In this introduction to "The Art of Boat Building" video series, Bob Emser talks about his decision to transition his sculpture practice to include wooden boat building. He starts with building a small dingy also known as a yacht tender.
In this episode Bob discusses the aesthetic design changes he has made to the yacht tender. Starting with the construction of the seats and stem, he explains and shows how he accomplishes these changes.
In this episode the construction, finish sanding and staining of the seats are completed.
In this episode Bob vanishes the inside, sands, primes, and paints the outside of the hull.
In this episode Bob discusses the art of applying gold leaf lettering for the boat's name.
In this video Bob creates oar lock risers, and mounts them on the boat to receive the oar locks. In the second part of the video, installation of the leather collars are sewn on the oars.
In this episode Bob finishes details of the dingy and launches the boat.
In this episode Bob retrofits an old trailer to fit the new boat. Welding and metal prep topics are covered. In addition a standard boat cover is tailored to fit the boat.
In this new season, of the Art of Boat Building, Bob introductions us on his decision to build a sail boat. During this video we go sailing, learn about 4 of the 20th Centuries great boat builders/designers, N.G. Herreshoff, John Beetle, Gil Smith , and Joel White. And take a look at the , Herreshoff 12 1/2 that inspired Joel Whites 17 foot daysailer, the Haven 12 1/2.
In Episode 2 of the Haven 12 1/2 Bob begins building the boat. Starting with the stem and finishing with the transom. Along the stem build some bronze fin head bolts are hand forged.
In this episode of building the Haven 12 1/2 I begin building the centerboard & centerboard trunk, This part of the Joel White designed Haven 12 1/2 is what makes it differ from the Herreshoff 12 1/2 that the Haven 12 is inspired by. The centerboard trunk is also connected to the boats bedlogs. I also discusses the reclamation of lead bullets for casting the counterweight for the centerboard.
In the episode Bob shows and discusses a alternative method of setting up the molds for the Haven 12 1/2. He explains and shows how to design and build a ladderback set up as well as how to design the molds to accept ribbands.
In this episode Bob installs the ribbands on the Haven 12 1/2. He also explains lining off the hull and builds a jig for cutting scarf joints.
In this episode of The Art of boat Building I explains a new solution to solving a potential problem with installing floor timbers. While putting in the centerboard trunk and installing the floor timbers centerboard trunk and put in the floor I had a little problem. The way I had installed the ribbands created this issue. So, I've come up with a new solution to installing the floor timbers. In this small boat building video this solution is revealed while installing the centerboard trunk and floor timbers in Joel Whites Haven 12 1/2.
In this episode of Wooden Boat Adventures Bob takes us to the 28th Wooden Boat Show in Mystic, CT. Bob exhibited his Haven 12 1/2 boat that is in process. He also takes us on a walk around the exhibit with interviews and events.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building we follow along the building a steam box. The box is then tested for steam bending oak frames. The white oak frames are then installed in the Haven 12 1/2. Following a plan by Greg Rossel in his book "Building Small Boats" we see how to build a steam box for bending wood.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building, I use copper rivets to rivet the frames to the floor timbers for the Haven 12 1/2. He also gives an overview of his trip to the Wooden Boat school in August of 2019. At the school I took a yacht design class taught by Navel Architect, Paul Gartside. We get a glimpse of the next boat that might be a wooden runabout in the Chris Craft power boat tradition. I hope you enjoy this addition of small boat building videos by Bob Emser Boat Builder.
In this episode I explain and shows how to glue laminate the wooden keel for the Haven. The white oak keel must bent over the floor timbers. Typically the keel would be one piece of lumber. However, sourcing a white oak board that is over 1 1/2" and 17' long was a issue. Also a broad the size would have been needed to be steam bent to fit on the boat. I therefore decided to glue laminated 4 boards to get the desired curve. In doing so I show how I resawed the oak timbers and used a flexible epoxy to glue them up directly on the boat. I then show how I used bronze bolts to bolt the keel to the floor timbers. I hope you enjoy the building and installing the wooden keel.
In this episode Bob takes the viewer on a tour of his studio. Built in 2001 the building was designed by Bob and has served as his sculpture studio that he build many large scale sculptures in. Currently he is building a wooden sailboat.
In this episode Bob prepares the Haven for planking.
In this episode the ballast keel mold in constructed according to the Haven 12 1/2 plans.
In this video I build a lead melter out of a air tank. This will be used to melt the 585 pounds of lead for casting the lead ballast keel. I need to build a melter so that I can melt our lead in order to cast the ballast keel. The first thing I need to consider is what kind of container. What this needs to be and how big the container needs to be. So in order to figure out the size of the container the first thing we need to do is to figure out how many gallons of lead we need. The container needs to hold 585 lbs. of lead which is about 7 gallons.The next question then is what kind of a container can we find that will hold seven gallons or so molten lead. Taking a page out of my friends Steve and Alix, from Acorn to Arabella, they use an old air compressor tank. In hunting down a container I discovered that Harbor Freight sold an portable air compressor tank a tank that has an 11 gallon capacity and sold for about $30. Perfect!
In this episode the lead ballast keel is cast for the Haven 12 1/2.
