Im used to seeing her big.. she's so small in the water.. excited to see her go in amazing places around the world..

@curtisroberts9137

2 жыл бұрын

exactly what i've been thinking. amazine how sleek and slender she looks underway.

@icelandviking1961

2 жыл бұрын

A little cold water does that.

@alfavulcan4518

2 жыл бұрын

Funny thing about a boat, it seems really big and unwieldy at the dock and around other boats then gets incredibly small in open water. Unfortunately it gets really big again when returning to the slip. 😬

@gordtemple764

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations 🍻🇨🇦👨‍🏭

Does anyone else notice Doug looks and sounds so much more relaxed since his sailing trip and the Seeker being done?

@BenjaminT.Minkler

2 жыл бұрын

I agree ...except boats are never 'done' - there is always something to upgrade, repair, clean, or that just needs redone again - thats why they are often called "a hole in the water that you put money into"

@deconteesawyer5758

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminT.Minkler With internet beggary, it is a hole in the water, that other people pour money into.

@CorpseBike

2 жыл бұрын

I don't think giving people the opportunity to support you financially while providing free content would be considered begging.

@davee.9906

2 жыл бұрын

@@deconteesawyer5758 It's not beggary if he provides entertainment and information in his videos. Plus he is pretty tame compared to other channels that are constantly asking people to subscribe and donate. He's honest when he does ask for things and he's always thankful for everything people give him.

@raypalise4512

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminT.Minkler BOAT MEANS BREAK OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND

This may sound mushy but I want to say thank you I've been watching you for almost eight years now and recently opened a small welding business in Michigan which is doing pretty good and everytime I feel overwhelmed on a job or think I can't handle a certain job I think of you building that boat in your front yard and it motivates me, congratulations it is so cool to see that boat in the water no I'm not crying I got dust in my eyes LOL.

@DoctorMangler

2 жыл бұрын

Me too buddy, I always came back to this channel and wow it's just so great to see this make it to the water. I'm so proud of you guys and for years you've been in my mind. Thanks so much for this awesome journey I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

@tomasjosefvela1

2 жыл бұрын

"This may sound mushy but I want to say thank you" good to see I'm not the only one! Congratulations on starting your own business, I'm right there with you as I start my own Handyman business in Chicago. Even when things are tough they are so much better than punching a clock for someone else.

@triggeringliberals405

2 жыл бұрын

@@tomasjosefvela1 especially with the inflation bulshit I'm sure your being impacted by that as well, here in Michigan they want $43 for one piece of OSB plywood like wtf is going on??? when I was working in my home shop welding years ago I used to be able to do things so cheap $50 here $100 there and I was putting some money in my pocket and everybody was happy this year I actually lost old customers of mine from way back because they couldn't handle my new minimum prices but what can I do it's out of my hands . I'm fully convinced the days of being able to do small repairs for 50 bucks for customers are completely over and it's only going to get worse trust me I feel terrible having to charge $200 just to weld somebody's broken lawn mower deck or something like that but I have no choice

@tomasjosefvela1

2 жыл бұрын

@@triggeringliberals405 Absolutely!! When my father first retired we started working together and modeled our whole business on small wall repairs and sometimes single wall paint jobs we could charge $40 to $80 a repair, materials included and still feel like we were over charging after doing 5 or 6 of them a day. but gas was a buck and materials were affordable. Now if you get a flat it's going to cost you an easy couple hundred and most of the day. I reclaim where i can and give breaks when i can but it's getting harder and harder. But we can't give up, things have to turn around....

As a follower from THE SV Seeker since 10 years, let me say in my language : BRAVO MONSIEUR. I wish you and the Seeker, like it was say, the very old times : Have fairwinds , nice sea and beautiful mooring. Respect for you and the team and now a new life is coming.🤓😎 Bon Courage and stay safe all together.

@hithere7382

2 жыл бұрын

Fair winds and following seas in the colonies...

