From a Bare Hull [Hardcover]

Ferenc Mate (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1984

A complete handbook on how to select and finish out a fiberglass hull and deck.

A complete step-by-step guide covering every aspect of fiberglass boat completion--woodworking, electrical, plumbing and hardware installation--with hundreds of tips on how to save time and money during construction as well as purchase. With over 100,000 copies in print, From a Bare Hull has become the reference book for home builders as well as many professionals. The Revised Edition contains all new photos and illustrations, much new text, new specs of the best sailboats available for home completion, the newest marine diesels, and the latest list of marine gear suppliers. It also has completely updated design theories, engineering concepts, descriptions of necessary tools and their uses, and lists of materials.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A book with the rare combination of elegant style and sound practical help for the boat owner. -- W.I.B. Crealock, Naval Architect

A fantastic book. It will save boat buyers and boat builders much money, time and grief. -- Pacific Yachting Magazine

Encyclopedic...covering every phase for the experienced and the novice...It will save buyers and builders much money, time, and grief. -- Canadian Yachting

The best guide published...Should be read cover to cover for both the information and commentary...Literate, engaging writing. This is the book to read. -- Sail Magazine

The most complete book on the subject covering every phase for the experienced and the novice...Worthy of a much older man with a lifetime of boat-building experiences. -- Yachting Magazine --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

How to select and finish out a fiberglass hull and deck: A complete step-by-step guide covering every aspect of fiberglass boatbuilding--woodworking, electrical, plumbing and hardware installation--with hundreds of tips on how to save time and money during construction as well as purchase. With over 100,000 copies in print, From a Bare Hull has become the reference book for homebuilders as well as many professionals. The Revised Edition contains all new photos and illustrations, much new text, new specs of the best sailboats available for home completion, the newest marine diesels, and the latest list of marine gear suppliers. It also has completely updated: design theories, engineering concepts, descriptions of necessary tools and their uses, and full lists of materials. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 444 pages
• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc; Rev Sub edition (April 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0920256074
• ISBN-13: 978-0920256077
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,848,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ferenc Máté was born in Hungary and escaped after the revolution at the age of eleven. He grew up in Vancouver, and has lived in California, Paris, the Bahamas and New York. He had worked on a railroad extra-gang and as a boatbuilder, photographer, deckhand and book editor. His many books include the nautical bestsellers "From a Bare Hull," "Shipshape," and "The World's Best Sailboats," as well as the acclaimed "Autumn," "A New England Autumn," "A Reasonable Life," "The Hills of Tuscany," "The Wisdom of Tuscany," and the Dugger/Nello series of high seas adventures. He and his family run their vineyards and winery in Montalcino, Tuscany.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding guide to building a boat, November 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: From A Bare Hull: How To Build A Sailboat (Paperback)

This is a great book. Ferenc Mate has a very enaging style of writing, and he weaves nuts and bolts information and construction techniques into an excellent reference book. He has strong opinions on most matters, and lets the reader know why he believes things should be done a certain way. I found the book very useful not only for boatbuilding reference, but also as a guide to good construction techniques for existing boats. I have learned how to look at a boat's construction with a critical eye-- How would Ferenc Mate have built that? If you are considering building a boat, get this book first.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Big disappointment!, February 24, 2007

By 

Lautensach "F. Lautensach" (Baulkham Hills, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From A Bare Hull: How To Build A Sailboat (Paperback)

I had high expectations when I ordered this book (partly because of the other positive reviews) but was thoroughly disappointed.

To start with, the book was written in the early 80's and much of the technical details are outdated and quoted prices unfortunately rather unrealistic. Measurements are only imperial and not metric.

The structure leaves much to be desired. He starts with a chapter on reinforcing hulls and then moves on to hull selection criteria. There is nothing on fiberglass and epoxy production itself, it is assumed that those parts are purchased ready to be used. There is nothing whatsoever on hull production. Mr Mate endorses internal lead keels (cough) but suggest to purchase the keel rather than DIY.

Throughout the whole book are suggested solutions to remedy problems related to heeling yet the one solution that addresses all of them (a multihull!) is done away with as unsafe! I fail to see how a mono that can sink within minutes is safer.

Then there are suggestions like "lower the saw blade on a table saw to prevent injury while sitting on it"!!! Sure, he should've added to switch off a hydraulic press before taking a nap inside of it. He also recommends to deliberately damage plywood and then haggle down the price.

Also rather annoying is his permanent use of the same phrase, testament to his rather poor writing skills. I am half way through this book now and have to push myself to pick it up again. What a waste of money!!!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, thorough and to the point, February 20, 2000

By 

edouard andre (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From A Bare Hull: How To Build A Sailboat (Paperback)

This is really a GREAT book. I bought in Sydney as I found the layout interesting with several graphs and numerous details. After reading it, I can only recommend it. It is a mine of information which will never be outdated. It will serve both the experienced and less experienced sailors. The text is clear, well written and I look it up all the time as the extra tool in rebuilding my boat. I am picky but this one came far above my expectations. Thank you.