Weekend Warriors Work On Deck & Down Below - Ep. 309 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat
Weekend Warriors Work On Deck & Down Below – Ep. 309
Welcome back aboard Arabella this week as Steve gets a visit from a whole bunch of familiar faces and they all spend the weekend getting a ton of things done on deck and down below, just like they did when they arrived at the boat house about a year ago. This time, the crew took their mission briefing from Steve and dispersed throughout the boat, getting right down to business.
What started as minor tasks soon escalated into major projects that involved routing greywater to the composting toilet and making crucial modifications on deck, all in the spirit of a well-planned weekend work session. Long-time friends and crew members worked together to make the most of their time, applying skills honed over years of boat maintenance and improvements.
Significant Segments
Routing Greywater Tank into Composting Toilet
Bill started working on tying the greywater tank into the vent for the composting toilet. It didn’t need to be huge, and with careful measurements, they ensured a perfect fit. This small but essential modification helped manage waste effectively during their time aboard Arabella.
Installing AF Hatch
Up on deck, Jeff got started on the AF hatch which was having a couple of different things done to it. Meanwhile, David spent his morning chasing down leaks in the deck under the propane tank.
Hung and Insulated Companionway Ceiling
The crew also tackled improvements in less visible areas such as inside lockers. Bill worked on a unique solution to keep the ceiling dry and mold-free by using a combination of fiberglass-reinforced panels and thoughtful design. This prevented moisture buildup that could damage the boat’s interior over time.
Pig Stick for Flying Flags
Noah had made a pig sticker, which is used for flying flags above the mast. The crew learned how to use it effectively, and Noah shared his insights on using split rings or blocks to attach the flag securely.
Project Progress
Hot Water Heater Installed
The hot water heater installation was one of the most significant accomplishments during the weekend. The crew had to ensure that it worked effectively, providing enough power without compromising the boat’s overall energy usage.
Steve also continued monitoring their battery levels and solar power output, providing valuable insights into managing their onboard systems efficiently.
Rewards and Reflections
The weekend work session wasn’t just about ticking off tasks from a to-do list. It was an opportunity for friends who share the same passion for Arabella to gather, catch up on each other’s lives, and strengthen their community bonds. David had managed to coordinate most of Steve’s network of friends, all keen to contribute to the project at hand.
Despite some setbacks due to wet weather, everyone put in an incredible effort to complete as much work as possible. The hot water heater trial run was particularly exciting for Robin, who initially doubted its importance but found great value in having hot water during their time aboard.
In the end, more than a dozen friends came together and contributed to numerous boat improvements. It proved that working on a common goal fosters stronger connections and makes every project seem achievable. While the weekend was not without its challenges – such as wet weather conditions that delayed some tasks – it served its purpose of improving Arabella while strengthening relationships within their community.
With spring in the air, all involved look forward to more opportunities to work on the boat and enjoy her for what she’s meant for. As winter turns into warmer days, we will see more activities and improvements around Arabella as they take advantage of being outdoors and making use of their beloved sailboat.
For more exciting updates on Arabella, be sure to subscribe to Acorn To Arabella! Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening with the boat and our crew. Share this episode with friends who share your passion for sailing adventures!
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The crew spends the weekend getting projects done on deck and down below. After receiving their mission briefing from Steve, everyone gets down to business.
On day 1, Bill works in the head tying the gray water tank into the vent for the composting toilet. Up on deck, Jeff gets to work on the aft hatch while David spends his morning chasing down leaks on the deck under the propane tank. There’s been a few issues with leaks on deck, causing water to drip on the dishes.
On day 2, a bell vent gets attached to the aft hatch to allow for air flow and reduced condensation. Steve and Aaron start to wire in the hot water heater. Steve addresses a condensation issue in the hanging locker and forepeak. Condensation is building up on the bronze straps, causing problems for clothes that make contact with the moisture. The team adds a fiberglass reinforced panel to allow for air flow, which will help keep the clothes dry.
Noah brings a pig sticker for Steve, which is meant for a flag. When set up on the masthead, it can double as a windex—a visual cue on which direction the wind is coming from.
Getting to meet people in the community has been such a rewarding aspect of this adventure. It was great having the crew out for the weekend, catching up and spending time together. Of course, it was a huge help being able to complete a good chunk of the to-do list. Thank you to all who came out, and thanks to David and Jeff for organizing the weekend.
Pretty soon, Arabella will be out on the waters doing what she was meant to do.
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Acorn to Arabella started as a wooden boat building project in Granby, Massachusetts. Steve began the journey as an amateur wooden boat builder crafting a 38' wooden sailboat in his backyard: designer William Atkin's Ingrid with a Stormy Petrel's gaff rig. These videos follow the journey from tree felling, to lumber milling, to lofting, to the lead keel pour and now sailing the boat—sharing details of the woodworking, carpentry, metal smithing, tool building, and tool maintenance that traditional wooden boats command. This ultimate DIY project continues beyond the boat shop, as Steve and crew travel and learn to cruise aboard the handmade wooden boat that they've built. Just kidding about all that, this channel is about a Siberian Laika named Akiva.
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Weekend Warriors Work On Deck & Down Below - Ep. 309 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat Locations
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We are building a 38’ sailboat from stump to ship, once complete she will take us around the world. We hope to inspire and educate as many people as possible along the way. Join us on our journey and let us show you that with a bit of dedication, good company and some old school smarts even the wildest of dreams can be made to come true! For inquiries about collaborating or integrations, please email [email protected].
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