Unbelievable couldn't be happier for you and everyone that helped.

All the armchair quarterbacks criticizing all the little things going wrong… little to they know, that what makes it interesting. Without all these challenges, this could be boring. Learning to overcome the challenges with creative ideas is my favorite part of SV Seeker. I’m glad that you will be keeping us along the journey.

@nerfinator03

2 жыл бұрын

The faster things go wrong right now the faster the ship will be fully operational. It takes sea trials to commission a ship after all...

@billrussell7672

2 жыл бұрын

I was a engine man in Navy, im not ashamed to say this vid teared me up. Congratulations Captain. Now we build the follower

The DeLoach’s are so proud for you man. The look on your face, priceless. You have earned every second. Make On Brother, oh yeah almost forgot, Sail On.

Man that boat looks great on the water.

Wow - congrats, again! The joy of a quiet morning on a river. I can only imagine the satisfaction.

@TarmanTheChampion

2 жыл бұрын

Soon you'll be out on Tally Ho! You'll definitely need to get yourself a cannon though haha

Crazy to think I've been following you guys along for 14 effing years. from my couch in Denmark... Amazing journey so far, and a lot more adventures to come! I learned alot from you guys over the years so couch time well spent! :)

Rivers are the blood veins of our Country. When you spend time on a river you get a feeling of the spiritual energy and soul of our land.

AND JUST 12 + YEARS AGO, A "GREAT" MAN'S DREAM!!! WORDS CAN'T DESCRIBE IT!!!!! THANK YOU!

Literally brought a tear to my eye. good job Doug

Oh my GOD This is it!!!! The Moment we've ALL been waiting for Congratulations Doug. What an Amazing Day

This whole thing reminds me of my wife's uncle... built and operates one of the biggest house boats on lake powell... All from scratch like you. Has morphed into a monster 100x38 foot monster with a deck below water level with 4 suites with queen beds and shower / toilet in each, second level has a huge recreation room, double kitchen, freezers, washer, dryer, double bathroom... third level has four rooms with two single beds in each, fourth level is the sun deck... all rooms air conditioned. Powered by two diesel 4 bangers top speed 3mph. Has enough gas and diesel to never see a marina for weeks. Pure bliss. His nick name was Noah in Page AZ as he like you had a metal monster in his yard for years before it ever saw water.

My partner and I have watched since the Seeker was nothing but steel sheets on the ground, And now She is a Real boat. lost my partner last year but if there is a heaven he is watching and cheering her on.

good job Doug. Very proud of you for this accomplishment.

So surreal, I've watched for almost 10 years. Finally going down the river. Wow. So nuts to think about. Well done.

Doug and everyone who was a part of Seeker. Well done, simply put well done

19:02 “the boat looks good too” More like the boat looks freakin amazing Doug!

Those top-down shots are freaking amazing

Back in 2014 we started building a custom truck from the ground up out in a parking lot and didn't know anything about welding. I found your channel and picked up a few tips. A neighborhood boy asked me if there was anything that he could do to help. I told him, "There is one thing that you can do...believe." He got to see us drive drive said truck. We live in New Orleans, drove it to Chicago, got on Historic Route 66 and made it all the way to L.A., CA. I hope to see it pass by when you get here.

I captained an 80' schooner and a 125' schooner as well as working on a dozen other commercial sail and work boats for over a decade, but I "came up through the hawse pipe" as they say. First job as deckhand/engineer was on a wooden sailing school vessel that I joined during a month-long yard period in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. I proceeded to sail aboard her for five months up to Gloucester, MA, down the east coast, through the Bahamas, Haiti, Dominican Republic, along the leewards and all the way south to Bequia in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, staying half a step ahead of the students and trying to play like I knew what I was doing. Watching you guys learn the ropes reminds me of those days. I've been watching off and on for the last few years and I'm glad to see Seeker in the water and I foresee the learning curve staying pretty steep for awhile yet. Safe voyages!

i was most stressed for the trip down to the harbour! this is delightful to watch unfold

@Levi_Allen

2 жыл бұрын

grinning like a fool the whole time while watching.

