books: Steward vs. Chapelle

[Charles Neuman]

Which would be a better first book:
Boatbuilding Manual, by Robert Steward
or
Boatbuilding, by Howard Chapelle

I have heard praises of both books in other threads. My understanding so far is that Chapelle is thicker but drier. Do people eventually get both books, or chose one?

Thanks,

Charles

P.S. I also plan to get Greg Rossel's book since my interest is in small boats.

[Charles Neuman]

Which would be a better first book:
Boatbuilding Manual, by Robert Steward
or
Boatbuilding, by Howard Chapelle

I have heard praises of both books in other threads. My understanding so far is that Chapelle is thicker but drier. Do people eventually get both books, or chose one?

Thanks,

Charles

P.S. I also plan to get Greg Rossel's book since my interest is in small boats.

[Charles Neuman]

Which would be a better first book:
Boatbuilding Manual, by Robert Steward
or
Boatbuilding, by Howard Chapelle

I have heard praises of both books in other threads. My understanding so far is that Chapelle is thicker but drier. Do people eventually get both books, or chose one?

Thanks,

Charles

P.S. I also plan to get Greg Rossel's book since my interest is in small boats.

[Garrett Lowell]

I own both of those books. Let's just say that, while chock full of good information, they are a good cure for insomnia.
However, the book by Bud McIntosh is excellent, and won't put you to sleep (I own that one, as well).

Good luck!

[Garrett Lowell]

I own both of those books. Let's just say that, while chock full of good information, they are a good cure for insomnia.
However, the book by Bud McIntosh is excellent, and won't put you to sleep (I own that one, as well).

Good luck!

[Garrett Lowell]

I own both of those books. Let's just say that, while chock full of good information, they are a good cure for insomnia.
However, the book by Bud McIntosh is excellent, and won't put you to sleep (I own that one, as well).

Good luck!

[Ian McColgin]

Actually, I think Bud's book is best, as a general treatment of carvel, Chappel being more general but in someways harder to use for real instruction.

The best boat building book is the book that leads you to building your first boat. For me, that was Gardiner's "Building Classic Small Craft" (Or whatever) from which I selected and built Leeward.

[Ian McColgin]

Actually, I think Bud's book is best, as a general treatment of carvel, Chappel being more general but in someways harder to use for real instruction.

The best boat building book is the book that leads you to building your first boat. For me, that was Gardiner's "Building Classic Small Craft" (Or whatever) from which I selected and built Leeward.

[Ian McColgin]

Actually, I think Bud's book is best, as a general treatment of carvel, Chappel being more general but in someways harder to use for real instruction.

The best boat building book is the book that leads you to building your first boat. For me, that was Gardiner's "Building Classic Small Craft" (Or whatever) from which I selected and built Leeward.

[Matt J.]

Silly question... All three of course!

But since you asked which is the best, that means that you want only one for now...

Chapelle's is very scholarly but quite thorough. Chapelle can be somewhat dry in pics, but well written; but I kinda prefer it to Steward, which is dry in the text, but well illustrated. I use them both as text book references. I've actually started "reading" Chapelle, whereas I couldn't see myself doing that with Steward. Note, McIntosh is not as suitable for small boats. Steward, and perhaps in an encyclopedic way, Chapelle, are more thorough and general concerning wooden boat construction, IMOO. McIntosh focuses on big(ger) boats, such as the 30-sumpthin foot merrywing (zat right) he shows in the beginning of the book.

Steward is better, pictorially, than Chapelle, if you're looking for something more generic that may cover smaller boats. McIntosh is well illustrated, and he's got a good sense of humor in his writing style, though inappropriate for small boats (my opinion only). Chapelle is the classic school encyclopedia style textbook regarding construction of a wood boat. Chapelle is kinda classic and classy, which I like. The no BS, no bones about it and here's my opinion is appealing to me.

Steward is the only one to address alternative construction, if you swing that way.

I bought Steward 1st, then McIntosh, then Chapelle. I'd now go with McIntosh, Chapelle, then Steward.

No one's mentioned Pardey's book, "Details of Classic Boat Construction: The Hull " and I'm looking at this one now. It's big(ger) boats, but his opinions are interesting, and the appendix is a goldmine...