In this episode Bob shows the cleanup of the lead ballast keel casting. He also takes us to Norfolk, VA to the Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop where he volunteered for several day. The trip is finished off with a visit to the The Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA
his video is the first part of several on Carvel boat planking. In this episode 3 methods of spiling are discussed. Spiling is a method that a boat builder uses to generate a plank by first capturing the perimeter of a plank's shape on the boat.
Part 2 of a series of videos on carvel planking. In this episode the first plank, the garboard, is fitted and offered up to the boat. In addition a new thickness planer is set up and connected to the dust collection system.
In this video the Garboard is installed on the starboard side of the Haven 12 1/2.
In this part 4 of Carvel Planking the first broad strake is install and a scarfing jig is designed and build. The scarf joint is then epoxied together and the plank is spiled and cut out ready for fastening.
In this episode Bob continues with part 5 of his series on Carvel Planking. Bob shows how to cut a rolling bevel by hand. In addition, during a recent trip to Napa, CA Bob visits with Garrett and Ruth Jolly and their boat "Rediviva" from the Salt & Tar YouTube channel. Salt & Tar is a husband and wife duo determined to build a 35 foot custom George Buehler designed wooden gaff ketch sailboat.
Can you bend wood without steaming? In this episode I demonstrate a procedure called “backing out”. Backing out is the process of scooping out wood from the inside of a plank to give it a little hollow or concave surface. This allows the plank to appear to be bent and sit tight up against a curved frame. The degree of backing out changes along the plank’s length as the curve of the frames it rests on changes. I will do this with the round bottomed hollowing Plane I had created in an earlier episode. This plane, also referred to as a Coopering Plane, is an important tool for a shipwright who is “backing out planks” in carvel planking.
In this episode Bob gives us a progress report on the planking of the Haven. He also explains how to get the plank seams tight and introduces us to a new tool he made. He demonstrates how the Reefing Hook makes a clean space for the future caulking. A brief history on L. Francis Herreshoff is presented and a discussion about how his design aesthetic is influencing the look of the Haven's sheer strake.
In this episode Bob takes the mystery out of resawing long wide planks. Three easy tips are presented along with the basics of bandsaw setup. A bonus tip is shared showing how to recoil heavy blades that works on all sizes of bandsaw blades.
The carvel planking continues and feels repetitive, so I created this short cinematic film to show the progress. I had a lot of fun creating this short video, and am constantly learning more and more about producing quality videos. Thanks for watching and for your support.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building the last plank is installed on the Haven 12 1/2. This shear strake plank is referred to as the Whiskey Plank. The Whiskey Plank is the final plank required to complete the outer shell of a wooden hull. This is considered to be a major milestone in the construction of a wooden yacht. Before the Whiskey Plank could be attached however, it needed to be spiled. Spiling is the art of determining the precise shape that a plank needs to be to fit into a particular space. A quick review of the carvel planking process from plank preparation, re-sawing, slip boarding, cutting a rolling bevel and backing out a plank is briefly discussed.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building I begin fairing the hull. In this 3 step processes we discuss the method of hand planing followed by sanding with a slow speed rotary sander. The last step of long boarding is sanding by hand with a long board. As a part of the tool building series I talk about my criteria for the marine fairing board. Finding a donor tool at Harbor Freight I use the auto body sander to produce an improved tool that will be a flexible sander over the curves of the hull. Producing handles in black walnut not only makes the fairing board function better but it also becomes a beautiful comfortable tool.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building I continue to fair the hull of the Haven 12 1/2. I use Total Boat fairing compound to fill the heads of the bronze screws. In addition a die grinder is used to fair the White Oak wood keel to the hull. Much hand sanding, with a long board is in order to sand the epoxy fairing compound and the hull for a final sanding of the Atlantic White Cedar. We get one step closer to being ready to caulk the seams with cotton caulking.
In this the 29th episode of The Art of Boat Building I work on shaping the deadwood and forefoot for the Haven 12 1/2. The deadwood and the forefoot continue and fill in the shape of the keel. The forefoot is located at the front of the ballast keel and helps complete the shape of the keel into the stem. The deadwood is located aft of the ballast keel and ends with the stern post that is in line with the transom. Two woods are used, white oak for the forefoot and stern post and Douglas fir for the deadwood.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building I caulk a small wooden boat, the Haven 12 1/2. The traditional method of using cotton as a seam caulk is explained and explored. In addition a discussion of shipwright tools need for the caulking process is presented. Bob Emser also tells about his trip to visit Acorn to Arabella and work on Arabella with Steve Denette.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building Bob Emser tells us how to determine a waterline on the small sailboat, the Haven 12 1/2. In addition he give us a follow up on caulking the stem of the boat with cotton caulk. After an introduction for waterline terms a demonstration of how to locate and scribe the waterline and the boot stripe are shown.
As the hull is heading toward completion we see how the seams are sealed and payed with seam compound. In the continuing series of building the Joel White designed Haven 12 1/2 Bob Emser, boat builder, guides us through the process of sealing the carvel planked hull as apart of making it water tight
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building we see how to prime and paint a wooden boat. Bob discusses different types of primers and paint. He give his criteria for why he chose the primers and paints he uses. Other topics include using 2 part epoxy paint on the lead keel, and what types of brushes and roller he uses.
