That deck is really clever. I think you should turn this into an official plan that you can sell. I've purchased other plans before and this one is very unique.
Thank you! Sadly I don't own a computer or laptop so it would be hard to make and sell plans without that. We will see what the future brings, I will keep your suggestion in mind!👍
it's amazing what a man can think up when he has a desire. you did a fabulous job and the thoughts that went into this construction is amazing. great job. enjoyed the build and ideas. thanks.
Very nice! Regarding the platform, if you install floatation foam between the 2x4s you will have an unsinkable boat for a just incase scenario. That's how Boston Whaler boats are constructed. You did a great job on the build.
Amazing….. even when you build an inexpensive and quick project you rock!!! I know by just being on the water it will help to inspire you even more to finish your houseboat. I really liked how you built the platform deck using the dowels and the arch jig and production. I really believe if you could produce these they would sell! Anyhow thanks again for sharing your skills and travels. 👍
Thank you very much! I agree, this will be very inspirational! If there is enough interest I actually would consider selling them, even though the price would have to increase significantly since I didn't include any labor in the overall cost.
You did a great job ! the only thing I would have done different would be have the white part of the tarp facing out and the back of the tent also have a zip up door like the front does. congratulations you were under budget.
You are not just a gteart carpenter , but also a artist . My only thoughts about this is I would have went with 2 small wooden pontoons filled with expanding foam . They would only stick out back of the mini van a little when apart in the Van . Reason being , a puncture would ruin a weekend , or during winter storage critters chewing hole's in the pontoons . Also on radiator heater for your garage , you need to install a blow off valve . So the if pressure gets to high it opens up . Some are made so you can fit a hose copper tube which you can run to your catch tank . Also you buy a 12v heating hot water circulation pump . Where as you will have 12v batteries from this little camper and from the houseboat . Also there is neat thing from coal or wood hot water heating furnace's . It opens and closes the air damper according to the water temp . Really like the artwork in counter top and stairs . A little trivia on the sugar joke in the drink coaster build . Famous Britt chief Jamie Oliver filled a school bus full of sugar to make a protest to the LA school district commissioner in regards to how much sugar was being put into the food for the kids . Wish your family all the best . Paul N.
Thank you Paul, all good thoughts you have there. I am not worried about punctures in the pontoons and I will explain why in the update video, so watch out for that🙂 As for the valve in the heating system, I agree, it is on my long "to do" list. I haven't heard of Jamie Oliver's "sugar" school bus, but I will look into this!
If it's a car radiator, the standard radiator cap should easily release any surplus pressure before it becomes a hazard anywhere else in the system. Just make sure the overfill hose is directed in a safe direction. :)
Please do, it works great for that! If you want to see how I used the same technic to build a 39 foot long greenhouse, check out my very first video on this channel: ruclips.net/video/WcGjNfupL6A/видео.html
Und wieder mal ein super gelungenes Projekt von dir Daniel !!! 👍👍 Wie schön und ruhig doch der See und die ganze Natur bei euch ist !!!👍 L.g. aus Murnau .
I may not be a subscriber but I gotta tell you that was an outstanding job , you my friend are a genius . I can see you put a lot of thought into making something very usable , manageable and fun . Thank you for sharing this video it was epic watching .💯👍
Wow that looks great and your reward is it's Awlsom looks good and by the looks it will hold a lot of weight nice video that should last you a long time and way you build it looks strong! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Interesting. I bought the American manufacture of that inflated boat 5 years ago for $1400 USD. It was OK but I'm not a small man so with me and a small 2.5 hp gas motor in the back it didn't have enough buoyancy. I'm going to use some imagination and use a small abandoned aluminum row boat for the center, put on a wide deck, and attach the inflated pontoons as outriggers on each side. I'm going to piano hinge the pontoons to fold up. Thanks for the ideas.
Are you talking about only the pontoons you bought for $1400 USD or an entire setup with platform? I am asking because I am not aware of a manufacturer of a similar boat. I like your idea with the outriggers, that could be quite a unique build!
That's exactly what we did. We just used a queen-size air mattress and spent multible weekends like that on lakes. It makes for a very unique and memorable experience! Cheers!
This is a brilliant design, you should be working on scaled production model and patent. Maybe aluminum panels, canopy could be a custom tent with fiberglass poles...
Thank you for the compliment and your input! I definitely think the design can be improved and your ideas are excellent. An aluminum platform would make it lighter and longer lasting, same with the tent and fiberglass poles. Maybe one day I get to build a second, improved version and then it might be worth looking into a small scale production.
I love your ideas, your magic hand and your boat. I just wonder how you can tie up the platform/desk to the "D" rings inside of 2 pontoon tubes on the ground at the lake shore?
Thank you! It works the same way as on the outside. Simple straps with plastic buckles. Since the platform is made of four segments with only 30inch width, you can reach underneath each time you clip one on when standing between the pontoons. If you forget to clip on a segment (I totally have done that) you either have to take them apart again or crawl under. I also gradually move the boat from shore in the water with each segment so at least half sits in the water at the end. Otherwise it would take too much force to move it once assembled and loaded.