If you've got dogs, mine preferred McIntosh best as well. I've got to get another copy.

Thanks for listening... love books.

-Matt

[Matt J.]

Silly question... All three of course!

But since you asked which is the best, that means that you want only one for now...

Chapelle's is very scholarly but quite thorough. Chapelle can be somewhat dry in pics, but well written; but I kinda prefer it to Steward, which is dry in the text, but well illustrated. I use them both as text book references. I've actually started "reading" Chapelle, whereas I couldn't see myself doing that with Steward. Note, McIntosh is not as suitable for small boats. Steward, and perhaps in an encyclopedic way, Chapelle, are more thorough and general concerning wooden boat construction, IMOO. McIntosh focuses on big(ger) boats, such as the 30-sumpthin foot merrywing (zat right) he shows in the beginning of the book.

Steward is better, pictorially, than Chapelle, if you're looking for something more generic that may cover smaller boats. McIntosh is well illustrated, and he's got a good sense of humor in his writing style, though inappropriate for small boats (my opinion only). Chapelle is the classic school encyclopedia style textbook regarding construction of a wood boat. Chapelle is kinda classic and classy, which I like. The no BS, no bones about it and here's my opinion is appealing to me.

Steward is the only one to address alternative construction, if you swing that way.

I bought Steward 1st, then McIntosh, then Chapelle. I'd now go with McIntosh, Chapelle, then Steward.

No one's mentioned Pardey's book, "Details of Classic Boat Construction: The Hull " and I'm looking at this one now. It's big(ger) boats, but his opinions are interesting, and the appendix is a goldmine...

If you've got dogs, mine preferred McIntosh best as well. I've got to get another copy.

Thanks for listening... love books.

-Matt

[Matt J.]

Silly question... All three of course!

But since you asked which is the best, that means that you want only one for now...

Chapelle's is very scholarly but quite thorough. Chapelle can be somewhat dry in pics, but well written; but I kinda prefer it to Steward, which is dry in the text, but well illustrated. I use them both as text book references. I've actually started "reading" Chapelle, whereas I couldn't see myself doing that with Steward. Note, McIntosh is not as suitable for small boats. Steward, and perhaps in an encyclopedic way, Chapelle, are more thorough and general concerning wooden boat construction, IMOO. McIntosh focuses on big(ger) boats, such as the 30-sumpthin foot merrywing (zat right) he shows in the beginning of the book.

Steward is better, pictorially, than Chapelle, if you're looking for something more generic that may cover smaller boats. McIntosh is well illustrated, and he's got a good sense of humor in his writing style, though inappropriate for small boats (my opinion only). Chapelle is the classic school encyclopedia style textbook regarding construction of a wood boat. Chapelle is kinda classic and classy, which I like. The no BS, no bones about it and here's my opinion is appealing to me.

Steward is the only one to address alternative construction, if you swing that way.

I bought Steward 1st, then McIntosh, then Chapelle. I'd now go with McIntosh, Chapelle, then Steward.

No one's mentioned Pardey's book, "Details of Classic Boat Construction: The Hull " and I'm looking at this one now. It's big(ger) boats, but his opinions are interesting, and the appendix is a goldmine...

If you've got dogs, mine preferred McIntosh best as well. I've got to get another copy.

Thanks for listening... love books.

-Matt

[Charles Neuman]

Hmmm... so maybe Rossel's book would be best for me right now. And while I'm at it, "Building Catherine" might be interesting, too, since I'm interested in small lapstrake boats.

I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside. Later on I'll probably want Chapelle and Steward as reference material.

Charles

[Charles Neuman]

Hmmm... so maybe Rossel's book would be best for me right now. And while I'm at it, "Building Catherine" might be interesting, too, since I'm interested in small lapstrake boats.

I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside. Later on I'll probably want Chapelle and Steward as reference material.

Charles

[Charles Neuman]

Hmmm... so maybe Rossel's book would be best for me right now. And while I'm at it, "Building Catherine" might be interesting, too, since I'm interested in small lapstrake boats.

I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside. Later on I'll probably want Chapelle and Steward as reference material.

Charles

[Seth Wood]

Thanks, Matt, on the strength of that I just ordered Chapelle. I'd been waffling between him and Steward (already have McIntosh) for a few days now, so this thread is timely. Thanks, Charles!