@Levi_Allen

2 жыл бұрын

nothing like a good old stern tie in the river

I’ve been following you for so many years, I’m a welder by trade and used your channel to show my son what one person is capable of if they can learn a trade or two. My son is 20yrs old now and a boilermaker and carpenter. Thank you for the inspiration! My son makes 6 figures plus a year at 20yrs old!

have been a liveaboard Yacht Owner for 40 yrs. here on North Padre Island , made a living as a Freelance Artist restoring classic Yachts and Automobiles ( now retired ) , the boats i kept for MYSELF , 1968 Camper and Nicholson ketch , 1980 German Frers club racing sloop and 1973 Chris Craft Commander Sport Fisherman ( all 38 ft. , not to difficult to restore and MAINTAIN !!! and perfect size for bachelor pad ) plus i always had a classic Alfa Romeo , Jag , Lotus , Lancia , Corvette etc etc to maintain as well ( daily drivers !!! ) you can imagine how entertaining your build and eventual LAUNCH has been for a TEXAS HOT RODDER !!! lol fun stuff yall

@SVSeeker

2 жыл бұрын

Howdy. I grew up in Brownsville Texas. We may have to sail your way and see the old place. Especially if we can catch a Space X launch.

@jochenpeiper6797

2 жыл бұрын

@@SVSeeker love South Padre , have gone Surfing there and Boca Chica a thousand times , have even caught waves at '' THE COVE '' a few times ( perfect swell direction and the wave travels up the ship channel and breaks in the cove right in front of BARS and RESTAURANTS !!! ) i figured Yall boys would do the river system to the Mississipi and then the Gulf , Port Aransas can accomodate your footage ( i mile inside the jettys , Corpus Christi Ship Channel ) downtown Corpus Marina can handle your footage also , i lived aboard at Padre Island Yacht Club for many yrs. ( 45 footers MAX ) , down town has more action , bars , surfer girls , restaurants , will follow Yalls '' adventure '' and update info accordingly

How can you not smile while watching this!? Doug you are a true inspiration and I am so happy to see your dreams coming true.

What you have built is simply amazing Doug! You’re a true inspiration to so many. Can’t wait to see her in full sail!

So excited for you.

The English language does not equip me with adequate words to express how much I enjoyed that video! Well done Doug.

Doug, the sparkling eyes and huge smile speaks volumes.. Enjoy forever

After following this for so many years it was truly epic to see it sail. What an amazing project. Inspirational

With the trans temp climbing make sure you have the converter locked in. Converter slip is the main thing that creates heat.

@MistahHeffo

2 жыл бұрын

Facebook post shows the trans went bang. Tailshaft broke, and off the rear mounts, Trans fluid dumped out. The Alli didn't like something!

@cecilforbes3034

2 жыл бұрын

Ahh farrrrkk ,Doug will fix it 👍

I worked on the Seeker several years ago, when it was a bare steel hull. We made and welded in the internal hull ribs with all the holes in them. Seeing her in the water and motoring down the river brought tears to my eyes. What a fantastic accomplishment Doug !!!

@SVSeeker

2 жыл бұрын

You’ll have to come back!

@SVSeeker

2 жыл бұрын

You’ll have to come back!

To see this ludicrous dream come to fruition is AMAZING! Anything is possible!

What a feeling cruising down the river in your boat, things working the way the should. Huge gratification. Congratulations Doug!

I cant believe I'm going to witness this vessel actually cruising without Seatow pulling it...congratulations for all your extremely hard work and dedication. your a madman

Oh my long time coming Doug, she looks gorgeous❤️❤️❤️ YEAH BABY!!!

