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Many of us who have built and sailed boats in our early years think that, now in our senior years, we would like to be on the water again. Unfortunately, we now live in more restricted conditions — like apartments. Not only that, but in our September years we do not have time for multi-year boat-building projects. We want an inexpensive, instant gratification small boat that two retirees can load onto the roof of a car and be on the water — quickly. We each have strong ideas what our small craft must be — kayak, canoe, exciting wet-Sailer, conservative skiff, or a punt for a small outboard motor. Barend in his Common Sense BOAT AND BOAT MODEL BUILDING for City Dwellers (it is a formidable title, but the text is not nearly so intimidating) takes us gently and patiently through the general design of the classic Dory with modifications in design to meet our personal requirements. Barend’s enthusiasm for the subject of building full-sized boats and model-boats is infectious as is his long experience building both styles of boats — of every configuration. This gives us confidence in his guidance and advice. He demonstrates a combination of know-why and know-how both in his text and in his lectures. From his long experience he provides many practical and cost saving tips. His trial-rigging saves hundreds of dollars, and his way of lofting a lot of time. The book is a step-by-step track for beginning amateur boat builders. It describes the design, lofting, and construction of all types of hard-chined hulls. It contains many detailed drawings and a money-back warranty. The parts for the full-sized hull can be prefabricated. This way he gains six months on the winter season when weather conditions of the North American continent make it impossible to build outside. My naval architectural experience was in much larger vessels and my boat-building experience has been up and down the range of pleasure craft. Barend in his book has opened new thoughts in my mind for boat building to complete in the Spring. As he recommends, I have built my model and carried out the planning while the snow is still on the ground. I will be sailing as soon as the ice is off the lake. What Barend promises us is true — we can have any inexpensive instant gratification loaded onto the car roof and be on the water — quickly. Charles Bryan P. Eng. |
