Re: [bolger] Useful books
I'll second the recommendation for Rueul Parker's _The New Cold-Molded
Boatbuilding_, and also
add George Buehler's _Buehler's Backyard Boatbuilding_. While both of
these books are aimed at those building larger cruisers, they both are
full of good advice and "can-do" attitude from folks who have been
doing it for a while.
You can't have too many books on boatbuilding:)
However, if you only want/can afford a few, start with Payson and
Michalak, as these will definately be most applicable to the kind of
boat you will be building first.
The most valuable part in Devlin's book to my mind is the section on
getting stitch and glue panel shapes from regular lines drawings
through use of a small model.
Bob
Boatbuilding_, and also
add George Buehler's _Buehler's Backyard Boatbuilding_. While both of
these books are aimed at those building larger cruisers, they both are
full of good advice and "can-do" attitude from folks who have been
doing it for a while.
You can't have too many books on boatbuilding:)
However, if you only want/can afford a few, start with Payson and
Michalak, as these will definately be most applicable to the kind of
boat you will be building first.
The most valuable part in Devlin's book to my mind is the section on
getting stitch and glue panel shapes from regular lines drawings
through use of a small model.
Bob
>
> Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2004 03:39:23 -0000
> From: "donschultz8275" <donschultz@...>
> Subject: Useful books
>
> I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger style
> plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
> with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
> the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
> familiar with working with his plans.
>
> But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
> Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
> Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
> Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
>
> I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
> building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
> book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one of
> the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
The water part was easy--when I took out the window to lower the boat to the ground, the water ran out too.
JT
JT
----- Original Message -----
From: Lincoln Ross
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2004 6:21 PM
Subject: [bolger] Re: Re: Useful books
How did you get the bedroom to hold water?
>John B. Trussell wrote:
>snipMy first boat was built in an upstairs bedroom snip I made a lot of mistakes (including thinking I could get it down the stairwell) snip But I had a grand time and used the boat with satisfaction for several years.
>
snip
Bolger rules!!!
- no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
- stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
- Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
- Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax: (978) 282-1349
- Unsubscribe:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
How did you get the bedroom to hold water?
>John B. Trussell wrote:snip
>snipMy first boat was built in an upstairs bedroom snip I made a lot of mistakes (including thinking I could get it down the stairwell) snip But I had a grand time and used the boat with satisfaction for several years.
>
I wanted to put in a vote for Glen-L's "Boatbuilding With Plywood".
Lots of good basic information in there. Dosen't really cover the
instant boat thing, but more of the plank on frame type construction, as
well as fiberglassing and the like. While you're at it get, "How To
Fiberglass Boats" by Ken Hankinson b oth available from Glen-L.
Ken
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lots of good basic information in there. Dosen't really cover the
instant boat thing, but more of the plank on frame type construction, as
well as fiberglassing and the like. While you're at it get, "How To
Fiberglass Boats" by Ken Hankinson b oth available from Glen-L.
Ken
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I was confident my thread would not be a simple survey.
The input was really helpful, and I'll re-read everything then buy a
first book, and plans.
Someone asked what my direction is. First, a Work Skiff (same hull
as Cabin Clam Skiff?) with a cuddy cabin added. I may also add 4' in
length, making it a 22' boat. This will serve as an education in
building a Bolger boat, and let me experiment with camping aboard as
a lifestyle. Simple outboard power.
Second may be either Minnesota, or Fast Motor Sailer (power only?),
or possibly modified Topaz. Each of these 3 is still trailerable.
This is simply a scaled up next step in the experiment. Minnesota is
clearly the easiest build, and Topaz the most complex. IMO, the 3
are each a step up over the next in seaworthiness also. This may
affect my choice based on what I learn from WorkSkiff 18.
Last will come a true live aboard with river/ICW mobility, but NOT a
big time passage maker, therefore Illinois, or possibly Puffer,
either with 7' overheads, and more power than Bolger envisioned.
Maybe 150 hp in diesel?
I'm really thinking Illinois but I may learn something along the way
that will change my mind.
Prior to Bruce Hallman's suggestion, I had checked Buehlers Backyard
Boatbuilding out of the local library and found it inspiring just as
Bruce Hallman expected, and agree there is much of value in it. I'm
looking for a book I can use as a reference for details when doing
the Work Skiff 18'/22'.
