The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual (Hardcover)

~ Allan H. Viatses (Author), (Author) "One of the most endearing aspects of a fiberglass boat is that any moderate-sized hole, gouge,or fracture can quickly and easily be healed by the..." (more)
Key Phrases: gelcoat putty, undercured resin, unwoven roving (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The aroma of resin wafting out of this manual is refreshing. This book will save you money and grief before you can say woven roving." -- Sailing

"The definitive book on cosmetic repairs, as well as major structural repairs to hulls and decks, delamination, refinishing, blistering, etc." -- Boatbuilding

Review

``The definitive book on cosmetic repairs, as well as major structural repairs to hulls and decks, delamination, refinishing, blistering, etc.'' (Boatbuilding )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (October 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071569146
• ISBN-13: 978-0071569149
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,521 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Nonfiction > Transportation > Ships > Boat Building
  #4 in	Books > Nonfiction > Transportation > Ships > Repair & Maintenance
  #9 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Outdoor Recreation > Boating

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Also Valuable When Buying A Used Boat!, February 5, 2000

By	Bruce Boatner (Eagle, Idaho USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Of the many boatbuilding and repair manuals I have seen, I would consider this to be the best reference for fiberglass boat repair. The pictures on the dust-jacket alone indicate that a serious treatise is contained within. It would appear that no matter how bad it looks, there is no problem beyond the scope of the competent fiberglass repairman. (Caution - some of the color photos of repairs-in-progress between pages 118 and 119 are not for the faint-hearted!)

Mr. Vaitses has been at this for a long time and with experience in the world of wooden boats (all boats have wood in them somewhere) as well as having been a player in the fiberglass revolution, is able to offer a well-rounded perspective. His honest, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving is refreshing.

Besides the obvious background info and how-to descriptions, this book can be an invaluable asset when examining a used boat. Mr. Vaitses is currently working as a marine surveyor (a person who inspects and evaluates the condition of boats for prospective buyers). All used boats need some kind of work and the challenge then becomes evaluating the nature and scope of needed repairs, e.g. distinguishing structural and safety issues from cosmetics and determining whether one can affect the repairs oneself vs. how much it will cost to have someone else do it.

Studying this book allows one to communicate more effectively with the surveyor and to describe problems more accurately to repair facilities in order to estimate projected costs. We recently completed the evaluation and purchase of a 1974 36-foot fiberglass cruiser. I can honestly say that the knowledge and confidence I gained from this book made the entire process a good bit less nerve-racking than it might have been!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Outstanding!!!!, September 17, 2008

By	Jerry M. Robinson "dvideohd" (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those looking at an older boat, this book offers great insight to how the older boat may have been constructed. That insight is just nowhere else to be found. I have read my copy from cover to cover. I go back and FREQUENTLY reread sections to better understand how to work on my boat. That's what makes this book a BIBLE of fiberglass boat knowledge.

With rampant cost escalation for fuel, dock space, upkeep, and every single other aspect of boating, it is SERIOUSLY worth looking at a 1960's, '70s, or '80's boat instead of a new one.

I am working on restoring an older boat - '80s Hunter. It would not be possible without this book. This book, along with those by Casey, Calder, Payne, Vigor, Wittman, and others are the core of my repair resource.

As has been pointed out, there is not a host of material about Carbon Fiber or more advanced composites/epoxies. For that you could go to West System's books and pamphlets.

For working on my collection of "good old boats".. I would NOT be without this book. I absolutely recommend it.

4.0 out of 5 stars The Fiberglass Boat repair Manual, August 31, 2008

By	C. R. Lamm "boatnovice" (Broadway, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a very good guide for the novice in looking into doing some fiberglass repair . I think it covers alot of the fundamentals which is necessary, however it did not fully address the area that I was most interested in such as the stringer repair and replacement in my boat. As I said I think it is well worth the addition to my library and would recomend it to anyone who is anticipating any fiberglass repair.