At the start of each quarter the student will receive the Great Lakes Boat Building School text book. The cost of this text is included in your tuition and will serve as the required reading material for the course and as a future reference guide. Along with the written material provided, the student is expected to keep a notebook of additional information from the classroom lectures and shop demonstrations. Below we have listed some of the many books on boatbuilding and marine subjects available that are recommended for the student.
Skenes Elements of Yacht Design -- Francis Kinney
This book is the classic reference for the boat builder and designer. It contains the essential design calculations and the Herreshoff and Nevins construction Rules.
Skiffs and Schooners -- Pete Culler
An easy to read book, full of old time wisdom and inspiration.
Clinker Plywood Boatbuilding Manual -- Ian Oughtred
If this method appeals to you this book is the best reference on the subject.
Elements of Boat Strength -- Dave Gerr
This book gives detailed updated formulas for calculating the strength requirements,(scantlings), for a variety of construction techniques. Included are Plank on Frame, Strip Plank, Cold Molding, and the Non-wood materials.
Building Classic Small Craft -- John Gardner
A guide to the history and construction of a variety of American small craft you can
build.
Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction -- Gougeon Bros
The Gougeon brothers literally wrote the book on wood/epoxy boatbuilding. This is a great how-to book and reference.
Canoe Craft Ted Moores
Building strip plank canoes and kayaks is very popular and this is one of the original books on the subject, and still one of the best. Moores also wrote Kayak Craft.
Boatbuilding -- Howard I. Chapelle
Considered the "bible" of boatbuilding, this book covers all aspects of building a variety of boat types. All of Chapelle's books are terrific reference sources.
Brightwork -- Rebecca Wittman
This book is not only instructive but very enjoyable to read.
