Laying the Deck! (Boatbuilding / Tally Ho EP122) 

I am nearly 75 years old an most of my working life has been around building or repairing timber boats. I have to say that I have NEVER seen a better made boat than this one. Perfect is the word that comes to mind. Well done lads. Regards from Australia.

Three weeks ago I hadn't heard of Sampson Boat Co. 122 episodes later this crew feels like family.

I’m getting worried that we finally dropped below the “2 years” and while I’d love to see Tally Ho in the water, I’d also love to continue watching this forever. Thank you for this amazing project!

"Lady Washington" was also used in at least one Star Trek movie! She is shown as "Enterprise" in the holodeck of the Galaxy class starship Enterprise, where Worf is being promoted a rank. It is in this setting Data says those infamous words... "computer, remove the plank"... instead of "retract the plank"... and dumps Worf in the ocean. My parents both took a barefoot cruise aboard her in the mid 90s from Portland, Oregon to the Puget Sound. Neither of them were up to working the rigging, so they were relegated to "deck swabbies". In reality, they simply worked the deck end of the rig. Lady Washington is a heck of a ship, and I am very glad to see her here on your show.

She's good-looking Sailboat, can't wait to see her sail, but sad that it be finished soon, one of the finest You tube series on the WEB.

The brass knees, diagonal braces and the painted undersides together at the end is a total piece of artwork. Great job guys.

The first sight of the white painted overhead against the varnished beams and bronze fittings is so exciting. You must be so proud Leo - and so you should be. Best wishes Bill B

Tally-Ho gets more beautiful every episode. It is a lot like watching you child grow up. Thank you Leo and the Tally-Ho crew.

Leo, just imagine how people will look at these video's in a hundred years when they rebuild this ship again. What you're doing is creating history for future shipwrights and sailors.

wow it's really coming together 👏🏼👏🏾👏🏿👏🏽👏🏻

Leo almost has as much boat as he had episode #1. 4 years later and he is ready to move forward! Love this channel! Keep up the great work!

I had the tremendous good fortune of sailing on the Lady Washington for a day with my sons out of Santa Cruz a few years ago. Tons of history and great crew. This started my interest in the sea that lead me to Tally Ho.

The craftsmanship of every one is so amazing, you guys are doing amazing work. Love this series

I think I can say that we the people are grateful for you making these videos!

It's a testament to the skill and professionalism of Leo and his crew that there are 3 different people working on the same thing and yet, it turns out absolutely beautiful. You don't just find skill level like that, it has to be bought with a lot of time, sweat and blood. Good job as always, and again thank you for all you do for us.

Leo I would like to thank you. During COVID lockdown I found your channel. I have been an amateur wood worker since my dad would let me near sharp objects. I fell away from it and was kind of floundering in life. Watching your videos has reminded me of the joy I would get building things. I hope by the end of the year to make a canoe, And eventually go to the northwest school of wooden boat building (it is the closest to me). Thank you for reigniting my love of wood working and building. You and everyone working on the Tally Ho are incredibly inspiring to me.

I'm sure the Albert Strange Association is thrilled at the progress and quality of this rebuild of Tally Ho!

I live in Brookings, Oregon, where Tally Ho was stored for so many years. It's so very wonderful to see all of the progress. Never did I ever think she would be able to brought back to life. Kudos to all!

This project is a testament to: "I don't need it to be done quickly, I need it to be done correctly" Good job lads and lassies.

I just lost my wife Judy. She really loved watching your videos with me! God bless you!

Wow, prepainting the underside of the deck strakes was such a great idea. The overhead inside the cabin looks so finished in that white against the deck beams and bronze knees. Its absolutely beautiful. The wood selection for the deck just flexed and bent in, perfectly. We're there any deck boards that creaked or fractured and had to be replaced along the way? I can hardly wait to see how complicated the king planks and covering boards are to cut and fit. It should make for an interesting video if they are covered in detail. Thanks again for bringing us along, Leo and crew. I am still enjoying this channel so much.

