Reviews (6)

Too detailed, yet not detailed enough
I was disappointed in this book. I expected a well thought out, easy to understand description. The author starts out defining some terms, but omits others, and then describes things using undefined terms. By his initial definitions, one thinks "Good, this author doesn't assume I understand all the terms he will be using." Yet in the rest of the text he clearly considers that the reader knows a fair amount about boats and the terms used to describe them. Some drawings are missing important labels, and some explainations referring to drawings are missing important details, with a result that one is sometimes left perplexed. The book struck me as a quick gloss over of boat design with too much detail for someone in need of the grand overview. I don't think it had detail for someone actually interested in learning more about boat design. Someone interested in the quick basics would do better with other general sailing texts where simple principles of boat design are covered. Not sure what a better, more detailed text would be.

Covers the Basics..
This a great book if you are just starting to ponder the mysteries of boat design and its modern, which makes it better for beginners than Chapelle's books.IF, however, you are looking for more scientific/engineering sort of information, then you will be disappointed.Bottom line- it provides a wide survery of yacht designs, but does not delve into specifics enough for those of use who already know the basics.I would recommend it to anyone starting out in the field, but it is less technical than, say, Skene's Elements of Yacht Design.

Solid book for basics of boat design
I've have studied a fair number of books about design.This was the first I read and it's a good thing because it's not too hard to follow but it is definitely informative.It helps to understand design terminology and how a boat will perform based on its characteristics.I think I would have been frustrated had I begun somewhere else (such as Chapelle).

The focus is fairly broad.The designs are those most often seen on the water during the last 50 years (no brigatines, viking ships, or submarines).They are both power and sail, and both displacement and planing hulls.The size mostly seems to be boats of the "yacht" size (20 to 100 feet).Topics covered include styles of hull shape, line drawings, keels and rudders, layout, safety, construction materials.

This book will help you understand WHAT characteristics of a boat affect performance (and I don't just mean speed, because there is much more to it) and HOW they affect performance.

After reading and understanding this book, you will be able to better determine what to expect from a boat by just standing next to it and sizing it up.You will also figure out a few of the goofy things production companies do these days because they are focused on making boats that will be easy to sell, and not focused enough on making a boat that sails well.Make sense?Many modern designs have goofy characteristics that make a boat look good on paper and in an advertisement, but detract from performance, seaworthiness, reliability, and practicality when out on the water.

Reviews (3)

NO NUMBERS
I bought this book looking for an help to clarify me how to make choices about rigging and rigs .But for me there a notenough diagrams or tables.

Not for the beginner
I'm building a sailboat, and being new to sailing, I was hoping this book would give me a fairly basic overview to rigging.Instead, this book is more a discussion for the intermediate or advanced sailor, who already understands rigging however is looking for a general discussion of best practices.

I doubt this book would be of much use to the novice.

Reviews (6)

Buy This Book
Even if you do not plan to sail shorthanded thousands of miles offshore it's a very good idea to understand in detail what makes your boat seaworthy in difficult circumstances and to make it so.

This book is a very thorough and very readable treatment of the subject of everything you need to know about a sailboat (except how to sail; that part is assumed). These sorts of things distinguish good sailors from the mass of recreational sailors and I, for one, have an ambition to become the former. If you do, too, then this is a great book to read several times.

The Black Box theory of why some people are lucky and others aren't relates to preparedness and if only once in your life you need it, then it's worth it to you and your companions to have taken the trouble.

Good Advice
You can easily pick up three books on offshore sailing and get three separate opinions of what type of boat you need.A fast boat will get across the pond faster.A big boat adds stability and can carry lots of accessories like auxiliary generators and water makers.John's theory is that you should get a boat that can be handled well by a small crew and tough enough to handle any weather that you are likely to run into.Since his opinion parallels my own, I can only assume that he is obviously a sailing genius.This book is highly recommended for anyone contemplating a voyage over the horizon.

