Building technique book / manual

[PeteMaree]

Hi All

I am considering a first build. Amateur home builder. Are there any good reference books out there with lots of pictures and diagrams (I am after all a simple fellow!) that show the various techniques and methods in wooden boat building? Iam planning to build a smallish open day sailor along the lines of one of the Glen L 15 ft or an Oughtred design. Haven't made up my mind. But some useful books I can get showing various techniques and stages of build would be really useful and motivating.

If there are already posts that deal with this topic directly I apologies, I have searched.

Thanks

Peter

[bob winter]

Welcome, Peter. There is no shortage of books. You might try looking at the books available on the Woodenboat site.

[Old Dryfoot]

Welcome, as Bob mentioned there are many books on the topic of boat building. One of the best is now a free download, The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction. This should give you a good start, if you have a type of wooden boat construction in mind there is an excellent chance there is also a book to help you through it.

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthre...struction-FREE!!!

[Gib Etheridge]

Here is what I consider to be the best boatbuiding primer available, and dirt cheap, except that you are in Tasmania. Learn this book then go on to whatever construction method you need to specialize in.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Sear...uilding+manual

[potomac]

If you are going to build an Oughtred design, there would be no better book than his own, Clinker Plywood Boatbuilding Manual. Here's a link on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Clinker-Plywoo...words=oughtred

I'm not sure which Glen L design you like, but what I saw appears to be stitch and glue, in which case Sam Devlin is quite good.
http://www.amazon.com/Devlins-Boatbu...+boat+building

[potomac]

If you want to explore several different methods, Greg Rossel has a good book called The Boatbuilder's Apprentice. Not really a manual, but good information on lots of building styles.
http://www.amazon.com/Boatbuilders-A...ers+apprentice

Personally, I think the more you explore these boats, the more certain styles emerge, appealing to one's aesthetic sense, and you find you want to build that boat no matter the building style. Initially, stitch and glue appealed to me because it seemed good for the beginner and a fast method of construction. And then I discovered Iain Oughtred... and Tom Hill, and Eric Hvalsoe, and John Welsford, and Arch Davis and on and on and on. Now glued lapstrake appeals.

[esingleman]

I have to second Greg Rossel's book. His book seems to have the detail that other books seem to lack. I go to his book first now when I have an issue or need help.

Jon Brooks also has a good book covering lapstrake boat building

Erick S.

[Don S]

I didn't even know these tools existed until a couple of months ago. Haven't rushed out to buy one yet.

[error, error -- should have posted on the "multi-tool" thread ;-(

[Don S]

I have to second Greg Rossel's book. His book seems to have the detail that other books seem to lack. I go to his book first now when I have an issue or need help.

Jon Brooks also has a good book covering lapstrake boat building

Erick S.

I've got these books as well, and others of course. In boning up on scarfing technique I reviewed both of Greg R's books, John Brooks, Iain Oughtred's manual, Tom Hill's -- and I've got to say, they don't really coincide on much. What's a fellow to do? Put it all together for yourself, I guess.

[potomac]

Scarfing seems to be one of those things that everyone worries and worries about, comes up with all kinds of jigs and methods, and then after they do it, generally agree that it wasn't that bad. I often inquire about the jigs myself, but you could do a lot worse than a good plane with a sharp blade and some patience- and faith.

As Wizbang13 will point out, any imperfections will probably make the joint stronger if using epoxy.

[seedy]

A great free resource right here, mostly with photos and descriptions...http://forum.woodenboat.com/forumdis...uilding-Repair

[Lewisboater]

http://www.amazon.com/Glen-L.-Witt/e/B001KCN88S

By the man who did the plans...maybe. He sells other's plans too

[JimConlin]

There are a number of books that are very good treatises on a particular method.
For strip composite construction, Ted Moores' Canoecraft and Nick Schade's book are very good.
For glued lapstrake construction, the books of John Brooks, Iain Oughtred and Tom Hill are all worthwhile and not redundant.
For simple plywood construction, Dynamite Payson's book is good.
If it involves epoxy, the Gougeon book is the bible. It's available as a .pdf download.
Relative to the cost of materials and your time, books are cheap. Many are on the used book sites for a fraction of their store price. Be aware of editions.

[PeteMaree]

That is awesome, thanks for all the advice. Now I can make up my birthday list

[PeteMaree]

Thanks a mil - I have put this on my list.