In the episode of The Art of Boat Building the Havens we see how to turn over a boat hull by yourself. Small boats are built on a mold upside down. Once the hull is finished the boat is flipped so that the topside can be completed. Once flipped over the boat must have a place to firmly rest. The best solution is a boat cradle. How to build a cradle for a boat is covered in this episode.
During this episode of The Art of Boat Building Bob attaches the stern post, the deadwood, and makes bronze keel bolts. As the building of the Haven 12 1/2 sail boat continues work begins on the keel assemble. Starting with the shaping of the stern post it with the deadwood are installed on the boat with hand made bronze keel bolts.
In this episode ( S2-E36) of The Art of Boat Building I finish up bolting the lead ballast Keel to the Haven 12 1/2. In addition I build a temporary steamer and use it for steaming frames to complete the hull.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building, boat builder Bob Emser shows how to bag steam and installed the sheer clamps. Using the steam in place method popularized by Louis Sauzedde, of Tip from a Shipwright, we see how to make custom plastic bags with polyvinyl film. Using these bags the douglas fir sheer clamps are then steamed and bent in place in the Haven 12 1/2.
In this the S2-E38 episode of the Art of Boat Building Bob begins working on the fore deck of the Haven 12 1/2. After installing the breast hook, the white oak deck beams are installed. After creating patterns for the lodging knees, they are cutout and installed.
In this episode (S2-E39) of The Art of Boat Building the Haven 12 1/2 has it's interior primed readying for bilge paint. Bob Emser, boat builder starts by installing the floor beams followed by the aft deck beams and the aft locker floor. He then begins painting the bilge with TotalBilge by total boat.
In Building a Boat, installing the Bulk Head and Bilge Painting in S2-E40 of building a Haven 12 1/2 several tasks are accomplished. Bob Emser, boat building leads us through the making of the mast step, the bulkhead, and the painting of the bilge. In addition the transom is trimmed to it's final shape.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building (S2-E41) we see Bob installing the Fore & Aft Decks. In addition the aft bulkhead is installed and the tiller hole is cut into the transom. The Haven 12 1/2 boat plans are referred to and read for information on how to build the bulkhead and deck.
In this episode (S2-E42) of The Art of Boat Building the bronze chain plates and the deck canvas are installed on the Haven 12 1/2. Bob Emser, boat builder takes us the process of wooden boat building.
In this episode (S2-E43) of building the Haven 12 1/2. Boat builder, Bob Emser installs the walnut floorboards. Using TotalBoat's Wet Edge topside paint, the final coat of paint is applied to the inside of the hull.
In this episode (S2-E44) of The Art of Boat Building boat builder Bob Emser show how the margin boards fit next to the floorboard in the Haven 12 1/2. Installing the margin boards requires several cardboard templates to be made. In wooden boat building the margin board and floorboards make up the sole of the small yacht. The sole is constructed out black walnut board that require re-sawing and surface planing. Once the boards are fitted a mixture of danish oil is discussed and applied revealing the beauty of the black walnut wood.
In this episode S2-E45 of the Art of Boat Building Bob Emser, Boat Builder begins the process of installing the coaming for the Haven 12 1/2. This is part 1 of 2 episodes in this wooden boat building series of building and installation the walnut wood coaming for the Joel White designed sailboat.
In part 2 of installing the coaming of The Art of Boat Building (S2-E46) Bob Emser boat builder demonstrates the fairing of the coaming and its installation on the Haven 12 1/2 designed by Joel White. During the installation Bob shows how bungs and cut and finished. The black walnut coaming gets several coats of Total Boats Lust varnish.
In this episode (S2-E47) of The Art of Boat Building, boat builder Bob Emser discusses the start of making the sails for the Haven 12 1/2. Following Emiliano Marino's "The Sailmaker’s Apprentice, A Guide for the Self-Reliant Sailor", we look at tools needed for sail making. As Bob prepares to construct his own sails he shows us how to make 4 of the essential tools of the trade. A seam rubber with needle storage, a fid with a turks head knot, sailors palm, and a sailmaker's bench hook.
In this wooden boat building episode of The Art of Boat Building (S2-E48) boat builder Bob Emser installs the seats in the Haven 12 1/2. The sailboat designed by Joel White is his interpretation of the classic Herreshoff 12 1/2 sailboat.
In this episode (S2-E49) of the Art of Boat Building boat builder, Bob Emser works on making black walnut cover boards and trim for the Haven 12 1/2. Deviating slightly from Joel Whites Haven design Bob shows his plans for the sheer and toe rails.
In this episode (S2-E50) of the Art of Boat Building. Boat Builder, Bob Emser continues to work on the covering boards for the Joel White designed Haven 12 1/2. He explains wood cupping, and shows some tips for cleaning drips of varnish. We see the creating of wood plugs called bungs and how to install them. In addition the toe rails are installed in the boat.
In this episode (S2-E51) of The Art of Boat Building Bob Emser, boat builder, gives us a recap of the 29th Wooden Boat Show in Mystic, CT. While on his drive home he decided to make a drawing of his Haven 12 1/2. Follow along as Bob shows us how to draw a sailboat from start to finish. Using a photograph to draw from he briefly discusses how old masters like Leonardo Da Vinci and Vermeer, used a devise called camera obscure to translated 3D images to a flat 2D surface.