I know Leo wants to be known for his boatbuilding skills, but it needs to be pointed out what a great video this is! Interesting, educational, entertaining, the whole bit. There needs to be an Academy award specifically for craft/I dustrial works and I would nominate this video for the Oscar!

The making of a massive box beam. The boat is that much nearer to completion. Leo is likely having dreams of sailing in open water rather than contemplating how many board feet of lumber needed for the next project. It is going to be a wonderful boat. A thing of beauty, hand crafted with a life and personality of those who built it. You guys who have supported Leo are the heroes of this project. It is thanks to you that he has been able to follow his dream. Amazing amount of design and engineering - and it all came out right.

Time for watch no. 2. Man this whole series should be no 1 on youtube. This is stuff kids should be watching. Best content on ANY station, online, any media.

Leo is a class act. Everything he does is very professional and with no room for improvement.

Leo as you finished the deck I was thinking of the day you first saw Tally Ho and went down below and looked at all the rotten timbers. Wow she looks beautiful! 👍👍👍👍👍

It has been a long & winding road. It is good to see this Phoenix rising. This is the ONLY channel I cannot get enough of. Each episode goes by quick. This is truly an epic journey for Tally Ho & Leo.

I had no idea when I watched video number 1 so many years ago that this beautiful ship would come this far. The planning and prep work that goes on behind the build is just as amazing as watching it all come together. Would love to be there for the launch. I wait with baited breath for each video. Keep up the great work, your viewers may not be there in person but there in spirit. Thank you and your crew.

This is emotional. I know there is much left to do but as with planking of the boat, this is a significant step. I've been mesmerized from the beginning... in awe of what Leo and his companions are doing. This is a great crew with both shipwrights and committed volunteers Patrick and Rowan. I'm glad I finally joined Patreon so I could support this effort that gives me so much pleasure to watch. Thanks Leo.

The craftsmanship, on Tally-ho is of upmost perfection. I am a novice wood worker and I appreciate perfection when I see it and when I watch the work is performed. God bless the hands, mind and eyes of these talented shipwrights and their craft. Thank you.

I am really hoping for the launching of this boat to be a big event that many people can come and watch. I’ve told my wife that we are going if it is!

122 Episodes and still hanging on every word! Sheer brilliance and extraordinary leadership from Leo.

What a piece of art. Your team is the bee's knees. How refreshing to see an ideal work environment that is reflected in the happy disposition of all.

The videography is adding immensely to the wonder of the ship being (re)built. Thanks, Leo. Thanks, everyone involved on board, and everyone involved who is watching, supporting, and helping to make this the success it is. I have seen other ships built, and none has been so thoroughly documented and portrayed for the feat it is to build such a ship. Will she sail around the world? Surely, and accompanied by whales, dolphins and sea birds of all sorts. Wooden ships on the water.

I’ve followed this project from the beginning and I am not only amazed at how far it’s come, but the quality of the workmanship, the attention to detail and the dedication of the crew to completing the project. As a boy , I spent a lot of time in a boatyard watching the building of wooden fishing and lobster boats. The smells of wood shavings, the steaming box, the half models on the wall. Each shipwright had made his own set of planes, chisels and other tools; even their custom tool boxes!Well doneLeo and crew!

It's so amazing to see folks doing old school wood working with the correct tools! Awesome work guys.

Got my coffee poured and standing by! What an amazing transformation since you were in Tally Ho in Oregon looking at her "bones" for the first time.

At this point this is almost emotional to watch. Been a follower since ep3 and finally seeing the deck being put on is just amazing, I have no other words for it

What absolutely beautiful craftsmanship, Leo!

It just really sucks we only get a half our or so every two weeks of this project because I'm pretty sure I could sit down and happily watch a live feed of it for hours on end and not get bored. As always, amazing work being done by yourself and your crew, Leo. The few shot of the underside of the deck from inside the boat with the stained deck beams and copper strapping are just eye candy to anyone who loves wooden boats or even just masterfully crafted wood projects. Thank you for all the work you've done and for sharing it with all of us.

