It's a BIG week on the houseboat build
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- I've been in the final stretch of finishing the hull of the houseboat build for what feels like forever, and this week it's time for some big moves to get this hull ready to flip (and let the house part of the houseboat build begin).
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About me: I decided to jump on an opportunity to buy a school bus for $1000. After a couple years of building and a couple summers doing bus life, I sold the bus and began building a tiny house boat from scratch. My hope is that with a couple years of practice building under my belt, I can do a bit better of a job this time and build something that actually floats 🤞
Business inquiries: emmabuildsbirbie@influint.co
Personal messages: birbiebus@gmail.com
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I strongly encourage you to do a float test first before beginning the house portion of your build. If there is any flaw, you will know it before you put all that effort in.
If you’re having a bad day, just watch Emma, you truly have a calming effect in your videos. The boats looking great.
This is for me I’m having the weirdest time in my life
Emma, the thing to remember is that the strips of aluminum are sacrificial. They get damaged and replaced. Traditionally half-round brass or bronze (expensive) or just hardwood. The runners themselves are sacrificial. Rustoleum Bright Red! Gotta love it!
Just keep reminding yourself your building character which will be more than you think , later in life. This is exactly how I started now after 73 years on this planet , I’ve built houseboats, homes for people, am currently building a stilt home from ground up, I drive a 1949 pick up I built myself which is my daily driver. I still go through the trial and errors every other hour and continue building things one project after another. I figure I’ve saved $150,000 dollars on my current house build. Keep up the great work and never give up.
Hi Emma, i just wanted to say that a lot of times I'm screaming behind my monitor about what you should do instead of what you are actually doing but on the other side there is a girl that set her mind to do something or create something without the knowledge how to do it but that does not stop you. You fail and get knocked to the ground and stand up even more determined to the project and i have a hell of lot of respect for that and at the same time you make very entertaining video's showing not only the success but also the fails and that takes a lot of guts to put that on the internet for everyone to see. Your boat is gonna look amazing when it is done I'm sure of that and you built that with your own two hands. looking forward to your next video best wishes
Oh my goodness; I’m doing the same thing! Too many times I’m saying out loud what I think she should be doing or what she should be buying or where she should bebuying it. Turns out she’s doing great and she doesn’t need my advice at all.
Always look forward to a new Emma Builds Birb....... Boatie.
I absolutely love that you show the parts you're having to re-do as well as the parts that went well on the first try. So many builds just show the highlight reel of it going well with one big "oh no it failed how will we recover" fake drama point that's almost always not a real inhibitor.
I think most of us prefer seeing what a process really looks like, and how to recover from when it doesn't go as planned. 10/10
Great job ...Looks awesome. Food for thought, paint the runners and just screw the plastic strips on no glue. The only reason for the runners is to protect the wood bottom if you beach the houseboat on shore. The plastic will protect the runners from rocks. I love your attitude when you come to a problem.
I think what you are looking for is called Aluminum Flat Stock. Menards sells it in different thicknesses, widths and lengths (up to 96 inches long). If you need something longer, look for a company close to your location that is like Alro Steel. You might have to drive a bit (closest one to me is just over an hour away), but pickup is a LOT cheaper than paying freight.
The boat looks amazing, looking forward to the next video. And stop selling yourself short. Nothing you have done so far is "beyond your skill level". Doing something you have never done before is always a learning experience. So instead of thinking you don't have the skills (you most definitely do), think of it as learning how to use those skills in a new or different way.
You know, of course, that I talk to you as you work. Especially when you ask us questions … like, ‘ should I stack them?’ … meaning the tinfoil aluminum strips.
I’m saying ‘no, no, Emma, don’t do that!’.
I so enjoy your video and projects! Like the red paint! Now, what are we going to do with that trailer?
Oh my goodness, I’m doing the same thing! Answering her questions. As if Emma needs my advice. Sheesh, she’s the one actually doing it, I’m the one sitting in my recliner watching it.
Plastic is a great option for those runners. Not sure what kind of plastic you got but Delrin is a great choice for future reference.
Also, just about any epoxy glue will bond with Delrin
20:19
Priceless look of glee!
Fire Engine RED!
Your palm router, the small one, is the easiest way to finish the edges of your runners, or pretty much anything that you want rounded edges on.