In this episode (S2-E52) of the Art of Boat Building boat builder Bob Emser installs the centerboard into the Haven 12 1/2.
In this episode of The Art of boat Building (S2-E53) boat builder, Bob Emser begins the process of preparing to cast marine bronze parts for his Haven 12 1/2. The plans of the Joel White designed daysailer show plans for all of the hardware and rigging part to be cast in bronze. In this Part One of the casting series, Bob builds a small furnace for melting the bronze.
In this episode (S2-E54) of The Art of Boat Building we continue with Part Two of building the bronze foundry. Boat builder Bob Emser builds a pair of Crucible Lifting Tongs and a Pouring Shank. In addition he discusses, ingot molds, charging Tongs and a Pyrometer, equipment that will be need for casting the marine bronze parts for the Haven 12 1/2.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building Bob continues, in this part 3 of casting marine bronze, to discuss the tools needed for sand casting. In addition he makes a hand ramming tool and takes us on a trip to Norway. In the summer of 2005 Bob was one of 4 sculptors invited to a symposium in Norway to create and cast stainless steel sculptures. The symposium took place at the Scana Stainless Steel Foundry in Jørpeland. Jørpeland is the centre of Strand municipality and is located on the western coast of the mainland, about 20 kilometers northeast of the city of Stavanger. This area is well know for Preikestolen, the pulpit rock that overlooks Idsefjorden. The main products that Scana, now know as the Stavanger Steel, produces are ship propellers. The need of personal safety equipment is also discuss with boat builder Bob Emser showing the equipment need to cast bronze safely.
In this the continuing series on casting marine bronze on the Art of Boatbuilding Bob Emser thanks us on a trip to Bradley Univesity's Art Department to see the Lost wax method of bronze casting. Bradley is located in Peoria, IL. Professor Fisher Stolz demonstrates the process of ceramic shell mold making. The new furnace is test fired and Bob shows how to temper a new clay graphite crucible.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building Bob Emser, Boat Builder, takes us through the process of casting a bronze cleat. If one where to take "Bronze Casting for Boat Builders" at the Wooden Boat School the first project would be to cast a bronze cleat. Inspired by the classic Herreshoff cleat Bob make the first casting for the Haven 12 1/2 a cleat. Follow along as for the making a wood pattern, investing it in green sand, pouring the bronze, finishing the casting and installing it on the boat.
In this episode (S2-E59) of the Art of Boat Building, boatbuilder Bob Emser shows how he cast the Pintle and Gudgeon for the Haven 12 1/2. The plans for the boat drawn by Joel White the boats designer, give us all the information we need to design patterns to cast the silicon bronze hardware. In addition we go to Bob's friend, Steve Colburn's, house to have the final part machined on his metal lathe. All of the finished parts are fitted on the boat rudder which is lofted from the line plan. They all come together in the end to dry fit all of the parts.
In the episode of The Art of Boat Building (S2-E60) boat builder Bob Emser shapes and attaches the rudder to the Haven 12 1/2.
How to make wooden spars for the Haven 12 1/2 sailboat. In this episode (S2-E62) of the Art of the Art of Boat Building, Boat Builder Bob Emser makes the Jib Club and the Gaff out of sitka spruce. Turning square lumber round with the use of a spar makers gauge.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building, Bob Emser boat builder, completes the Gaff and Jib Club with the Gaff Jaws and the Jib Club Tack Socket. We see Bob steam bent the ash wood for the Gaff Jaws. The Jib Socket is fabricated out of bronze and silver soldered together.
In the episode of the Art of Boat Building (S2-E64) bob takes us through the lost wax process of bronze casting as he creates a cam cleat for the Haven 12 1/2.
In this episode (S2-E65) of the Art of Boat Building, Boat Builder Bob Emser show how he cast a bronze gooseneck using the Lost PLA method. Lost PLA is much like Lost Wax casting except PLA filament from 3D printed parts is melted (lost) out of the mold and then replaced with bronze. The bronze gooseneck is what attaches the boom to the mast. In addition Bob makes the tapered boom out of Sitka Spruce.
What you need to know before you make a wooden mast. In this episode of the Art Of Boat building, Bob Emser Boat builder guides us through his decision to build a solid mast for his Haven 12 1/2.
In this video boat builder Bob Emser demonstrates the proper way to set up a sewing machine for sail making. Part 2 of the sail making series on the Art of Boat Building, the LSZ-1 Plus from Sailrite is assembled and it's features explored. The sewing machine will be used to sew new sails for the Haven 12 1/2.
See how bronze is machined, polished and fitted to a sailboat. Boat builder Bob Emser gets back to the Haven 12¹⁄â‚‚ project with the finishing and installation of some of the bronze fitting that he cast earlier this year.
There is a British saying "all aboard the skylark!" the expression comes from the popular boat name "Skylark”, and refers to the prospect of having fun. The Skylark is not just a beautiful and captivating bird it’s song has captivated the imagination of writers, poets, musicians and artist for centuries. Their lively singing reminds us that there is beauty all around us, even in hard times. Skylarks embody hope and remind us to stay true to ourselves on our journey of self-discovery. In many cultures, skylarks are a sign of luck, good fortune, and abundance in life. As totem animals, skylarks can remind us to be free-spirited and unafraid to make changes and explore new possibilities. It seemed fitting to name my boat "Skylark" So I thought how cool it would be to sculpt a bronze Skylark totem for the mast of my 12 1/2.
