As a man with a son that is 18 years old.....I can tell you, your dad absolutely loved the time spent going to look at that first boat. So it wasn't an total loss.

Dibs on spending the night first!!!

Great video. It brought me back to some great times I had with my own houseboat, and made me shudder all at the same time. You've got a MOUNTAIN of work in front of you. But wow, what an adventure that thing could be. I had a 35-foot pontoon houseboat for 23 years, and lived on it for 8 of those years. To quote Dickens, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." I have so much emotion wrapped up in that time of my life that it's hard to even express here. A marriage ended there, another one began there. I had two great dogs there, at different times. I spent countless hours working on that boat - the motor, the roof, endless washing, repainting, rebuilding walls, etc. The Harbormaster and his wife treated me like their son, and both of them are now dead and the marina no longer exists. Being on the water gets in your blood. Enjoy the time you spend on it, because you'll never forget it. And you're lucky to have such a great Dad.

My dad and I did this last summer. I’m in college and he bought a foreclosed house boat. That thing was in horrible shape. I told him I’d fix it up. He gave me a list and I lived in it for a month while fixing it. It didn’t have locks on the doors, nor did it have ac but it’s completed now and we rent it out.

I’m ready to spend 24 hours on it

When you get her dialed in bring her down to FL and let’s do some “spear and survive” videos 👊🏼 stoked for you on this new path. 🔥

That is such a cool boat. I wish they still made things like that and there's so much you can do with a platform like that. I mean, look at all the cool stuff happening in the vanlife and overlanding world and how you could apply it to the boat. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

I'm really glad to see you've turned your life around Bam. And who would've thought you'd end up restoring boats on KZfaq. I'm sure Steve O is proud.

If you have to rebuild the whole floor, you might as well lower it a few inches to give you better dome clearance. Replace the wooden floor joists with a slimmer aluminum framework.

Although I have no desire to give up my treasured sedentary life in retirement, I get a kick out of watching people like you work hard to restore what appear to be hopeless spaces for living, boating, hunting, fishing, camping, or what have you. I enjoy your accent and funny observations and wish you much success!

Big project but going to be sweet! I’ve been seeing more and more people restoring these towable houseboats. Looking forward to seeing how it comes together.

Eh. Getting to spend time with your dad is priceless, man. I can't even fathom having the time or the money to take a couple days to drive across the country *and* consider buying a boat. Hell, that's why I'm here. Living vicariously. Enjoy that time while you have it.

Good that you listened to dear old dad...The older we get; the smarter our dad gets...I'm 61 and I'm grateful mine is still around to give me advice when I need it...:)

I love this boat. These are the types of projects I live for. I can’t wait to see more man. Congrats and no regrets!

I can tell from this one video that you have a big heart and are kind to people. You deserve every blessing on this project bro. Live the dream! Huge congrats on your perseverance! God bless!

I remember those Steury houseboats. I was aboard a brand new one at the Chicago Boat show at McCormick place in 1973. I've got a 1978 boat owners buyers guide in front of me right now. In 78, Steury, based in Goshen Indiana, made boats from 16 feet to 25 feet. In addition to the 23 foot houseboat, they also offered a 23 foot cabin cruiser model using that same tri hull used in the houseboat. You didn't show it in this video, but that houseboat had another single berth tucked in underneath the helm seat. They advertised it as sleeping five. Two on the pull out "gaucho" couch on the port side up front, two on the dinette that turned into a double bunk, and one in the single berth under the helm seat. I do recall that , while the exterior of the hull is fiberglass, there is quite a bit of wood used as stringers and structure inside that hull. You may find some rot in some of that once you get into it a ways. I also have a manufacturers brochure of that houseboat from that 1973 boat show. I'll dig it out and see if there is anything else of interest in it.

Ayo’s entire fanbase, “Here he goes again.”

As the proud daughter of a man who built my childhood family camper out of an old egg delivery truck back in the 70's this video made me feel all nostalgic, happy, warm & fuzzy so I subscribed to watch your journey. Great job! God's speed :)

It’s nice that this house boat actually put an ounce of thought into fluid dynamics when designing the hull. Most houseboats are basically poorly designed barges with a structure stacked on top.

