT, I can congratulate you on your progress. Kudos for getting the Arabella up to boat status ... she should float when all the holes are filled with the proper accessories.
Oh my goodness, well no pressure Steve. June 17. I know it’s not the end of this adventure. I have enjoyed watching from the beginning and I plan to stay with you, Steve, and crew into the water and beyond. Good luck, my friend exclamation😊
Hard to believe many of us have faithfully followed the journey of this wooden boat for seven years, and what a beautiful journey it has been. ❤ I’m landlocked but have long fantasized about pivoting everything and sailing around the world, knowing several acquaintances who have done just that. Looking forward to learning how to sail right along with Steve and Robin over the next seven years!
![The Largest Biplane Ever Flown | Caproni Ca.90 [Aircraft Overview #23]](/img/n.gif)
I really hope that Alix is there for the launch. His work and assistance during the early days was awesome. I miss his inputs.
He doesn't show up for the 200th episode :(.
I was thinking the same thing.
Steve was responsible for the early construction of Arrebella but Alix built the UA-cam channel. The UA-cam channel has brought so much to the project, I hope Alix's contributions aren't overlooked.
So true, We can but hope. I must admit I still watch the episodes even now wondering if / when he'll make a re-appearance. It would be a lovely way to dovetail the building bit of the A2A adventure. I suspect sadly it will not happen.
We don't know what really happened between Steve and Alix. And we shouldn't speculate because it's none of our business. But yeah, I do hope that they're still on good terms and that Alix can show up for launch.
Slowly but surely transitioning from a build channel to a sailing channel. Can't wait to see what the future brings for Arabella, at launch and beyond. Thanks for sharing the adventure for the last seven years Steve and crew. It's been a great experience to say the least.
Cheers!
A number of boat build channels successfully transitioned from a build channels to a sailing channels. I'll continue watching as long as you produce content, wherever in the world you sail.
That’s very kind, thanks!
I for one cannot wait for this transition. I wonder how long it'll take them to go from a "Steve learns to sail" channel to a "Steve sails around the world" channel.
Dear "Newly Nomadic" Stephen D.
👍👌👏 You respectively Arabella have come incredibly far. Thanks also to all paid and unpaid helpers of course (including donations and patreons). Not to forget the video makers, your family, friends, fans, viewers and Akiva. Of course you have been and still are the hardest worker of all. I will definitely go on to watch this channel whatever content will be put out. That's a promise!
As always: Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing.
Best regards luck and health in particular. To all involved life forms of course (humans and animals).
Ben F., you do a beautiful job putting the video’s together and explaining what’s going and what the goal is for each project. Thank you. Your efforts make the videos real, one gets the feeling we’re there. Ann also does an excellent job of putting realism in the scene as she shoots them, thank you Ann.
From Missouri
Adin gets a lot of credit on that shooting as well!!
Credit where credit is due...
Class act, Ann, as always.
nothing signals the arrival of the launch date more than firing up the diesel :) exciting
I can't help but think about Steve's mom when new videos come up. I hope she is well and comfortable.
Thanks for mentioning… yes, she’s ok. Chemo does a number on her, but it’s relatively effective.
With just a couple of weeks until launch, I've been reflecting on my own personal journey over the past several years and from first subscribing when you were in tree felling mode to now with Arabella nearly ready for the water, I am immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to follow along and experience your highs and lows along the way. I've had my own difficulties to overcome but Fridays were always a day to look forward to even when times were not so good. Thank you all and I'll still be here for the sailing - all the best from here in the UK.
So glad we could offer some peace in rough waters, and hoping all the best for you, Nick!
Steven!
You have stayed the course and with the help of many you have inspired countless more around the world! Congratulations and Thank You!!!
🎉🙌
It’s going to be weird not to watch A2A every Friday once she is launched. This Friday viewing has been a part of our life for quite a while. Thanks to everyone
There will still be videos! Hope you watched until the end, friend.
@@cbacbacba09 I did watch all the video. Comment already posted. Thanks for your insight.
@@AcornToArabella Yea... but they will be old news by then. Watching a video on the installation of the standing rigging after the boat has launched is going to be pretty anticlimatic. You Tube is best done in close to real time, just look how few views older vids get even if they are very good.
Shout out to the expert gentleman from Marblehead. I've taken my wife to vacation there twice, very beautiful and amazing sailing community.
