Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the fascinating topics discussed in the YouTube video titled “”. In this video, the creator takes us on a journey through the process of building a pirogue, a traditional watercraft, using materials sourced from the wild Karelian forest. This adventure is anything but simple and easy, as the creator challenges themselves to overcome various obstacles during the boat-building project. They share their know-hows, including using diagonal dowels for wood joinery and creating a self-propelled sawmill from a chainsaw, which can be useful for any DIY project.
The inspiration for this project came from the creator’s desire to build a Viking ship, but they chose to start with something simpler, the pirogue. They share their experiences fishing in a local pirogue and explain how they decided to add additional features to their own design to make it more seaworthy. This includes adding a keel, a stem, and a sternpost, as well as bending the bottom along the bilges of the ribs. The creator also plans to add a second hull, a rudder, and sailing gear in the future.
One of the main challenges faced by the creator was finding suitable material for the boat. Having used most of the wind-blown trees in the area for various other projects, they had to search for a suitable pine tree within a 3-kilometer radius. The selection of the right log was crucial for the success of the boat-building project.
Join us as we dive deeper into the full-of-surprises-story of the birth of this pirogue in the deep Karelian forest. Stay tuned for more insights and details about this exciting project.
Below Table of Contents
- 1. The Challenges of Building a Pirogue from Scratch in the Karelian Forest
- 2. From Tree to Boat: Exploring Traditional Wood Joinery Techniques
- 3. Enhancing the Design: Adding a Keel, Stem, and Sternpost to the Pirogue
- 4. The Search for Suitable Wood: Choosing the Right Log for the Boat Building Project
- Q&A
- Final Notes
1. The Challenges of Building a Pirogue from Scratch in the Karelian Forest
In the wild Karelian forest, building a pirogue from scratch presents several challenges. While constructing a boat from ready-made wood materials in a workshop is relatively simple, I thrive on adventure and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. Thus, I embarked on the task of milling boards alone in the forest, a feat that proved to be physically demanding yet achievable.
To ensure the success of this boatbuilding project during my fleeting vacation time, I applied some of my specialized techniques. One such technique is using diagonal dowels for wood joinery, which adds an extra layer of strength and stability to the boat’s structure. Additionally, I utilized a self-propelled sawmill made from a chainsaw, along with other tricks that can be useful for your own projects.
Although my childhood dream was to build a Viking ship using traditional construction methods, I started with a simpler project: a traditional pirogue. The inspiration for this choice came from my experience in Tanzania, where I fished from a local pirogue while descending from Mount Kilimanjaro. Impressed by its primitive yet sturdy design, I decided to create my own version. While Lake Ladoga’s waves may occasionally be challenging, at least I don’t have to worry about navigating past unfriendly hippos.
While designing my pirogue, I decided to incorporate additional features to enhance its seaworthiness. These include adding a keel, a stem, and a sternpost, as well as bending the bottom along the bilges of the ribs. In the future, my plan is to further enhance the boat by adding a second hull, a rudder, and equipping it with sailing gear. But before delving into these exciting prospects, let me take you on a journey through the surprises and challenges I encountered during the birth of my pirogue in the depths of the Karelian forest.
Finding suitable material for the boat was the first obstacle I faced. As I intended to lay the keel at the construction site of my log cabin next to the stream bridge, I scoured the area in search of wind-blown pine within a 3-kilometer radius. This proved to be a challenging task, as I had already used most of the fallen trees in the vicinity for various other projects. Choosing the right log for the boat’s construction is a critical decision that significantly impacts the success of the entire project.
Building a pirogue from scratch in the Karelian forest may be fraught with challenges, but with determination and creative problem-solving, I am confident in achieving a magnificent watercraft. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress and surprises that lie ahead in this fascinating endeavor.
2. From Tree to Boat: Exploring Traditional Wood Joinery Techniques
This video showcases the process of creating a traditional pirogue boat using wood joinery techniques. The boat was made from a fallen pine tree in the wild Karelian forest, adding an element of adventure and challenge to the project. Instead of opting for pre-made materials, the creator decided to mill the boards themselves, using diagonal dowels for wood joinery and a self-propelled sawmill made from a chainsaw.
