They made the local headlines last year with their floating Aussie backyard complete with artificial grass, a Hills hoist and cricket stumps painted on a garbage bin.
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This year there had been plans for something special again but it wasn't to be.
Brothers Mikey and Phil Jacob of Canberra, are the lead act in a team carpenters and builders who put together the floating masterpiece that took part in the Merimbula float 2019.
The plan was for the decks to become a cubby house, while the drums and artificial grass would be re-used.
"We were here at Christmas and New Year but had to leave protect our own home at Tuggerarong," Mikey said.
However they were determined to return for the float and last week headed to Araluen where everything had been stored, only to discover it had been lost as fire impacted the area.
"Fortunately the RFS was able to save everything else on the property," Mikey said.
It left the inventive brothers with just three days to source what they could, to produce another floating epic.
Read also: Merimbula float in pictures, video
It was a bit of a scramble Mikey admits, to get what they could together such as the frame, the carpet and the drums. They like to use recycled materials but in the absence of a spare Hills hoist had to resort to buying a gazebo. But they didn't let the setback spoil the holiday.
"We've been out on the lake prawning for the last two nights," Mikey said. They were comfortably anchored close to the Sunset Cafe at Top Lake on Saturday afternoon.
"And we've encouraged people to come down to help support the community," he added.
The trip from Top Lake to the boat ramp jetty was a slow one especially as they were towing several family members and friends on blow up floaties and had a basic 4hp engine to do the job. However pulling alongside the jetty is a necessary part of the journey, if for no other reason than to take advantage of the amentities there.
Read also: A personal day, day of reflection
The brothers are two of eight siblings, of which six were taking part in the Merimbula float. Mikey said there were 28 adults and kids being towed including "Nana".
During the stopover Phil looked at the bridge and the water level and said they would probably have to let the gazebo down to get under the bridge.
"We had to let down the Hills hoist last year and lay it down," he said.
Despite the setback to the plans this year they have already come up with a special and secret plan for next year's floating masterpiece - can't wait to see it!
Read also: The floating backyard