I'm delighted and relieved to see the cockpit coamings raking so far outboard. Most wooden sailboat cockpits are really uncomfortable, because the coaming sides are traditionally plumb (or close to plumb) when the boat is level. Given that almost all crew will be sitting on the uphill side when the boat is being driven hard, this means that the top of the coaming digs into their back ribs in a highly obnoxious way, especially when there's slamming going on!
Thank you Ben for your work all these years. Some damn fine editing!
Music too!
I am happy to hear that the show will go on. Unbelievable that 7 years have passed. I would miss you on Friday. Best regards from Switzerland
I'm getting goose bumps. The videos are going to evolve from the construction of Arabella to the adventures of Arabella.
I don't see an end to this journey any time soon. I love that your sharing this adventure you are on with all of us. And as long
as you do this I will follow. I will help the channel with donations when i can. See you next Friday mate.
Thanks for being on the journey with us!
How strange it will be to see the boathouse removed and Arabella on her way. What an exciting time for Steve and the crew! I'm looking forward to years' worth of Arabella Fridays and the transition to sailing.
Suddenly finding the imminence of the water a double edged sword. Excitement, apprehension, satisfaction and joy. Countered with the end, the end of an era, a pattern of life and connection. I know it's a new beginning but it's rushing towards us all. Feels a little like pouring the lead when it all started to be real. Hugs to you all. Especially Steve's Mom.
It just dawned on me that it was only yesterday it seems you poring the keel in a spectaculair fashion and now there is a new vintage luxurious sailboat with an working engine almost ready to launch.
You must be pinching yourself from time to time.
Great work guys👍
🙌
I'm several thousand miles away but I'm, sooo exited to see Arabella in her element...it wil be an emotional moment.
7 years! Talk about patience, perserverance, and consistency. Soon, the sailing the world adventures will begin! Many years to follow I'm sure.
Been watching since the keel, my daughter was born not so long after. Been great watching the two projects grow over the years.
Thank you so very much for taking us along on the journey! It’s been entertaining and amazing to see you all grow.
With all the items left to attend to I think it's important that IT JUST FLOATS. wow, what a journey we've all had watching these trees become a boat. So many people helped. I will miss you guys
"Tighten the bypass adapter to same tightness as the oil filter" Hand tight is plenty. While using a wrench to make sure the adapter is tight, it may also deform the gasket, they are not designed to be torqued, only hand tightened.
Oil bypass hose and fittings should be a&n and one wire pressure hose with crimp fittings. Do not use push lock fittings with hose clamps.
I thought the same thing. No one should tighten an oil filter with channel locks.
@@WillRyder3rd Yep, trouble may creep in when the engine heats up.
Most adapters have two gaskets and have a recommended torque setting of >40fp. Don't know how tight he got it with channel locks though.
I saw that and if it becomes a problem for him, then he will to find it!!😂
G'morning, 'bella fam! Happy Friday! ☕
Happy Friday, Ryan!
Ben, thanks for reminding me of the timeshift in effect. In the back of my mind I knew the move date was getting nearer, though in our own early season travels here my sense of time has already gone with the wind.
It’s been a privilege to watch along throughout this trying endeavor. As the journey continues into this next phase, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to each smile and pair of hands who’ve been a part of this work. Fair travels and smooth sailing to all.
Steve and co., bravo! I wish you well through each further step or stumble. Each moment, a gift. That endless expanse of horizon awaits!
"We spent all this time making this thing watertight, so what's the next step?"
"We're gonna drill a bunch of holes in it."
I remember back when I first stumbled across this channel a few years back, it's been amazing to see the progress on Arabella, from the first trees being felled to the lead keel being poured, now all the way to the diesel engine being fired up, these videos where one of the things keeping me going during the pandemic, and I often had all the videos in a playlist going in the background during remote learning, (these videos helped me get through my last two years of High-school btw).
overall it's been amazing to see the construction of Arabella, from start to, now to near finish.
Thanks for being here!
What a great team getting Arabella in shape to support the upcoming boat launch. Another great A2A update. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers! Happy Friday!
I love this project, when I was rebuilding my boat I would watch every Friday, mine is a plastic floating caravan but the list of jobs never ends, these videos could carry on for ever.
Get on the water any which way you can. Enjoy!!
I was hooked from the moment the lead keel was poured. Great journey of many different skills, with many different materials on show. Even the tools you resurrected to make the bits that went on the boat was interesting. Guy from uk
Happy Friday, Guy, thanks so much for watching.
