Episodes
Published 09/05/21
Did ancient Japanese come to America in 3500 BC? Some archeologists think so. Have a listen to this story of ancient sailors, who may have crossed the biggest body of water in this world, and also an adventure of a modern day professor and environmentalist,  who made a similar modern day adventure at sea.  Links:  Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram:...
Published 09/05/21
Let me tell you all about the USS Buchanan, the ship shown on my 2004 Book, "Wrecks and Reefs".  This loyal ship served its country and crew so well in the 1960s, 90s and 80s, and was a stunning trooper in it's last voyage. Links:  Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 08/24/21
Did an expedition of West Africans sail to the Americas 200 years before Columbus? Many historians and even Columbus himself believe so.  Links: Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 08/24/21
Here I talk about how to create and install spray rails on your homebuilt boat, also why I generally don't use them but many builders of my boats like them.  Links:  Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 08/07/21
There is some evidence that points to a Copper Trader named Woden Lithi coming to the Canada/Michigan area from Norway, in 1700 BC. Listen to this fascinating story.  Links: Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 08/07/21
In this podcast, I talk about Hsu Fu, a Chinese sailor who took a host of young people across the Pacific to Ecuador. Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 07/13/21
Did Zen Buddhists sail to America from Japan in about 1200 AD? Some experts including PHDs in Anthropology and Archeology seem to think so. Enjoy this fascinating story about Japanese Buddhists and the Anastazi and Zuni Natives of the US may have met 800 years ago.  Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 07/11/21
In this episode I describe how to maintain your ply on frame boats to ensure minimal damage through normal use.  Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 07/11/21
Here I describe the process of adding strakes to the bottom of flat bottom boats. You don't add them for what most people think they're useful form to keep from skidding in a turn. Listen and find out when, why and how.  Links:  Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 05/20/21
Did a Scottish Prince come to America in 1398? Well, I'm not sure, but many researchers think so. I talk about his possible voyage and the evidence presented.  Links: Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 05/20/21
In this issue I discuss building frames for Ply-on-Frame boats. This includes how to build the joints, how to bond and fasten them and how they are assembled into the boat hull.  Links:  Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/ Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiraboats/
Published 05/11/21
I discuss one of the most famous US Naval disasters in history, the navigation accident at Devil's Jaw, at Point Arguello. This was basically a major navigation error during wartime training maneuvers. I've personally dived on a couple of these ships back in the early 1970s but I think these days the ships are basically disappearing in the saltwater, but I suspect, if you can get there on a relatively nice day, there is still plenty to see underwater. Links: Boatbuilding Website:...
Published 05/11/21
Here's the story of St. Brendan. Could a Scottish monk made the voyage from Scotland to America 1500 years ago? Some say so, some say not. What do you think?
Published 04/29/21
Here, I describe the terminology used for boating and boat safety. Links: Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962Instagram:...
Published 03/30/21
Is it possible that in 231 BC, two Egyptians sailed around Africa, through the Indian Ocean, and into the Pacific all the way to Ecuador? Did an Egyptian teach the Polynesians how to navigate using the stars? It is very possible, if you listen to this...
Published 03/27/21
Here's an interesting story of two voyages that may have happened in late 1945, but never did, that may be the only reason why I'm here to tell you these stories. Links:Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/Boat Building and Builders...
Published 03/21/21
Hear the story of Alfred Johnson's solo crossing of the Atlantic in 1876, one of the first solo crossings of the Atlantic done in the spirit of adventure. Links:Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/Boat Building and Builders Facebook...
Published 03/11/21
I've elected to bring you these seamanship and boating safety classes on this podcast. Here you'll be able to follow these seamanship and boating safety instructions while driving or working. Hope you enjoy. There is s free manual that comes with this...
Published 03/09/21
I'm planning on telling some stories of interest about some sea voyages. Some are real, others are just probably based on some historical evidence. I'll also discuss some of the evidence of these stories as well. Links:Boatbuilding Website:...
Published 03/09/21
In this video I discuss how to build a boat to accommodate different motor shaft lengths.Links: Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962Instagram:...
Published 01/20/21
Here' I talk about which adhesives are the best for modern wood composite boat building.Links: Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935360056515962Instagram:...
Published 01/10/21
In this podcast I discussed whether a ply on frame boat or stitch and glue boat are the best approach for you, your skills, and experience.Links: Boatbuilding Website: http://spirainternational.com/Boat Building and Builders Facebook Group:...
Published 01/10/21
In this podcast, I discuss why,. how and with what you fiberglass ply on frame boats. 
Published 12/20/20
In this podcast, I describe what kind of flotation is appropriate for homebuilt boats. 
Published 11/28/20