4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sorenson book is valuable to the consumer and professional, February 21, 2009
This review is from: Sorensen's Guide to Powerboats, 2/E (Paperback)
The Guide to Powerboats, How to Evaluate Design, Construction and Performance is nearly 500 pages of details and supported opinion of design features of powerboats. The book is laid out in two sections: "How Boats Work" and "Boat Reviews". On the surface it seems to be a book for the consumer with a chapter titled "Finding your next boat" and a section of "Boat Reviews", however, it is much more. This book addresses basic design of power small craft but also gets into the details of how design affects performance along with discussing the compromises that are required to develop the right design for you as an individual or you as a designer/manufacturer of a production boat. This book builds on the 2002 edition of the book and includes significant information with respect the design changes like the significant changes in outboard motors (e.g. two-stroke to four-stroke), the advent of wakeboard boats and the power catamaran market.
The author, Eric Sorenson, has four plus decades of experienced driving all types of commercial, recreational and military vessels. He was the first director of the marine division of the consumer group, J. D. Power and Associates. This position is reported to have allowed him to build relationships with manufactures and equipment providers and cultivate an extensive knowledge of the power small craft market and the designs being implemented. The book shows evidence of these relationships, not in bias, but in details associated with manufacturers in the boat industry. The information afforded to him that he includes in the book demonstrates a trust the industry has for the author. Additionally, those seeking more information after reading the book, should know that the author currently practices marine consulting on powerboat design, construction, safety and performance in Plattsburg, New York.
Looking at specifics of the text in the "How Boats Work" section, the author focuses on explaining design on the premise that a boat buyer or industry professional must understand design to make the best decision with respect a choice. He details how the design and variations of such affect the performance of the vessel or the operators and passengers riding the vessel. Chapters are organized to explain basic design parameter such as seaworthiness and then proceeds to discuss the subject across various categories of power small craft. Subsequently, the book transitions into construction methods covering the basics of fiberglass, wood and metals (steel and aluminum), providing "pros" and "cons" for each. After the structure of the boat is established, the book logically discusses propulsion systems, rudders and steering. Closing the "How Boats Work" section, the author investigates vessel space applications, and the effects designs have on passenger safety. Throughout the book, the author freely states his opinion and supports his positions technically.
The "Boat Reviews" section is a tremendous resource as a market survey based on the J. D. Power data of consumer surveys. The author is a believer that "customer satisfaction studies can help manufacturers improve their products, and also help consumers chose a boat that will deliver a more satisfying boat owner experience". The section delivers comments on 193 saltwater and 100 freshwater boats including at least one photograph and descriptive paragraph on each. In each subsection, there is one or more boats afforded a detailed review discussing construction, hull design, cockpit arrangement, helm, engine and a detailed discussion of a sea trial with commentary on how the boats performance relates to its design.
The 2008 edition includes an alphabetized list of websites for boat and engine manufacturers.
It is very valuable tool for the boat owner/buyer as well as the recreational boating industry professional.
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