@@AcornToArabella its been a interesting journey. Your resolve and commitment is ledgendary
I know you are busy and may not see this but last night I got my latest edition of the American Woodturner AAW and read the article on the dead eyes and the turners club in Mass. as a wood turner and member of AAW I was very happy to see that one of our clubs stepped up and did a part for this amazing project. Getting close to the goal Steve you are an inspiration to all aspiring craftsmen.
It's a bizarre experience watching holes get drilled into the planks after all this time...
I've been absent for awhile, but I remember the earlier days when holes in the boards were sealed using different coating and corking techniques. It was well thought out. Looking at this - A non permanent sika flex below the water line😮 Two years it will be in for wood rot repair. Epoxy sealing end grain first would have been advisable. All silicon based products fail after a few years in the weather. That's why recreational boats rotted out, not because of the wood, because dealers fitting motor's had no idea about boat building, they'd just sika the motor bolt holes up, along with ladders, transducers etc and send it on its way. West systems blue book describes how fittings should be fitted. Worth a read.
If someone said no you can't epoxy brass fittings, which is true, doesn't mean you don't seal the timbers with epoxy before using sika.
Not trying to be critical, it doesn't seem right and I'd hate after all this effort to see it go sideways. Unless I'm missing something??
Great to see this thing get a motor, coming along nicely.
@@andrewiannello6548 they are using 3M 4200 not silicon , it's a marine sealer formulated for that specific aplication , is a kind of polyurethane not silicon based
Hai👍👌antonmursid🙏✌👌👋
@@andrewiannello6548 I own and maintain a 64 year old traditional wood sailing vessel, we just removed one of her original through hull fittings, and there was no "rot". Those bolt holes were probably sealed with tar, the new holes and bolts were sealed with a Sikaflex product by a shipwright with decades of wooden boat building experience. First of all, salt water generally prevents rot by "pickling" the wood, that is wood decks are routinely washed down with salt water, fresh water is the source of rot not salt. Modern bedding compounds or sealants do a very good job. Epoxy, penetrating or standard is incredibly hard and brittle once cured and does not expand and shrink with the wood so is not appropriate for below the water line in general, and particularly on a small area like plank ends. There is some discussion about using penetrating epoxy as a sealer on old planking but I don't think the efficacy and any side effects have been well documented. Barring collisions or other mishaps, Arabella's planking will outlive Steve.
It was the most nervous, white knuckle, terrifying thing I've seen in a while!
The only way that most of can equate the type of changes in ones life that Steve is facing would be buying a first house and having a first child shortly thereafter. Praying that everything goes well and for Steve's mom as well. What a ride this has been to witness over the last 6+ years!
Congratulations on all your incredible achievements! Your channel has undoubtedly been the absolute highlight of my viewing entertainment for the past seven years. I am absolutely thrilled to witness the grand unveiling of your exquisitely crafted vessel.
That’s so kind of you and wonderful to hear, Jared. Cheers!
When that engine started, my ocular plumbing leaked! Congrats congrats congrats!
"Metric adjustable" wrench @28:50 🤣
😁😉
The favorite part of my every Friday...
I just wish I had the time and money to participate...
You all are awesome!
I have been watching you the entire time I've been building and living in my "land ship" however I couldn't even afford a camera to make a video story of my journey.
Really wish I did, maybe someone would be interested in my solar integration, plumbing reorganization, electrical rewiring, frost protection, water mitigation, condensation solutions, and most of all, repair after a fire in the rig!
Sounds like a great project!
7 Years! I never realized it had been that long, since I started watching teo guys cutting down trees to build a boat!
I have so many great memories from this channel. Many a glass of whisky has been drunk on a Friday night to the sounds of Arabella being built. I’ve already made my plans to be at the launch and I’m so excited to see the whole team in person. Those that have been with the channel since beginning, or like me, since the lead keel pour, have really been taken on a great journey. Looking forward to Steve’s first Bon Voyage.
This has been a Friday breakfast required viewing for me ever since @JayBates referred your channel when you poured the lead keel. I got a little emotional watching the mast and spars coming out of the boat house. Then hearing that the boat house was down and the Arabella was at the port made it even more so. I look forward to what the future for the channel brings. Thank you for sharing this journey with the world.
And thanks for being here!
Good Friday morning from central IL!
Happy Friday, Dan!
"I've been watching since you poured the keel" is now UA-cam legend and I've enjoyed it every week since. I hope to see Alex when the boat goes in he water.
As a ZF employee I hope you have years of service from that transmission. Happy sailing.
Happy Friday and best wishes from Plymouth UK
Happy Friday, Phil!
I just wrote this. I used to own Crumplehorn Inn in Polperro, but moved to Canada in 2005 when I sold up. Pymouth, Massachussetts is just north of the launch site.