Interesting idea! I am afraid hollow core doors are too expensive in my area. Moisture would be another problem. They are often made with a cardboard core. If that gets wet, all the strength is gone. The thin panel that covers those doors is not very puncture resistant, which could be problematic too. But I like your way of thinking outside the box! I am not much of a sailer, but I assume a sail would work! Thank you for commenting!
Pretty good, but perhaps a bit overbuilt in the tent design. Something you might like to experiment with, is thin clear grained timber say 4-6 mm, with [Edit 12oz , 220 gsm ] FG, epoxied to the outside of a curve. When you bend it, it bends like a a fishing rod. You can then fg the inside curve to keep it bent. You could even get away with only one layer in the arch, I suspect. A much lighter and equally stiff solution with half the weight of those curved girders you built. More like a sail batten, really. I would also consider adding some stretched, painted canvas to form a waterproof , skin on frame canoe type surface under the platform. This would add some reserve buoyancy and provide less wind and water resistance in less than calm conditions. You would be surprised how much better going upwind would be in a two hulled craft.
You got some good points there! As of right now they are definitely overbuilt, but I do have upgrades in mind that might require the beefier arches. Also, I wanted to be flexible so I can add screws and hooks whereever needed, which is easier with more meat on the arches. I also like the idea of using the canvas/paint under the platform! Very good idea, even though I wonder if it would trap moisture and mold in the hollow space? I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
@@adrianwoodworm Yes, you would need to allow some limber holes and drain plugs. Maybe held down with wood strips and screws for annual removal and inspection ? Mind you, a flat sheet of thin fibreglass laid up on smooth melamine to save sanding, would be the ideal if you could stretch your budget. As a forethought, a more aerodynamic front to the canopy (perhaps lowerable) would be more room inside for accommodation, and that time when you are caught with a severe headwind, and about to be blown 50 miles to the lee shore. Its bad enough in a canoe, I found out :-(
@@dnomyarnostaw more good thoughts! I just came back from a very windy lake, and the motor seems to be strong enough to still push it against the wind and white cap waves at around 4 km/hr. which probably could be improved with your suggestions. I sure needed to make sure to set anchor in a calm bay so I could get some peacefull sleep😁
@@adrianwoodworm well done camping overnight is quite an adventure Did you wake up every hour because you thought the anchor might be dragging too :-). Have fun.
@@dnomyarnostaw no, but we did have an afternoon nap for only 15 min. and ended up on the other side of the lake😆 that's when I learned to give the anchor line some slack so the anchor has a chance to dig in!
Now this I can do !!!!! THANK YOU, exactly what I was looking for! Do you have a web site where I can download the plans, do you have plans? A parts list? I would of course pay you something, I don't expect anything for free :)
I am sorry Andrew, I don't have a website nor plans. In fact, I actually don't even own a computer, I film and edit all the videos on my phone, so there won't be anything like this anytime soon. Most materials beside the lumber have been purchased on amazon, like the pull latches, the velcro tape, the motor etc. If there is something in particular that you would like to know, I am happy to help(without pay!) I appreciate your interest!
@@adrianwoodworm Ha ha, understood! Well I know where you got the inflatable pontoons, I will figure out the rest. I'm in Montreal so Winter is coming, I will probably start this next spring. Thanks Adrian, I will hit you up if I have any questions :)
I have been on rocky lakes and pulled the boat right on shore without any issues. The rocks where not super sharp though, but i have to say, the reinforcement layer at the bottom of the pontoons can take a beating, I think it would take quite a bit to penetrate that. Besides that, I made them separate each pontoon in three sections. That way if one is compromised, I still have two to stay afloat.
few things to add, Rope, signal whistle, and flares. (just to make it marine compliant, + first aid kit) Now, keeping with the theme of things. there are canvas and folding solar systems. you can drape it over one or both sides of the tent. pull in 100-200 watts of solar. that can feed a small solar battery, and let you recharge. maybe add in a small wood stove, camping stove that can be clamped to the floor for heat and cooking, or propane heater and propane tank would also work.
Those are good ideas Jennifer and most of them happend allready. There is a second video about this boat on this channel. It shows a 200W solar system on the roof.
@@adrianwoodworm yeah i saw you used the "fixed" panels. I was looking at the portable "canvas backed" solar panels just cuz they fit with the quick break down small storage area :). Now you can also really cheat here if you wanted. a little 700/900 or 800/1000 propane generator, propane heater, and propane cook top. all of them are small, easy. all can run of little 1 pound tanks, or may share a 5 or 10 lb tank (20 lb is overkill but you could do it for long trips). This gives you the ability in an emergency, to run your motor at 30% power, for 3 hours, one a 1 pound propane tank... or charge batteries and such in a really overcast day. its cheating but.
I have concerns about the shelter/dome acting as a sail and making steering/headway difficult in a wind. Lakes are notoriously windy and the amount of power in the small motor is unlikely to be able to overcome all of that resistance.
It has not been a problem so far, even in heavy winds. Of course very strong winds will push the boat around a bit but the motor has been also powerful enough to battle it. After all, it is the strongest motor I could find out there that still runs on 12V. In fact, I have been on a lake that was so windy that the waves even managed to break one of the plastic buckles of the straps that are holding the pontoons onto the platform and even then, the electric motor did its job just fine.