Learn the secrets to getting a professional varnished finish. Boat Builder Bob Emser revels his tips to achieving a deep and lustrous on the mast for the Haven 12 1/2 sailboat. He also demonstrates how he cast and machined custom bronze fittings. As a bonus, Bob makes some bronze clevis pins on his newly acquired mini metal lathe.
See a traditional Herreshoff seat post upgraded to bronze. In this episode of The Art of Boat Building boat builder, Bob Emser fixes a broken seat post. The original seat post which was made of steam bend wood. When the post broke Bob designs and builds a new design using sheet silicon bronze is shaped and silver soldered together. Follow along as Emser explains and demonstrates how to silver solder.
Boat Builder Bob Emser demonstrates how to build a boat grate. Generally grates are used on the sole of a yacht, the walnut grate in this case is designed as a aft hatch for the Haven 12 1/2. The detailed crosshatching of wood in a beautiful lattice pattern can be quite challenging. Follow along as Bob shows how he designed and constructed the aft hatch. In addition the seat for the boat are secured by using a classic Herreshoff method.
Blocks for a sailboats can be pricey making your own wooden blocks is and option, Boat Builder Bob Emser takes us through the making of wood blocks for his sailboat. What are the parts of a block? These terms are explained in this video.
See how bronze blocks are made. Boat builder, Bob Emser takes us through the process of designing and creating a bronze block for his sailboat. After a brief discussion about different types of sheaves patterns are made in preparation for casting in bronze. Using the sand casting method of casting bronze a bronze block with a stainless steel sheave is created.
I cast and fabricated my own bronze blocks for my Haven 12 1/2. Follow along to learn more about the process and see the finished block. Boat builder Bob Emser also discusses the different types of blocks and where they are placed for rigging a sailboat. He also gives good advise on how you can purchase them for your boat.
Ever dream of sewing your own sails? Boat Builder, Bob Emser demystifies the process as he constructs the jib for his Haven 12 1/2. Using a Sailrite sail kit and a sailmaking machine Bob walks us through the process. In Addition to sewing the sail he also demonstrates the leather detail, adding grommets, and installing the bolt rope.
How to add patches, reef points and battens. Sailmaking isn't just sewing seams, it also includes several complex parts. Boat builder Bob Emser explains all of these parts and shows some tips on constructing them. It this part 2 of sail making for "Skylark", Bob's Haven 12 1/2, the main gaff is constructed using a precut designed from Sailrite. This sail plan will also work for a Herreshoff 12 1/2 and a Some Sound 12 1/2.
Want to add some class to your classic sailboat? Consider reconditioning some vintage bronze turnbuckles. Boat Builder, Bob Emser, shows us how brought to life some vintage marine bronze part. Parts missing? Bob show how he created the missing parts.
What do you need to know to design and build a trailer for your sailboat? Boat builder, Bob Emser takes us through all the key steps from design to mounting the boat on the trailer. Unseen steps like: drilling large holes in steel with step drill bits, wiring the tailer using a Western Union Splice and heat shrink tubes, making and mounting hull supports out of scaffolding parts, and gluing HDPE to the steel frame.
What are the different bronze blocks and cleats for? And where do they go on the boat? These questions are answered in this episode of The Art of Boat Building by boat builder Bob Emser. Bob shows how flap wheels and disks are used to finish the bronze casting. After casting and finishing the bronze blocks and cleats for the Haven 12¹⁄â‚‚ Bob explains their different purposes and where they are installed on the boat. The Haven 12¹⁄â‚‚ requires 10 block and 6 cleats.
Finally a video for beginners at eye splicing. Boat Builder Bob Emser takes us through the process of eye splicing polyester Sta-set rope. Bob reveals several tips that the expert/professional eye splicers fail to mention. Using a common line size for small boat 5/16" (8mm) Bob make splices and show how they are use on his boat a Haven 12 1/2 sailboat. In addition to a basic eye slice Emser shows how to add brass thimbles and snap shackles.
Ever been confused about what the steps are to rig a sailboat? Boat Builder Bob Emser takes us through the steps he takes to prepare and rig his sailboat, Skylark. From the preparation of the shrouds and forestay to the marlin lacing of the sails watch as Emser rigs his newly build Haven 12¹⁄â‚‚.
Sail covers are important to protect the sails from inclement weather and UV damage. This week’s episode of the Art of Boat Building finds Bob Emser entering more new territory as he sews sail covers for the main sail and gib. Bob creates patterns specifically for his Haven 12¹⁄â‚‚,using sheet plastic for his patterns. He is using a marine grade fabric made by Sunbrella and twist locks for the project from Sailrite.
Essential equipment for a sailboat is an oar and hook. Join boat builder, Bob Emser as he craves an oar out of solid Ash for his Haven 12 1/2, Skylark. In addition he joins his friend Steve as he turns the handle for an antique boat hook he found over 60 years age. Steve gives us a tour of an old lathe that he has repurposed into a CNC wood lathe.