“You gotta be able to dodge a dirty Phil” That’s good advice for both boat purchases and prison.

Make as complete as possible a step-by-step plan, from beginning to end, before you begin to demolish. Set the vessel on blocks as soon as possible to free up the trailer then build a temporary shelter/shop over everything if you don't have an adequate building. Make sure you have space for a comfortable moaning chair. 😉

I’ve always loved the awesome absurdity of old trailer houseboats. Thanks for saving this one. Looks like I’ll be up a couple hours to see how it turns out. You are a very, very brave man

I used to own a boat. You are a great storyteller. Can’t wait to watch the rest of the story. Boats are an adventure!

Everyone watches Flair and LOJO living their dreams with these big farm houses with their own fishing ponds and toys, which yeah I love those too. But my attainable dream is to one day restore a houseboat and retire down in a nice warm area. Looking forward to watching you restore this beaut.

damm that boat is sickkk!!

Honestly that is a badass boat love the design, the upper deck, lots of things can be done to make this a truly epic restoration nice find dude!

That boat sat in the yard next door to me for years. I'm so glad to watch you restore it. I will be watching!

Isn’t it great to have a Dad who will give you good advice? God bless the good Dads out there.

Your dad looks out for ya, never let that go my man, you guys made the right choice with the boat in VA! I have a 14 foot hardline v hull if you want it, literally free for ole AYO it was at my house with I bought it, I don’t have a title but I will provide a bill of sale and anything you need to get it titled, it’s honestly in great shape for a restoration project! I can send you pics on IG if you want my guy!! The trailer is jacked up but honestly you could flip it into a bed of a truck or I can go through it for you, I just don’t trust the hubs at all! Lmk my man!

Man this guy is so genuinely real, u can tell you can trust this guy with life

My favorite part is the respect and understanding between father and son. RESPECT! 🙏

With all the progress you've made I had to come back and re watch this one. Keep it up man! It's going to be bad ass.

Can’t wait to see what you do to it!! We bought a 32’ Mark Twain in about the same shape! After 2 years on blocks beside the house we got her nice!! Enjoyed her for 8 years! It’s a journey my friend, but one well worth taking!! Good luck and stay positive about it!!!

So stoked to find someone who went though a similar boat journey! Scoured FB Marketplace for months, finally found exactly what I wanted and it sold the morning I was about to drive 150 miles to look at it. Fortunately an estate sale popped up the next day and had an even better boat, blessing in disguise I bought it on sight!

I have the identical boat, seems to be in a lot better shape but isn't running and has a few broken windows. I have the identical idea you did, and bought a tri axle trailer to cart it around from lake to lake (I live on lake cumberland, in southern kentucky). AFTER watching your restoration efforts, I've decided to sell mine, basically for about what I have in the trailer ($2500). The trailer has brand new trailer tires, bearings greased, etc., I spent a lot rehabbing the trailer. In an event, mine is a VIKING brand and trust me, it is identical to yours. Lots of parts and a great trailer.

Best feeling in the world is being able to call you dad for help or advice. Cherish every moment of that brother!

"I look like Dr Seuss drank to much and tried to write a book" had me dying! Can't wait to see how this build goes

I'm so excited to see what you do with this, this is a great idea!! Definitely look into tiny home designs to help come up ideas for when you gut it. Cant wait to see how the catch n cooks turn out in that bad boy

Awesome and quirky looking houseboat! Many possibilities for the inside. Absolutely love! Great name, Itty Bitty! Great luck!

First time viewer. Watched the entire video. So proud of you and your dad passing on that would be con man. I've been gotten in very similar situations. You've earned my subscription and can't wait for more. Wishing you the best of luck my friend!

DUDE!!! There's so many little unique aspects that makes that house boat truly awesome! I'm happy for you man and can't wait to see the transformation. 🤙

That is by far the coolest boat I've ever seen. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

AYO man you’re LUCKY to have your dad! Literally gave you such good advice, didn’t stress/yell at you or anything. Didn’t get upset, legit had your back man! Long long drive to make for nothing.

I first found your videos last night with the French/ European plastic house boat when you fished/ spent the night on the Hootch, I love the way you explain your adventures, I live in Powder Springs, Ga. I’ll be watching in the future. GOD BLESS, Stay Safe Brother.