Even though I've described a sequence of 3 boats, I'm really a user,
not a builder. None of my boats will have much, if any bright work,
and I'm much more intersted in "where they will take me" than the
getting there.
Bolger's essay regarding living aboard makes much sense to me, and
since I think I'll need a boat like Illinois to have/survive the
independent life I think I'll enjoy, I need a plan to get that boat
in my possession. This is it.
The input was really helpful, and I'll re-read everything then buy a
first book, and plans.
Someone asked what my direction is. First, a Work Skiff (same hull
as Cabin Clam Skiff?) with a cuddy cabin added. I may also add 4' in
length, making it a 22' boat. This will serve as an education in
building a Bolger boat, and let me experiment with camping aboard as
a lifestyle. Simple outboard power.
Second may be either Minnesota, or Fast Motor Sailer (power only?),
or possibly modified Topaz. Each of these 3 is still trailerable.
This is simply a scaled up next step in the experiment. Minnesota is
clearly the easiest build, and Topaz the most complex. IMO, the 3
are each a step up over the next in seaworthiness also. This may
affect my choice based on what I learn from WorkSkiff 18.
Last will come a true live aboard with river/ICW mobility, but NOT a
big time passage maker, therefore Illinois, or possibly Puffer,
either with 7' overheads, and more power than Bolger envisioned.
Maybe 150 hp in diesel?
I'm really thinking Illinois but I may learn something along the way
that will change my mind.
Prior to Bruce Hallman's suggestion, I had checked Buehlers Backyard
Boatbuilding out of the local library and found it inspiring just as
Bruce Hallman expected, and agree there is much of value in it. I'm
looking for a book I can use as a reference for details when doing
the Work Skiff 18'/22'.
Even though I've described a sequence of 3 boats, I'm really a user,
not a builder. None of my boats will have much, if any bright work,
and I'm much more intersted in "where they will take me" than the
getting there.
Bolger's essay regarding living aboard makes much sense to me, and
since I think I'll need a boat like Illinois to have/survive the
independent life I think I'll enjoy, I need a plan to get that boat
in my possession. This is it.
You might also check out Walter J Simmons books on lapstrake (conventional and glued ply). Simmons speaks from experience.
While it is great fun to read up on boatbuilding and to collect plans, to quote Pete Culler, "Experience starts when you begin." My first boat was built in an upstairs bedroom with a hand saw, a 1/4 " power drill, a hammer, and a screw driver. I made a lot of mistakes (including thinking I could get it down the stairwell) and the finished product was less than perfect. But I had a grand time and used the boat with satisfaction for several years. At some point, you will need to just do it. Come on in; the water's fine!
John T
While it is great fun to read up on boatbuilding and to collect plans, to quote Pete Culler, "Experience starts when you begin." My first boat was built in an upstairs bedroom with a hand saw, a 1/4 " power drill, a hammer, and a screw driver. I made a lot of mistakes (including thinking I could get it down the stairwell) and the finished product was less than perfect. But I had a grand time and used the boat with satisfaction for several years. At some point, you will need to just do it. Come on in; the water's fine!
John T
----- Original Message -----
From: oarmandt
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 7:14 PM
Subject: [bolger] Re: Useful books
For those looking to "graduate" from boxes to more complex hull
shapes, glued lapstrake plywood makes a good choice. My first effort
came out excellent. It is amazing how the floppy quarter-inch thick
strakes became a stiff 14.5' hull with minimal framing. Two curved
plywood pieces glued on their edges reinforce each other. Because the
strakes' seams are epoxy glued, there is minimal chance of leaking as
in traditional lapstrake construction, but you get the traditional
appearance (externally anyway). The materials will be familiar to
members of this group, but some guidance on contruction techniques is
needed. I used Iain Oughtred's "Clinker Plywood Boatbuilding Manual"
as I was building one of his designs (Whilly Boat), but it is
generally applicable to other boats of this construction type. The
Woodenboat store has it, but you can do much better at booksamillion.com.
PCB's Spur II is on my "boats to build someday" list, but it has an
awful lot of strakes. The Whilly boat was only four strakes per side,
so it went reasonably quickly. More ambitious choices for Bolger fans
are the lapstrake Chebacco (in BWAOM) and St Valery.