I just put a platform segment on a scale for you. Each of them weighs around 33 lbs. All the cover framing weighs 25 lbs. The motor is at 21 lbs, the two 100 AH lithium batteries with box weigh around 60lbs. Two fancy car seats = 60lbs. All of that will add up to almost 300lbs. Then you have to add your personal equipment, the solarpanels if you upgrade like I did, and of course your bodyweight + passenger. I don't know about the exact flotation, I just trusted my guts that they will be plenty for what I do. They are 12ft long and have a diameter of 20 inches, I am sure there are online calculators that can tell you what you want to know. All I can say is that I had 5 adults and a dog plus a lot of equipment on this boat and it was no problem at all, in fact I didn't even notice a difference. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Hmm, that is wierd. It works from my wife's phone. The link only leads to the factory in China, not to those specific pontoons since they are custom made. If the link works at all then just click on "chat now" and start a conversation with them. They have been very helpful even though their English is a bit rough. I hope this helps!
There is already a link for the straps and the buckles I used in this video in the video description. I added a link to the factory on alibaba for you. All you would have to do is start a chat with them and tell them what you want. The dimensions I personally chose are: 12 ft long(3.66meters) and 20 inches diameter(50cm) I sent them a quick drawing with rough directions, explaining where I wanted the D Rings. I don't have that anymore and I also don't recall exactly the measurements for that. But they will walk you through it and give you options. It is best to just start the conversation with them and go from there if you are serious about ordering them. Hope this helps, cheers!
Hi Thomas, I was using the boat in the middle of British Columbia, on multiple different lakes, Nukko Lake, Carp lake, Crystal Lake and Kerry lake, just to name a few.
@@adrianwoodworm You might like the Trent Canal system between the Georgian Bay and the Military Canal. This canal was built by General By between Ottawa and Lake Ontario in 1814. This canal was to defend any American invasion. Think I have the date right?
Great question! Trying to find a cheep solution is always a challenge. I would try to find used HDPE plastic drums online, seal them up and build my pontoons out of them. Or I would use a plywood construction covered with PMF. (Poor man's fiberglass: woodglue+fabric+exterior paint) it isn't as durable as epoxy but it works. It is 100% water tight and if you make sure not to hit rocks hard when you land on shore, you will be fine. I actually did some longterm tests with this and I will talk about that in a future video. (Older expedition canoes have been built in a simular fashion.)
@@adrianwoodworm Thanks - you've come to the same conclusions I have, so that tells me I'm on the right track. I'd fill the drums with foam, or cut the drums down the middle, (ends removed), and attach them to wood to make pontoons, (see plastic drum boat videos on YT). I also saw a video where chicken wire was used as a base for a fiberglass boat, incorporating something like that in a PMF boat could be useful, too. I figure a pontoon type boat that is seaworthy would be easiest to build for someone like me with no boat building experience, it's basically a box on a couple of floats. Looking forward to your next videos.
I've built up to 16'+ pontoons using $8US each rinsed and sealed 55gal plastic drums from a car wash. I use 2x8x16' treated ladder frames to contain the barrels and as cross frames. I use hung, lower decks to work off of when managing aquatic vegetation. I prefer to use a 6.5hp longtail engine to propel them through weeds but have also used paired electrics. These have sufficient flotation to use aquatic mowers and hydraulic pumps to harvest hundreds of pounds of vegetation. They aren't pretty or hydrodynamically efficient but up to two years ago, cost under $400US. They are robust, easily repaired and can be left out over winter.
Thank you! It takes around 40 min. and it might increase with future upgrades. It makes the most sense to set up for a couple days vs. just an afternoon.
The link to the company is in the description. There is no specific link to those tubes because they are custom ordered. Just start a conversation with them, and they will be happy to help you.
I considered it, but after doing a rough calculation and adding the cost of labor, I ended up with a price that would be too much for most. Especially when you start buying propper tarp vs. the silage/ducktape combo. And then there is the whole marketing, packing, shipping and paperwork aspect, and that is not really my thing.
I show the boat allready in the intro for 15seconds and then later, after I show the building process, I showed it again for almost 2 minutes. Therefore I assume you don't talk about the boat itself. Would you mind telling us what exactly you mean by "the thing"?
Hello! I love your little portable Catamaran. It's actually perfect for a lot if things that I would be doing. I'm in Thailand and getting ready to start a boat build here. Actually it will be 3 different biat builds. I am planning the first a Catamaran Houseboat to liveaboard and a small Sailing Catamaran for camper cruising and a couple of Kayaks, but your inflatable cat could easily replace the two Kayaks. And could be stowed away in one of the Hulls of the houseboat. I really like how you built it and your Gothic Arch structure is pretty perfect. How long did it take you to build, hours-wise? So cool. Thanks. New Sub.
