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Wooden Boat Renovation- New Life for Old Boats Using Modern Methods

3 stars (Great read, but a bit thin in critical areas) - This is a very entertainingly written book, essential for anyone restoring a wooden boat - worth it as a fun read alone. Good general introductory information about wooden boat types and construction, very good information about planning and initiating projects, tools, and repairing holes in a wooden hull. Sadly, the book is a bit thin in some critical areas: the section on hull refinishing is insubstantial, unclear, and confusing. Also his information on the use of expoxies and their derivatives for hull strengthening is a bit dated - you need to look further to get the best info here, and this is a critical area. (I also take issue with his promotion of fiberglassing wooden hulls, but this is more in the area of a personal disagreement than a problem with the book.) Of course, with any ambitious project you'll have a stable of books, and be sure to add this one. Or get it for sure if you're an armchair boat refurbisher. But if your primary interest is refinishing the hull, look elsewhere. 5 stars (Great Read) - I found the book both entertaining and very useful. The author adds humor as well as knowledge which means you read for the enjoyment as well as the practical skills you will obtain. The author covers every aspect from searching for a boat , restoring , repairing and the all important how to get a good fininsh on your final product. Would recommend this book to anyone considering doing restoration work on a wooden boat regardless of size. Just completed my last restoration project using this book and very satisfied with the results. 3 stars (Decent info - but proceed with caution.) - The previous reviews touch on the good points of this book, so I won't bother to repeat these. Suffice to say, there's plenty of good info to be had from this book. I would however express one word of caution. It has to do with the author's tendancy to push the reader toward approaches and methods t...
International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Woodwork - General :: Woodwork :: Wooden boats :: Sports & Recreation :: Small Craft Maintenance And Repair :: Ships & Shipbuildi :: Wooden Boat Renovation- New Life for Old Boats Using Modern Methods

 

The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual

3 stars (dated) - This is a very old book as far as fiberglass boats go.Must later prcedures,and products not included. There is some usefull info in the book 5 stars (Ready, Set, Fix) - This book was not only very informative, but also a very great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down once I started. Quickly I now have the knowledge I need to continue my work on my project boat. I would recommend this to anyone looking to work with an old boat of any kind. True enough, some tricks here will save you money. 3 stars (I think there are better books out there . . .) - This is a good book. It is complete, to be sure. For the expert fiberglass repair person, I cannot speak, but it is certainly difficult to read for an amateur. Generally, a bit much to swallow. I think that other books have similar information more elegantly stated. The fault is not with the content, but the presentation. ...
International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Small Ship Design And Construction :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Ship Maintenance A :: The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual

 

Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

4 stars (Great Information but Needing a 2nd Edition) - The edition of the book that I have was published in 1999. It was a very helpful book to guide me in my selection of my first sailboat. The general principles that John Vigor advocates will be valid indefinately. I found his "In Comparison" ratings and his "Known Weaknesses" sections valuable. His ratings of comparative seaworthiness, speed, and comfort help anyone selecting a small cruising sailboat. John has made a great contribution with this book. That being said, it would be nice to get a new edition. In particular, it would be valuable to get John's views on other potential bluewater sailboats easily cruised and handled by two people. What are his views on other boats in 28' to 32' size? I suggest the 1999 upper price limit of $50K should be increased. How about a limit of $100K? John's opinions on selected other potential boats from Beneteau, C&C, Catalina, Ericson, Island Packet, and Tartan would make it worth while to buy a new edition. 3 stars (Screen the Reviewers, Please......) - I've read Vigor's book, I've bought an Albin Vega within the past 3 weeks, I'm no circumnavigator (and never will be), but now have my boat of choice for the duration. I at least know if I do want to go offshore, my boat, properly prepared, can do it. The rater that speaks of Vigor's head being 'up his stern' should lighten up or, at least, give some reasoning for his unsubstantiated comments. Obviously, if your heading offshore you probably won't just read Vigor's book (or choose a Cal 20 or Catalina 27) but the book sure narrows the choices to make. And, of course, Vigor's choices aren't the only ones. As many raters said, 'a good starting point' and, contrary to captain 'up his stern' and his innuendo's, there's not a boat in Vigor's 20 choices that are inherently 'bad'. Sorry to Capt. A. Spears and his review which was, nevertheless, helpful; Tanya A. sailed around the world in a Contessa 26 not a Bay...
Paradise Cay Publications :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Sailing - General :: Sail Boating :: John Vigor :: :: Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

 

This Old Boat

5 stars (Absolutely a MUST for your boat -- you need this book.) - You're familiar of course with the numerous lists of necessary books to have aboard your boat. Boat Owner's comes to mind by Nigel Calder as one. HOWEVER, I believe you will find more useful information within the 408 pages. Also, it's book size (won't be a pain to store aboard) will be welcome. The boring stuff (he tells you how to prioritize) -- some may need to hear/see safety first, and structure/bilge pumps et al. I could understand the reasoning but it wasn't real useful to me. His organizational check-lists will help folks actually plan chronology and FINISH the jobs. The best part though was the step by step, well-illustrated how-to's. Everything I could want/need to know was covered, including how to read my electric meter, how much insulation the refrigerator needs, how much heat loss to expect in various sized boxes, how to plan for power needs, and a logic as to what we really need/can use/and WILL WORK aboard. It's not a be-all/end-all book but it's very very good and well worth space aboard. You'll still need your shop books (for your engine, head, pumps, etc.) but with this gem you'll understand the why as well as the how to do repairs. Even canvas repair is covered. Don't tell anyone, but it's not genius material. You can do it yourself and save big bucks. Mostly though, it's a book of instructions for repairs/improvements and "gosh, that'd be nice" type of things. If you don't know already, you'll learn step-by-step how to Fiberglas, how to make sails, how to fix wiring, WHEN TO HIRE EXPERTS, and more. Even at retail price $35, it's well worth it, though of course I'd suggest saving $$ and buying used. 2 stars (Not complete) - I found that the book lacked certain basic information. for example: when restoring an old boat, one must typically contend with transporting the boat (perhaps mention of trailer, and cradle designs), or de-masting and storage, removing the multi-layer...
International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Transportation :: Sports & Recreation :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Sailing - General :: Boating - General :: Don Cas :: This Old Boat

