boatbuildingbooks.com

Among these books you will find a few that tell you how to build a particular model, some that provide more of an overview, and still others to serve as references. Readers have found them particularly useful because they concentrate on what works...the methods, the tools, and even the specific products. You aren't left to learn those things on your own. So if you are looking for the information to help you build your own boat, or even to maintain one you already have, you have come to the right place.

Lapstrake Boatbuilding

This was the very first book to come out of Walter Simmons' boatshop, and it has become a classic. If you are interested in learning how to build lapstrake boats-any lapstrake boat-this is the place to begin. Chapters include: The Boatbuilding Process, Lumber and Tools, The Shop, Prepatory Work, Planking, Framing and Finishing, and Sail and Oar. $24.95

There are too many details involved in lapstrake construction to be covered in a single book. This book discusses construction details and tricks of the trade with particular emphasis on the building of centerboard cases, spars, and oars–even pouring lead and patternmaking. $ 20.00

Step-by-step coverage from lofting and reading the plans through finishing. The building and this book are arranged in 40 separate lessons requiring about an hour apiece. Full size 1½" scale building plans are included. The text is also applicable to the 9'-7" Lobsterman's Skiff. $35.00-47.50 depending on your choice of boatbuilding plans to be included.

Building Lapstrake Canoes

These are particularly fine boats for cruising and general knocking about, because they have the maneuverability of a kayak and the stability of a double ender. They are fast, dry, and lightweight (a 15 footer only weighs 56 pounds!). Layout and construction are covered in detail. Includes a 25% off coupon for those who would like to order canoe plans! $ 25.00

Finishing

Recently revised, this book discusses the finishes to use, how to prepare for them, how to apply them, and how to maintain your boat. It also covers tools of the trade–which are best and which to avoid. Painting, varnishing, and oiling are all covered, and specific products are discussed. $ 25.00

Lines, Lofting, & Half Models

This is the only lofting book you will ever need, because half models are the basis for all lines work, and that's where this book begins. Here are the tricks of the trade that dispel the mystery surrounding lines and lofting. From the basics of half models through the easiest way to loft a curved transom that you will ever read. Reviewers have called this a "must have" addition to every boatbuilding library. $25.00

Pigeons & Gudgeons

Here is a reference that no boatbuilder or armchair sailor's library should be without–it is full of tidbits of information based on the author's years of experience building traditional boats. Don't even think of looking in a dictionary for terms like apple bow, bevel board, blacksmith weld, cod head, dumb iron, gone democratic or gin poles, you won't find any of them there. This is the sort of useful information that you can never seem to put your hand on when it's needed...well, not anymore. It's all here between these covers. $ 29.95

Repairs

Experience is a great teacher, and this book is a product of thirty years of boatbuilding. Here is a way to avail yourself of the lessons learned without having to learn them the hard way. Chapters include: Things You Need to Know (Clamping, Steaming,...), Backbone & Framing, Planking (Lapstrake, Carvel, Refastening,...), Inboard Joinerwork, and Finishing Up (Decks, Sparmaking, Oars). This is our most popular book, and for good reason. $ 29.95

Glued Lap Construction

This book began as a supplement to our Duck Trap Wherry plans–it turned out to have wider ranging applications. A lot of this information is applicable to other traditional small craft designs you might like to build using the glued lap construction method. It's a small book, but the explanations are detailed and there are large illustrations on every other page. There is even an explanation of altering the length of a design to suit your needs. $10.00