One of the most asked questions is,where can i find out how to..........
another question is,where did you learn how to.........
or,i do not know where to start or what to do first.

THE BOOKSHELF seems like a good title for this thread. most people that are serious about their hobby have a shelf of reference books on it. so we are going to try to compile a list of books that have been written on the subjects pretaining to the restoration of our old boats,fiberglass,wood,and metal. we will include a short review about what the book covers,its strong points and weak points, to help you to decide if it will be of value to you. also,we will try to give a source for the book and whether it is currently available or out of print.

RUNABOUT RENOVATION. written by Jim Anderson

this book is as close to the bible for our hobby as anything out there. in it jim touches on almost everything from selecting a boat to equipping it. it is primarily for fiberglass boats but there is a section on aluminum boats too. in the book fiberglass repairs,repaint,transom and floor replacement,electrical,upholstry and carpet are covered. this may not be the final word but it will point you in the right direction. if you are going to read only one boat on restoring old glass boats,then this should be it.

the book is in print and available at most large bookstores,amazon,and ebay.

Click here for Amazon listing of this book.

FIBERGLASS BOATS by Hugo Du Plessis

FIBERGLASS BOATS is a technical manual for the use of fiberglass and the associated tools. it is about 330 pages long and covers in depth almost everything there is to cover about the use of fiberglass in boats. mantaince,repair,and fitting out is covered. this is not an easy read,but more like a text book to be studied. if you want answers on working with fiberglass,they are here. this reference was first published in 1964 and has been revised. a very practical book.

the book is currently in print and can be bought at most large bookstores,amazon,and ebay.

Click here for Amazon listing of this book.

HOW TO RESTORE YOUR WOODEN BOAT VOL 1&2. by Don Danenberg.

HOW TO RESTORE YOUR WOODEN BOAT is an excellent two volume set. these two books will give the reader everything he needs to know to restore a wood boat except the actual woodworking ability. the how to's of surveying,framework,planking,steambending,materials,sanding,refinishing are covered in vol 1. specialty tools,hardware and metals,engines&running gear,upholstry,electrical,seam treatments,lapstrake construction,trailer&storage in the second volume. don knows his subject and is considered an authority on wood boat restoration. this is a must have and read for the DIY wood boat owner/restorer

these books are currently in print and are available at bookstores,amazon,ebay.

Click here for Amazon listing of this book.

BRIGHTWORK by Rebecca J.Wittman

if you crave the look of brightwork on your boat this book will save you alot of time and frustration. BRIGHTWORK is considered to be one of the best,if not the best,books on how to achieve an outstanding finish on the wood of your boat. every step is covered,from organizing,stripping the old finish,varnishing and maintaining. even dockside refinishing etiquette is covered.her personal prefrences are also given on the tools necessary. an added highlight are the numerous pictures of beautifully varnished boats of all types and sizes. a bad varnish job takes away from all the work you have done,no matter how good the work. this is an easy read and the subject is divided up to make it easy to look for advice on any particular phase of the job.

i believe this book is still available through the usual sources. bookstores,amazon,ebay. also the woodenboat store.

Click here for Amazon listing of this book.
Search the Wooden Boat Bookstore for this book.

PROPELLER HANDBOOK by Dave Gerr

if there is an dark art in our hobby it is propellers. i have read more misinformation about them than any other part of the hobby. the PROPELLER HANDBOOK is a technical manual full of formulas,ratios,propeller anatomy,graphs,and anything i have ever wanted to know about propellers and much that i did not know about much less understand. i use this book as a reference book to look up answers to any questions i may have about propellers. this book along with some common sense will get you to the right prop for your boat,whether it is a jon boat or a tug and anything in between. read at night in bed it may also cure insomnia.

PROPELLER HANDBOOK is available from bookstores,amazon,ebay,and the wooden boat bookstore.


Click here for Amazon listing of this book.
Search the Wooden Boat Bookstore for this book.

TAIL FINS AND TWO-TONES by Peter Hunn

this is a great resource volume for old boat fans. it covers the post war developement and growth of recreational boating. the aluminum boat is covered as well as the fiberglass boat. the first three chapters are devoted to the to the aluminum boats. the history of many of the major and minor manufacturers af the aluminum boats is given. the next three chapters are on the developement of the glass hull and the history of many of the manufacturers is given here too. the last three chapters give some insight as to what to look for and how to equip them. there are many pictures throughout the 175 pages that make up this book. they are a combination of factory ad pictures and pictures of privately owned boats. many of these boats that were restored by some of the people that frequent this site. a very informative read for the "newbie" or"expert".

TAIL FINS AND TWO TONES is available through bookstores and amazon.