Doug
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, cha62759@t... wrote:
> Hi I am probably a voice in the wilderness on this one but I think the
> reason many of us are in a rut with so called instant boats is that we
> don't know a damn thing about boat building in general. A back to
> basics attitude as far as 'study' is concerned provides a lot of
> answers with more general applicability. Chappelles Boatbuilding,
> Stewards Boatbuilding Buehlers boatbuilding, Skenes, and all the other
> standard boatbuilding books from before epoxy are invaluable to ANY
> boatbuilder even if he never goes the conventional route. Weirdly some
> of us enjoy the quest-building- better than the end-using the boat. If
> that's the case there is a lot of satisfaction in building other than
> 'instant'.
> Bob Chamberland
>
Bolger rules!!!
- no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
- stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
- Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
- Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax: (978) 282-1349
- Unsubscribe:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
- Open discussion:bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
For those looking to "graduate" from boxes to more complex hull
shapes, glued lapstrake plywood makes a good choice. My first effort
came out excellent. It is amazing how the floppy quarter-inch thick
strakes became a stiff 14.5' hull with minimal framing. Two curved
plywood pieces glued on their edges reinforce each other. Because the
strakes' seams are epoxy glued, there is minimal chance of leaking as
in traditional lapstrake construction, but you get the traditional
appearance (externally anyway). The materials will be familiar to
members of this group, but some guidance on contruction techniques is
needed. I used Iain Oughtred's "Clinker Plywood Boatbuilding Manual"
as I was building one of his designs (Whilly Boat), but it is
generally applicable to other boats of this construction type. The
Woodenboat store has it, but you can do much better at booksamillion.com.
PCB's Spur II is on my "boats to build someday" list, but it has an
awful lot of strakes. The Whilly boat was only four strakes per side,
so it went reasonably quickly. More ambitious choices for Bolger fans
are the lapstrake Chebacco (in BWAOM) and St Valery.
Doug
shapes, glued lapstrake plywood makes a good choice. My first effort
came out excellent. It is amazing how the floppy quarter-inch thick
strakes became a stiff 14.5' hull with minimal framing. Two curved
plywood pieces glued on their edges reinforce each other. Because the
strakes' seams are epoxy glued, there is minimal chance of leaking as
in traditional lapstrake construction, but you get the traditional
appearance (externally anyway). The materials will be familiar to
members of this group, but some guidance on contruction techniques is
needed. I used Iain Oughtred's "Clinker Plywood Boatbuilding Manual"
as I was building one of his designs (Whilly Boat), but it is
generally applicable to other boats of this construction type. The
Woodenboat store has it, but you can do much better at booksamillion.com.
PCB's Spur II is on my "boats to build someday" list, but it has an
awful lot of strakes. The Whilly boat was only four strakes per side,
so it went reasonably quickly. More ambitious choices for Bolger fans
are the lapstrake Chebacco (in BWAOM) and St Valery.
Doug
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, cha62759@t... wrote:
> Hi I am probably a voice in the wilderness on this one but I think the
> reason many of us are in a rut with so called instant boats is that we
> don't know a damn thing about boat building in general. A back to
> basics attitude as far as 'study' is concerned provides a lot of
> answers with more general applicability. Chappelles Boatbuilding,
> Stewards Boatbuilding Buehlers boatbuilding, Skenes, and all the other
> standard boatbuilding books from before epoxy are invaluable to ANY
> boatbuilder even if he never goes the conventional route. Weirdly some
> of us enjoy the quest-building- better than the end-using the boat. If
> that's the case there is a lot of satisfaction in building other than
> 'instant'.
> Bob Chamberland
>
Nobody's mentioned one of my favorites, "The Gougeon Brothers on
Boatbuilding." It covers all forms of construction which involve epoxy
(West System of course, but that's OK). Lots of illustrations and they've
tried the techniques they advocate; e.g. strip, tortured ply, etc. Go to
http://www.westsystem.com and look under "Instructional Publications" on the
left frame.
Roger
derbyrm@...
derbyrm.mystarband.net/default.htm
Boatbuilding." It covers all forms of construction which involve epoxy
(West System of course, but that's OK). Lots of illustrations and they've
tried the techniques they advocate; e.g. strip, tortured ply, etc. Go to
http://www.westsystem.com and look under "Instructional Publications" on the
left frame.