Thank you for your interest! Sounds like you have a couple cool projects coming up! I cannot remember exactly how long I was working on this boat but I would say it would take around 2weeks (80hrs) to complete this. That includes sourcing the materials, which ended up beeing quite time consuming. (We live 40 min. out of town, so multible trips add up real quick)
You could have just used pvc pipe to make the arches it would have been way lighter an easier to build but you guys from across the pond are so detailed an great builders if we made that in the USA we wouldn't have the pretty Dowell pockets you made the arches out of wood by hand you guys are impressive
ruclips.net/video/CYHV2ZYiess/видео.htmlsi=9XdomXq_PmAguaFv This is a link to an update video that explains why I build them so beefy🙂 Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!
I was beginning to worry that just the quantity of screws in the platform would sink the boat, but ... all's well that ends well. ;-) I'm starting to believe that you could build just about anything, given the right tools and materials. Nice job. P.S. - Dollar_s_, dollar_s_, dollarzzzzzzz!
@@adrianwoodworm One question: After you built it and tried it out on the lake, did you feel like the connection between the pontoons and the deck was stable enough, or kind of wobbly?
@@_onesimpleidea It was kind of solid the first time but I found a trick to stiffen it up even more. Now I connect the platform with the pontoons BEFORE I pump them up completely. I adjust them fairly tight and once you pump them up completely the connection is rock solid. There is a slight movement still between the platform sections, when you step on the edge of the deck at the front for example it bows down a bit. Not enough to damage anything though. And after spending a weekend on a very windy lake I actually appreciated the flex in it. It moves much softer with the waves that way.
Brilliant deck and folding arch design really well thought out and strong light weight etc. If you could add flexible solar panels to the roof tarp that would be dope.
Thank you for your compliment, much appreciated! Check out this follow up video, I actually added solar panels🙂ruclips.net/video/CYHV2ZYiess/видео.html
@@adrianwoodworm almost every deep cycle in my store is under $100. There are three that are about $130. I've paid under $100 for my last 7 deep cycles at Walmart. Minus the $12 core charge. All batteries are made by two companies in the USA. They are basically the same as any other brand with more or less lead, different sticker on the case. Lead not lithium
@@joeblow8206 I am glad you got your batteries so cheep. However, you will have to take my word for it that costco in Canada had the cheepest 27M 120 AH batteries at the time in my area.
@@adrianwoodworm ah the USA. Especially before COVID. Anything you want cheap. Double prices in Canada due too logistics. I have five Walmarts within a half hour
@@joeblow8206 part of the confusion here might be that all the prices stated in the video are in canadian dollar. $200 canadian is about $145 usd. I should have made that clear in the video since by now most of my viewers are from the US.
That deck is really clever. I think you should turn this into an official plan that you can sell. I've purchased other plans before and this one is very unique.
Thank you! Sadly I don't own a computer or laptop so it would be hard to make and sell plans without that. We will see what the future brings, I will keep your suggestion in mind!👍
Where do u buy plans?
it's amazing what a man can think up when he has a desire. you did a fabulous job and the thoughts that went into this construction is amazing. great job. enjoyed the build and ideas. thanks.
I really appreciate your comment! Thank you!
Very nice! Regarding the platform, if you install floatation foam between the 2x4s you will have an unsinkable boat for a just incase scenario. That's how Boston Whaler boats are constructed. You did a great job on the build.
That is a great idea! I will consider that when I rework the superstructure!
Very classy. Looks like a blast. Not a spendy way to sleep on the water. Nicely done!
Thank you! We are still enjoying it at least once a week, so it was definitely worth it!
Amazing….. even when you build an inexpensive and quick project you rock!!! I know by just being on the water it will help to inspire you even more to finish your houseboat. I really liked how you built the platform deck using the dowels and the arch jig and production. I really believe if you could produce these they would sell! Anyhow thanks again for sharing your skills and travels. 👍
Thank you very much! I agree, this will be very inspirational! If there is enough interest I actually would consider selling them, even though the price would have to increase significantly since I didn't include any labor in the overall cost.
@@adrianwoodworm As expected. Ya can’t live for free so ya sure can’t work for free.
@@SgtBrewdawg I couldn't agree more!!
You did a great job ! the only thing I would have done different would be have the white part of the tarp facing out and the back of the tent also have a zip up door like the front does. congratulations you were under budget.
Thank you! I actually have a velcro door at the back as well.
You are not just a gteart carpenter , but also a artist . My only thoughts about this is I would have went with 2 small wooden pontoons filled with expanding foam . They would only stick out back of the mini van a little when apart in the Van . Reason being , a puncture would ruin a weekend , or during winter storage critters chewing hole's in the pontoons .
Also on radiator heater for your garage , you need to install a blow off valve . So the if pressure gets to high it opens up . Some are made so you can fit a hose copper tube which you can run to your catch tank . Also you buy a 12v heating hot water circulation pump . Where as you will have 12v batteries from this little camper and from the houseboat . Also there is neat thing from coal or wood hot water heating furnace's . It opens and closes the air damper according to the water temp . Really like the artwork in counter top and stairs . A little trivia on the sugar joke in the drink coaster build . Famous Britt chief Jamie Oliver filled a school bus full of sugar to make a protest to the LA school district commissioner in regards to how much sugar was being put into the food for the kids .
Wish your family all the best . Paul N.
Thank you Paul, all good thoughts you have there. I am not worried about punctures in the pontoons and I will explain why in the update video, so watch out for that🙂 As for the valve in the heating system, I agree, it is on my long "to do" list. I haven't heard of Jamie Oliver's "sugar" school bus, but I will look into this!
