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How I Went From Making Models To Running My Own Boatbuilding Business | 50k Subscribers Special

Dan Lee Boatbuilding

13,624 views

I am celebrating a huge milestone that I honestly never expected to get to when I started out making YouTube videos. In this video, as a celebration for reaching the 50k subscriber level, we take a look through my journey in boat building and how YouTube ran alongside it for most of the time.

I tell my story from building models, through boat building in the back garden, into setting up my own business and then moulding that into starting my own dream boat building business. Grab a coffee and sit down with me as I talk you through how I got to where I am today and share where I would like to be in the future.

Thank you to everyone that has followed, watched, learned and supported the channel over the years and here is to many more yet to come.

If you would like to support the channel then please consider becoming a Patron: Patreon: danleeboatbuilding

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
4:14 Build number 1
5:00 Build number 2
7:20 Build number 3
9:50 Build number 4
16:36 Starting my business
20:55 The start of DLB
27:03 Starting restorations
30:16 The birth of Temptress
42:12 Starting the full size build
46:27 Back to the Academy
50:40 The future

20 Comments

@andypandy955 10 months ago

Dan just believe in yourself there is something you have that money cannot buy commitment to what you believe. Stop thinking about us out there we just love your content. The people who watch you love boats and woodworking. I have the Tshirt for starting my own business it is a leap into the unknown which we all have to do to learn. I am retired now but have a boat which I have refitted extensively hence the reason I enjoy your channel. Just do what you do because like me many people learn so much from you and enjoy the progress you make on your build. You may not see us but we are out there appreciating the time and effort to make your VLOG's so believe in yourself your are amazing.

@seantiz 6 months ago

It’s great that the companies have generously offered support and sponsorship to your project. It speaks volumes about them and why they are so respected. West Systems, Epifanes, Sykes Timbers, Robbins Timbers and probably others I have heard about in your videos.

@EdwardStanecki 6 months ago

Thank you. Your a very good teacher. I am 83. I have lived aboard boats for many years. Plastic boats have a life, when the hul is gone the life is over with. A wooden boat can last forever because every thing can be replaced. Thanks again. ED.

@pierrebeaupre8249 9 months ago

You’re not just a boat builder or a content creator — you’re genuinely an inspiration. People like you have this rare mix of passion and generosity that makes others want to learn, try, and dream a little bigger. Honestly, you even make me want to build a boat… though let’s be real, mine would probably sink before it left the driveway. Wishing you all the success ahead — you’ve absolutely earned it.

@BobKody 10 months ago

Great history. Well done. Thanks for sharing, Dan!

@PepijnHazelhof 10 months ago

in the past i noticed the best way of learning is to explain it

@billmeldrum2509 10 months ago

I’m a boat lover more than a builder… but your channel is genuinely one of the highlights of my week. Can’t wait to see Temptress on the water. 🇨🇦

@johnpeterdean1653 10 months ago

I have no particular interest in boats or boatbuilding but somehow can across your channel a couple of years ago and became hooked not only on the project that you are undertaking but by your enthusiasm and passion for what you do. I watch every week and am inspired by what you are doing.

@matthewmoeller821 10 months ago

This is a wonderful story. I’m grateful for having been among your first students at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis. Highly recommended!

@brianbeasley7270 10 months ago

I love your Temptress series. Just the right mixture of CNC and hand woodworking! The workmanship is amazing and the finished project will tell the tale. Keep it up!

@andysgarage233 10 months ago

Sehr schön erzählt. Vielen Dank....

@slimjimnomad861 7 months ago

Well done Dan and wife, you've done a grand job so far.
Great to see your enthusiasm and skill working together.

@charlesharding3570 10 months ago

Dan, yes I joined you during Covid and have enjoyed the experience every time you post a new video. Appreciate all your hard work. Thanks for sharing.

@lionelfournier 10 months ago

So excited about this video.

@TommyBeall-q6x 10 months ago

Dan, this was an incredible video. I appreciate you sharing your whole story. I’m enrolled in your class this year and seeing your journey really hit home. Thank you for putting this out.

@eagleshore 3 months ago

Your work and approach is AWESOME! I'm a retired GE engineer (EE) that built a workshop to do boat and car restoration in my retirement. I'm just about to complete my second wooden boat restoration, and have used the Gougeon Bros book, approach, and products, so many of your techniques are familiar to me. My boat restorations are not a business, but have an emotional attachment to me, like my early Dyer Dhow sailing dinghy, my grandfather's Lightning that I sailed with my father as a kid, and an Aykroyd Dinghy, which formed the first fleet of racing boats in the 1920's for my yacht club in Henderson Harbor, NY. On the car side, I've completed a 1966 El Camino, and 1971 Chevelle. Too many toys. Keep up the good work!

@bkormoski1 10 months ago

The skills required to do what you do are not lost on me or others. You are an amazing boat builder.

@jeffkeen6943 10 months ago

Hi Dan, thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Loving the Temptress build...cheers from downunder!!! 🙂

@charlescashell5645 10 months ago

I think you have done a great job, thank you!!

@seanspain 10 months ago

Good on you Dan, your journey is an inspiration! I believe the dream you are creating and aiming for will become a reality, as it already appears to be happening. Following a creative path is never strait forward or easy, but ultimately fills our cup in ways the well trodden/ sensible path can't. Good on you man! You're a natural teacher and story teller. Keep going!
Cheers, Sean from Australia.