Kind of silly but seeing the deck going on is very exciting. The mood of everyone is electrifying lol

Leo the boat builder, lets not forget about all of the engineering skills that go into the drawings and planning of every single board and plank that has to be perfectly laid into place, he should be commended on his engineering skills alone, again what a crew, very impressive once again, to the team that is assembling this massive schooner. Leo the smile on your face at the end of the video says it all, well done crew. following from U.S.A. Michigan. CHEERS

i am 72 yrs old. been watching from day one. I hope to see you all sail off in the sunset and enjoy life.

Truly the fastest half-hour on RU-vid, and it's always over too soon! That is a gorgeous looking deck with some fine curves, and it looks gorgeous in the interior with the white, brass and lacquered wood.

I had not the slightest concept of how much meticulous hand work was involved in such project, you obviously did! Decking and the hull etc. Thanks!!

She’s coming along beautifully. My father would have loved to have seen the series.

Man, seeing the interior mock up was one thing... Seeing the deck there really hit hard. What a crazy ride it has been so far, part of me can't wait to see the first voyage and another part will miss watching what it took to get there.

Great work Leo, crew, and all who have supported this effort. It is more than just a boat build. It is an effort to save a part of nautical history. It is amazing to have the support of so many people, and for all of us who have supported this project, I for one am proud to say, I have done a small part of the build. It is funny to think that it is almost to the point at which Leo obtained Tally Ho. I guess you could say that, the day he saved her, it is all forward progress. She was only little more than a shell, and with so much done, both inside and out, she is well past what she was at the start of this rescue. I started watching this build at episode 2 or 3, and it has been a journey fraught with so many challenges for Leo, and Tally Ho. Leo... You have stuck to this project through so much. It is important to say that you have earned Tally Ho many times over. The strength you have shown has proven that you are the best steward and protector that Tally Ho could ever have. Thank you for all you have done Leo!!! Continue to enjoy the journey.

Laying the deck has made a significant change to how Tally Ho looks. I mean the planking stage gave the boat some lines but the deck and it’s graceful curves just ties everthing together so well. Looking at old sailboats I had never imagined how thick the deck boards were. Let me tell you, your crew’s knowledge and craftsmanship is extremely impressive and rare. One can only hope that your vlog will encourage more people to embrace these trades so that futur generations may be blessed by the sight of more of these beautiful classic sea vessels for years to come. Thx Leo and crew!

Deckhead shots: fantastic: The team must be very pleased.

I've been watching since day # 1 and still enjoy it a lot seeing that great team working on this increasingly more and more beautiful boat, thanks Leo. 😃

The colours of all the timber together with the brass fittings, absolutely magnificent. It's really coming together beautifully!

Stunningly beautiful workmanship. Tally Ho will undoubtedly be an enduring work of art once completed and the videos an incredible complimenting legacy to Leo and his crew. Watching these videos has been a life experience for me. Each video is more exciting than the last as Tally Ho takes form.

the inside of Tally Ho, with all the painted and varnished wood and shiny brass, is one of the most beautiful things ever!

Yeah Leo, this has been fun. Not over yet, either...I remember looking at this boat years ago with my wife. We considered buying it back then and rebuilding her. I'm glad we passed on it. You've done the old girl right. Oh and thanks for some more Wayward Jane!

There is something very peaceful and satisfying about being in a wooden boat shop. It’s a sense that time moves more slowly allowing the meticulous care necessary to measure, mark and cut each dimension and fit them into the whole vessel. No other form of construction gives that feeling. I used to love just spending some free time at the Henry DuPont shipyard at Mystic Seaport, admiring the intricate workmanship, and taking in the sights and smells of a 19th century shipyard. The use of power tools and modern materials does not distract from the traditional construction. To my mind it makes perfect sense.

WOW, WOW, WOW. The planking looks awesome and the interior shots of the roof finished with the bronze and white and bolts etc blew me away. So exciting to reach all of these build milestones. I support this project because of the amazing videos and woodworking skills of all involved. TY Leo and crew.