Whoa what in the poison apple 🍎 magic is this🔥
The sparkles in your eyes when you were about to paint your boat!! And the ones when you were ready are so beautiful. It makes watching your video such a pleasure. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱👋
Just a tip,I.ve found that those thin pieces of metal might make small structural brackets for the interior. just bend them and drill some holes. Thanks for the great content!
Perhaps screw those strips down after you paint it with brass or stainless screws . Then in the future if they get damaged you could easily replace them
Hi Emma you must countersink your screws into the alloy because they will pull the screws out if you catch the bottom of the boat on rocks and things, great Chanel loving your can do anything attitude, 🏴🏴🏴
Love you boat and to pop your red the base coat should be grey and the red relay comes out even beter. Like you positively thinking and taking action please keep on doing that!
Strakes on a flat bottom boat are for tracking and longitudinal stiffness. 😊
You are kind soul,everything looks fresh.getting my life together. Shamim 💔👏🦢🕊🤝💑🎎🆗️🫂
Pretty sure Lexel sticks to everything! Its the "dickens" to get un stuck! Facts!
Emma, the aluminum you need, needs to be 1/8” thick. Look at metal suppliers in your area. Aluminum is pricy.
Just something I found helpful when I built a wooden boat is to use cheap Chip brushes from Harbor Freight instead of expensive paint brushes. Because they never come completely clean.. but chip brushes are disposable.
Building a big project by yourself is always a challenge, even for an experienced person. I've found ways to add an extra hand with a temporary cleat or clamp, place a temporay screw so I can use a claw hammer to pry a board to close a gap ect. I'm amazed at your skill and determination to get it right.
Emma, u can use a aluminum transition strip sold for flooring transitions , home Depot or Lowe's sell it in long strips in flooring isle, it is prefilled for tacos but u can use screws, it's usually not flat but has rounded edges and will be much more durable than plastic ☺️
Looking GOOD!!! The hull too!! That bright red really pops!
Cheers!...from North Vancouver
You are such a sweet young lady. I have to say that you have become one of my favorite channels. I know you get frustrated but heck girl. You don't like much help and you are learning so much. You have no fear. Love you girl ❤
Well, something is coming to life.. =) Good job, Emma, the only thing I'm concerned a bit is the "poliesterization" waterproofing, which has to be impeccable. I saw some "damage" on a corner and I don't criticize you, but keep an eye on the surface lamination, since if damaged, you will have water intrusion in the wood, which will be a pain to solve and can contribute to plywood de-layer-ization. =) Excuse my words composing.. Other than that it looks cool. Keep calm and keep on, soon there will be some admirable result, but the hull is crucial to be perfect. Cheers.
Back when my father built wooden boats(up to 28' Clinkerbuilt hulls) he used a strip of galvanised steel on the keel on the larger boats. They actually make them as Stainless steel these days. (Keel bands) Even comes pre-drilled and countersunk. Not as low friction as your plastic, but much more hardwearing. Boat supply stores have a lot of nice stuff.(but very, very pricey )
Those strips are there to protect the wood and to make the hull slide easier onto the trailer.
Rustoleum?
Fiberglass/Resin isn't actually waterproof. The reccommended 'paint' is something called a Gelcoat.
(When they make fiberglass boats they usually spray the mold with Gelcoat, let it harden, then spray fiberglass and resin onto the Gelcoat with a special tool.)
I'm not familiar with Rustoleum, really. I know of a guy up in Alaska that uses it on the machines and shelves and stuff in his workshop.
A little GEL coat before painting would make the fibreglass pretty smooth. Nice work!
Can't wait to see it in use. Be sure to name it before you put it in the water.
If you don’t plan on beaching your boat on rocky shores your hardwood runners will probably be fine. Just may need redoing from time to time. Most boats don’t have runners at all.
Google new iron to find a place near you. I would probably use 1/4” thickness x width x length aluminum. Drill holes and bevel holes so that the screws will be below the top of aluminum
Hi Emma,
see if there is a sheet metal factory in your area, they will usually have a scrap bin, and will probably have something that will work, they'll cutting it for you and it'll cost next to nothing as its scrap pieces, and if you actually go in to the factory, you'll most likely get it for free.