Roger
derbyrm@...
derbyrm.mystarband.net/default.htm
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Romasco" <dromasco@...>
To: <bolger@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 3:09 PM
Subject: RE: [bolger] Re: Useful books
> I agree with Bob. I'd go so far as to add Larry Pardey's 'Details of
> Classic Boat Construction', although I'd be the first one to admit that
it's
> an intimidating book (pretty, though!). Chapelle on lofting is so obscure
> as to almost become a mystic tract... But here's the thing: even Bolger
got
> bored with boxy boats.
>
> Yes, you can knock together a quick-and-dirty boat that can be a lot of
fun
> to use. I've built and used them myself. If that's your goal, then
great!
> On the other hand, Bolger also designed many more boats, power and sail,
> that are built by conventional methods and require lofting to build. The
> majority of them are strikingly beautiful laying in ANY anchorage. The
> tradeoff is time, money and knowledge; but primarily the latter.
>
> There are more good books on boatbuilding available now than any other
time
> I recall. Reading more than one is usually instructive, as I've found
> contrasting techniques often brings a greater understanding of what the
> builder has to accomplish.
>
> Vaitses is probably still the best guide to learning lofting. Lofting is
> like any other technical subject; sooner or later you suddenly grasp the
> concept, and then wonder why it took so long to sink in....
>
> David Romasco
>
> _____
>
> From: cha62759@... [mailto:cha62759@...]
> Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 1:10 PM
> To: bolger@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [bolger] Re: Useful books
>
>
> Hi I am probably a voice in the wilderness on this one but I think the
> reason many of us are in a rut with so called instant boats is that we
> don't know a damn thing about boat building in general. A back to
> basics attitude as far as 'study' is concerned provides a lot of
> answers with more general applicability. Chappelles Boatbuilding,
> Stewards Boatbuilding Buehlers boatbuilding, Skenes, and all the other
> standard boatbuilding books from before epoxy are invaluable to ANY
> boatbuilder even if he never goes the conventional route. Weirdly some
> of us enjoy the quest-building- better than the end-using the boat. If
> that's the case there is a lot of satisfaction in building other than
> 'instant'.
> Bob Chamberland
>
>
> --- In bolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...> wrote:
> > I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger style
> > plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
> > with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
> > the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
> > familiar with working with his plans.
> >
> > But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
> > Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
> > Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
> > Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
> >
> > I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
> > building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
> > book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one of
> > the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
> Bolger rules!!!
> - no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
> - stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
> - Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
> - Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax:
> (978) 282-1349
> - Unsubscribe: bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> - Open discussion: bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
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>
>
>
> Bolger rules!!!
> - no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
> - stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
> - Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
> - Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax:
(978) 282-1349
> - Unsubscribe: bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> - Open discussion: bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
I agree with Bob. I'd go so far as to add Larry Pardey's 'Details of
Classic Boat Construction', although I'd be the first one to admit that it's
an intimidating book (pretty, though!). Chapelle on lofting is so obscure
as to almost become a mystic tract... But here's the thing: even Bolger got
bored with boxy boats.
Yes, you can knock together a quick-and-dirty boat that can be a lot of fun
to use. I've built and used them myself. If that's your goal, then great!
On the other hand, Bolger also designed many more boats, power and sail,
that are built by conventional methods and require lofting to build. The
majority of them are strikingly beautiful laying in ANY anchorage. The
tradeoff is time, money and knowledge; but primarily the latter.
There are more good books on boatbuilding available now than any other time
I recall. Reading more than one is usually instructive, as I've found
contrasting techniques often brings a greater understanding of what the
builder has to accomplish.
Vaitses is probably still the best guide to learning lofting. Lofting is
like any other technical subject; sooner or later you suddenly grasp the
concept, and then wonder why it took so long to sink in....
David Romasco
_____
From: cha62759@... [mailto:cha62759@...]
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 1:10 PM
To: bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bolger] Re: Useful books
Hi I am probably a voice in the wilderness on this one but I think the
reason many of us are in a rut with so called instant boats is that we
don't know a damn thing about boat building in general. A back to
basics attitude as far as 'study' is concerned provides a lot of
answers with more general applicability. Chappelles Boatbuilding,
Stewards Boatbuilding Buehlers boatbuilding, Skenes, and all the other
standard boatbuilding books from before epoxy are invaluable to ANY
boatbuilder even if he never goes the conventional route. Weirdly some
of us enjoy the quest-building- better than the end-using the boat. If
that's the case there is a lot of satisfaction in building other than
'instant'.