It's beautiful Leo, I'm in San Antonio Texas, but I lived up there for 45 years, and I'm reliving my childhood through what your doing. Thank you

No no I am not crying, it is just a bit of sand that blew in my eyes... Another mile stone. Such beautiful work and seems so rewarding! So while "screwing-up" it appears that you have all aligned the screw slots... Very happy for you Leo, and everyone involved of course.

The whole boat so far is looking absolutely splendid. Fine workmanship!

Finally!!! I've seen a Yankee screwdriver being used on the gorgeous Tally Ho! Yay! Great work as usual guys.

What a treasure this all has become. The boat, the team, the video record.

I don't know what it is about Tally Ho, but she truly is majestic!! Thank you for sharing this fantastic journey with us! 😁⛵

Go back figuratively and see a young man setting out to tackle this project. Now that we see the scope and scale of the project I can’t but marvel at the forethought, guts, and determination of this undertaking. Leo, you’re quite the young man.

I believe 'Tally Ho' was absolutely blessed when Leo came about and took her under his wing .. And Leo was extremely blessed to find such an amazing crew to help restore her, especially the dedicated three that may have left for a bit, but came back to put their eternal mark on the restoration of the sailing vessel named 'Tally Ho' !! Thank You Pete, Patty, of course Roland !!

Tally Ho is blossoming beautifully . Brilliant work by an outstanding team.😃

That deck is gorgeous. Truly a work of art. I particularly love the view from below, with the varnished beams, the bronze strapping and tie rods, and the painted deck planks. It's a perfect blend of visible strength, beauty and functionality. So, what kind of headliner you gonna glue in there? The shiny white naugahyde with the little holes in it? 😆 Seriously the view from inside the belly of your giant flying swimming bird fish beast will be framed by art. Good job. Love it. And you get to live in it, and use it for transportation! It is a functional, living sculpture. Art that does stuff. Also love seeing true pros at work. Fast and accurate. The gold standard for boatbuilders. Cheers!

I am a patreon only for Leo’s channel, and I’m very proud to send even a meager amount for such an incredible and beautiful rebuilding of Tally Ho.

That was cool with the Lady Washington "When ships were wood and men were iron. And giants walked the decks."

This is incredible craftsmanship. Everyone who worked on this project should be extremely proud, what an accomplishment.

That AYC is beautiful wood. It looks perfectly clear.

The contrast between the deck strakes and deck beams from below is absolutely stunning 😍

Leo, it was fun to watch you tackle this project alone way back in the beginning but it's great to see a whole team working on the Tally Ho. Now, I have hope of seeing you set sail and disappear to parts unknown before I grow old. Time to splash that pile of lumber!

The underside of the deck is among the most beautiful I've seen in a long time! Congrats Leo and the team, you guys should be very proud!

It's amazing how far this build has come. Feels like it started just last year.

Shots from the inside with all the bronze and finished frames and beams etc. So nice.

I wonder if Leo ever pinches himself to make sure this is all real. The journey has been one of self belief, a huge amount of drive and personal ability and the assistance of some amazing people that make up Tally Ho's community of helpers. We're back in the realms of "boat porn" with that deck!!!! Absolutely perfect and pristine. The interior with its beams and brass-work is also pure art. A heartfelt thank you for the chance to take this once-in-a-lifetime journey with Leo, her crew and Tally Ho. Yep, in a hundred years from now this will still be the perfect expression of design form, personal ability and hard work . In a word, beautiful.

What a stunning achievement, I'm in awe, now I know what the strake pattern looks like it means that I can lay the deck on my rc gaff rigg pilot cutter that I'm scratch building, from plans from bearospace. I've watched every minute of progress and the commitment is exemplary. Hats off to Leo and all his crew, well done. Martin in the UK 🇬🇧

Inside, the white decking against the varnished wood looks amazing.

Sailboat is becoming a absolute masterpiece. good job everyone. Enjoy to watch the process from the beginning.