That little houseboat ROCKS! i love that youre doing what NOONE else is doing!! Honestly its so unique and interesting and perfectly suited for u (minus the head clearance)lol Cant wait for the next!!!

This is going to be so epic cant wait to see what you do with this project. I absolutely love that boat. I hope you keep as much of the original aspects of the boat as possible. Looking forward to seeing the videos that will come with this project.

So glad I stumbled onto your channel. My 82 year old dad have been enjoying (binging) it. we’ve made it to the 1 year into the itty bitty. You’re hilarious.

I love seeing sons spending time with their dad and doing projects .

This is the start of an epic series that's going to take your channel to the moon 🙌🏼 I can feel it... Congrats on the boat bro it's sick!

I’m excited for you, all while being extremely worried about this purchase you made Andrew. Looking at how much restoration it’s gonna have to go into this project gave me such extremely high anxiety. This is going to take a extremely hard work, determination, and patience! Good luck on your longtime dream project, I can’t wait to see what becomes of it. I l’ll be here every step of the way to watch this Fat-Sally Boat Hotel come to life. Congrats AYO! 👊🏼😎🤙🏼

I just happened upon your channel, and I am hooked on them for the long haul. Will be watching all your videos and repeating them!

Oh that "gift basket" comment was priceless...great giggles. Cheers.

New subscriber. Hey my southern brother from another mother! I am 57 years old and this has also been a dream of mine since I was in my 20's, but life happened and I am still looking for a boat like this. Here's wishing you awesome success with this boat, look forward to seeing y'all get this baby back in water in the near future! I'll be watchin!

Ok, you got me. You're doing something I've always wanted to do, and I will be watching this story unfold with my full attention. Good luck, lines tight.

I love your videos. I think you are absolutely hilarious. I never laughed so hard on your video with the pop-up camper on the boat. That was so funny. I loved it. Good job.

Your boat is beautiful it's a collectors item , it's really neat looking ,lots of space and room on that boat, You did alright getting that When you mentioned gutting it, I was thinking the same thing , gut it , tear out all the rotten wood and floor and water damage , and reframe it Use aluminum and pressure treated 2x4s , use marine plywood , and fiber board for flooring , I'm sure your going to make it look brand new

Looks like another restoration job for Davy and his power tools. Dude you’ll get 100 thousand subs in no time.

Your life is the most interesting reality show I've had the pleasure of watching. You are adventuring!

What a great boat! Pretty good floor plan, and excellent base for a really comfortable fishing boat.

The talk between you and your Dad was great. Thanks for sharing that. You got my Sub as a result. Good luck on the build and getting the plaque...👊🏼🍻

Love your enthusiasm, and that you have understanding wife to boot! Looking forward to the renovation process. You have a new subscriber! I'm in my late 70's, and at this stage of life, I'm just an armchair adventurer.

I feel your passion. That old boat screams "AMAZINGLY FUN TIMES TO TO FOLLOW" and "BRING OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND" but the potential content that this brings to your chann will absolutely get you to your subscribers.. Good Luck captain. Looking forward to the new project.

Awesome buddy awesome..canna wait see it been restored..all the best cheers Chris & Sam from England

Just found this, what a cool boat! Anything 70s/80s is a winner with me. Definitely keep a 70s theme with a modern twist! I live in the UK now but grew up in South Carolina and we had a couple of Jonboats and did a lot of lake fishing for large mouth bass, etc. Bought a new 15’ Zodiac and Johnson 15 to bring back to the UK and loved it. So boats definitely appeal. Gonna watch the rest of the videos!

I recommend for electricity you should totally go solar, Jackery got some really amazing both solar panels and Power stations

I wish you all the best with this boat. I'm sorry you've had such a rough time getting it!! I look forward to watching you fix it up!!

Best of luck. It will be fun watching you restore this beauty.

Bro, people LOVE restoration videos on youtube...especially boat restorations..and I'm one of them. I think if you make these projects a regular thing you will get a huge audience. I know I'll be hooked.

