One book that does it all!

[MadRus]

In a few other threads, there's been some discussion about weight distribution, plus I had a really good discussion about S&G construction the other day with some folks here. It has all got me thinking...I need to stop bothering these good people and read a book. Is there one good book on design and specifically, stitch & glue construction out there that someone can recommend. A sort of, best starting place, where I can learn some basics and maybe get fired up to read more- something that can make me smart enough to be dangerous?

-Dave

[ArizonaBuilder]

check the online book store, Jacques usually recommends those books.

[MadRus]

I forgot they sell books. Thanks Terry.

2 minutes later....hmm, do I start with Gerr or Brewer?

[LarryA]

Dave Gerrs book "for the nautically obsessed" (The Nature of Boats) is both informative and an enjoyable read even if it does not really touch on S&G construction techniques.

[Rick]

It has all got me thinking...I need to stop bothering these good people and read a book. Is there one good book on design and specifically, stitch & glue construction out there that someone can recommend.

This is an interesting topic. What would you want a book like that to contain? Should it have all the mathematics of "The Nature of Boats," or just focus on construction techniques and materials for S&G small boats (when I say small, I mean 30-foot-ish [9m] or less)?

I want a chapter on selecting materials, and maybe one on why we should trust professional boat designers.

[fishingdan]

Dave,

Aren't you doing things a little backward??? Most of us do our research before we build.

I agree with Nature of Boats recommendation. It is well written. I liked the discussion regarding the different hull shapes, their origination and the characteristics of each. It also does a good job discussing those dreaded design compromises (that topic takes the fun out of everything) that Jacques always refers to. Unfortunately, it only has a couple of pages about composite construction.

I also liked "Understanding Boat Design" by Ted Brewer. A little more technical than the Gerr book and not as entertaining to read, but very good.

I wonder if Oprah has ever reviewed any of these...

Dan

[ross61]

I'm in the middle of Gerr's "The Nature of Boats", and I agree. It is an excellent read. Although short of what you need to begin designing your own, it will help you evaluate the usefulness of any design to your needs.

For stitch and glue procedures, I have read the Gouegon Brothers book and Sam Devlins. I reccomend the Devlin book. I forget the exact title, but it is pretty easy to absorb. His boats are absolutely beautiful, and judging by the prices they sell for, both new and used, he is one of the most respected stitch and glue builders around.

For other construction techniques, and just some great ideas on how to save some money, especially on rigging sailboats, read George Buehler's Backyard Boat Building. this is also a very entertaining read as George is not shy about stating his opinions on a variety of subjects.

I am currently also reading John Gardeners Dory Book. The simplicity and capabilities of dories is very intriguing. The boats in the book are not stitch and glue, but could be easily adapted.

Anyway, looking for more books. Any books specifically on designing small boats would be great. Don't want to be a naval architect, but would like to take a crack at some some small boat design.

Ross

[MadRus]

Alright, it sounds like a Gerr/Brewer two-fur is in order. I'll start there.

Dan, it is a little backward, but then, my boat has two transoms .

Ross, I've always had a thing for dories too. They just seem so simple and hard working. But it seems like Gerr and Brewer are the best starting reads.

Rick, that's a good question, I'm not exactly sure if any book has what I seek. I'd say, I'd like to know how a stitch and glue boat is designed, what kinds of calculations go into it (some of the math required) as well as the how and why behind different materials that have been tested and proven or failed. A little history lesson if you will, with a little technical talk thrown in. If I can follow the technical talk, I hope I can, it would be nice inspiration to learn more. I just don't want to start with something over my head, that would be unspirational(?).


Thanks to everyone for your input. I'm going to start with Gerr and Brewer.

-Dave

[Riverman]

If you want to save a buck or two, try your local library. My local library has that book from Gougens on boat building and many more. And I do not even live within a 2 days drive of the sea. They will also purchase books at some requests if there budget is not shot. I would also take a look at a book (cannot remeber authors name, Dave Something) titled "Modern Boatbuilding". It has some great descriptions on composite building, not S&G, but great theory with similar applications. It also has a nice little chapter about some of the first fiberglass boats built for the military that were plywood covered with glass. You can also go to some of the naval engineering sites that have material for review. There also some discussion boards that deal in boat construction of a variety of materials. Beware of some of the advice handed out on those boards, alot of wannabe engineers out there. It sure can be painfull when you cannot quench that thirst for knowledge.

[jacquesmm]

All those books are fine but here is the best one:
http://www.boatplans-online.com/proddet ... rod=BFP001

Gerr is pleasant to read but does not address our material and method. Gougeon neither.
There are several books about our building method published in French . . .