This masterly work will continue to be an invaluable source of reference for anyone wanting practical advice on working with GRP, in order to make repairs and improvements correctly and thus extend the life of their boat. Since it was first published 45 years ago, Hugo du Plessis' Fibreglass Boats has become a classic, relied upon by owners, surveyors and boat builders keen to understand how fibreglass behaves, and obtain practical advice on working with GRP. In a deliberately non-technical manner, he explains the peculiar nature of fibreglass, its durability, its weaknesses, where its likely to fail, the effects of use and the weather, plus the latest research into causes of the biggest worry for owners - blistering and osmosis. 'One of the most respected works on the subject... thorough and its scope is vast' Yachting Monthly 'A long-established classic' Kelvin Hughes
This book presents the small boat designer & builder with a basic insight into the nature of fiberglass as a boat-building material, as well as a sound, yet simple, approach to analyzing fiberglass boat hull structures. The basic principles of fiberglass, including its advantages & disadvantages are outlined & thorough review is given to the characteristics of fiberglass materials & laminate design properties. In addition, valuable data is presented on basic design principles such as selection of structural loads, safety factors, deflection & vibration limitation. The level of detail presented in this book is tuned to the boat designer who recognizes the need for a sound engineering analysis of the fiberglass structures he designs, tempered with a practical, uncomplicated approach. The book is well illustrated & includes numerous step-by-step design examples to demonstrate the principles presented. List $25; Members $20. The Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, 601 Pavonia Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306. phone: 201-798-4800 FAX: 201-798-4975. website: http://www.sname.org.
Arthur Edmunds is one of the country's top naval architects and his knowledge of the boat building industry has never been more apparent than in this book. Art has written this book so the reader, unfamiliar with the construction process, will understand every aspect of the process. But this is not a beginner's-only boat building book. Advanced craftsmen and top professionals have equally as much to learn from Art's years of experience. Art takes the reader from the first step of Building a Fiberglass Boat to the last step, in a manner that will certainly inspire all who ever pondered the notion. He expertly explains why a competent craftsman would want to undertake the seemingly overwhelming task of building his own boat. Art has described the two most popular sizes and styles of boats as examples for the project; a twenty-five-foot open boat and a thirty-three-foot cruising boat. Sail is also explained. By referring to these example boats, the reader can envision a boat of any size, limited only by the imagination. Everyone can learn from this book. If you have a boat just waiting to be built, you will now have the knowledge. If you never plan to build a boat, you will understand the entire process, making the Buying Experience far less confusing. There are no Trade Secrets, only knowledge not yet learned.
Since its first edition in 1964, owners and professionals have relied upon this classic reference to understand the many facets of fiberglass boat construction. Now completely updated, it is an invaluable, nontechnical resource for expert information on the principles of fiberglass construction, as
Explains the advantages of applying a fiberglass coating to wooden boats, offers a step-by-step demonstration of the procedure, and shares the case histories of some fiberglassed boats
"This work is significant. It is the first to include a method of assessing structural strength in the context of the modern marine environment." --Commander M. C. Cruder, U.S. Coast Guard Acclaimed author and naval architect Dave Gerr created this unique system of easy-to-use scantling rules and rules-of-thumb for calculating the necessary dimensions, or scantlings, of hulls, decks, and other boat parts, whether built of fiberglass, wood, wood-epoxy composite, steel, or aluminum. In addition to the rules themselves, The Elements of Boat Strength offers their context: an in-depth, plain-English discussion of boatbuilding materials, methods, and practices that will guide you through all aspects of boat construction. Now you can avoid wading through dense technical engineering manuals or tackling advanced mathematics. The Elements of Boat Strength has all the formulas, tables, illustrations, and charts you need to judge how heavy each piece of your boat should be in order to last and be safe. With this book, an inexpensive scientific calculator, and a pad of paper, you'll be able to design and specify all the components necessary to build a sound, long-lasting, rugged vessel. What reviewers have said about Dave Gerr's books: Propeller Handbook "By far the best book available on the subject."--Sailing "The best layman's guide we've ever read."--Practical Sailor Dave Gerr and International Marine made a complicated topic understandable and put it into a handbook that is easy to use."--WoodenBoat "Without doubt the definitive reference for selecting, installing, and understanding boat propellers."--Royal Navy Sailing Association Journal The Nature of Boats "If you are not nautically obsessed before reading this book, you will most certainly be afterward."--Sailing Fascinating potpourri of information about today's boats, modern and traditional."--WoodenBoat
Even the most well designed boats will suffer from wear and tear due to normal use on the water. Whilst accidents are less common, they too can result in damage which needs to be repaired on the spot. Highly illustrated, with step by step instructions, this book equips the reader with the vital 'first aid' skills he needs to make temporary repairs until he can get back to harbour. The Boat Repair Bible helps anyone who owns a boat to develop essential repair skills in the areas where problems most commonly arise. The section on hull and deck repairs covers fibreglass, wood, steel and ferro-cement hulls, and shows the reader how to deal with everything from leaks to impact damage, and much, much more. This section also covers domestic repairs, such as repairing upholstery, and troubleshooting problems with the heads. Amongst the many other techniques described, the section on general mechanics includes instructions on how to fix problems with a split fuel/water tank and leaking hydraulics, whilst the section on electrical repairs explains how to trace loose connections, replace damaged wiring and fix navigation instruments. The myriad of issues that can arise with the engine are covered in great detail, from how to deal with water in the fuel system to replacing the propeller and its shaft. From basic skills in safety, surveying and the use of tools, to advanced instructions on how to replace an engine, The Boat Repair Bible is as comprehensive as it is invaluable. With repairs specific to powerboats, sailboats, dinghies and outboards, it is a book no boat owner can afford not to own.
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