What does a Haven 12 1/2 look like sailing? This question in answered in this video. The final episode of Season 2 includes the launching of Skylark, the 32 WoodenBoat Show's Concurs d'Elegance where Skylark won Best of Show for Owner Built Sail.
In this Introduction to a new 3rd season of The Art of Boat Building, boat builder Bob Emser introduces us to the new boat 'Victoria" which will be a 9' tender for her mother ship "Arabella". In a collaboration with fellow YouTuber, Steve Denette of the channel Acorn to Arabella, Bob will redesign a William Atkins sailing dingy. Videos and information about the tender's build will be presented on both channels. In this episode Bob discusses the materials and changes that will be made to fit Steve's needs. In addition Bob begins the process with the polishing of Victoria's bronze name plate.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building, boat builder, Bob Emser continues work on Victoria, a sailing tender for Arabella and Steve Denette. The preliminary line drawing is created and a half-hull model of the new dingy in created out of mahogany.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building boat builder, Bob Emser demonstrates the making of a half- hull model using basic tools. This first is a 3 part series explores the basic or beginner skill in half-hull modeling. The tender “Victoria” is created using Honduras Mahogany.
The Art of Boat Building presents the second part of half-hull modeling. Boat builder, Bob Emser, guides us through making a half-hour directly from boat plan. Using the plans from famous Herreshoff 12 1/2 footer, Bob shows how to adjust the thickness of lifts and add a watering of contrasting wood. Carved of Honduras Mahogany with aspen accents this beautiful model is one you’ll want to make yourself.
How to use Buttock and Waterline together in a half-hull model. The Art of Boat Building presents the third part of half-hull modeling. Boat builder, Bob Emser, guides us through making a half-hull directly from boat plan using buttock and waterlines. Using the plans from the Dark Harbor, Bob shows how to adjust the thickness of lifts and add contrasting wood for above and below the designed waterline. As a bonus the attachment of a rudder to the model is covered as well as how to add a rail lift to the deck. Carved of Honduras Mahogany and Bass Wood this beautiful model is one you’ll want to make yourself.
Designing a boat from a half-hull model is covered in full in this episode of the Art of Boat Building. Boat Builder, Bob Emser, discusses Nathanael Herreshoff's old master way of designing a boat straight from a wooden model. He shows us Capt. Nat Herreshoff "Offset Measuring Instrument" and his modern replica of one. Made from off the self materials Bob demonstrates how the offset device is use to take off the body plan measurement. Bob and Steve Denette have discussion on the layout of the new tender Victoria. We also go on a field trip to the Wooden Boat School where Paul Gartside, Naval Architect, teaches about spline weights. We then see the production and casting of the lead spline weights (Ducks) by a fellow design class mate, Matt Moeller. All is finished up with the line drawing being completed.
A full explanation of how a Table of Offsets is developed and used to loft a full size boat. Lofting is enlarging a boats plans to full size. It is an essential step in the process of building a boat. Boat Builder, Bob Emser provides a clear explanation of the process that has cofounded many boat builders, amateurs and professionals alike.
Making molds and a strongback to build your boat can be a simple process. In this episode of The Art of Boat Building, Boat Builder Bob Emser takes us through a simple and accurate way to make patterns for a dinghy. In addition he shows how to make a simple strongback and attach the molds.
In this episode of the Art of Boat building, Boat Builder Bob Emser, show how to easily laminate a stem for the dingy “Victoria” The stem is the first structural member for the sailing dinghy that will be the tender for Steve Denette’s boat Arabella. In this woodworking video, Bob show a technique for getting uniform strips of the for bending wood. Using a wood bending jig thin strips of White Oak are bonded with Titebond III glue.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building, Boat Builder Bob Emser demonstrates how to cut cedar strips for strip planking a boat. During a visit with John Harris of Chesapeake Light Craft we learn a effecent you to cut cedar strip on a table saw. Bob also give an update on the Haven12 1/2 build sharing some key bronze parts that he has recently cast.
Making custom plywood for the bulkheads of the tender Victoria. In this how to video boat builder, Bob Emser show each step need to make a custom plywood panel. Make of reclaimed wood from and 100+ year boat the 5 layer plywood has 3 inner core layers of White Cedar and outer layers of Honduras Mahogany. A discussion on the different types of Titebond glue, and which is better for the project, is presented.
In episode the proper way to set up molds and shape a transom is shown. In the continuing series of building a 9 foot tender for Steve Denette's boat Arabella, boat builder Bob Emser, sets up the mold stations for Victoria. Using reclaimed Honduras Mahogany the transom for the dinghy is shaped and installed on the strong back.
Boat Builder, Bob Emser makes and fits custom bulkheads in a new way. As the 9' dinghy project for Steve Denette's tender Victoria progresses we see the bulkheads being make and fitted. Using recycled Cedar and Mahogany from a 100 year old, boat panels are made for the bulkheads. In addition Bob uses Peel Ply fro the first time. See what he learns about its application with epoxy resin.
Creating and rejuvenating a grown knee for the stern post, fairing and finishing are all completed in this episode of The Art of Boat Building. In this, the 11 Episode of Season 3 much is done to prepare the 9' tender for planking. We not only see the reuse of a 100-year-old grown knee for the sternpost, but also the assembly, finishing, and installation of the bulkheads and transom. All of the bulkheads and transom have been faired, and the sheer strakes for the port and starboard sides have been offered up to the boat.