Reviews (12)

Why rule of thumb in computer era?
As a desginer, I can not understand the meaning of this book.
1.Take any scantling rule of classification societies and compare. Scantlings section of rulebook is much more thin, but provides more optoins and engineering basics for calculations of strength.
2.What is the meaning of Gerr's own scantling rule, if You have to proceed design approval from classification society? You better use the rulebook of this society, aren't You?
3.The book use several assumptions that I mind. For example, the recommendation to add some per cent of hull thickness for every knot over 10 knots is not reasonabe. The designer should deal with speed/length ratio to determine planning/non planning bottom loads.
4.The book does not give any idea of hull loads. Overview of loads is desired as soon as he write about strength, something like provided in L.Larsson R.Eliasson "Principles of Yacht Design".

But I really like other Gerr's books, indeed!

Best regards,
A.Nazarov, Naval Architect, Ph.D.

Great reference and not a bad read either.
Well orginized and written. The title says the rest.

Reviews (35)

For the "almost" beginner
The book skips the very basics, but if you have some welding experience, this book is great.It taught me several things and removed some mis-information that I had from limited experience.It removed false information I had gleaned from experienced welders.If you are learning to weld it is great.
If you have no experience whatsoever, you may want a very basic book so you learn how to turn the welder on or set up a gas welder.This book is a must-have.

Welder's Handbook
A couple of reviewers have made some really negative reviews of this book , but a couple of points in the interest of giving the other side of the story.The Federal Aviation Administration has incorportated most of it's Standard Repair Manual AC-43-13a& b, welding chapter, from Welder's Handbook. Also, the Experimental Aircraft Association has stocked this book in its museum book store for more than 10 years. Sears Roebuck, Home Depot and Lowe's stores sell this book in their welding machine section, exclusively. About 1 million copies have been sold to date, including the first edition. That is a lot more than any other welding book on the market now. Thisbook is also the #1 textbook for many universities, colleges, high schools, and trade schools.It is a good book for covering all the welding processes in just 176 pages.
On the negative side: Yes, the book is written in the first person and not the 3rd person, but the publisher thought that the reader would relate better to the author having done it, rather than reading a sterile technical book. The book was originally a 500+ page manuscript , but it was edited down to only 176 pages, by a transmission mechanic. It was also edited and made ready to publish, by an outside company that specialized in making "pretty books". The parent publisher in New York City, did not know what welding was used for! For the readers who would prefer a 1,000 page technical book, contact the American Welding Society publications dept. It seems that a couple of the previous reviewers have a grudge or are simply jealous!

Reviews (7)

Looking for practical information
Decent book if you are looking for information on the various types of welding, related equipment, etc.Too academic if you are looking for practical information to help you start welding.The question/answer format was a little annoying.I felt like I was back in college taking a test.

Great resource book
I bought several other books on welding and metalurgy before finding this one.They were not nearly as in depth or interesting as this one.(other than a US Navy aviation metalurgy textbook:-)If you want a moderately in-depth book about the technology of welding, this is the one for you.Theory and practice.Good illustrations, nicely laid out.

Reviews (3)

Review of Auminium Boatbuiding
I brought this book because I am going to build an Aluminium Yacht.
While most areas are covered there is very little detail, paricularly in the critical area of stray current corrosion control.
The author does not seem to have much first hand experience of building small yachts in aluminium.
The topic is covered much more comprehensivly in "Boatbuilding in Aluminium" by Stephen Pollard.
I can also recomend "The elements of Boat Strength for Builders, Designers and Owners" by Dave Gerr

127 useful pages
As a professional in the curtain wall industry (which commonly relies on aluminium components), I found the book to be full of interesting commentary about working with aluminium.Since the curtain wall industry rarely relies on welding as a means to fasten aluminium, this book was a welcomed trip into alternative methods of working.

The book is practical, and is based on "shop experience".Accordingly, I would highly recommend that engineers and designers read as many books like this as possible.It's very quick and simple to read, yet I keep a copy of it on my desk to use as a constant source of reference.

Reviews (2)

Small shop boat building
This is the only book of it's kind that was actually written by a hands on boat builder.The easy to follow book is a must for thenovice aluminum boat builder.

