Customer Reviews

Aluminum Boatbuilding

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I brought this book because I am going to build an Aluminium Yacht.
While most areas are covered there is very little detail, paricularly in the critical area of stray current corrosion control.
The author does not seem to have much first hand experience of building small yachts in aluminium.
The topic is covered much more comprehensivly in "Boatbuilding in Aluminium" by Stephen Pollard.
I can also recomend "The elements of Boat Strength for Builders, Designers and Owners" by Dave Gerr

Its probably worth the US$ 25 advertised if you are building an aluminium boat, but 'In the Kingdom of the Blind, the Man with One Eye Is King'. It is missing a lot of practical information on welding, distortion, welding schedule etc... its rather general, however, reading it and reading another two or three books available on the subject, you can make a concise picture at the end.

This book is not for the beginer. If you have experice with all the stuff that gos in on a boat desin then you can understand this book better. I got lost in what it was trying to tell you. which makes it hard to learn anything. It probable is not a bad book if you understand it. and i base that from the welding portion of the book that i understood and had no problem with.

As a professional in the facade industry (which commonly relies on aluminium components), I found the book to be full of interesting commentary about working with aluminium. Since the curtain wall industry rarely relies on welding as a means to fasten aluminium, this book was a welcomed trip into alternative methods of working.

The book is practical, and is based on "shop experience". Accordingly, I would highly recommend it for engineers and designers. It's very quick and simple to read, yet I keep a copy of it on my desk to use as a constant source of reference.

Now in an updated and expanded third edition, Ernest Sims' Aluminum Boatbuilding is a completely "user friendly" and practical guide for designing and building aluminum alloy boats. Every aspect and issue are comprehensively covered including the advantages of building in aluminum (weight savings, inherent material strength, minimal maintenance), as well as the limitations that should be recognized in comparison with other boatbuilding materials. Sims covers the machinery, tools, techniques and skills required, along with setting-up procedures, painting, dealing with corrosion, and making repairs to hulls. Aluminum Boatbuilding also addresses the practical application of adhesives for bonding aluminum, welding techniques including friction stir welding, as well as plasma and waterjet cutting. A careful reading of Aluminum Boatbuilding is a "must" for anyone contemplating designing and building their own aluminum craft from passenger ferries to racing powerboats.