The initial inspiration for this boatbuilding project came from a desire to build a Viking ship stitched with traditional viza rope. However, as an amateur, the creator chose to start with something simpler and settled on a traditional pirogue. The idea for this type of boat came to them during a fishing trip in which they used a local pirogue. Impressed by its stability and maneuverability, they felt confident they could build their own.
However, the design of the pirogue became more complex due to additional requirements. To make the boat more seaworthy, the creator added a keel, a stem, a sternpost, and bended its bottom along the bilges of the ribs. In the future, they plan to add a second hull, a rudder, and sailing gear, further enhancing the boat’s capabilities. The video will continue to document the surprises and challenges faced during the birth of this pirogue in the deep Karelian forest.
One of the initial challenges was finding suitable material for the boat. Since most of the wind-blown trees in the area had already been used for various projects, the creator had to search within a 3-kilometer radius for a suitable wind-blown pine. This decision was crucial, as choosing the right log is a critical step in ensuring the success of the boat-building project. With the material finally secured, the creator was ready to embark on this unique and exciting woodworking journey.
3. Enhancing the Design: Adding a Keel, Stem, and Sternpost to the Pirogue
Applying know-hows and techniques I have learned over the years to my pirogue project has been an exciting challenge. While my childhood dream was to build a Viking ship, I opted to start with a traditional pirogue. These primitive watercraft are known for their stability and maneuverability, making them an ideal choice for exploring lakes and rivers. However, I wanted to enhance the design of my pirogue to make it more seaworthy.
To achieve this, I decided to add a keel, stem, and sternpost to my pirogue. These structural elements will provide stability and improve the boat’s performance in the water. Additionally, I bended the bottom along the bilges of the ribs to further enhance its seaworthiness. These modifications may seem simple, but they significantly complicated the overall design of the pirogue.
In the future, I plan to take my pirogue project even further by adding a second hull, a rudder, and sailing gear to transform it into a catamaran with sailing capabilities. This will allow me to explore even larger bodies of water and enjoy the thrill of sailing. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting additions to my pirogue. Building this boat has been a journey filled with surprises, and I can’t wait to share the full story of its birth in the deep Karelian forest. The first challenge I faced was finding suitable material. Having used most of the wind-blown trees in the area for my log cabin and other projects, I had to search within a 3-kilometer radius to find the perfect pine log for the keel. Choosing the right log is crucial to the success of the boat-building project, and I was determined to find the best one for my pirogue.
4. The Search for Suitable Wood: Choosing the Right Log for the Boat Building Project
It’s always important to start any boat building project with the right materials, and for my pirogue, choosing the right log was crucial. I wanted a wind-blown pine for its strength and durability, but finding one proved to be a challenge. Over the past few years, I had used most of the wind-blown trees in the area for various projects, including the construction of my log cabin and the bridge across the stream. After tidying up the camp, I set off on a search within a 3-kilometer radius, determined to find the perfect log for my boat.
Finding the right log was not an easy task, especially since I wanted one that was suitable for the keel. My search took me deep into the Karelian forest, where I knew I could find the quality I was looking for. After hours of exploring, I finally came across a fallen pine tree that had been brought down during a big storm a few years back. It was the perfect candidate for my boat building project. With its straight and strong trunk, I knew it would provide the stability and durability I needed.
Once I had found the suitable log, the next step was to prepare it for milling. This involved removing the branches, bark, and any other debris that might interfere with the milling process. I also had to measure and mark the log, ensuring that I would get the desired dimensions for my boat. It was a labor-intensive task, but with the right tools and techniques, I managed to prepare the log for milling.
Choosing the right log for a boat building project is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration and a keen eye for quality. With a wind-blown pine in hand, I was one step closer to bringing my pirogue to life. In the next post, I will share the process of milling the log and transforming it into the building blocks for my boat. Stay tuned for more updates on my boat building adventure!
Q&A
Q: What is the YouTube video about?
A: The video is about the process of making a pirogue boat from a fallen pine in the Karelian forest.
Q: Why did the person choose to make the boat from natural materials in the forest?
A: The person wanted to challenge themselves and make the boat using their own skills and resourcefulness, rather than relying on ready-made materials.
Q: What techniques did the person use in building the boat?
A: The person used diagonal dowels for wood joinery and a self-propelled sawmill made from a chainsaw, among other tricks.
