This Old Boat

I have redone two boats, a Reinell 22 and a Coronado 23. I have bought over 40 books on the subject. This one is, hands-down, the very best one on the subject. Real world, true life rebuild. I actually have two copies: one for use and an author-signed copy for the shelf. I still use it often. If it is not in your sailboat book library yet, you really don't have a sailboat library yet!

You're familiar of course with the numerous lists of necessary books to have aboard your boat. Boat Owner's comes to mind by Nigel Calder as one. HOWEVER, I believe you will find more useful information within the 408 pages. Also, it's book size (won't be a pain to store aboard) will be welcome. The boring stuff (he tells you how to prioritize) -- some may need to hear/see safety first, and structure/bilge pumps et al. I could understand the reasoning but it wasn't real useful to me. His organizational check-lists will help folks actually plan chronology and FINISH the jobs. The best part though was the step by step, well-illustrated how-to's. Everything I could want/need to know was covered, including how to read my electric meter, how much insulation the refrigerator needs, how much heat loss to expect in various sized boxes, how to plan for power needs, and a logic as to what we really need/can use/and WILL WORK aboard. It's not a be-all/end-all book but it's very very good and well worth space aboard. You'll still need your shop books (for your engine, head, pumps, etc.) but with this gem you'll understand the why as well as the how to do repairs. Even canvas repair is covered. Don't tell anyone, but it's not genius material. You can do it yourself and save big bucks. Mostly though, it's a book of instructions for repairs/improvements and "gosh, that'd be nice" type of things. If you don't know already, you'll learn step-by-step how to Fiberglas, how to make sails, how to fix wiring, WHEN TO HIRE EXPERTS, and more. Even at retail price $35, it's well worth it, though of course I'd suggest saving $$ and buying used.

I don't know where to begin thanking Casey and recommending him at the same time. A feeble attempt follows:This is the MOST valuable of my 80 or 90 boatbuilding books, hands-down. It doesn't matter what construction material you are using, or what your level of expertise. At the very least, it is a fun, witty, and motivating book. Even if you come out of it with no more knowledge than when you started (I guarantee that will not happen), it will give you the necessary wisdom and motivation to stay the course. It was the first 'boat building' book I ever purchased, and it alone motivated me to stop dreaming about a boat, and to start building/rebuilding one. And it was to this book I turned whenever a project was frustrating (this is almost daily, for the uninitiated--and he explains this, too). It was also the book I used as a primary reference, and it served me very well in the rebuilding of two medium-sized boats. It has since served me equally well in the building of boats from plans, though you will need more than he offers for this (that does not mean instead of this, but in addition to his book, another will be necessary).Whether you are going to build a boat from scratch, or you are going to refurbish an older boat (he makes a hard sell), this book MUST be read. If you have only one book on your shelf pertaining to the construction/reconstruction/maintenance, this should be it. You will never forget it, and you will recommend it to others as strongly as I am to you. Your boat will feel naked without it.

I think I have over a hundred books on sailing and boating. "This Old Boat" is my most recent addition, which I bought simultaneously with another of Casey's books "Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair". I consider them to be two of the most important books for sailors that are boat owners. One can take two routes with boats, buying new and paying a fortune, or going the inexpensive route and doing the work yourself. There is something to be said for each. I'm a sailor, I don't like working on boats. I had my fill as a child working on my Dad's boat. Nevertheless, I'm presently engaged in refitting an awesome older boat to modern standards. I love every bit of it. Casey's books are essential references for me. I've managed to pick things up from magazines and working on other boats over the years, but I still found these books not only insightful and powerful motivators for me. One job that I have been reluctant to do, a deck modification project has suddenly become do-able for me. Reading his book made it clear to me that these jobs are not as hard as they first seem to be. It is difficult to cut up a nice looking deck, but if you plan the project right, you can transform your deck layout for single-handed sailing, fix a de-lamination problem and a multitude of deck leaks all at one time. I strongly recommend this book and his Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair. Buy these books. Map out a strategy and then focus on one project at a time. Good luck and smooth sailing.

Casey's book is completely unintimidating, written for real persons who want to get into cruising without spending a fortune. He sounds just the right note: enough information to be completely understood without overloading the reader with everything he knows. Underneath everything in the book is a fine mind who believes that cruising is not just for the very rich.

I found the book a wealth of information and encouragement that gave me the confidence to successfully carryout a major restoration of a 20 year old storm damaged sailboat. I made a complete set of interior cushions from his easy to follow instructions. The book covers everything you need to know to maintain and repair your boat yourself. Also easy to read. I look forward to the revised 1997 edition. what more could be added?