Reviews (6)

One of the best of a small bunch.
I brought this book because I was planning to build a kit (plasma cut boat).
The information in this book is valuable and to the point.
He also makes some important points about buying a steel boat.
However, in common with most boat building books it needs a whole chapter on costing and time to build to make it complete.
To get a handle on costing I would recommend:-
1) "Steel Away" by Smith and Moir
2) "the Cruising Life" by Jim Trefethen (I keep on rereading this book).
3) "Insider's Guide to Buying a Powerboat" by J.P. Lamy

Very thorough. Covers all the angles.
After acquiring a pretty vast library of boat building literature- this is still the most used to reference back to. It is definitely tailored to their processes but these too should be used as models of how the plans should be done also. Cheers

Reviews (6)

Absolutely Outstanding
I started with almost zero knowledge and some fear of all things electrical and a marine starting battery that would discharge overnight.I'd had the battery tested and found good leaving the problem somewhere in the boat's wiring.I got everything I needed to have to fix this problem from this book.

Casey's book had the foundation knowledge I needed to understand the troubleshooting steps and a specific troubleshooting process that enabled me to find and fix the source of the problem.That alone was a huge benefit and probably saved me a couple of hundred dollars.

More importantly, reading the book to solve my specific problem gave me the foundation to approach any electrical problem on the boat.I'm generally pretty handy and now can view electrical troubleshooting as just another thing that I have the confidence to do.

Very, very well written.Good mix between simplicity and specificity.I highly recommend this book and a good multimeter.

Makes Boat Electronics Easily Understandable
Don Casey is a cruising writer most cruisers are familiar with. His excellent SailNet articles are a must reads. I've read them all, you should too. Mr. Casey really does simplify boat electronics in this easy to understand book that is good for both novice and old salt alike.

Excellent book - worth twice the price
I've been wiring cars and motorcycles for 30 years.I also work with microcontrollers and supporting circuity and electronics in general.Somebody suggested that I get into boat electrics and maybe I could help support my cruising kitty (when the time comes) by working on other peoples sailboats. It seemed like a good idea, so I set out learning what I could and to gain some experience.The first thing I did was to buy every book I could lay my hands on on boat wiring and read them from cover to cover.Now that I've wired and repaired a few sailboats I realized that out of all the books I have, only two were refered to continuously while the rest have collected dust.This book is one of them.

First of all, it is a very easy book to read.There is not a wasted word in the whole book.All concepts are concise and easily understood.When you need a diagram to grok a concept, it is there.You can sit down and read this book like a novel it's written so well.

Second, it leaves no assumptions.Sure, I'd like to think I know all things electrical, but I don't.Sailboat electrics is as different from automotive electrics as cake is from pie.I learned about the difference between marine and automotive batteries.I learned about corrosion and zincs.I picked up the concept of sailboat characteristics in a lightning strike.These are the categories that are not covered in automotive books or even in general Electrical Engineering courses.

I think this book should be every boaters first choice in sailboat electrics.I recommend it to everyone who has an interest.If you feel you need even more detail, or equipment-specific knowledge, you can always pick up (my 2nd must-have book choice): Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems.

Reviews (2)

From the Simple to the Difficult, It's All Here
Most cruisers are not shipwrights and never will be, but that doesn't mean you can't learn to do some easy woodworking tasks. And even if you can't master the basic rudiments of joinery, because, like me, you have clumsy hands and the artistic ability of a one-eyed fruit fly, you can at least get an idea about how to use the basic hand and electric tools used in cabinetmaking. True, you most likely won't be building a boat, but Mr. Bingham has simple projects in his book that even a simpleton like me can manage, plus if you have a lot of wood on your boat, or you are one of those who is forever changing and improving your floating home, than this is a handy book to have on board.

Isbn: 1574091530
Sales Rank: 252355
Subjects:  1. Boating - Boatbuilding    2. Boating - General    3. Sailing - General    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Transportation   

Features

• Preset automatic postflow timer protects tungsten tip, workpiece and torch
• Upgraded circuitry gives you finer TIG output adjustment with the remote foot or fingertip control
• AC output for superior aluminum welding, DC output for mild and stainless steel
• Four-position polarity and range selector switch offers two AC current ranges, DC electrode for TIG, and DC electrode for stick
• Unique "flow-through" shielding gas TIG torch connection allows removal of torch without tools

Reviews (2)

great deal
This is the best welder for the do-it your self kinda person,works greataluminum,stainless,mild steel, all welded easily with some practice. great for any kinda welding needed also does stickfor heavier gauge metal. this is a great welder!! would buy another!!