Esp if you tell them what you're building, and bring some photos with you.
also to get better sticking between materials the grinder is your best friend, as the grind marks will give something for the glue to bite into.
love ya.
Decay, Melbourne, Australia
Forget the plastic runners, especially that thin stuff. Fill the screw holes and paint it. If later you are concerned and have the money, use 1/4 inch aluminum strips. But I would not put anything, just epoxy/paint over any scratches as the develop.. another 3 or 4 coats of paint and you'll be set
You should see if they have a boat supply store near you that sells accessories for boats and see if they have what you need
Hi from Northern Ontario Canada. The plastic you want is UHMW (ultra high molecular density). You countersink the holes to attach the plastic and get plugs premade to plug the holes. And depending on the plugs gives the thickness of the plastic strips. Good luck.
Opps, that should be Ultra High Molecular Weight. And UHMW is not a word it is U H M W.
🌴Hey Emma , so on them runners 1/4 “ alum for thickness , you’ll probably have to go to a metal supply for it ,or order it , Taco metal in Florida has it 🤔 you could also use plastic , that you might wanna use - Star board they sell by a 4’x8’ sheet but you might find a marine supply that has it , same stuff they use like cutting boards , as far as for thickness that’s up to you but I would get the one inch thick stuff it comes in one inch thick - 3/4 - 1//2 - 1/4 “ I would use 5200 marine seal , available at Home Depot or marine supply stores , stainless screws , the thicker star board will allow you to beach the boat and protect it from impacts ( well small ones ) 😄👍🏼. 5200 sticks great to the plastic , it sticks to everything, it will be a royal pain in the azz to get plastic off it holds that good but hopefully you’ll never need to replace them for along time , 🙂
I must say Emma, the boat is looking good right now. I love your persistence, you don't let nothing deter you!!!!
So 45 years working and building boats, you doing good. Feel free to contact for any questions. The negative comments are so full of holes their idiotic.
I remember building my first boat. Everything went fine except for the times that I had to stop to make sure the portisan was cool and barkney. Sometimes I had to framble it first...
Cut the aluminum strips in half to make them narrower and try braiding a basket.
There is almost always a better way. It rarely matters. You can usually fix something not sticking by sanding. You could use epoxy to glue that plastic down if you rough sand it. The epoxy will not chemically bond with it, but it will mechanically bond with it by filling in the scratches, hardening an locking in. You may want to use them for rub rails or whatever later.
Great job. Perseverance, skill building and challenging yourself to solve life problems in the future by building a house boat can only be done by a few in the World, and to put it on YT is only you. Thank you for sharing.
frustating at times oh yeah but these are memories you'll never forget very happy for you enjoy
Emma your doing an amazing job, love the color too. I love the way you problem solve, OK it cost a bit more time and money, but when it's done you won't be able to wipe the smile of your Face, Go Girl.
You are correct, it's "fill + it". Beautiful work, I'm always impressed.
Umm... is that Rust Oleum topside paint? They do make a bottom paint but I don't know if they have that color. If it's their topside paint it will peel off after awhile. And not too long. I hope it's not.
Wow, I love the color! She is "poping" Emma!!! AllthebestRoy
Got to admire your gumption to do this! You are learning a lot. After this is done, you might look into an internship at some wooden boatbuilding, acquiring the skills of a shipwright. You certainly qualify as a tested applicant. Definitely do a float test before building the house part and please do some calculations regarding weight and center of gravity. Regard those plastic strips, the plastic obviously is not sticking but also has a different expansion coefficient than the wood. Also aluminum is effected with the salt water over time. Have you considered another metal? Good luck!
Trial and error are part of achieving.
Yes!!!! My color! -red! It will also look awesome with varnished wood trim! You're doing great!
Great Job Emma! Its looking fantastic! 😉👍
I would use the thin peace of tin for the house part of the boat
Beautiful red! The hull looks great. You are building a BOAT from SCRATCH!! YES you certainly ARE! Have a good flippin’ time 😂Cheers!👍💕✌️
I call it blood red
Love the paint
I worked for a company that built 16:18 boats in Florida and you are doing an awesome job but you learn so much more from your mistakes you have to look at it as a learning experience 👍🥰
You make Fridays way better!