The joy and quiet pride you show in your creation is evident and wonderful to share. We just completed the survey & sea trial of what we hope will be our home around the world over the next 10 to 15 years. Sending the signed contract tomorrow. Then our journey also begins... I hope we are as deeply happy as you are. =] CJ&JD =/|)= Fair seas and following winds!

I would like to take a moment here to remind all the haters that said you was a scammer and would never get on the water as the financial benefits of being in the front garden were higher………………BOAT IN WATER BOYS AND GIRLS NO ROOM FOR HATE HERE awesome effort Doug congratulations ive been watching from almost the first sheet and what a joy it is to finally see seeker in the water

I've been watching this channel often and love that this project has come to a wonderful end/beginning...looking forward to following further. very inspiring...r

This is Jack the Rum Runner from the Bilge pump. We enjoyed this video so much. Godspeed

So happy to see SV Seeker finally a float and sea worthy, well done guys, God Speed

Congratulations on getting the boat on the water, Doug! Not sure how long ago it was when I first started following the build, but you were swinging steel sheets around the yard, if I remember. I remember the lead pours, the casting videos, the ROV stuff you worked on, the paint/epoxy(?) testing, and all the different people passing through and doing some work, etc. Quite an amazing accomplishment, really. Congrats again. Enjoy her! Edit: I read the comments after writing this. Noticed people saying how different you looked. Well, I'd noticed it, too. Not sure what it is exactly, but it's better, & you look happier. Take care.

She looks so cool moving in the water, cant wait to see her under sail. Best to you guys

@cloudsculptor1

2 жыл бұрын

Ditto

Proof of amazing determination, patience, adaptability, detail completion, for thoughts and planning! So great to see dreams be worked into reality! Still want that salty tatyoo?!?

That Sunset, and frozen pizza on your own boat ? PRICELESS ! PS Doug, maybe get a small diameter fan in that floor porthole to pull some of that heat up from engine room to cockpit and would make it more comfortable ? If it's reversible you could blow cooler air down there for summertime conditions ? Enjoy your pizza, you've earned it !

i have been watching from the start a man with a dream a drive to achieve i also have a passion for steel boats and work with steel alot i have learnt many things over the years watching your processes i hang out for each episode and at late it was getting frustrating with all the insurance bull but when she hit the water i had tears in my eyes now i carnt wait for the trail im hangin cheers doug we love ya man there goes my hero

Pure awesomeness! All the blood, sweat and tears paid off. She is incredible.

Congratulations Doug to you and everybody talk to you along the way and watching for many many years truly inspirational can't wait to see what adventures you get into how the boat does.

Never let other people hold you back with their lack of ability!

A darn fine first part of the shakedown that all new boats go through. Unlike many new boat owners you know how things work. I think it is going great.

Hi Doug. You might not know me. The first time I watched one of your videos, I was hooked. That's way, way back then right in your backyard. And what you accomplished is just . . . . man. The drive and the determination that you have to achieved this project is immeasurable. I was in the cruise ship for quite a time. It was so inspiring. Can't wait to see her on the seven seas. Bon Voyage!!!

@DoctorMangler

2 жыл бұрын

Me too LifeAsltls you said it perfectly. What a great joy to watch this from pouring aluminum hatches and bending rails to be in the water today.

Awesome , thanks for the ride ...!!!

Wow!!! Totally awesome Doug!

Finally she is DOING it! Congrats. Inspired by your persistance I hope to cross the Atlantic this month. Always fair winds for your enterprise!

Doug it was a joy to see how proud you were going down the river! From the engine starting cold to how the rudder you made worked great in steering Seeker. Amazing. I can only imagine how satisfying that was. And yea American locks are Fing huge!! Can't wait to see what you do next.

@SVSeeker

2 жыл бұрын

They are roomy. And these are the small ones.

@SVSeeker

2 жыл бұрын

It would be fun to build one of those canal boats you guys have and put it on the river.