Bob Chamberland
Classic Boat Construction', although I'd be the first one to admit that it's
an intimidating book (pretty, though!). Chapelle on lofting is so obscure
as to almost become a mystic tract... But here's the thing: even Bolger got
bored with boxy boats.
Yes, you can knock together a quick-and-dirty boat that can be a lot of fun
to use. I've built and used them myself. If that's your goal, then great!
On the other hand, Bolger also designed many more boats, power and sail,
that are built by conventional methods and require lofting to build. The
majority of them are strikingly beautiful laying in ANY anchorage. The
tradeoff is time, money and knowledge; but primarily the latter.
There are more good books on boatbuilding available now than any other time
I recall. Reading more than one is usually instructive, as I've found
contrasting techniques often brings a greater understanding of what the
builder has to accomplish.
Vaitses is probably still the best guide to learning lofting. Lofting is
like any other technical subject; sooner or later you suddenly grasp the
concept, and then wonder why it took so long to sink in....
David Romasco
_____
From: cha62759@... [mailto:cha62759@...]
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 1:10 PM
To: bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bolger] Re: Useful books
Hi I am probably a voice in the wilderness on this one but I think the
reason many of us are in a rut with so called instant boats is that we
don't know a damn thing about boat building in general. A back to
basics attitude as far as 'study' is concerned provides a lot of
answers with more general applicability. Chappelles Boatbuilding,
Stewards Boatbuilding Buehlers boatbuilding, Skenes, and all the other
standard boatbuilding books from before epoxy are invaluable to ANY
boatbuilder even if he never goes the conventional route. Weirdly some
of us enjoy the quest-building- better than the end-using the boat. If
that's the case there is a lot of satisfaction in building other than
'instant'.
Bob Chamberland
--- In bolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...> wrote:
> I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger style
> plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
> with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
> the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
> familiar with working with his plans.
>
> But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
> Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
> Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
> Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
>
> I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
> building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
> book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one of
> the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
>
> Thanks in advance.
Bolger rules!!!
- no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
- stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
- Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
- Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax:
(978) 282-1349
- Unsubscribe: bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
- Open discussion: bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi I am probably a voice in the wilderness on this one but I think the
reason many of us are in a rut with so called instant boats is that we
don't know a damn thing about boat building in general. A back to
basics attitude as far as 'study' is concerned provides a lot of
answers with more general applicability. Chappelles Boatbuilding,
Stewards Boatbuilding Buehlers boatbuilding, Skenes, and all the other
standard boatbuilding books from before epoxy are invaluable to ANY
boatbuilder even if he never goes the conventional route. Weirdly some
of us enjoy the quest-building- better than the end-using the boat. If
that's the case there is a lot of satisfaction in building other than
'instant'.
Bob Chamberland
reason many of us are in a rut with so called instant boats is that we
don't know a damn thing about boat building in general. A back to
basics attitude as far as 'study' is concerned provides a lot of
answers with more general applicability. Chappelles Boatbuilding,
Stewards Boatbuilding Buehlers boatbuilding, Skenes, and all the other
standard boatbuilding books from before epoxy are invaluable to ANY
boatbuilder even if he never goes the conventional route. Weirdly some
of us enjoy the quest-building- better than the end-using the boat. If
that's the case there is a lot of satisfaction in building other than
'instant'.
Bob Chamberland
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...> wrote:
> I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger style
> plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
> with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
> the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
> familiar with working with his plans.
>
> But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
> Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
> Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
> Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
>
> I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
> building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
> book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one of
> the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
>
> Thanks in advance.
The books on my shelf are:
Build the new instant boats - my first book- good info and approach
but not the most up to date. Also, the details and approach that
Payson uses are not necessarily the easiest for someone who is not a
professional boat builder (think drywall screws, lots of drywall
screws). He tends to miss some of the things that are second nature
to himself but are new to someone just starting out building. It is
still a must have for tack and tape even if dated.
Boat Building for Beginers (and beyond) - wish I had this before I
cut my first ply frame out. Lots of up to date detail information on
tack and tape methods. Also has info on sail making, choosing a
trailer, and all of the other little bits that you need for the
boat. $20 at Duckworksmagazine.com and more than worth it.
Devlin Boat building - decent book, I picked up a few things that
were not in the above two books but not as easy a read and not as
applicable to the backyard builder, in my opinion.