I am ready for the journey from Ontario, Canada to Matapoisette next Friday. I am really looking forward to it all and at some stage standing on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Mass, because I have also stood on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Devon, UK.
This is becoming so exciting - between the effectively real time updates on Instagram (this week has been *amazing*), and these long form Friday videos the progress on Arabella is astonishing to watch. Only a fortnight now until she's in the water, and she's so ready (and yet so much for us to see you doing).
I won't be in Mattapoisett with you, but I will be thinking of you all.
Yes, the engine sounds strong, and will sing a beautiful soft tune in the water. Man it is really getting to the place of floating, we all are excited.
Steve, Thanks for the comments at the end. You have assemble a great team. There are years between keels being laid, ships being launched and ships being commissioned. I loved my time on sailboats and on destroyers. You will love yours as well. I am glad I was able to stop by in Granby a few weeks ago on my way through to Maine.
Anne, thanks for the restaurant recommendations, Surf was great. However there is a new place in Kittery Fishmongers just outside the naval base on whatever that main road is. Just spectacular. My son loves the area and has plans to move back there after he gets out of the Navy. Unfortunately, he will be in San Diego for a number of years before that can happen. I had a great time talking with you on my visit.
Ben, Thanks for everything you do as well.
Thanks for stopping by!
Engles Coach Shop, Tally Hoe - Sampson Boat Building, The Art of Boat Building. All of these utube channels I was introduced to by first starting watching Steve and Alex adventure. It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years. I have not missed any of you fantastic episodes on my friday morning coffee time. Im looking forward to you continued reports to your faithful followers as your adventure to set sail around the world. Hoping to see Alex maybe join you as you set sail.
Thanks for being here, glad you enjoy what we do! Alix has a child now, so it’s not likely.
@@AcornToArabellaa shame to hear he won’t be along. But stoked to hear he’s started on another adventure. Hopefully raising a child proves easier than steaming all those planks!
Been with you since the lead pour. What an amazing build, and thanks to the entire AtoA crew for taking us along all the steps the project. As it nears launch, I can't wrap my head around how Steve keeps track of "A" can't be done before "B" is finished, which must wait for "C" to be completed which must wait til the boat is in the water, etc.....ad infinitum. When Steve dies, he should do humanity a favor and donate his brain to science. Love you guys!
Wow seven years. It doesn’t seem that I have been watching you build Arabella seven years. Time flies
Howdy from Normandy. Happy Friday...cheers..richard
Happy Friday!
HI just a thought, place a 1 gallon freezer bag over the filter and it's mount after it is loosened slightly then hold the bag up and slowly remove the filter. most of the oil should end up in the bag.
I saw this on UA-cam. works well.
Rich
👍
Can't quite believe we're at this stage, feels like so much progress in the past year.
I came in during the keel pour. Back tracked through all the previous chapters and have lived every minute of it.
No its like waiting for a friemds child to be born.
Got a little dewy eyed seeing the masts coming out of the boat house. Probably gonna bawl like a baby when you dismantle her.
Only wish I could be at the launch.
If your cruising brings you into harbor in the San Diego/Los Angeles/Santa Barbara area, I hope I can have the honor of buying you and your crew a drink.
Calm seas and gentle breezes.
Wow launch in two weeks❤❤❤ can’t wait to see her in the water
Tony & Susan here, No way I have spent 7 years watching you build this boat. where has all the time gone. We, Sue and I got to go this year before we get too old to do it. Thanks and good luck on the launch!!!
Hearing the engine makes launch feel close more than just a date. Great job guys! Wish it was my boat.
Hi everyone, Happy Friday!!! that engine sounds sweet, big changes ahead. Steve, it's been a long journey so far, but a beautiful wholesome one, thank you so much for bringing us along with you, I've been with you since the keel pour, after watching it I spent a whole weekend trawling through all of the videos just to catch up, seems like yesterday, looking forward to seeing her on the water.
I've been watching these videos for nearly 6 years. It's surreal knowing that launch is so close. Thank you for sharing the process for all these years, it's been incredible!
Really feeling the emotions Steve. Bless you for your fortitude, care and continued communication. Been with you since the start and looking forward to seeing Arabella when she crosses the pond to the UK.
Building your own boat is all about deferred gratification. Keep it up.
I will watch till I am gone so no problem with that i have learned a lot from watching you all so thank you for all you do to keep us entertained
Some of the best advice I ever heard and have passed on multiple times to new boat owners. "Before you spend a lot of time/money on modifications you think you'll need, spend some time with the boat and I guarantee that list of modifications changes massively".