I also have Pardey's excellent book, though the thing (the book, not Larry) has split open from repeated use. For large boats, traditionally constructed, I've found it superb. Though I can't seem to get my joints to fit like his.

As far as learning how to build boats -- books are cheaper than mistakes, though neither seems to be avoidable.

[Seth Wood]

Thanks, Matt, on the strength of that I just ordered Chapelle. I'd been waffling between him and Steward (already have McIntosh) for a few days now, so this thread is timely. Thanks, Charles!

I also have Pardey's excellent book, though the thing (the book, not Larry) has split open from repeated use. For large boats, traditionally constructed, I've found it superb. Though I can't seem to get my joints to fit like his.

As far as learning how to build boats -- books are cheaper than mistakes, though neither seems to be avoidable.

[Seth Wood]

Thanks, Matt, on the strength of that I just ordered Chapelle. I'd been waffling between him and Steward (already have McIntosh) for a few days now, so this thread is timely. Thanks, Charles!

I also have Pardey's excellent book, though the thing (the book, not Larry) has split open from repeated use. For large boats, traditionally constructed, I've found it superb. Though I can't seem to get my joints to fit like his.

As far as learning how to build boats -- books are cheaper than mistakes, though neither seems to be avoidable.

[Charles Neuman]

Seth,

You're welcome. I hadn't intended on starting another "what book should I get?" thread. But it's sure helpful to get lots of opinions.

I suppose I'm not the first to point out that "Wood" is a good last name for boatbuilding!

Charles

[Charles Neuman]

Seth,

You're welcome. I hadn't intended on starting another "what book should I get?" thread. But it's sure helpful to get lots of opinions.

I suppose I'm not the first to point out that "Wood" is a good last name for boatbuilding!

Charles

[Charles Neuman]

Seth,

You're welcome. I hadn't intended on starting another "what book should I get?" thread. But it's sure helpful to get lots of opinions.

I suppose I'm not the first to point out that "Wood" is a good last name for boatbuilding!

Charles

[Matt J.]

I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside

Well, Charles, if you put it that way, then check out Michael Ruhlman's "Wooden Boat" about the Gannon and Benjamin yard... I found it to be a great book. A look at life in a "modern" yard building wooden boats with traditional wooden boat methods.

-Matt

[Matt J.]

I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside

Well, Charles, if you put it that way, then check out Michael Ruhlman's "Wooden Boat" about the Gannon and Benjamin yard... I found it to be a great book. A look at life in a "modern" yard building wooden boats with traditional wooden boat methods.

-Matt

[Matt J.]

I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside

Well, Charles, if you put it that way, then check out Michael Ruhlman's "Wooden Boat" about the Gannon and Benjamin yard... I found it to be a great book. A look at life in a "modern" yard building wooden boats with traditional wooden boat methods.

-Matt

[Charles Neuman]

Matt,

I guess I painted too much of a warm and fuzzy picture. For example, I rarely read novels. The closest thing to a novel I have read in over a year was the book "In the Heart of the Sea", about the whaleship Essex tragedy. I loved it.

Regardless, that book you mentioned looks really interesting. Maybe that'll be next year's "real" book to read. Oh wait, it's already "next year". Better order it!

Charles

[Charles Neuman]

Matt,

I guess I painted too much of a warm and fuzzy picture. For example, I rarely read novels. The closest thing to a novel I have read in over a year was the book "In the Heart of the Sea", about the whaleship Essex tragedy. I loved it.

Regardless, that book you mentioned looks really interesting. Maybe that'll be next year's "real" book to read. Oh wait, it's already "next year". Better order it!

Charles

[Charles Neuman]

Matt,

I guess I painted too much of a warm and fuzzy picture. For example, I rarely read novels. The closest thing to a novel I have read in over a year was the book "In the Heart of the Sea", about the whaleship Essex tragedy. I loved it.

Regardless, that book you mentioned looks really interesting. Maybe that'll be next year's "real" book to read. Oh wait, it's already "next year". Better order it!

Charles

[Sailing-Randy]

How about "Boatbuilding in your own backyard" by SS Rabl. Out of print, but got me going! I found it anything but dry! He doesn't point you to instant anaything, but he makes it very do-able.