New Zealand Backyard Boatbuilder - A really enjoyable book. John
Welsford discusses his methodology for building using a cross
between stitch and glue and conventional methods. All of the info is
applicable to tack and tape though and he has some great insights. A
lot of good tips and tricks as well as covering materials and things
such as rigging your boat for camp cruising.
Hope this helps.
Doug
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...>
wrote:
Build the new instant boats - my first book- good info and approach
but not the most up to date. Also, the details and approach that
Payson uses are not necessarily the easiest for someone who is not a
professional boat builder (think drywall screws, lots of drywall
screws). He tends to miss some of the things that are second nature
to himself but are new to someone just starting out building. It is
still a must have for tack and tape even if dated.
Boat Building for Beginers (and beyond) - wish I had this before I
cut my first ply frame out. Lots of up to date detail information on
tack and tape methods. Also has info on sail making, choosing a
trailer, and all of the other little bits that you need for the
boat. $20 at Duckworksmagazine.com and more than worth it.
Devlin Boat building - decent book, I picked up a few things that
were not in the above two books but not as easy a read and not as
applicable to the backyard builder, in my opinion.
New Zealand Backyard Boatbuilder - A really enjoyable book. John
Welsford discusses his methodology for building using a cross
between stitch and glue and conventional methods. All of the info is
applicable to tack and tape though and he has some great insights. A
lot of good tips and tricks as well as covering materials and things
such as rigging your boat for camp cruising.
Hope this helps.
Doug
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...>
wrote:
> I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger styleof
> plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
> with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
> the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
> familiar with working with his plans.
>
> But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
> Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
> Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
> Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
>
> I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
> building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
> book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one
> the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
>
> Thanks in advance.
This is slightly off topic, but one aspect of boat
building, plywood or conventional, it the problem
of getting off the couch and starting work.
The best boat building book, infused with the
spirit of 'you can do it' optomisim, is George
Buehler's _Backyard Boatbuilding_. Payson's
books are good this way too, but I keep coming
back to the George Buehler's book, because
he takes old fashion traditional boat building,
and uses modern 'Home Depot' materials and
demystifies the process.
building, plywood or conventional, it the problem
of getting off the couch and starting work.
The best boat building book, infused with the
spirit of 'you can do it' optomisim, is George
Buehler's _Backyard Boatbuilding_. Payson's
books are good this way too, but I keep coming
back to the George Buehler's book, because
he takes old fashion traditional boat building,
and uses modern 'Home Depot' materials and
demystifies the process.
It seems a certainty that I've spent more time reading about building
than building -- and I'm about 75% finished with a sheet ply
Chebacco. So let me add three sources not yet mentioned.
1. The Chebacco website. www.chebacco.com Good for any Bolger
plywood/epoxy/tape boat. I'd look, especially at those earlier
issues (archived on the site) done under the helpful eye of that
great Scotsman, Bill Samson, who dished out lots of advice and hints--
all freely given. There is much focus on getting the hull out and
the ways of working with epoxy and glass. I think Bill even put
together a step-by-step on his building experience. About now,
working on the cuddy sidewalls and (today?) the roof beams, I'd say
the commentaries drift off on what Robb White has recently (in MAIB)
called the "furniture" of boat building. I'm excitedly on my own.
But by now that is sort of the fun of it -- I've learned a bit about
what epoxy and tape can do, how to tweak plywood and other wood with
ropes and ring nails and wedges and silicon bronze screws, heck even
used a chunk of a log yesterday as a big wedge! -- so it is an easy
going but adventurous time a building.
2. Reuel Parker has a book called something like The New Cold
Moulded...??? that is about plywood, epoxy, and details, details,
details. It is all step-by-step and easy to follow and full of
advice by a guy who has not only done it himself but seems to enjoy
it and has mastered it down to the smallest detail. Most all of his
boats are blue water craft, so larger than the usual garage built
plywood boat. But the book is informative and educational. If
needed I can rummage about and come up with the title.
3. When you pick your epoxy, read-read-read their instructions on
everything from gauntlets to mixing ratios, to wood flour and those
thixo-whatevers, to you-name-it. Larry at RAKA, where I've bought my
goop, has a website www.raka.com that carries, I think, his careful
instructions. One has to become not only ploddingly correct in
measurements and all, but also eventually a bit intuitive about what
you'll be working on, which hardener to use, how about a wee bit of
this additive? hmmm?, etc. Moreover, a guy like Larry has, over the
phone, given good advice, listened to my needs, made suggestions
about epoxy on teak and rosewood, when snow flies, how many coats on
the plywood (do it when it is flat!) etc., etc.