 

Sailing for Dummies

2 stars (Not the best for THIS dummy.) - The authors have maybe a bit too much expertise and experience to effectively write for "dummies" like myself. Somehow after reading this, I had just as many questions as before. Part of the problem is this book is way too comprehensive, covering such topics as sail-boarding. I would rather have had more in depth explainations of the basics and more diagrams/illustrations. 5 stars (Well-organized and incredibly useful) - Hard to beat this book if you're just getting your hands on the mainmast for the first time. A wealth of info on every topic you'll need to know, presented in pictures and entertaining quotes and headlines. There are sections that deal with all the tricky details of actually getting the boat out of the dock and into the open sea, as well as a crucial section on what to do if, well, your sailing experience doesn't exactly go as planned. Pay attention to what the Islers say here-- you'll protect yourself from the most common (and often dangerous) mistakes beginners make if you've barely dipped your feet into water, and you'll improve your skills to a surprising extent even if you're more advanced. 5 stars ( Sailing for Dummies ) - This is an excellent sailing textbook - as the cover states it's "A Reference for the Rest of Us!" That is, it can be used as a beginner's book and then kept for use as a reference manual. I have read and re-read this book several times and each time I re-read it, something I didn't understand or fully comprehend "jumps out at me" and I become a better sailor because of the information contained within and imparted by this book. Also, some people know their subject but are unable to teach others what they know. Both JJ and Peter not only know their subject, sailing, but are also very adept at transferring that knowledge to their readers, sailors and wannabe sailors! ...
For Dummies :: Sports & Recreation & Sailing :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Sailing - General :: Sailing :: Peter Isler :: J J Isler :: Sailing for Dummies

 

Marine Diesel Engines- Maintenance- Troubleshooting- and Repair

5 stars (Top Flight Calder) - The book gives you the tech you need, in terms you can understand. Calder is very impressive in his ability to impart knowledge to the layman. Don't however, assume this is just fluff overview, because it truly is the down and dirty of how it works and how to maintain it. 5 stars (A Cruiser's Engine Atlas) - This book provides the reader with a broad overview of most of the basic problems that can occur and offers simple solutions. I have recommended/loaned my copy of this book to several Diesel sailboat owners. The all remarked on how simple their repair was according to the book and how it save them $$. I do find the book is a little lacking in coverage of large powerboat diesels, but the concepts seem applicable. 5 stars (Know Your Diesel) - My copies of this book has grease stained fingerprints throughout. A lot of folks have told me they think this book is redundant, because much of the info is covered in Mr. Calder's Mechanical & Electrical Manual but this smaller book is easier to work with when working around your engine and the material is presented differently enough that the book is one I believe you should have if you live on a boat. ...
International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Marine engineering :: Engines & power transmission :: Transportation :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Small Boat Maintenance and rep :: Marine Diesel Engines- Maintenance- Troubleshooting- and Repair

 

Ashley Book of Knots

4 stars (excellent book) - as reference books go, this is one of the best for knots. any knot imaginable is here and a clear concise way to tie it. great book for any purpose. 4 stars (Knots for beginners?) - I found this book to be both educational and entertaining. As a beginning I found the diagrams hard to follow and sometimes lacking. As a novice in knots tying and having the responsibilty of teaching young adults, this book was great for the history and use of knots but lacking in the illustrations needed for me to learn how to tie the knots. 5 stars (Should be a staple in every reference library) - Go to your nearest hardware store, and look at all the fasteners. There are U-bolts, swages, eye-hooks, and on, too many to count. Well, not too long ago, the metal in a bolt would have been a prohibitive cost. Instead, the jobs of all those fasteners were filled by knots. There is a branch of mathematics called "knot theory". It deals with one-dimensional fibers crossing in 3-space, and no other dimensionality has quite the same properties. A strand, wrapped around another and holding it, is a remarkable thing. Daily jobs in older eras touch abstract math in this book. It's a remarkable encyclopedia of practical, beautiful, and profound ways of pulling things together. Ashley shows bows, buttons, nooses, braids, knots, bights, and seemingly endless other ways to make simple strings into tools, toys, and decorations. You will come away from this book with respect. All those different people - fishermen, sailors, weavers, surgeons, and shipping clerks - all of them had their own needs and only strings to meet those needs with. They did their jobs, and did them well, using the techniques remembered in this book. What's more, mathematicians use this book as a fundamental reference. Just about any twist in space was named here, so Ashley has become the catalog. When a mathematician refers to "Ashley #128", the structure has been specified completely. This is his...
Doubleday :: CRAFTS&HOBBIES :: Sports & Recreation & Sailing :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Sailing - General :: Knots and splices :: General :: Do-It-Yourself :: Craf :: Ashley Book of Knots