Yes!!! Keep marching forward. Congrats

I love this! The big smile on Doug's face says it all! Congratulations on achieving these milestones on your voyage. I am eager to see the sails on Seeker!

This is a huge accomplishment, congrats Doug and all the volunteers over the years 🙌!

When reversing, the boat will turn to port or starbord dependent of the rotation of the prop :)

@eskaymotorsports600

2 жыл бұрын

Came here to say the same. ‘Prop walk’

@stevenbeach748

2 жыл бұрын

Not if the rudder is big enough.

@omantoodle2437

2 жыл бұрын

No shit admiral

@cailco100

2 жыл бұрын

@@stevenbeach748 Even massive cargo ship have prop walk. won't be much for their size. but they still get prop walk. There is a very good video on KZread about it. cannot remember the title but it's there Edit: Found it. look for a video titled, Left handed ships. effects of transverse thrust. should be by casual navigation

@bennieknape4857

2 жыл бұрын

They call that walking

I love to sail and the best time is when you hoist and cut the engine. There is something spiritual about hearing the waves lap against the boat as you sail rather than a diesel soundtrack. It's nice to borrow the wind.

Happy to see all of you happy !!!

I just can't believe it's on the water. Been watching since you were battling sheets of steel into the position and to see it now on the water and heading down the river is just awesome. You should be very proud of yourself and all those that helped along the way. Enjoy. Side note:I can't imagine how much money the Insurance company pocketed. Can't stand insurance companies. WE as a society need to decide if insurance is a service or a business. It can't be both. It should be a not for profit service, so that it serves to protect from catastrophe not a for profit business. As long as it's for profit, they will always look for ways to exploit. Anyhow, no worries moving on.

mate it brings me so much joy seeing you doing this and seeing the boat under way, and making way! especially after all the help, love and care you gave people like me over the last decade. I'm genuinely so happy to see it all happening. Endless respect for just saying F**k this im going sailing when there's things in the back of your head making you worry or jobs to finish. I know what that's like and its damn scary. I had all sorts of small stuff go wrong and so many jobs left to do when we cast off but as soon as you leave the dock and go, all that fades away and you really get to see the jobs that actually NEED to get done. If you dont leave with a big jobs list you won't ever leave. Well done, sir. I salute you!

@SVSeeker

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks and yes I am absolutely sure you know the feeling. And I think you are absolutely correct. Go as soon as you can and what really needs to be done will rise to the surface. Looking forward to seeing you on the water.

Absolutely amazing to see Seeker doing her thing. So happy for all of you.

Doug, Nancy and I were on the way home from a two month motorhome trip when we got news of you journey down the river. We crossed the inland water way to the Mississippi river near Muskogee and looked up and down stream with no sight of the Seeker. Little did we know you were so close. I didn't see the last KZread entries until we got home. Sorry we missed you !!! Fair sailing to the SEEKER and her crew.

The heat exchanger is designed for it's highest efficiency with a certain amount of water moving through at a certain speed. If you push to much through to fast, you lose eff.

@ryanhogan6509

2 жыл бұрын

I think it would loose efficiency if the trans fluid moved through faster, but the water side is able to figure out easy, by looking at inlet vs outlet temperature, if there is a large delta, then go ahead and speed it up, however if the delta is only a degree or two, then you need a larger cooler.. with more area to dissipate heat..

@cecilforbes3034

2 жыл бұрын

The torque converter is making all the heat so when that’s deleted the heat exchanger should be fine what ya reckon?

DOUG it's bloody amazing, you seem so happy can't wait to see your face when you get sails up 🙂

Super cool. Happy happy happy for you and the crew and everyone else

CONGRATULATIONS. It's great to see you on the water.

Running out of boxes to check Doug and I love being able to see it! The expression on your face as you're going down river reminds me of my kid on Christmas morning.

SO FREAKING EXCITING! Can’t wait for all of the river updates!

I've watched since she was nothing but sheet steel. You sir have built a fine vessel.