Phew! Good reading, sweet thoughts!
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...>
wrote:
than building -- and I'm about 75% finished with a sheet ply
Chebacco. So let me add three sources not yet mentioned.
1. The Chebacco website. www.chebacco.com Good for any Bolger
plywood/epoxy/tape boat. I'd look, especially at those earlier
issues (archived on the site) done under the helpful eye of that
great Scotsman, Bill Samson, who dished out lots of advice and hints--
all freely given. There is much focus on getting the hull out and
the ways of working with epoxy and glass. I think Bill even put
together a step-by-step on his building experience. About now,
working on the cuddy sidewalls and (today?) the roof beams, I'd say
the commentaries drift off on what Robb White has recently (in MAIB)
called the "furniture" of boat building. I'm excitedly on my own.
But by now that is sort of the fun of it -- I've learned a bit about
what epoxy and tape can do, how to tweak plywood and other wood with
ropes and ring nails and wedges and silicon bronze screws, heck even
used a chunk of a log yesterday as a big wedge! -- so it is an easy
going but adventurous time a building.
2. Reuel Parker has a book called something like The New Cold
Moulded...??? that is about plywood, epoxy, and details, details,
details. It is all step-by-step and easy to follow and full of
advice by a guy who has not only done it himself but seems to enjoy
it and has mastered it down to the smallest detail. Most all of his
boats are blue water craft, so larger than the usual garage built
plywood boat. But the book is informative and educational. If
needed I can rummage about and come up with the title.
3. When you pick your epoxy, read-read-read their instructions on
everything from gauntlets to mixing ratios, to wood flour and those
thixo-whatevers, to you-name-it. Larry at RAKA, where I've bought my
goop, has a website www.raka.com that carries, I think, his careful
instructions. One has to become not only ploddingly correct in
measurements and all, but also eventually a bit intuitive about what
you'll be working on, which hardener to use, how about a wee bit of
this additive? hmmm?, etc. Moreover, a guy like Larry has, over the
phone, given good advice, listened to my needs, made suggestions
about epoxy on teak and rosewood, when snow flies, how many coats on
the plywood (do it when it is flat!) etc., etc.
Phew! Good reading, sweet thoughts!
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...>
wrote:
> I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger styleof
> plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
> with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
> the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
> familiar with working with his plans.
>
> But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
> Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
> Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
> Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
>
> I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
> building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
> book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one
> the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
>
> Thanks in advance.
Hi Don
Howard's comments are [imo] pretty much on the money. I'd add the comment
that PB&F's plans vary quite a bit in the amount of detail presented. Plans
from the 'Instant / New Instant Boats' range [for example] appear to be
drawn with complete novices in mind. Other plans may require a prior
knowledge of boatbuilding techniques.
[particularly opinionated comment follows]
Jim Michalak's book is the one to choose if you are new both to boats and
boatbuilding; it covers the nitty gritty of plywood building as well as
offering a lot of useful information which you will need to know to get out
on the water and be safe - weather, water, sailmaking, stability, &c. &c. -
"one stop shopping".
Mr Payson's book might be a little outdated in the details of plywood
construction, but contains a number of Bolger plans, and is certainly enough
[in association perhaps with the net] to build from.
Mr Devlin's book is interesting, and details some of the issues involved in
building large S&G boats. Of the the three I'd suggest it is the least
directly applicable.
FWIW, all three are on my bookshelf, & I enjoy 'book-learning'.
I lend out Michalak, I look at the details of Phil's plans in Payson.
Devlin, I have read. Once you have built one [or two :) ] plywood boats I'd
suggest that a book like Bingham's boat joinery book will offer more
inspiration than another 'basics' book.
What are you working up towards building? Perhaps ordering the plans and
asking questions about anything which appears unclear might be the way to
go, eh?
cheers
Derek
Howard's comments are [imo] pretty much on the money. I'd add the comment
that PB&F's plans vary quite a bit in the amount of detail presented. Plans
from the 'Instant / New Instant Boats' range [for example] appear to be
drawn with complete novices in mind. Other plans may require a prior
knowledge of boatbuilding techniques.