The 'cat got the cream' Emma in the thumbnail, though!
i love the color emma, great choice.
Proud of you, Emma….. You’re doing so good……. I always look forward to watching your videos…
Your boat looks really good, you’re real genuine and honest in the way you do it too…… keep going don’t get discouraged👍😎.
Have a good weekend 😊
Take your time. You'll get it. ❤
I want to flip that water puddle off your canopy so bad 😂
I have to do that when my canopy ties are loose.
One of your ties might be loose.
Looks greats!,,Love the Red hull👏
You are amazing!👍
You are doing great and enjoying it That is what counts
Oh Emma, the color is fabulous. Love it, love it, love it and you're smiling- yeah!
😊💙
Nice progress Emma, and nice colour choice. Thank you for sharing!
thank you 💙💙
I hope you used stainless steel screws for the runners? Adhesive for plastic: 3M 5200. It's a boat, use marine grade materials.
no i used brass
We call that "lipstick red" 😂❤😂❤
The more coats of paint you can do the better. Painting it again later, after it's flipped will be so much harder as well.
You still need to add fiberglass on them runners before you paint.
Yes to HDP (MO' B'TR) STARBOARD, WHITE CUTTING BOARD material!
Looks great. Wish I had some of that attitude that's leaping you over those hurdles!
Build it the way you want, just follow Roys plans. I watched every single one of his build videos of all 3 of his designs. He designs and builds things in a very utilitarian, common sense way. I'm really glad I found your build because you're the first person I have seen besides Roy who has built that houseboat. I know others have been built but I don't know of anyone making a vlog of it.
If you can't find the aluminum in the length you need try to find either a metal scrap yard or a recycling center, they may have something that you can't find in a store that you can cut down.
Thanks!
You're doing great. Things get frustrating, but push through and keep going. The progress looks great.
You are doing a tremendous job. It looks really good. There were some parts early on when I, personally, thought you might could use a helper and was curious why you didn't ask someone. But, you really are coming along brilliantly. Keep em coming. Looking forward to the next one.
Wow Emma… From a bus to a boat! 💪🏻
The red is awesome. Can't wait to see what you are going to do on the house part of the houseboat.
Loving your boat journey so far, it's looking amazing!! love that you show the highs and lows and how much you smile when you've achieved something great, like picking the colour, looks fantastic!! keep up the great work and vids, can't wait to see the start of the house build part, going to be awesome.
Watching you navigate these challenges really helps me build the confidence to tackle my own build challenges 🫶 And the color is perfect! I cant wait!
Proud of you! 😍
Love the red hull of your boat! 🏚️🚣♀️
Love your fortitude! Two suggestions. A corner round router bit with a bearing guide makes quick work of rounding edges. A set of different sizes is a good investment. Also, after you mix epoxy, spread it out in a paint roller pan or cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy disposal. This gives you a much longer open time and delays the exothermic reaction. Hope this helps.
Good job, cant wait to see what's happening next
I’m glad you painted it red. It looks really good. One of my favorite colors.
It's looking damn good Emma, and I love your choice of color for the hull. This is going to be an amazing houseboat when you get done.
Goto an aluminum store in your area for eaves troughs. They should have a skinning material you can buy in a roll or have them cut and bend it to size
11:01 i don't know if you knew this but plastic do expand and shrink in the heat, that's probably why it gone like that
cant wait to get to painting on my build!
I love the color you chose, and the whole hull looks great. Can’t wait for the next video!
Maybe aluminum siding for a house? Cut it up.
Love the color, your doing GREAT
Looks great, Can't go wrong with red.
❤ Love it! 🎉 Keep going, you'll get there! Thanks for sharing the journey.
If those strips of aluminum end up not really working, you can always remove them, plug the hole with thickened epoxy and add a few layers of sacrificial fibreglass. It is fairly durable and probably would slide well.
How exciting! And your enthusiasm for flipping the boat!! Whoot whoot. Xoxo
With all the progress I can't help but wonder the name she will get...Birdie Floats? Birdie Castway? Birdie the Boatie? So many options!
You could build a shelter pulled by a bike made from corrugated plastic sheets and pink insulation foam with liquid rubber to seal it. Lol
Looks fab in red❤