Well done. So great seeing you finally there. On the water. You deserve evry Joy and more. Happy sailing.

This is so good to see. I've been following you almost from the start, and now seeing the SV Seeker sail and so well. Awesome. I'm happy for you Doug and for everyone involved.

I can't help but think if anyone besides Doug could have imagined this video five years ago. There were lots of doubters and trolls back then -- there still are -- but this video shuts that negativity down forever.

Well done, you have earnt that ear to ear smile xx

love the smile on your face Doug. Congratulations on your momentous accomplishment and looking forward to your next phase of your dream. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

Doug, Seeker can sink right now and your many years of work would still be a success. You've already blown Reditt predictions out of the water. That is such an awesome sight to see years of dreams moving under her own power. Thank You for your dedication to your dreams and sharing your vision with us.

Man looks great 👍 can really see the joy. Brings back memories of that feeling. I remember you have that shroud around the prop. But it still looked like propwalk when you put her into reverse and she started turning. If it really is that its the prop throwing water up under one side of the Hull, that in turn pushing the stern in the other direction. With our old boat I learnt to start a turn in the other direction then put it in reverse could be as much as 30 degrees in the opposite direction. Depending on how fast I wanted to slow down. Don't try reversing down wind with lots of hard stuff around. The bow just keeps falling off and you can't catch it. Better to use the propwalk to turn 360 in a tight spot and drive forward down wind. Then when stopping the wind holds your bow in line. Wish I was there. Would be making a nuisance of myself. Good to see you enjoying the fruits of your labour, well deserved.

@SVSeeker

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, that's what happens when we have the prop feathered for sailing. We'll play around with it some more, but I think we can make some use of that.

So graceful in the water. A work of art Doug

I am so pleased to see you and your legacy is on the water. It is inspirational for us all to show a little patience and things do happen. It does not always change your life if some things may take a little time.

So happy to see her in the water!! I've learnt a lot from your vids over the years and enjoyed the process. You're a true inspiration. God speed on your adventures.

Love to see it humming along, well done

Congrats!!!!! Can't imagine how good you must feel.

Hi Doug, what a great first trip. When you started you mentioned Sims Metal the scrap metal people. Bit of useless info, SIms is an Aussie company started by Albert Sims in Sydney in 1917. He started collecting scrap on his pushbike and is a multinational company in 30 countries, I think it has about 200 yards in the US. Enjoy the Seeker a great reward for 10 years of hard work.

God bless your hear!! Best wishes! hope to see you soon around Florida!!

you are absolutely right.Tthis is a gorgeous looking boat.

Great to see you enjoying yourself and all of your hard work and communal progress

Happy for you and crew

She's a fine craft! Congratulations on all the hard work Doug! This is a dream come true for you and all of the team that helped out.

Be safe ,, so happy for what you have shown us , what can be accomplished with friends patience .

Congrats SV Seeker! That was amazing to watch, everything seemed to go very smoothly. Hope you will enjoy the rest of the trip and can figure out what still needs to be done on the boat

That is great! I am so happy for you Doug! I can see the joy all over your face! You look as if even the worst problems wouldn't bother you right now! 😀👍 God bless & God speed!

Great job Doug sorry for asking for my money back and calling the seeker and rv she looks beautiful on the water and you made it with your own hands and alot of great people I would be happy to leave this earth with and accomplishment like the seeker and thank you for teaching all of us the value of patience not to be underestimated 🙂

Congratulations Doug and the SV Seeker team 👍🏾👍🏾

I’m So Happy For You Doug. Your living your dream. Enjoy your journeys my friend. Best Tim

The feeling of being on the water after so many years of work in your front yard... I can only imagine it must feel incredible. So great to see the smile on your face Doug... its a look of pure joy.

Very happy for you, Doug. You believed while many doubted. Your dogged determination brought forth your dream. She looks beautiful in the water, sir. Well done!!