Customer Reviews

Clinker Boatbuilding

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My passion for boat building started by amassing a formidable library on the topic. John Leather's book stands out. The book is beautifully written by a craftsman of traditional boatbuilding who is also a naval architect. It is comprehensive in scope and treats important subtleties for the novice including careful descriptions of clench nailing, fairing, and the making of useful jigs and specialty tools. The book reads so well that it is as at-home on the bedside table as it is on the shop bench. It should be bought first to whet one's appetite for the craft and then to serve as a reference for the new builder.

There is a small but growing number of books available on clinker, or lapstrake, boatbuilding. This one is not only one of the least expensive, it is also a very authoritative classic. Walt Simmon's most recent book on lapstrake boatbuilding, is bigger, more up to date, and much more expensive, Ian Oughtred's book on clinker boatbuilding is another alternative. I have all three. This particular book is inexpensive, accessible and authoritative. Get it, then if you want more, try the other two.
Oughtred is a famous clinker boat designer, builder and dingy racer. I often see amateur-built boats to his design showcased in "Wooden Boat" magazine. Walt Simmons is the only American of the three. His books are the new classicsl His specialty is the lapstrake built wherry, and beautiful they are.
John Leather wrote a number of books on boats, some out of print. This one is still in print because it is so useful to the growing number of people interested in building their own beautiful boat. I lucked across a copy in our public library, then had to have my own personal copy, lest it disappear. You may feel the same way once you get a look at it!