Customer Reviews

Small Ships

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

 

 

_First of all, let me say that the title of this book is a little misleading. These are not plans for working vessels, they are plans for yachts and houseboats that look like working vessels. Inspite of that little misunderstanding I still found this book to be immensely interesting. There is a small live-aboard tug and barge combination that I would love to own myself. Plus, I can see where some of these designs could be "reverse engineered" to actually serve as useful small freighters, ferries, and trawlers. However, if you are in the market for a luxury cruising yacht of the coaster variety then this book is perfect for you. From the excellent photos and detailed descriptions, most of these little ships are nicer than the homes of most people I know- they certainly have more interest and character.

_One thing to know, however, is that these are "study plans." They give you the general arrangement and layout. There is little or no information on structural details, or propulsion, or piping, or wiring.

_There is a section in the back on the relative merits of boatbuilding materials (aluminum, ferro-cement, fiberglass, steel, and wood) that is very well written.

I like boats. I'm not interested in actually owning any of these boats, simply because they are too large for my finances. Regardless, I really like this book. It's what I call a good 'dream book', you can look thru it and daydream about having one of them like that one day. I'll be doing good to get a fishing boat that I really like, but that still doesn't stop me from dreaming. And I consider this book excellent for that. Some things in life you can get, some things you could get or might get, some things you probably will never get, and then there's some things you know you will never get. These boats fall into the never get category for me, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming, everyone needs a dream or two. Good book, lots of pictures and drawings.

This is a great compilation of a designers 30 year output. Benfords clear direction and execution of these designs made them live for me.