If it's a car radiator, the standard radiator cap should easily release any surplus pressure before it becomes a hazard anywhere else in the system. Just make sure the overfill hose is directed in a safe direction. :)
Very nice build and an excellent example of a diy video.
You inspired an Aussie to give this a go. 🙂
Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to write this comment! Good luck with your project! Cheers!
Add a couple of flexible solar panels on the top of the tent,will help with battery life, .
Excellent idea, and very good execution,.
You will like the future upgrade video😁
Dowels = Portability... Genius!
I’m going to steal your idea for the roof to use on a greenhouse. Thank you.
Please do, it works great for that! If you want to see how I used the same technic to build a 39 foot long greenhouse, check out my very first video on this channel: ruclips.net/video/WcGjNfupL6A/видео.html
That’s genius! I would’ve never thought of doing something like that.
Thank you!!
Haven’t been on RUclips in a while. Great to see you still making this awesome content. Congrats on 1000 subscribers 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you very much subscriber #28!😁
Und wieder mal ein super gelungenes Projekt von dir Daniel !!! 👍👍 Wie schön und ruhig doch der See und die ganze Natur bei euch ist !!!👍 L.g. aus Murnau .
Vielen dank! Diese woche wird es ausgiebig getestet😁
I’m really impressed! Awesome job!
Thank you!
Nice work. I thought of using two self bailing kayaks. Lots of them on market place.
@LaRaineBarton why not, good idea!
I may not be a subscriber but I gotta tell you that was an outstanding job , you my friend are a genius . I can see you put a lot of thought into making something very usable , manageable and fun . Thank you for sharing this video it was epic watching .💯👍
Thanks brother, it feels good to know someone out there appreciates the work I put into the build and the video!
@@adrianwoodworm As a matter of fact I am gonna subscribe to your channel . I'll be looking and sharing your videos if it's okay with you !? 💯👍
@@Strangernightg of course! You would do me a huge favor! Thank you very much for your support!!
Wow! You’re so talented!
Thank you, much appreciated!
Wow that looks great and your reward is it's Awlsom looks good and by the looks it will hold a lot of weight nice video that should last you a long time and way you build it looks strong! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thank you for watching and commenting, much appreciated!
thats great. i was thinking the same thing ish.. more videos please
Interesting. I bought the American manufacture of that inflated boat 5 years ago for $1400 USD. It was OK but I'm not a small man so with me and a small 2.5 hp gas motor in the back it didn't have enough buoyancy. I'm going to use some imagination and use a small abandoned aluminum row boat for the center, put on a wide deck, and attach the inflated pontoons as outriggers on each side. I'm going to piano hinge the pontoons to fold up. Thanks for the ideas.
Are you talking about only the pontoons you bought for $1400 USD or an entire setup with platform? I am asking because I am not aware of a manufacturer of a similar boat. I like your idea with the outriggers, that could be quite a unique build!
That's amazing id love to make that set up and put a mattress in the tent
That's exactly what we did. We just used a queen-size air mattress and spent multible weekends like that on lakes. It makes for a very unique and memorable experience! Cheers!
Very impressive 👏
This is a brilliant design, you should be working on scaled production model and patent. Maybe aluminum panels, canopy could be a custom tent with fiberglass poles...
Thank you for the compliment and your input! I definitely think the design can be improved and your ideas are excellent. An aluminum platform would make it lighter and longer lasting, same with the tent and fiberglass poles. Maybe one day I get to build a second, improved version and then it might be worth looking into a small scale production.
I love your ideas, your magic hand and your boat. I just wonder how you can tie up the platform/desk to the "D" rings inside of 2 pontoon tubes on the ground at the lake shore?
Thank you! It works the same way as on the outside. Simple straps with plastic buckles. Since the platform is made of four segments with only 30inch width, you can reach underneath each time you clip one on when standing between the pontoons. If you forget to clip on a segment (I totally have done that) you either have to take them apart again or crawl under. I also gradually move the boat from shore in the water with each segment so at least half sits in the water at the end. Otherwise it would take too much force to move it once assembled and loaded.
Mantap ...Pasti sangat bangga kalau bikin perahu sendiri,..salam dari indonesia 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for watching!
Put a sail on that, would hollow core doors be cheaper? good job thank you
Interesting idea! I am afraid hollow core doors are too expensive in my area. Moisture would be another problem. They are often made with a cardboard core. If that gets wet, all the strength is gone. The thin panel that covers those doors is not very puncture resistant, which could be problematic too. But I like your way of thinking outside the box! I am not much of a sailer, but I assume a sail would work! Thank you for commenting!
Pretty good, but perhaps a bit overbuilt in the tent design. Something you might like to experiment with, is thin clear grained timber say 4-6 mm, with [Edit 12oz , 220 gsm ] FG, epoxied to the outside of a curve.
When you bend it, it bends like a a fishing rod. You can then fg the inside curve to keep it bent. You could even get away with only one layer in the arch, I suspect.
A much lighter and equally stiff solution with half the weight of those curved girders you built. More like a sail batten, really.
