Building Small Boats

I found the most helpful part of the book for me was the description of Spiling, on pages 157-60, as this was one of the issues I found most mysterious in building my Lapstrake boat (my first build). As for the rest I just dipped in and out of it... it was good to see the number of clear drawings. This is very helpful, whether you're experienced builder or not. I can't comment on the negative reviewer about Lofting, which left one commenter mystified, as I only worked with Full Scale Plans, so luckily could avoid the issue of Lofting. That said, I suspect that Lofting is something that's hard to describe in a book -- I've read about it in a few books -- and is better done by being shown how. I finished my own Somes Sound 12.5 and "soft-launched" her in January this year. I can say this: if I can finish a Lapstrake boat anyone can! And in the process, I found Greg Rossel's book a valuable addition to my bookshelf. In particular, as I say, on Spiling techniques. Buy it, if you're thinking of making a boat, no matter whether you're a first-timer (like me), or not. Here's the site of my blog, and the soft-launch of my Somes Sound 12 1/2: http://mywoodboat.blogspot.hk

What a fantastic read. I have many boat building books, and was not in the market for another. I was reading a thread on a boat building forum, and someone mentioned that Greg's chapter on Lofting was worth the price of the boat, so I bought a copy. The Lofting chapter was certainly worth the money, so I feel like I have the rest of the book at no charge. If you are looking for an easy-to-read book that explains boat building for the average person, then this is the book for you.

First a disclaimer. This book is about high end, complicated boats which are works of art. If your looking to build a simple workboat by bashing a few pieces of plywood together dont buy this book. This book is for skiled craftsmen (or women), that have the patience of skill to make superb boats. Me I dont have that skill or patience, I will just make simple plywood boats that might go quite well in the water, but wont match the sheer craftmanship that a traditional built boat conveys. So if your looking to build a work of art, this is a must have, utterly superb. If your a first time builder looking for an easy to make little boat, do not buy this book,,, I repeat,,, if your a first time builder,,,, do not buy this book!!! This book is for high end craftsman looking to make a work of art. For that audience it is simply outstanding

I bought to prepare for the boat building class in Maine. Initially I was concerned that the book would be too difficult to understand. If you take the time and approach as with a textbook, it will be fine. The author meets the challenge of presenting a complex 3D world on the pages of a 2D book. My only issue: figure 7.1 may be the most important in the book; the diagram and writing are too small. An expanded view would be better. Also, a larger glossary would help.

I ordered the book, Building small boats and it came to me almost new. Libraries are great places to buy books from because they are usually honest about the condition of their books. Thank you for a great book.

Greg Rossel does a fine job with this book. It makes the process clear, defines terminology in the text and with a nifty appendix, shows the order with which things must happen, and can happen, with a bit of homespun wit to boot! The drawings are suited to the text and located right where they should be--you'll not need to thumb through the pages looking for the matching drawing. Most of the drawings use a common reference theme like CL for centerline--very helpful while you are figuring out what perspective that drawing is coming from. The section on wood selection is valuable in understanding why builders do what they did (sorry to mix tenses). The chapter on finishing is common sense rather than too detailed. This would be a fine primer if you are about to take a course, and a good refresher before you build the next boat. There is the occasional editing error, just enough to notice them, not really enough to detract from your enjoyment. The folks who saw me morning after early morning reading and studying this book at Starbucks continue to ask when I'll be done with the boat. Some have even offered to help. That should be testament enough to the quality of the book and it's value!

Book arrived in perfect condition, fast shipping and excellent packing. Thanks a lot.

Rossel delivers again in this timeless classic. An amazing way to learn boatbuilding techniques from a master teacher. The chapter on lofting alone is worth the cost. I read a lot of books on building wooden boats and have built plenty of boats over the years. This is the first place to start learning.

Un excelente libro para todos los aficionados a la construcción amateur de embarcaciones, que deseen construir un bote de madera a tingladillo.

Great if you like this sort of thing,

Großartig!

Um bom auxílio para a construção naval amadora.

Beautifully written. Not for absolute beginners, but building a boat from a book isn't either. Shame the illustrations aren't in colour, hence only 4 stars.