Overview
Main description
The first complete how-to guide for building the latest generation of quick and easy boats
In Ultrasimple Boatbuilding, renowned designer Gavin Atkin shows you how to create elegant, seaworthy plywood boats with a minimum of time, experience, and expense. Using clearly written and illustrated step-by-step instructions, Atkin explains the basics of stitch-and-glue construction, tools, materials, shop safety, and more, as he helps you choose and build the simple
boat of your dreams.
Table of contents
Contents Introduction: The Virtues of Small and Simple Boats Part 1 How We'll Build Them1. Three Simple Ways to Build Ultrasimple Boats The Simplified Chine Log MethodStitch-and-Glue Polyurethane Stitch and Glue Epoxy Stitch and GlueYour Choice2. Materials and ToolsPlywoodBuying PlywoodLumberBuying LumberAdhesives Epoxy Polyurethane GluesPaint and VarnishTools3. Basic SkillsWorking with LumberMarkingCuttingWorking with SawsJoining Lengths of LumberWorking with Plywood panels Marking out using coordinates Cutting the panelsMaking Butt JointsUsing FastenersPre-drilling holes Working with hand drillsUsing hammers and driving nailsUsing screwdrivers and driving screws(sidebar: Working with Chisels) Working with Glues Using polyurethane glue(sidebar: PL Hints from Bryant Owen) Using Epoxy4. Building the HullBuilding with the Simplified Chine Log Method Cleats for bulkheads and frames Cleats for the transomsAssembling the Bulkheads, Transoms, and SidesAdding Chine logsBuilding Stitch-and-Glue StyleBulkheads and Frames Initial Assembly Taping versus "Stitching"Making Fillets with polyurethaneMaking Fillets with epoxyCovering the hullAdding a SkegInwales, gunwales, breasthooks and quarter knees(sidebar: Home Made Clamps)5. Finishing Your BoatPaintingPainting with water-based paintPainting with oil-based paintVarnishing6. Fitting out and RiggingFittingsPaddling and rowing gear (sidebar: A Rowing Rant)Sailing GearDaggerboards, leeboards, and ruddersSparsSailsRigging(sidebar: Knots)Preventing rot7. Model makingPart 2 Let's Build Some Boats8. Minimouse and Micromouse: two tiny, flat-bottom double-paddle pramsHullDecksSeatsLes Brown's Micromouse9. Lilypad: a stone-simple punt10. Mouse and Rowing Mouse: a V-bottomed messabout pram for double-paddle or oars11. Cruising Mouse: a two-person rowing or paddling pram with carrying capacity12. PoorBoy: a small outboard skiff13. Dogsbody: a larger outboard boat14. Jiggity: an "ultrasimplified" Auray punt15. Aurette: a small sailing Auray punt 16. Piragua: a pirogue17. Cinderella: a double-paddle canoe with a "roundish" bottom18. Flying Mouse: a child's sailing pramString Sailing19. Eek!: a larger, sportier sailing pram for more experienced kids and small adults20. Puddle Duck Racer: the world's simplest racing class?21. Summer Breeze: a versatile rowing/sailing skiffUsing the Simplified Chine Log MethodStem and transomFrameAssembling the SidesInstalling the BottomUsing stitch and glueFinishing the HullRowing AccoutrementsSailing Rig22. Doris the Dory: a rowing and sailing expedition boat Part 3: What Shall We Build Next?23. A gallery of appealing designsPhil Bolger Teal His 'n' Hers Schooners MicroJim Michalak AF3 AF4 Ladybug HarmonicaMurray Isles Swallowdale 15 Swan Bay Pepper GalJohn Welsford Houdini Tread Lightly TroverJacques Mertens-Goosens CK 17 Otter 16 Indian River SkiffConrad Natzio Sandpiper Oystercatcher
Author comments
Gavin Atkin is known around the world for his
minimalist boat designs. His award-winning creations,
including the celebrated Mouse, have been built by countless
boat enthusiasts.