To me this is what Pirsig refers to regarding “quality” in his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”… it takes on such an inspiring spiritual quality to see such beauty and attention to detail…

Hi Leo and team what a transformation tally ho is taking on would not believe such a long time ago since you purchased her for $1 and now look at her I loved the inside the white against the varnish looks amazing it is a testament to yourself and your team past and present for all the hard work that we have watched you all do take care.

Time to pull out the old joke again: She’s beginning to look like a boat! But seriously: Great work! And very satisfying to have this job done fairly fast and without a lot of hangups, I immagine. To be honest: when I saw the thumbnail, I thought I was looking at a 3D computer graphic … ! But it is reality, it looks fabulous and I can only say: Congratulations! PS: and thanks for those images of The Lady Washington! I’d have loved to see some interior but hey, what we saw was nice, anyway.

He's not too salty nor too sweet,he gave his toes to the rails but lacks not in wondrous feats, not last, not least ..his smile with which he greets, without fail. Hiya Pete! P.S Great catwalk, I mean Dock, guys!

What a milestone! Leo I’m so pleased that your preparation, skill and patience are being rewarded with the emergence of such a beautiful vessel. I feel sure that you are eagerly anticipating the rest of your journey. We are looking forward to hopefully seeing you back in the UK at sometime, at the helm of Tally Ho.

Absolutely an amazing work of art. So many wonderful people put their hearts into getting Talley Ho to this point. Two more years and she’ll be done. Congratulations All. Will

It hadn't really occurred to me that the deck strakes curved until watching the first one pulled into line and then it made prefect sense. It's lovely

The contrast of the white underside of the decking looks fantastic, clean and calming feel.

Patrick and Rowan, the unsung heroes on every episode!!.

the craftmanship is impeccable. I like this site so much I will go back and watch older videos. Leo and the crews' skill is amazing. his preparation is so good that there have been very few setbacks, first attempt at the lead keel and some bronze knee pours but that's it, fantastic. From huge seamless stern assemblies to small interior carpentry these guys are great. Keep it up!

Philosophically, I am just glad this boat is in the hands of a sailor who came up on his own and not the vanity project of some trustfundafarian. She is being restored by a skilled crew dedicated to learning and honing their craft, preserving an amazing skill set under the captaincy of a man who clearly loves her and will give her the care she deserves to keep her sailing through her second century and into her third. I hope that when she is finished there will be a book of photos and essays about her and that long after I am gone, my grand children, not-yet-born will find that book and track down Tally Ho and find that she is still sailing under the care of Leo's spiritual heirs.

I like it when Patrick shows up and the snoopy style blues piano kicks off... It just fits Patrick so well....:)

Gorgeous deck!! Congratulations to all the hands who laid her down. Cheers

Damn... remember a hundred videos ago when it was you on a patch of lawn, basic hand tools and a rotten old boat? Wild to see how far this has come, an awesome team of people, tooled up in an actual boatyard. And she's looking incredible, all the time and effort showing through clear as day. Cool thing is, at the end you'll have not just a gorgeous classic boat that's also brand new, but a whole boat building company! At least that's what I hope, that we get a mix of sailing videos as well as for Sampson Boat Co to get into the next project ;) daunting as that may be after all this time

There is no doubt that progress since the last episode is astounding!! Has anyone else wondered what it was like to build the original boat without the use of power tools and how much longer did it take?

Wow that thing is shaping up to be a museum piece, Well done.

Love you Leo. God Bless you and your wonderful crew.

Incredible skill truly pays off. You and your team are boldly creating art that will endure. Thank you so very much for sharing your journey Leo. We appreciate it immensely!

Little by little screw by screw and plank by plank she is looking lovelier by the moment. The Lady Washington is a fine lass for sure. I am from Bluenose country and think they would look fine healed over together in a hard turn.

Good grief that deck-work is literally amazing. It looks fantastic and ties the whole look together. Congrats on your accomplishments so far, you have some very talented and sarcastic partners on this endeavor!