Good Morning Granby ⛵️👍👍👍👍👍✌️
Happy Friday, Mel!
What a glorious time to be alive xx
Indeed!
Wonderful to hear the engine running. My car is being serviced tomorrow and I am ready for the journey from Ontario, Canada to Matapoisette next Friday. I am really looking forward to it all and at some stage standing on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Mass, because I have also stood on the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Devon, UK.
Hooray, Andrew!
It is scarcely believable the progress. From pouring the keel to almost launch time, have I really seen most of the work? Wow!
Ive been along for the ride since the very early episodes and am so excited for you. Its been quite the journey.
Thanks!
Super interested in the videos to com as Steve learns the proverbial ropes of sailing, especially as someone who knows nothing about sailing.
As we get closer to the finish, I'm amazed at the complexity of the tasks needed. What an amazing crew. Fred is an absolute gentleman. Mike 🇦🇺 ps Ben you are amazing.
Whenever I see the llamas I can't help thinking about _The Emperor's New Groove._
This build has been an unbelievable success. Put once you splash the boat, the real journey begins. I'm 2k mile West of you and I can feel the anticipation. HOLD FAST and my God go with you!
Honestly, I've enjoyed these years of construction though I was only able to contribute through t-shirt purchases. I am looking forward to the future!
Thanks so much for your support, Pat. Being here every week is good support, too!
Another step closer to seeing the beauty on the water! I really hope Steve will take us along on his journey of learning to sail as he gets ready for bigger adventures.
Personally, I’m looking forwards to the sailing, fishing/diving for tonight’s catch down in the southern parts of the tropics. Building a ship is only the beginning part of the adventures to come!
Let’s see if she floats first. I know she will💪🏼🙏🏻❤️😄
Sooooo close! I'm so happy for Steve and the crew and looking forward to the next couple of videos like no other!
Constantly amazed with the progress through these Friday morning reports. There are so many details behind and many more to complete. Satisfying to hear that diesel roar to life. The forethought of preventing unneeded spillage of oil or fuel during filter changes - and the remote location to a bulkhead of each - shows the planning for future problem elimination. The 17th will be a major milestone but certainly not by any means the end of Arabella's journey to the Oggin.
As launch day nears there are plenty of first and last benchmarks: the last through hull, and starting the diesel for its first time. Thanks for making it possible for us to be aboard for A2A's maiden voyage.
What an incredible surprise to see the three best UA-cam channels converge, A2A, Keith Rucker and Windy Hill Foundry. Only the best talents on this project!!!
And yesterday Keith and Windy Hill were working together on the capstan from the original Tally Ho. Great viewing on this collaboration.
Hmm…
I wish i had moved the oil filter on my engine. Once you get oil in the bilge it is oh so hard to get rid off. Great work as always. All the best and hope everything is going well towards the launch.
Cheers!
Yeah! my Saturday morning routine of waking up to a new video will continue been a pleasure to watch over the years. Thank you for all the memories.
Cheers! Glad you’re watching!
My dad had a saying i learned to understand " Of course I know what I'm doing that's why it's taking so long " . Each step is important this no time to cut corners , the fit and finish looks amazing it's going to be a fine sailboat indeed !
Long time viewer. I have to say, that since about January, the amount of work that still needed to be done before mid-June was just staggering. Without the added help, I don't think you could have finished by June, 2024, much less 2023!
Indeed, it’s why we got the help. 👍
About the epilogue:
A boat, generally, is a constant project. A wooden boat even more so - even if it is new!
Even during the sailing videos, you will probably have every third of fourth video at least be a project video! No matter where in the world you will be, you'll always have something to optimize, repair, maintain. Also: your adventure videos will certainly be good!
Ben, I know Steven agrees, but the show and Arabella are truly blessed to have found you (perhaps you found each other)? I understand that your hours are long, and the compensation isn’t making anyone rich, and so I offer my thanks to you and your wife/family for the sacrifices you have made to this channel. I’m hoping that your experience will give you a huge leg up on your next gig with other UA-cam channels that need your amazing abilities. I do hope that you love the work and that you can make a very comfortable living as things change with A2A. God bless you and your family.
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, no one’s going to buy a yacht with this. 😉, but Ben plans to stay with a2a and do all he can for continued success with his family’s theater in Newburyport.
