If you've ever dreamed of building your own boat, you're in for a treat. Jason Hibbs, a master woodworker and the creative force behind Bourbon Moth Woodworking, recently pieced together a complete video series documenting his build of a McKenzie-style drift boat. His video, "I Built a Boat: Complete Boat Build Start to Finish," condenses six individual videos into one comprehensive guide. The video references a throwback of his favorite boat build to date, the Verna Louise.
Jason embarked on this ambitious project to build his first boat back in the fall of 2020, armed with a set of 57-page plans, marine-grade plywood, and a can-do attitude. And the best part is he shares his journey building this boat in a digestible way, so even if you are a novice you can easily follow along.
The Building Process
Starting with Plywood and Epoxy
Jason's journey began with the challenge of creating 16-foot sheets of plywood, essential for the boat's hull. He sourced marine-grade Okoume plywood and used TotalBoat High Performance Epoxy to give them structural integrity as well as glue the sheets together. This epoxy's excellent adhesion and durability made it the perfect choice for such a critical task. The puzzle-piece joints were also coated with epoxy, ensuring a strong and seamless bond.
With the 16-foot sheets ready, Jason cut the hull panels and transom. He used High Performance Epoxy again to coat the hull panels, providing added rigidity and waterproofing. This step was optional in the plans, but Jason included it for extra protection.
Jumping Ahead to Final Assembly and Finishing Touches...
Handrails and Interior Components
Jason added both exterior and interior handrails, again utilizing High Performance Epoxy for secure attachment. The interior handrails featured additional support for the boat's structure and provided a place to mount the seats.
Varnishing and Painting
For the exterior finish, Jason used TotalBoat Wood Sealer and Lust Rapid Recoat Marine Spar Varnish. He applied multiple coats of varnish, creating a durable and glossy finish. The boat's hull was painted with TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint, using the "roll and tip" method for a smooth, professional look.
Oiling the Interior
The interior was finished with TotalBoat Teak Oil, which penetrated deeply into the wood, providing excellent protection while highlighting the natural beauty of the Ash and plywood.
The Big Reveal: Verna Louise
Jason named the boat "Verna Louise" in honor of his grandmother, a fitting tribute to a woman who inspired him throughout his life. The final product was not just a functional drift boat, but in true Jason fashion, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and dedication.
The building of the "Verna Louise" showcases the power of determination, skill, and the right materials. TotalBoat products played a significant role in ensuring the boat's strength, durability, and beauty. If Jason's story inspires you, we encourage you to tackle your boat building adventure! Watch the full video for a detailed look at the entire process and incredible build.
For more inspiring projects and to see the Verna Louise in action, subscribe to Jason Hibbs' YouTube channel, Bourbon Moth Woodworking. Don't forget to check out TotalBoat's range of high-quality marine products for your DIY adventures. Happy building!
Clear High Performance Epoxy Kits
Lust Rapid Recoat Marine Spar Varnish
