Pouring a Three-Ton Lead Sailboat Keel...did NOT go as planned!

After months of preparation, I finally lit the fires and melted the three tons of lead that will make up Astraea's exterior ballast. Everything was going so well...until very suddenly it wasn't!

[@nathanchalecki4842]

Well, hope you are ready. I needed another boat building chanel and the algorithm has provided 🎉 I'd say if I'm seeing it then thousands are and you'll be blowing up pretty soon!!

[@korora912]

Oh goodness. I'm so not ready for that, haha!

[@factnotfiction5067]

Please do not stop the videos. many of the boat building channels are finishing their construction phases, Tallyho , Acorn to Arabella, Ship Happens etc. You tube needs creators like you. Your honesty and intuition are refreshingly honest. Keep up the good work.

[@korora912]

Aww! Thanks! Amazingly, I started building mine before all of them - though not with making videos. It just takes a loooong time when you’re just one guy! I’m not sure if I’ll have the ability to keep the videos to a regular schedule - but all these comments have definitely motivated me to make more of them when there’s build progress to show!

[@eyeinhand]

Wow, every step and adventure, especially when each one is the first one. No mulligans! And that was a big step! But no matter what, if you don't like what you see, you can remelt and repour. Nice thing about lead is it doesn't go bad. Better than wood that way - when you cut a plank too short can't put it back. Thanks for posting the whole story. We learn from each other, and learn most when things don't go as planned.

[@jonathandrake6941]

Thanks! Update coming soon! :)

[@sailingtotem]

Wow Jonathan! Who knew pouring the keel could be a suspenseful event?! I'm looking forward to the follow up...

[@richardteale3217]

Very much enjoyed the video and admire your tenacity. You ask for comments so mine would be in the form of a request, and that would be to use more protective clothing ,especially on eyes (mega important),arms and feet. . Molten metal takes no prisoners !! Get some of the type of gear that professional foundry men wear . I’m a sixty nine year old carpenter presently building a clinker planked dinghy , a midget compared to your project. Your video caught my attention as a few years ago I toyed with the idea of building a Herreshoff Haven ,but at the time I couldn’t find the time or the money to begin. The Haven also has a lead keel and I did quite a lot of research into methods etc .
I admire you greatly as I know what a commitment any wooden boat build is . I will look out for your follow up video. Well done sir(s) and madam, and STAY SAFE ! Regards from England .

[@korora912]

Thank you so much! And yes, I agree; I did my best to protect myself, but I can always do better!

[@DirkSmathers1]

Everything you’re doing is amazing. Keep up the good work.

[@korora912]

Thanks! :)

[@letsbefrank6269]

Looking forward to a follow up. 15:45 😊

[@korora912]

Thank you! Already working on it! :)

[@chrisstreet6827]

Someone finally uses the proper respirators for the job! Were you not worried about splash though - I'd have probably wanted a leather smock and face shield as well personally.

[@korora912]

I was wearing safety goggles when I was directly next to the pour - though not when standing further back talking to the camera. Between those and the respirator, I felt that the vast majority of my face was covered. But yes, I could always do better!

[@Curbudog01]

I doubt that last skim layer you're thinking about is important. You can always add a little internal ballast if need be. You'll probably have to anyway for waterline adjustment.

[@jonathandrake6941]

Yeah, I had that thought as well; it may be more trouble than it's worth. I just worry that it would bug me, because *I* would know! :)

[@captainwin6333]

300th sub.

[@johnlartin3953]

Awesome. It’ll be fine. Bolt her up!! Go bust some reefs.

[@Drew-de7ey]

So,... how'd it go in the end?

[@korora912]

Still working on that part! There will be a followup in the coming weeks!

[@Lucianrider]

Good job none the less!! Not a job I would want to take on myself!! Definitely want to see the result!

[@jonathandrake6941]

Thank you!

[@CaptainRon1913]

You need a camera tripod.

[@korora912]

I've got one, and used it for the bit where the lead submerges the soldiers. What I don't have is a remote mic set-up, so if the dialogue is to be captured, then it's gotta be with something I'm wearing.