Wooden Boat Renovation: New Life for Old Boats Using Modern Methods (Hardcover)

by Jim Trefethen (Author) "Why would anyone in their right mind even consider buying a wooden boat when boats made from fiberglass bound into a matrix of polyester resin..." (more)
Key Phrases: spar bench, gripe piece, epoxy thickened, Old Town, Porter Cable, Sea Sled (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Whether you own a wooden boat or are just toying with the idea of buying one, Wooden Boat Renovation is an essential addition to your nautical library. Author Jim Trefethen offers clear, detailed advice--in terms a layperson can understand--on how to select, renovate, and maintain a wooden boat. Trefethen's love of these craft is evident throughout the book, and his sense of humor enlivens the text. As one Amazon.com customer says, "A well-made, classic wooden boat is really a piece of art that just happens to float." Wooden Boat Renovation can help you become an artist. --M. Stein

Review
"I strongly recommend this book. It is as full of humor and wisdom as practical tips... It's an enriching, helpful book." -- The Ash Breeze

"Not just another how-to book, this is in-depth instruction written with knowledge, compassion and love for wooden boats." -- The Ensign

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 302 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070652392
• ISBN-13: 978-0070652392
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #143,253 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You Want A Wooden Boat, Buy This Book!, August 1, 2000

By	"jwfrost" (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews

When I bought this book, I had some basic wood-working skills (I've built decks and simple things like that), but I knew absolutely nothing about making repairs to wooden boats. This book gave me valuable guidance in selecting a classic old wooden boat to buy, and helped me to transform her into something marvelous over the course of this summer.

The book is well-written. It is not highly technical or difficult to understand and it gave me confidence to take on some repairs that I would never have attempted if I hadn't read it. The author is clearly a character, and his personality shows in the amusing asides and comments sprinkled throughout the book.

A well-made, classic wooden boat is really a piece of art that just happens to float. There are few straight lines, pieces are bent in multiple directions and stressed in unusual ways. The book won't turn you into a Picasso of this amazing art overnight, but it is tremendously helpful to somebody just getting started.

If you are thinking about jumping into wooden boats, consider the following: With a little bit of money and lots of hard work, I now own something which speaks to my soul. How many of your current possessions can you say that about?

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read and Superb Information, August 1, 1999

By A Customer

This is a "must-have" book for both the serious as well wanna-be wooden boat owner. The book is loaded with lots of helpful information and tips. And it is fun, easy and enjoyable to read. Jim's no nonsense writing style is clear and consise. The book does not cover topics in intricate detail but that is not its intent. What it does cover is 80% of what someone needs to know and the book is a great resourece for further research. You just get a sense that Jim knows what he's talking about. Buy this book!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Wooden Boat Book Yet, August 13, 2000

By	Chris Freeland (Early, TX) - See all my reviews

This is the first wooden boat book I purchased and it is still my favorite. I've even reread it a couple of times, something I've never done before. Trefethen's sense of humor and realism make this book a delight to read. His knowledge of the subject and his ability to put his ideas into laymens terms make this book very educational to read. You are able to soak up every piece of information without rereading a paragraph several times scratching your head. Buy This Book!