Having build a boat (much smaller and shorter duration than this one) I know that feeling… “It’s been a long haul”. It’s a feeling of accomplishment, and a quiet realisation the end of a long mission is near. Looking forward to launch day.
It's ALIVE!!!
Seven years?! i`ve been watching this for seven years now, wow how time flies.
Wish I could have made time to come see the launch. Been watching the channel since the band saw restoration video. Need a vacation for myself and this would have been perfect. Life’s got me down right now so I can’t but I’m glad I can at least see it from online ❤
All the best for calmer, easier times!
@@AcornToArabella Much appreciated!
Steve, to get where you're at with Arabella today is absolutely fantastic. What a fantastic job you all have done. You can be proud of your accomplishment. Great work!!! Ed C
Cheers!
What a magnificent achievement and inspiration to all, by both you and SV Seeker‼️👍👏🤝
As an ex-navy man, having served on a Frigate in the ‘60s, am looking forward to the launch.
Lots of work yet to be done, as has been going on on SV Seeker since her launch.
The Construction is near, but the Journey is just beginning. Never say Never. No tears shed, only smiles for Miles!!. Fred Knowels? is a Mechanical Artist, and a wise ass!!. I guess there is a little wise ass in every Artist, and Mechanic. You can "close loop" the cooling system while in harbor or Moorage, and then pump Prestone into the cooling system, to stop the corrosion on the cooling,, and keep the engine water pump seals conditioned from bits of barnacles and sea junk. More plumbing involved, and a reservoir tank with 15psi rad cap. Also, you can find small, sometimes perfect sized, sacrificial anodes on just about every outboard motor made after 1950. That Nanni Diesel should run for 15 years before it needs internal work. Nice Work to everyone. Coingrats!!.
That diesel sounded great! Getting excited about the launch! Thanks for another great video. Stay well, stay safe!
Steve, I have been following you and the crew for the 7 years. An AMAZING journey and I am so pleased to hear that you will be continuing the channel long after the launch. In a way, you, and the crew have become a part of my weekly ritual. I just wish that I could be there to see the launch and meet you in person, however work constraints keep me "welded" to my business and location here in So Cal. (San Diego county). Before you do take off for parts unknown and are remote, I do hope to get to the East coast and see you and Arabella. Even though we can "see" you on UA-cam, it will pale in comparison to meeting you and seeing Arabella up close. Such an accomplishment for a "novice" boatbuilder. NOT ANY LONGER, eh?
You will soon have a "PHD" in marine engineering and construction as you find out what was well engineered and what has to be tweaked. But from the looks of things and how the boat has progressed, I doubt that anything major will have to be done. Nice thing about the boating community; there are so many nice people that are eager to lend a hand, consult and assist in your quest. You are the kind of boater that anyone would like to "raft up" next to and share stories. With your background, education and experiences, you are just going to add to the fabric of your "scrapbook" of experiences. I have a tree service company here in San Diego County and to see you fell that large tree in your drive way was unique to see how you do tree work on the East coast. aWe do not have the species of trees that you have on your farm so boatbuilding out here (a desert, so to speak) is subject to imported woods. God bless you Steve and all of your "family" of workers, volunteers, and associates. Even though Alix is not in the pictures, we still hear his narration so it is nice to know that he is still involved. Looking forward to "launch day"
Randy
Randy; What an amazing commentary! You obviously have a great deal of emotional attachment with this project as do the rest of us.
Hi Randy! Ben’s been narrating for a long, long time, even since before Alix decided to leave. Thanks for all these kind thoughts and taking the time to relay them. Glad you’re on the journey with us!
A boat with no spars or rigging and a load of missing accessories to make sail .. Yeah its going to be a while. And I get seasick easily as my age goes up .. won't be joining you. BUT, I can congratulate you on your progress. Kudos for getting the Arabella up to boat status ... she should float when all the holes are filled with the proper accessories.
Oh my goodness, well no pressure Steve. June 17.
I know it’s not the end of this adventure. I have enjoyed watching from the beginning and I plan to stay with you, Steve, and crew into the water and beyond. Good luck, my friend exclamation😊
Hard to believe many of us have faithfully followed the journey of this wooden boat for seven years, and what a beautiful journey it has been. ❤
I’m landlocked but have long fantasized about pivoting everything and sailing around the world, knowing several acquaintances who have done just that. Looking forward to learning how to sail right along with Steve and Robin over the next seven years!
Everything is looking fantastic! Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to your future adventures aboard Arabella.
Does not feel like 7 years … well done so far … hard work pays off .
Thanks for another beautiful video. It's only the end of the first chapter.