I would also consider adding some stretched, painted canvas to form a waterproof , skin on frame canoe type surface under the platform.
This would add some reserve buoyancy and provide less wind and water resistance in less than calm conditions. You would be surprised how much better going upwind would be in a two hulled craft.
You got some good points there! As of right now they are definitely overbuilt, but I do have upgrades in mind that might require the beefier arches. Also, I wanted to be flexible so I can add screws and hooks whereever needed, which is easier with more meat on the arches. I also like the idea of using the canvas/paint under the platform! Very good idea, even though I wonder if it would trap moisture and mold in the hollow space?
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
@@adrianwoodworm Yes, you would need to allow some limber holes and drain plugs. Maybe held down with wood strips and screws for annual removal and inspection ?
Mind you, a flat sheet of thin fibreglass laid up on smooth melamine to save sanding, would be the ideal if you could stretch your budget.
As a forethought, a more aerodynamic front to the canopy (perhaps lowerable) would be more room inside for accommodation, and that time when you are caught with a severe headwind, and about to be blown 50 miles to the lee shore.
Its bad enough in a canoe, I found out :-(
@@dnomyarnostaw more good thoughts! I just came back from a very windy lake, and the motor seems to be strong enough to still push it against the wind and white cap waves at around 4 km/hr. which probably could be improved with your suggestions. I sure needed to make sure to set anchor in a calm bay so I could get some peacefull sleep😁
@@adrianwoodworm well done camping overnight is quite an adventure
Did you wake up every hour because you thought the anchor might be dragging too :-).
Have fun.
@@dnomyarnostaw no, but we did have an afternoon nap for only 15 min. and ended up on the other side of the lake😆 that's when I learned to give the anchor line some slack so the anchor has a chance to dig in!
Great job
Thank you!
nice boat ~
Thank you!
Now this I can do !!!!! THANK YOU, exactly what I was looking for! Do you have a web site where I can download the plans, do you have plans? A parts list? I would of course pay you something, I don't expect anything for free :)
I am sorry Andrew, I don't have a website nor plans. In fact, I actually don't even own a computer, I film and edit all the videos on my phone, so there won't be anything like this anytime soon. Most materials beside the lumber have been purchased on amazon, like the pull latches, the velcro tape, the motor etc. If there is something in particular that you would like to know, I am happy to help(without pay!) I appreciate your interest!
@@adrianwoodworm Ha ha, understood! Well I know where you got the inflatable pontoons, I will figure out the rest. I'm in Montreal so Winter is coming, I will probably start this next spring. Thanks Adrian, I will hit you up if I have any questions :)
I am very tempted to mimic this design however because of all the shallow water hazards in the places near me i am skeptical of inflatables
I have been on rocky lakes and pulled the boat right on shore without any issues. The rocks where not super sharp though, but i have to say, the reinforcement layer at the bottom of the pontoons can take a beating, I think it would take quite a bit to penetrate that. Besides that, I made them separate each pontoon in three sections. That way if one is compromised, I still have two to stay afloat.
few things to add, Rope, signal whistle, and flares. (just to make it marine compliant, + first aid kit)
Now, keeping with the theme of things. there are canvas and folding solar systems. you can drape it over one or both sides of the tent. pull in 100-200 watts of solar. that can feed a small solar battery, and let you recharge.
maybe add in a small wood stove, camping stove that can be clamped to the floor for heat and cooking, or propane heater and propane tank would also work.
Those are good ideas Jennifer and most of them happend allready. There is a second video about this boat on this channel. It shows a 200W solar system on the roof.
@@adrianwoodworm yeah i saw you used the "fixed" panels. I was looking at the portable "canvas backed" solar panels just cuz they fit with the quick break down small storage area :).
Now you can also really cheat here if you wanted. a little 700/900 or 800/1000 propane generator, propane heater, and propane cook top. all of them are small, easy. all can run of little 1 pound tanks, or may share a 5 or 10 lb tank (20 lb is overkill but you could do it for long trips).
This gives you the ability in an emergency, to run your motor at 30% power, for 3 hours, one a 1 pound propane tank... or charge batteries and such in a really overcast day.
its cheating but.
I have concerns about the shelter/dome acting as a sail and making steering/headway difficult in a wind. Lakes are notoriously windy and the amount of power in the small motor is unlikely to be able to overcome all of that resistance.
It has not been a problem so far, even in heavy winds. Of course very strong winds will push the boat around a bit but the motor has been also powerful enough to battle it. After all, it is the strongest motor I could find out there that still runs on 12V. In fact, I have been on a lake that was so windy that the waves even managed to break one of the plastic buckles of the straps that are holding the pontoons onto the platform and even then, the electric motor did its job just fine.
I was thinking the same thoughts as I was watching this. I was wonder if a rudimentary centerboard and rudder might be useful additions.
Nice project! Wondering if you could estimate the all-up weight unloaded. What floatation did you use for the pontoons? Thanks for any info.
I just put a platform segment on a scale for you. Each of them weighs around 33 lbs. All the cover framing weighs 25 lbs. The motor is at 21 lbs, the two 100 AH lithium batteries with box weigh around 60lbs. Two fancy car seats = 60lbs. All of that will add up to almost 300lbs. Then you have to add your personal equipment, the solarpanels if you upgrade like I did, and of course your bodyweight + passenger.
