Boatbuilding Manual, Fifth Edition is a comprehensive guide for anyone serious about designing and building boats, whether in a professional shop or a home workshop. First published in 1970 and continually refined, it has long been a standard reference for boatbuilding schools, professional yards, and dedicated amateurs.
This updated edition reflects modern construction techniques and materials, with clear explanations that help readers move from plans and lofting to a finished, seaworthy craft. It places special emphasis on contemporary wood-epoxy methods that make home boatbuilding more accessible, reliable, and efficient.
Readers will find practical guidance on tools, choosing woods and other hull materials, working with fiberglass, and selecting fastenings. Step-by-step coverage walks through molds and templates, backbone construction, framing, planking, deck framing and decking, as well as interior joinerwork and finishing.
The manual also addresses critical systems and details that complete a boat, including steering gear, tanks, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations, plus a wealth of safety considerations and practical tips.
- Modern wood-epoxy and fiberglass construction methods
- Advice on plans, tools, materials, and fastenings
- Guidance on framing, planking, decks, and joinerwork
- Coverage of mechanical, electrical, and onboard systems
- Suitable for both amateur builders and professionals