Everything you need to know to get started strip planking your boat. In this episode of the Art of Boat Building, Boat Builder Bob Emser starts the process of strip planking the boat Victoria. Through the process Bob revels several tips on strip planking with cedar.This 9' sailing dinghy will be the tender for Arabella, Steve Denette's boat he is building on his YouTube channel, Acorn to Arabella.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building, Part 2 of Strip Planking the dinghy, Boat Builder Bob Emser starts the completes the process of strip planking the boat Victoria. Through the process Bob shows how he closes off the hull by strip planking with cedar. This 9' sailing dinghy will be the tender for Arabella, Steve Denette's boat he is building on his YouTube channel, Acorn to Arabella.
In this episode of building Victoria, Arabella's tender, Boat builder Bob Emser shows some secrets to fairing a hull. From hand planning, long boarding and using fairing compound the small 9'Dinghy starts to take shape. In addition to explaining some fairing tools, Bob also show how to shape and install the boats keel and outer stem. Victoria will be the sailing tender for Steve Dennete's boat Arabella as seen on the YouTube channel Acorn to Arabella.
Great tips for fiberglassing a boat hull. In building "Victoria", the 9' tender for "Arabella", boat builder Bob Emser shows the proper way to add fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin to the boat hull. Several tips are revealed from making perfect epoxy fillets, adding micro-balloon fairing filler, final sanding too priming with 2 part epoxy primer. Why one layer of fiberglass cloth? One of the goals of building the tender is that Steve Denette requested the boat be as light and strong as possible. He is fully aware that those two requests will be a balancing act to dial in the correct proportions. The answer came quite easily when we discussed Victorias construction with John Harris, owner of Chesapeake Light Craft. The full discussion can be viewed on A2A video “LIVE from 2022 The WoodenBoat Show” One question I posed to John was other stronger fabrics like such as Dynel and Xynole both are much higher in abrasion resistance. Unfortunately they also require a lot more resin to wet out,
Learn how to achieve a mirrored varnish surface and the proper way to paint your boat. In this episode of The Art of Boat Building Boat Builder, Bob Emser takes us through the steps need to have an outstanding finish on a boat hull. Check out his tips on how he gets a mirror like finish on the varnished transom. A quick "Boat Painting 101" on what paint should be used on a boat. Once the boat is paint we see the hull bing flipped over revealing the graceful lines of "Victoria" then sailing tender for Steve Denette's boat "Arabella"
No need for pulleys, cables or bungie cords, this retractable, kick up rudder can be operated with one hand in one simple movement! As work progresses on the sailing tender, for Steve Denette's Arabella, Bob comes up with a simple kick up rudder. Using a re-salvaged tiller and recycled material you won't believe how well it works. In addition to the White Oak cheeks and the Mahogany blade boat builder Bob Emser cast some custom bronze Pintle and Gudgeons and other bronze fitting for the Dinghy Victoria.
Watch as the dinghy get a big upgrade with a removable floor. Boat Builder Bob Emser guides us through the process of fiberglassing the inside of the hull. One request from Steve Denette is that the sole of the tender for Arabella be easily removed for cleaning. Build out the recycled white cedar plank for the 100+ year old boat "Victoria" the secret lies in a clever use of a french door latch. Paint, varnish and oil finishes is also discussed in this episode of The Art of Boat Building.
Boat Builder Bob Emser crafts seats out of 100+ year old Honduras Mahogany. Following Steve Denette's request that the seat have storage lockers Bob some seat hatches that have invisible hinges. Soss invisible hinges were developed for boat hatch way by Joseph Soss in 1903. Follow along as Bob also adds some amazing grown knees and build gunnels out of Black Locust.
Ever want to sew your own sail? Escape the ordinary with Boat builder, Bob Emser as he shows how to create your own dinghy sail. Making a spritsail is one of the easiest sail plans for a small boat. The spritsail is a four-sided sail that is supported at its highest points by the mast and a diagonally running spar known as the sprit. Follow along as Bob shows how to design, and sew the sail. In addition he creates the mast and spar for the spritsail plan for the dinghy "Victoria". The small 9' boat will be the tender for its mothership "Arabella" of Steve Denette's popular YouTube channel Acorn to Arabella.
Follow along as Bob designs a set of oars starting with a spruce log. Boat builder Bob Emser creates an elegant set of oars for the small dinghy "Victoria". Crafted out of a log from a spruce tree Steve Denette's great grandfather planted. These oars will power the tender for her mothership "Arabella" This is part one of designing and shaping the oars.
Learn the correct placement of oar leathers on the shaft. From the stitching technique, to attaching the button, see the entire process of dressing your oars. Boat Builder Bob Emser guides us through the process of stitching a set of new oar leathers. In this part 2 of making a set of spruce oars for the dinghy Victoria, the tender for her mothership Arabella we learn the proper placement and technique for a custom set of oars.
In this video the dinghy, Victoria the tender for Arabella, is launched. See Boat Builder Bob Emser win Honorable Mention for Victoria at the 31 WoodenBoat Shows Concours D'Elegance. And see her mothership Boat Builder, Steve Denette, win Best of Show for Arabella. In addition see Bob and KP rig the Spritsail for Victoria.