I don't know about the exact flotation, I just trusted my guts that they will be plenty for what I do. They are 12ft long and have a diameter of 20 inches, I am sure there are online calculators that can tell you what you want to know. All I can say is that I had 5 adults and a dog plus a lot of equipment on this boat and it was no problem at all, in fact I didn't even notice a difference.
Hope that helps. Cheers!
Thank you!!@@adrianwoodworm
Hi, the link does not work for alibaba. Looking to see where you got those pontoons as they look sweet!
Hmm, that is wierd. It works from my wife's phone. The link only leads to the factory in China, not to those specific pontoons since they are custom made. If the link works at all then just click on "chat now" and start a conversation with them. They have been very helpful even though their English is a bit rough. I hope this helps!
@@adrianwoodworm interesting, it actually works from my phone too, thanks.
Can you share the link where you got the tubes and the specifications? Wondering about the straps and such too.
There is already a link for the straps and the buckles I used in this video in the video description. I added a link to the factory on alibaba for you. All you would have to do is start a chat with them and tell them what you want. The dimensions I personally chose are:
12 ft long(3.66meters) and 20 inches diameter(50cm)
I sent them a quick drawing with rough directions, explaining where I wanted the D Rings. I don't have that anymore and I also don't recall exactly the measurements for that. But they will walk you through it and give you options. It is best to just start the conversation with them and go from there if you are serious about ordering them.
Hope this helps, cheers!
Do you use the boat primarily in your country or now and then overseas?
Good question. Only in canada so far and only on lakes. Would love to use it somewhere else though!
Nice!
Thank you!
Afternoon from Dover Kent England, where in Canada were you using the portable boat.
Hi Thomas, I was using the boat in the middle of British Columbia, on multiple different lakes, Nukko Lake, Carp lake, Crystal Lake and Kerry lake, just to name a few.
@@adrianwoodworm
Thank you I am originally from Ontario, between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, from City of Welland.
@@thomaswiggins7913 I haven't seen Ontario yet, I am looking forward to explore that part of Canada in the future when my tiny Houseboat is completed!
@@adrianwoodworm
You might like the Trent Canal system between the Georgian Bay and the Military Canal. This canal was built by General By between Ottawa and Lake Ontario in 1814. This canal was to defend any American invasion. Think I have the date right?
If you were going to build rigid pontoons, (cheaply), how would you do it?
P.S. Great system you've put together, will view your other videos, too.
Great question! Trying to find a cheep solution is always a challenge. I would try to find used HDPE plastic drums online, seal them up and build my pontoons out of them.
Or I would use a plywood construction covered with PMF. (Poor man's fiberglass: woodglue+fabric+exterior paint) it isn't as durable as epoxy but it works. It is 100% water tight and if you make sure not to hit rocks hard when you land on shore, you will be fine. I actually did some longterm tests with this and I will talk about that in a future video. (Older expedition canoes have been built in a simular fashion.)
@@adrianwoodworm Thanks - you've come to the same conclusions I have, so that tells me I'm on the right track. I'd fill the drums with foam, or cut the drums down the middle, (ends removed), and attach them to wood to make pontoons, (see plastic drum boat videos on YT). I also saw a video where chicken wire was used as a base for a fiberglass boat, incorporating something like that in a PMF boat could be useful, too. I figure a pontoon type boat that is seaworthy would be easiest to build for someone like me with no boat building experience, it's basically a box on a couple of floats. Looking forward to your next videos.
I've built up to 16'+ pontoons using $8US each rinsed and sealed 55gal plastic drums from a car wash. I use 2x8x16' treated ladder frames to contain the barrels and as cross frames. I use hung, lower decks to work off of when managing aquatic vegetation. I prefer to use a 6.5hp longtail engine to propel them through weeds but have also used paired electrics. These have sufficient flotation to use aquatic mowers and hydraulic pumps to harvest hundreds of pounds of vegetation. They aren't pretty or hydrodynamically efficient but up to two years ago, cost under $400US. They are robust, easily repaired and can be left out over winter.
@@pierredussf Sweet, bro - that sounds great all round.
Why didn't you just use carbon fiber/fiberglass tent poles for the arched cover? Would be a lot more packable.
ruclips.net/video/CYHV2ZYiess/видео.htmlsi=AvOogSA49HnfTrBZ
That video will explain why.
Thumbs up -👍on video nice custom belt
That is really nice. What is the set up time?
Thank you! It takes around 40 min. and it might increase with future upgrades. It makes the most sense to set up for a couple days vs. just an afternoon.
what kind of tubes did you use ? I cant find them 🙃
The link to the company is in the description. There is no specific link to those tubes because they are custom ordered. Just start a conversation with them, and they will be happy to help you.
Sauguad, Grüße aus ogau
Genial !!!
Thank you sir!
Achei um show...... perfeito
Where can I buy that inflatable catamaran Sir?
Nowhere, since I build it myself. There are links in the video description for most of the parts needed to build this.
