Ultralight Boatbuilding

Rating:
Summary: Ultralight Boatbuilding by Thomas J. Hill
Review: After reading many of the 'classics' on building small boats, I relied on Hill's Ultralight Boatbuiling extensively to construct my first boat--a Chamberlain Dory Skiff in Gardner's Classic Small Craft. Hill helped resolve many of the mysteries of how to achieve tight lapstrake construction with entry-level woodworking skills and a little patience. The result was very rewarding. I created a light, seaworthy, beautiful craft that proved very durable. I used it for many years before selling it. Now I'm considering another project, but can't find my copy of Hill's book, so I'm back for another.

One caveat: the designs Hill uses in his book to illustrate his techniques are beautiful, but you'll probably need more complete plans for your first project.

Rating:
Summary: Deceptive Book Title
Review: I bought this book with the misconception that I would be able to build the canoe shown prominently on the cover.
The boat shown on the cover is only mentioned as a set of plans offered for sale by the author. There are no plans included with the book, although several sets of plans (for sale) are mentioned. The book appears to be primarily an advertisement for the Author's boat plans, which are not included and nothing can actually be constructed from the information in the book.
Thumbs down on this one. Carl Platt..

Rating:
Summary: Glued Lapstrake Boatbuilding
Review: This is an excellent book that teaches techniques in building glued lapstrake boats in a clear and accessible manor. There is also plenty of useful information on general woodworking techniques applied to boat building. I'm not sure where the term "ultralight" comes from, but I wish the title had been, "How to Build Wooden Boats Using the Glued Lapstrake Method."

This book has more helpful pictures than most others. Still, I wished there were more at times. However, in those cases I was able to get a mental picture from the author's exceptionally clear explanations.

I am using this book as a guide as I build my own glued lapstrake boat.

I also recommend "Clinker Plywood Boatbuilding Manual", by Iain Oughtred. That book also has some great diagrams and pictures. Also get "Building Small Boats", by Greg Rossel, but if you are new to boatbuilding, you might want to read this book and Oughtred's first since they are slightly more accessible.

By the way, if you want to build the skiff discussed in the book, Redmond Designs is easily found on the internet by searching for "Steve Redmond Boatbuilding".