Boatbuilding in Your Own Back Yard

Rating:
Summary: Not comprehensive or modern but worth a read.
Review: First published in the 1930's then revised in the 1950's, this book contains almost nothing about modern building materials or power tools. This is not the book for someone planning to build a performance sailboat out of expensive specialized plywood and epoxy resin. Still, this book is worth reading for the evocative discription of boatbuilding as recreation in a bygone era. It can take the stress out of your project and remind you why you are building a boat in the first place, which is to please yourself. For those in search of instruction in building modern craft, "Gourgeon Brothers on Boat Construction" is as good as any. For classic construction methods, "Boatbuilding" by Howard Chapelle and "Boatbuilding Manual" by Robert M Steward are mandatory.

Rating:
Summary: Good plain language for the novice boat builder
Review: This book is not as detailed as some of the other boat building books available, but it is a good place to start. Esoteric terms are not thrown at the reader. When used, boat building terminology is explained. Dr. Rabl dispells some of the mytique that might intimidate people who are thinking about building a boat.