In this video Bob makes a mini T-Bevel gauge.
In this episode of Tool Making, Bob shows us his take on making a classic marking gauge
In this episode of Tool Making Bob makes a strikeable awl with a olive wood handle and brass ferrule. An awl is an important tool for any boat builders toolbox let alone any craftsman It's really an essential tool that everyone needs. I've always had a Stanley awl which has worked really well for me. One of the thing I like about it is that the metal shaft runs through the handle. I can strike it with an hammer with out damaging the handle. So one would be able to punch leather or things like that. I'd be looking for a small lathe project and decided that an awl would be a great small project. I made this awl with and olive wood handle, a brass ferrule, and a tapered polished shaft. All metal parts are easily found at my local hardware store.
In preparation for spiling the planking on the Haven I build a pair of compass dividers. In boat building there's a method called spiling and it is the process of determining the shape of a plank that goes on your boat. In order to do this you need a good pair of compass dividers. Those old-school compass dividers we all had in grammar school just isn't gonna cut it. So, I made a pair that is accurate and will lock in place. In this episode of tool making I'll show you how I made pair of compass dividers worthy of passing down to your heirs!
There's a saying in boat building and in woodworking in general you can never have too many clamps. The truth is it's not the amount of clamps you have but the variety of clamps. Recently I was looking through a Wooden Boat series book on planking and in there there was a chapter on "Clamps in the Boat Shop" and a section about cam clamps. So, in this tool making episode of the Art of Boat Building I will build 8 cam clamps in the Klemmsia style.
In this episode I build a Round Bottom or Hollowing Plane. This plane is also referred to as a Coopering Plane, which is a hand plane, meant to create a concave surface. This is an important tool for a shipwright who is “backing out planks” in carvel planking. The construction method used on this razee plane is in the Krenov style. This type of construction is done by laminating the plane with several pieces of wood, as opposed to the old method of mortising out the throat of the plane. In designing my plane I was taken by a Jack Plane I saw in The Unplugged Woodshop that Tom Fidgen had built. In my plane, not only is the bottom rounded, but also I increased the length and made the handle larger to fit my hand better. In 1981 Ron Hock began making blades for Krenov’s planes, and is still the leading manufacturer of this style of blade. Because I’m making a round bottom plane, I would have to alter a purchased iron, so I decided I would make my own iron from some O1 tool steel
The plane adjusting mallet is used for tapping the iron or blade of the plane to gain more depth of the cut. A tap on the top of the body near the throat will retract the iron for a shallower cut. In this episode Bob builds a brass mallet to adjust the new curved bottom plane in built in the last episode. The walnut and brass hammer is designed to complement the walnut hand plane.
In this episode of Tool Making Bob shows how he made a reefing hook. Reefing hooks are traditionally used to remove old caulk from between the wooden planks of a boat. This tool will be used to clean up the seams and give them an even spacing in preparation for caulking the new boat's hull.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building I build a caulking wheel for caulking a wooden boat. This shipwright tool is used to press cotton caulking in the seams of tightly spaced Atlantic White Cedar planks. Small wooden sail boats that are carvel planked, like the Haven 12 1/2 generally have tight seams that require the use of a caulking roller. The hand crafted walnut handle is beautifully set off by the brass accents.
In this episode of tool making on the Art of Boat Building I make a shipwright’s caulking mallet. If you google shipwright tools most likely one of the first things that comes up is a caulking mallet and these strange looking mallets are very specific to caulking a boat. They have this very long head and these longitudinal slots. From my reading, the slots are to reduce the fatigue and add a little bit of springiness to the mallet when it’s being hit on a caulking iron. The other thing I’ve read is it gives the mallet a nice ring. You can imagine the number of taps you have to make on this over the day you’d want a pleasant sound. This may be ship lore but I’ve also read that when there’s a large ship being caulked they tune the mallets so all of the shipwrights’ mallets were ringing in the same tone. Either way, I hope you enjoy this build of a shipwright’s mallet on the Art of Boat Building.
In preparation to work on "Arabella" I make a 2" Shipwright's Framing Slick. Using a inexpensive wood chisel I repurpose it with a custom lathe turned cherry handle to make a handy small framing slick.
In this video boat builder and tool maker Bob Emser explains the making of a 4" Try Square and a matching Mitre Square. This is a continuation of the making of shipwright tools. All are tools that are used in the building of his Haven 12 1/2 sail boat.
In this episode of the Art of Boat Building. Bob does a restoration on an old T-Bevel. Follow along as he breathes new life into an old tool during a T-Bevel restoration.
In this episode of The Art of Boat Building, Bob Emser boat builder explores the 3 Elements to Building a Wooden Boat. Have you ever thought of building a boat? Do you have the skills to build a boat? Want to start a boat but don't know where to start? You've started a boat and need help? What tools do you need to build a boat? All of these questions are answered in the episode.
In the continuing series of tool making videos, Boat Builder Bob Emser, creates a 4 inch drawknife. Getting inspiration from a Veritas 4" carvers drawknife Bob builds a knife out of O-1 tool steel featuring black walnut handles with brass ferrules.
