Steel Boat Building: From Plans to Launching

An overall view of building boats in steel from the raw materials to the finished vessel, taking the reader step-by-step through the building, fitting out and launching of a 25-79 vessel. Part I covers the building of the hull and decks, while Part II covers the remainder of the process, including joinery, machinery installations, rigging, and launching. The author first discusses in detail such topics as studying plans, choosing tools and materials, estimating costs and lofting. He then describes the building of a 50-foot steel vessel as an example. Part II completes the building, fitting out, and lauching of the boat, with in-depth discusssions on plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and other systems of steel craft in general. There are also chapters on spars and rigging as well as paint systems and finishing. The final two chapters carry advice for anyone considering boatbuilding as a business.