[Sailing-Randy]

How about "Boatbuilding in your own backyard" by SS Rabl. Out of print, but got me going! I found it anything but dry! He doesn't point you to instant anaything, but he makes it very do-able.

[Sailing-Randy]

How about "Boatbuilding in your own backyard" by SS Rabl. Out of print, but got me going! I found it anything but dry! He doesn't point you to instant anaything, but he makes it very do-able.

[ken mcclure]

If it's small boats you're interested in, go for Greg Roessel's book. If you have a couple bucks left over, get John Gardner's books - Wooden Boats to Build and Use first, then Classic Small Craft, then The Dory Book.

Chappelle is VERY dry - like a text book or a reference work. Steward is a bit dry but better. MacIntosh is the best. All three are about larger boats, though.

Roessel's book will tell you how to do it - Gardner's books will tell you (a little less) how to do it as well as giving you a bunch of sweet designs.

[ken mcclure]

If it's small boats you're interested in, go for Greg Roessel's book. If you have a couple bucks left over, get John Gardner's books - Wooden Boats to Build and Use first, then Classic Small Craft, then The Dory Book.

Chappelle is VERY dry - like a text book or a reference work. Steward is a bit dry but better. MacIntosh is the best. All three are about larger boats, though.

Roessel's book will tell you how to do it - Gardner's books will tell you (a little less) how to do it as well as giving you a bunch of sweet designs.

[ken mcclure]

If it's small boats you're interested in, go for Greg Roessel's book. If you have a couple bucks left over, get John Gardner's books - Wooden Boats to Build and Use first, then Classic Small Craft, then The Dory Book.

Chappelle is VERY dry - like a text book or a reference work. Steward is a bit dry but better. MacIntosh is the best. All three are about larger boats, though.

Roessel's book will tell you how to do it - Gardner's books will tell you (a little less) how to do it as well as giving you a bunch of sweet designs.

[Ed Harrow]

Originally posted by Charles Neuman:
...I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside. ...
Charles

Bud's your man (but god I hope not your beer )

[Ed Harrow]

Originally posted by Charles Neuman:
...I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside. ...
Charles

Bud's your man (but god I hope not your beer )

[Ed Harrow]

Originally posted by Charles Neuman:
...I'm definitely looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside. ...
Charles

Bud's your man (but god I hope not your beer )

[ishmael]

Gardner's book would be hard to beat, as a starter, if you want to build small boats.

The best boat building book is the book that leads you to building your first boat. For me, that was Gardiner's "Building Classic Small Craft" (Or whatever) from which I selected and built Leeward.

I'm sure Greg Roessel has done a fine job too.

Walt Simmons on lapstrake boats...

All good.

[ishmael]

Gardner's book would be hard to beat, as a starter, if you want to build small boats.

The best boat building book is the book that leads you to building your first boat. For me, that was Gardiner's "Building Classic Small Craft" (Or whatever) from which I selected and built Leeward.

I'm sure Greg Roessel has done a fine job too.

Walt Simmons on lapstrake boats...

All good.

[ishmael]

Gardner's book would be hard to beat, as a starter, if you want to build small boats.

The best boat building book is the book that leads you to building your first boat. For me, that was Gardiner's "Building Classic Small Craft" (Or whatever) from which I selected and built Leeward.

I'm sure Greg Roessel has done a fine job too.

Walt Simmons on lapstrake boats...

All good.

[Charles Neuman]

It seems like people really like Bud's book. Even though I'm not likely to build a carvel planked cruiser as my first boat, it can't hurt to read a really good book, no matter what subject it's on.

What's the story on this new book coming out: "How to Build Glued-Lapstrake Wooden Boats", by John Brooks & Ruth Ann Hill. Coming out this month or next by WoodenBoat. Anybody know anything about it? I'll see if WB will give me a table of contents.

[ 01-04-2003, 07:26 PM: Message edited by: Charles Neuman ]

[Charles Neuman]

It seems like people really like Bud's book. Even though I'm not likely to build a carvel planked cruiser as my first boat, it can't hurt to read a really good book, no matter what subject it's on.