Q: What was the person’s initial idea for boat building?
A: The person initially wanted to build a Viking ship, stitched with a traditional viza rope and waterproofed with a mixture of rosin and turpentine from a forest distillery.
Q: What influenced the person’s decision to build a pirogue instead of a Viking ship?
A: The person decided to start with something simpler as an amateur boat builder, and their experience using a pirogue while fishing on Lake Ladoga influenced their choice.
Q: What additional features did the person add to the pirogue to make it more seaworthy?
A: The person added a keel, a stem, a sternpost, and bended the bottom along the bilges of the ribs to improve the boat’s seaworthiness.
Q: What are the person’s future plans for the pirogue?
A: The person plans to add a second hull, a rudder, and sailing gear to transform the pirogue into a catamaran.
Q: What was the first challenge the person faced in building the boat?
A: The person had difficulty finding suitable material for the boat since they had already used most of the wind-blown trees in the area for other projects.
Q: Why did the person decide to search for a wind-blown pine within a specific radius?
A: The person wanted to lay the keel of the boat at the construction site of their log cabin, making it easier to build close to home.
Q: Why is choosing the right log important in the boat-building project?
A: Choosing the right log is a crucial decision because it determines the quality and durability of the boat.
Final Notes
vy material to the construction site rather than transport the boat from the forest. After a few days of exploring, I finally stumbled upon a fallen pine that seemed perfect for my pirogue.
Once I had the material, the real work began. The process of milling the boards using my self-propelled sawmill was a tiring yet rewarding experience. I utilized my knowledge of wood joinery and used diagonal dowels to ensure a strong and sturdy boat. Each step of the way, I faced challenges and obstacles, but that’s what adventure is all about, right?
As I worked on my pirogue, memories of my childhood dream of building a Viking ship resurfaced. Although this project may not be as grand as a Viking ship, it serves as a stepping stone towards fulfilling that dream. I believe that starting with something simpler allows me to hone my skills and knowledge, preparing me for more ambitious projects in the future.
The design of my pirogue was not without its complications. I wanted to make it more seaworthy, so I added a keel, a stem, and a sternpost. I also shaped the bottom to follow the curves of the ribs, ensuring stability and maneuverability. These additional features will lay the foundation for future upgrades, including a second hull and sailing gear.
Finding suitable material for the boat was a challenge in itself. After exhausting the wind-blown trees in the area, I had to search within a 3-kilometer radius to find the perfect pine log. This decision was crucial as it determined the outcome of the entire project. Fortunately, my determination paid off, and I found the ideal log.
Throughout this journey, I have learned valuable lessons and acquired new skills. I hope that the tricks and techniques I shared in this video will be useful to you in your own projects. Remember, adventure is all about pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and never settling for the easy way.
Thank you for joining me on this remarkable journey from tree to boat. Stay tuned for future updates on the pirogue’s progress and the exciting additions I have planned. Until then, keep exploring, creating, and embracing the spirit of adventure!
From Tree to Boat, Watch me Float
Wooden boats have been used for centuries for fishing, transportation and recreation. Though they were initially constructed from trees that were felled, thanks to modern technology, constructing a boat is no longer as laborious. It is possible to craft a lightweight, high-performance boat from a single tree.
Using high-tech methods, a single tree can be used to produce a complete, high-performance boat. The first step is to select a tree of the right dimensions—one that is large enough to accommodate the desired boat size and shape—and have it delivered to a boatbuilding facility.
Once the tree arrives, the tree will be scanned to determine its internal structure and dimensions. This allows the boatbuilder to select the optimal cuts to ensure the strongest, lightest and most efficient boat possible.
Next, the tree is cut into boards and steamed, a process that alters the properties of the wood so that it can be shaped to the desired shape of the boat. The wood is then shaped into a frame and connected together.
Finally, the frame is covered in fiberglass or carbon fiber panels to seal the boat’s deck, hull and interior. The boat is then painted and outfitted for use.
The result is a lightweight, high-performance boat that is built with minimal material and labor, making it more affordable and sustainable than conventional boatbuilding methods. By using this new technology, you can design a boat from a single tree that will last you a lifetime. So, watch me float and marvel at the transformation from tree to boat.