You gotta be my favorite fishing KZfaqr🤘🏻🤘🏻💯🔥

I bought a 76 sea sprite from the original owner this year and for a grand. I put about 1500 into it restoring it and redid everything. I guess the one I own is rare, only 50 were made. Now it's amazing, I've already had a guy offer me $25k for it. I made a system where the seats can be moved to open floor space for sleeping and added a solar panel and separate battery and charging ports for a fridge. I completely restored the original trailer. It's the talk of the lake everywhere I go

Dude this is awesome! I'm about to watch your completion on your youtube. Looking forward to your journey brother man!

I know this video is 9 mos old and I'm just watching. I'm soo excited for you!!! Enjoy the journey 😊😊😊

I have no idea how the algorithm got me here, but I'm glad it did. The only disappointing thing is you just started this adventure. Definitely subscribing to watch this masterpiece unfold.

Good luck with the restoration. Can’t wait to see it “AYO” customized, 👍👍 And 100000 coming up.

Like floors.flex sealer will be your best window sealer friend for that boat. Altogether. Roof tops.& much more to.

A small houseboat is a dream of mine as well. Best of both worlds, rv and boat all in one. Awesome find.

Never seen someone so thankful for their subscribers and the voice crack in the beginning 😂

The algorithm gifted me this video, and you've got me hook, line, and sinker. Can't wait to follow along and see this beauty restored to glory. You can doooo iiittt!

Congratulations on the boat. I can't wait to see it finished.

ok I love boat refits and your video just showed up love your attitude and being laidback I just subscribed and can not wait to binge your videos

thats a serious chunk of work, but you got this. take it bit by bit. dont get burned out or overwhelmed. start by stripping the interior, mark any wires you find for what they are connected to. the floors and stringers are going to be the hardest part, please do not rush that step, it is the boats backbone!!

AYO that boat is sick man ,i would watch some tiny home stuff to get ideas to maximize that space on a budget

Really looking forward to watching what you do with this. Are you thinking remodeling the downstairs interior or keep that as much as you can as well?

Stumbled across your videos I’m now hooked line & sinkered? Keep up the good work. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

It's awesome to see someone, have goals and dreams and actually achieve them on their own ,and not ask for handouts or freebies , whenever the human mind is set on something awesome things happen, I'm just looking forward to lojo and badge camping on this thing doing catch and cools and hopefully not sinking this one

Every time I watch one of your videos I actually find myself belly laughing. You’re such a funny guy and I’m so excited for your house boat restoration! Can’t wait to see some updates on it

All I can say is good Luck. Can't wait too see your next video on the rentavations.

Man I stumbles across this video and now I cant wait to see what happens. I will be watching for more. And you should look at some van life videos....maybe another project for you to go with the boat !

I have seen a houseboat where the roof is raised up. I love the fact you have many windows and totally agree about the microwave: let 'er go!!! Excellent idea on maximizing space with removing the closet. Are you considering any solar power with panels -- say -- behind you on the top deck?

Look forward to seeing your progress through this adventure. You’re gonna get burnt out, you’re gonna question your willingness to take on this project. Pace yourself and set tangible milestones to help track your progress and stay motivated.

I’m so happy I found this guy. He reminds me of all my friends. He’s awesome.

Big congratulations for doing what I only thought about. I just love it .

Dude, you have no idea what you’re about to have to do to restore that thing! I love it! Can’t wait to see you really start to tackle this thing. We’ll be watching,👍🏻👍🏻

awesome boat design, I love vehicles that don't conform to the norm and go their own way. I could totally see myself owning a boat like that.

Oh how I love your channel. I found you yesterday with the 'I bought a life boat'...film. I just love it. I'm waiting for the video called.....I bought a space shuttle on ebay or.....look, bought an entire continent on Amazon.......keep up the great work. So entertaining.

You are priceless. I so recognise my own eternal optimism and love of this era. Now I will have to subscribe to see what a great job you will do. Also love your dry wit. 😹😹

Man.. randomly came across your channel, checked it out, this was my first video seeing you an I think I’m hooked brother! Good luck with the Boat! ✌🏻

This is such a dope idea. Can’t wait to see what you do with it. Keep crushing it man!

Awesome channel thanks for the video... looking forward to see the finishing touches you do.

Very interested in how it looks afterwards 😊❤️ your a brave man😁, thank you for making this 😊I think it's awesome many people have dreams of owning a house boat 😊🤗