What's the story on this new book coming out: "How to Build Glued-Lapstrake Wooden Boats", by John Brooks & Ruth Ann Hill. Coming out this month or next by WoodenBoat. Anybody know anything about it? I'll see if WB will give me a table of contents.

[ 01-04-2003, 07:26 PM: Message edited by: Charles Neuman ]

[Charles Neuman]

It seems like people really like Bud's book. Even though I'm not likely to build a carvel planked cruiser as my first boat, it can't hurt to read a really good book, no matter what subject it's on.

What's the story on this new book coming out: "How to Build Glued-Lapstrake Wooden Boats", by John Brooks & Ruth Ann Hill. Coming out this month or next by WoodenBoat. Anybody know anything about it? I'll see if WB will give me a table of contents.

[ 01-04-2003, 07:26 PM: Message edited by: Charles Neuman ]

[Steve Lansdowne]

My vote goes to Greg Rossel, at least for details useful in smaller (trailerable size) boats. It covers a lot and is very enjoyable reading. No, he didn't build the one on the cover.

I think that John Brooks' book, which has been "about to come out" for over a year now, elaborates what was in his "Building Ellen" WB articles from a few years back. He does nice work and it should be a good book. John and Ruth Ann became parents about the time they began working on this book, and he seemed to be taken so much with his daughter that I suspect parenthood is at least some of the reason the book is slow to come out. I took his WB course in 2000 and had a really good time.

[ 01-04-2003, 07:58 PM: Message edited by: Steve Lansdowne ]

[Steve Lansdowne]

My vote goes to Greg Rossel, at least for details useful in smaller (trailerable size) boats. It covers a lot and is very enjoyable reading. No, he didn't build the one on the cover.

I think that John Brooks' book, which has been "about to come out" for over a year now, elaborates what was in his "Building Ellen" WB articles from a few years back. He does nice work and it should be a good book. John and Ruth Ann became parents about the time they began working on this book, and he seemed to be taken so much with his daughter that I suspect parenthood is at least some of the reason the book is slow to come out. I took his WB course in 2000 and had a really good time.

[ 01-04-2003, 07:58 PM: Message edited by: Steve Lansdowne ]

[Steve Lansdowne]

My vote goes to Greg Rossel, at least for details useful in smaller (trailerable size) boats. It covers a lot and is very enjoyable reading. No, he didn't build the one on the cover.

I think that John Brooks' book, which has been "about to come out" for over a year now, elaborates what was in his "Building Ellen" WB articles from a few years back. He does nice work and it should be a good book. John and Ruth Ann became parents about the time they began working on this book, and he seemed to be taken so much with his daughter that I suspect parenthood is at least some of the reason the book is slow to come out. I took his WB course in 2000 and had a really good time.

[ 01-04-2003, 07:58 PM: Message edited by: Steve Lansdowne ]

[holzbt]

Charles- I'm located in Babylon and have all of the building books mentioned here. I'd be happy to let you look them over before you decide which ones to order.

Roger

[holzbt]

Charles- I'm located in Babylon and have all of the building books mentioned here. I'd be happy to let you look them over before you decide which ones to order.

Roger

[holzbt]

Charles- I'm located in Babylon and have all of the building books mentioned here. I'd be happy to let you look them over before you decide which ones to order.

Roger

[Concordia..41]

My favorite book is Skene’s Elements Of Yacht Design that was given to me by the late Robert Taft a naval architect. He also gave Margo and I several other marine design books and related materials. I refer to it often and find it easy to locate what I am looking for. I also use Chapelle but not as much.

Another book he gave use is Wood: A Manual For Its Use As A Shipbuilding Material, Department Of The Navy 1957.

If I was looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside - Yarns by Tristan Jones.

Dave

[Concordia..41]

My favorite book is Skene’s Elements Of Yacht Design that was given to me by the late Robert Taft a naval architect. He also gave Margo and I several other marine design books and related materials. I refer to it often and find it easy to locate what I am looking for. I also use Chapelle but not as much.

Another book he gave use is Wood: A Manual For Its Use As A Shipbuilding Material, Department Of The Navy 1957.

If I was looking for something to "read" in a big comfy chair while it's drizzling and sleeting outside - Yarns by Tristan Jones.

Dave