[particularly opinionated comment follows]
Jim Michalak's book is the one to choose if you are new both to boats and
boatbuilding; it covers the nitty gritty of plywood building as well as
offering a lot of useful information which you will need to know to get out
on the water and be safe - weather, water, sailmaking, stability, &c. &c. -
"one stop shopping".
Mr Payson's book might be a little outdated in the details of plywood
construction, but contains a number of Bolger plans, and is certainly enough
[in association perhaps with the net] to build from.
Mr Devlin's book is interesting, and details some of the issues involved in
building large S&G boats. Of the the three I'd suggest it is the least
directly applicable.
FWIW, all three are on my bookshelf, & I enjoy 'book-learning'.
I lend out Michalak, I look at the details of Phil's plans in Payson.
Devlin, I have read. Once you have built one [or two :) ] plywood boats I'd
suggest that a book like Bingham's boat joinery book will offer more
inspiration than another 'basics' book.
What are you working up towards building? Perhaps ordering the plans and
asking questions about anything which appears unclear might be the way to
go, eh?
cheers
Derek
Payson's "new instant boats" are all Bolger "tack-and-tape" designs,
so his book is the best guide to building small Bolger boats using
this technique, where the hull is assembled upside-down over a few
simple moulds/frames. Sometimes the ply sides are joined to the
bottom by a wooden chine log; sometimes the sides, bilge panels and
bottom are connected with glass-epoxy fillets.
Devlin's book deals with "true" stitch-and-glue construction, where
the hull is usu. assembled right-side up by stitching the panels
together to keep them in place while glass-epoxy fillets are
fashioned.
If the Work Skiff 18 is the same design as the Clam Skiff that
apepars in BWAOM (I think it is), it features a wooden chine log. So
the Payson book would be your best bet. But the Devlin book does
provide a lot of general practical advice that you would find useful
too.
Howard
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...>
wrote:
so his book is the best guide to building small Bolger boats using
this technique, where the hull is assembled upside-down over a few
simple moulds/frames. Sometimes the ply sides are joined to the
bottom by a wooden chine log; sometimes the sides, bilge panels and
bottom are connected with glass-epoxy fillets.
Devlin's book deals with "true" stitch-and-glue construction, where
the hull is usu. assembled right-side up by stitching the panels
together to keep them in place while glass-epoxy fillets are
fashioned.
If the Work Skiff 18 is the same design as the Clam Skiff that
apepars in BWAOM (I think it is), it features a wooden chine log. So
the Payson book would be your best bet. But the Devlin book does
provide a lot of general practical advice that you would find useful
too.
Howard
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "donschultz8275" <donschultz@i...>
wrote:
> I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger styleof
> plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
> with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
> the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
> familiar with working with his plans.
>
> But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
> Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
> Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
> Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
>
> I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
> building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
> book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one
> the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
>
> Thanks in advance.
I think micalak's book was the best. I've also read all the other
you mentioned and they were helpful...expecially devlins for stitch
and glue. That said i built my first two boats having not read any
of them. This type of boat building is pretty easy if you're not in
a rush. I'm a moron and they have all floated just fine. Also the
micro i'm building now is the first boat i've built with epoxy. I
hate the stuff but it's actually amazing what you can do/hide with
the stuff.
Jason
you mentioned and they were helpful...expecially devlins for stitch
and glue. That said i built my first two boats having not read any
of them. This type of boat building is pretty easy if you're not in
a rush. I'm a moron and they have all floated just fine. Also the
micro i'm building now is the first boat i've built with epoxy. I
hate the stuff but it's actually amazing what you can do/hide with
the stuff.
Jason
I'm looking to do more detailed reading re building Bolger style
plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
familiar with working with his plans.
But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one of
the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
Thanks in advance.
plywood "instant" boats. My first will likely be a Work Skiff 18,
with a cuddy added. Yeah I know I could build an Michalak AF4 from
the plans. I wish to build the Bolger because I want to become
familiar with working with his plans.
But I'd like to do some additional reading. I'm considering Sam
Devlin's book "Devlin's Boatbuilding: How to Build Any Boat the
Stitch-and-Glue Way", Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond)" by
Jim Michalak, and "Build the New Instant Boats" by Payson.
I'm interested in which will provide the most detailed insight into
building a solid plywood boat. I'm favoring starting w' the Devlin
book but would like to hear from those who have read more than one of
the choices and find they gain valuable skills from book reading.
Thanks in advance.