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• Powerful 2.5-amp induction motor for quiet smooth operation
• White sharpening wheel and general grinding wheel for all grinding and sharpening
• Electronic variable speed from 2,000 to 3,450 rpm
• Diamond wheel dresser standard with on-board storage

Reviews (7)

Its decent - but not great
Before buying this tool I found myself in a common predicament - I needed a grinder with some decent features and I didn't have a lot to spend on it.That being said, I chose this model for the following high points:

1.It has variable speed - mine has worked flawlessly thus far, but I use it at the lowest speed 80% of the time anyway.

2.The worklight is a huge plus - no more straining to see because you are in too much of a hurry to set up a proper light.

3.The combination of white and grey wheels - the "white" wheel does a great job of fine tuning the work done by the "grey" wheel.

Now for the downsides:

1.There is a fair amount of runout in the motor shaft.This doesn't affect what I use this thing for, but I can see where it would be a big issue for some.

2.The tool rests are terrible.If you mount them as instructed there is no way to get them square to the wheels.I had to shim the edges of the mounting brackets with thick washers to come anywhere close to square...

All of that said, I feel that this is not a terrible tool for what it is.I had no problems with assembly (10 minutes) and I find the power of the motor to be very adequate.If Delta were charging $20 less for this thing I would readily give it another star...

Look elsewhere
I've had a GR250 for slightly longer than the warranty period.In this time, I've only used it for a few hours, probably less than FIVE!The only use I had for a grinder was establishing a quick hollow grind on edge tools.The stock tool rests stink, so I had it set up on an MDF base with a Veritas rest.

Recently, I took up turning, so I've needed to use a grinder more.As soon as I started using the GR250 for serious work, I found excessive runout in the _shafts_, which no stone truing or balancing can correct.Also, my variable speed quit, and the grinder will no longer run at anything other than full speed.

Need a good grinder?Spend the cash for a Baldor or equivalent, 'cause this isn't a precision machine.

I have several Delta machines, including a DJ-20 and X5 Bandsaw, and have noticed that the quality of lower priced Delta products has really hit the wall over the last few years.Other than paint, marketing and advertising, I see no difference in quality between this unit and some of the $29-39 Chiwanese imports.

Last point - the design of the base on this unit prevents a OneWay Wolverine jig from being mounted underneath the wheels.

Features

• Keyless adjustable guard
• High power 4 HP motor with overload protection
• 6,000 rpm speed is designed for versatility in a variety of applications
• Epoxy coated motor provides long service life against abrasion from airborne debris
• 3-wire grounded "S" jacket rubber cord for increased durability

Asin: B00006JSPE
Sales Rank: 11963
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Grinders    4. Angle Grinders   

Features

• Guide plate adjusts 45° right and left - 3 locations for various sizes of materials
• AC/DC switch for use with alternative power sources
• D-shape handle for easy gripping
• Lock-off button to prevent accidental starting
• Spark diversion guard for operator¿s safety

Asin: B00004YOD5
Sales Rank: 47534
Subjects:  1. (Maketa)    2. (Mikita)    3. Cut-off Saws    4. Makita    5. Saws    6. (Cutoff)   

Editorial Review

Powermatic's model 66 table saw is a beautiful thing right out of the box, its high-grade cast-iron top machine-polished to a mirror finish. For a second, it almost looks too good to use for work--but only for a second. This is a piece of shop equipment that makes a toolhound's heart beat faster. The saw's big table (28 by 38 inches) is impressively thick and durable, so it will stay flat and true. With the heaviest cast-iron trunnion of any 10-inch saw on the market, the model 66 virtually snuffs out all vibration. The double drive-belt system, hooked up to the burly 5-horsepower motor, delivers pretty astonishing power to the blade; we tried everything we could think of--including a big hunk of oak two-by--but the blade never bogged down for a second. A C-flange mount takes the weight of the motor, so the blade cranks up or down easily without the extra weight. The saw's hand wheels are also made of cast iron and have excellent clearance.