👍👏👏👏
I wish you would make a kit for sale I would buy it
I considered it, but after doing a rough calculation and adding the cost of labor, I ended up with a price that would be too much for most. Especially when you start buying propper tarp vs. the silage/ducktape combo. And then there is the whole marketing, packing, shipping and paperwork aspect, and that is not really my thing.
Monochrome, cool.
Неужели этим можно восхищаться примитив таких гениев в россиикаждый второй
No entiendo tu idioma por tanto no me interesa escucharte
Then learn English potoato
Typicall, never actually show the thing for 10 seconds.
I show the boat allready in the intro for 15seconds and then later, after I show the building process, I showed it again for almost 2 minutes. Therefore I assume you don't talk about the boat itself. Would you mind telling us what exactly you mean by "the thing"?
Very nice I like what you.
Thank you!!
Hello! I love your little portable Catamaran. It's actually perfect for a lot if things that I would be doing. I'm in Thailand and getting ready to start a boat build here. Actually it will be 3 different biat builds. I am planning the first a Catamaran Houseboat to liveaboard and a small Sailing Catamaran for camper cruising and a couple of Kayaks, but your inflatable cat could easily replace the two Kayaks. And could be stowed away in one of the Hulls of the houseboat. I really like how you built it and your Gothic Arch structure is pretty perfect. How long did it take you to build, hours-wise? So cool. Thanks. New Sub.
Thank you for your interest! Sounds like you have a couple cool projects coming up! I cannot remember exactly how long I was working on this boat but I would say it would take around 2weeks (80hrs) to complete this. That includes sourcing the materials, which ended up beeing quite time consuming. (We live 40 min. out of town, so multible trips add up real quick)
totally nuts! you'll have to patent the design. How do you keep your drone from crashing in the water?
Thank you! My stepson is responsible for the drone shots and I don't understand either how the heck he didn't crash it!!😄
You could have just used pvc pipe to make the arches it would have been way lighter an easier to build but you guys from across the pond are so detailed an great builders if we made that in the USA we wouldn't have the pretty Dowell pockets you made the arches out of wood by hand you guys are impressive
ruclips.net/video/CYHV2ZYiess/видео.htmlsi=9XdomXq_PmAguaFv
This is a link to an update video that explains why I build them so beefy🙂
Thank you for watching and commenting!
Cheers!
Nice project! Can you please tell me what the size of the pontoons was? I am planning to build something similar. Thanks
Thanks! I ordered the pontoons in 50 cm in diameter (around 20inch) and 3.65 meters in length (12 feet). Good luck with your project!
Just a touch over built, that is sturdier than 99% of the homes now days. But an awesome job!
Thank you! Here is a link to a follow up video where I explain why it is a bit overbuilt: ruclips.net/video/CYHV2ZYiess/видео.html
In Louisiana, you would have to get it registered because of motor.
Wow, you need a registration even if it is just an 12V electric tolling motor? How much does the registration cost you?
You are a special.
I was beginning to worry that just the quantity of screws in the platform would sink the boat, but ... all's well that ends well. ;-) I'm starting to believe that you could build just about anything, given the right tools and materials. Nice job.
P.S. - Dollar_s_, dollar_s_, dollarzzzzzzz!
😅you never can use enough screws! Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@adrianwoodworm One question: After you built it and tried it out on the lake, did you feel like the connection between the pontoons and the deck was stable enough, or kind of wobbly?
@@_onesimpleidea It was kind of solid the first time but I found a trick to stiffen it up even more. Now I connect the platform with the pontoons BEFORE I pump them up completely. I adjust them fairly tight and once you pump them up completely the connection is rock solid. There is a slight movement still between the platform sections, when you step on the edge of the deck at the front for example it bows down a bit. Not enough to damage anything though. And after spending a weekend on a very windy lake I actually appreciated the flex in it. It moves much softer with the waves that way.
Brilliant deck and folding arch design really well thought out and strong light weight etc. If you could add flexible solar panels to the roof tarp that would be dope.
Thank you for your compliment, much appreciated! Check out this follow up video, I actually added solar panels🙂ruclips.net/video/CYHV2ZYiess/видео.html
Great Job!
Thank you!!
Could've saved half on batteries going to Walmart . Then added cheap solar from harbor freight wirh the savings. Ah the usa
Wrong on multiple levels. Walmart batteries have been actually more expensive. And I am from Canada, no harbor freight here...
@@adrianwoodworm almost every deep cycle in my store is under $100. There are three that are about $130. I've paid under $100 for my last 7 deep cycles at Walmart. Minus the $12 core charge. All batteries are made by two companies in the USA. They are basically the same as any other brand with more or less lead, different sticker on the case. Lead not lithium
@@joeblow8206 I am glad you got your batteries so cheep. However, you will have to take my word for it that costco in Canada had the cheepest 27M 120 AH batteries at the time in my area.
@@adrianwoodworm ah the USA. Especially before COVID. Anything you want cheap. Double prices in Canada due too logistics. I have five Walmarts within a half hour
@@joeblow8206 part of the confusion here might be that all the prices stated in the video are in canadian dollar. $200 canadian is about $145 usd. I should have made that clear in the video since by now most of my viewers are from the US.
تحية من العراق