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My 10 Favorite Books on Boatbuilding and Repair

  • Writer: Charlie Edwards
    Charlie Edwards
  • Jan 14
  • 3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

I don't know about you but when I become interested in something new I gobble up a bunch of books about it. When I first started working at a boatyard, one of the other workers saw me reading Howard Chappelle's Boatbuilding. This fellow rolled his eyes and said, "You won't learn anything by reading, man; you learn by doing." I'm glad I didn't take that advice because I can now, after a few years of repair work under my belt, confidently say that studying the following books has massively expedited my skills.


I won't lie and say I'm detached from the content of the modern world, though. I have learned so so much watching YouTube videos and channels (like Tips from a Shipwright, the rebuilding of Tally Ho on Sampson Boat Co., and BoatworksToday). But there's nothing like a waterproof book that you can scribble in and get a little epoxy on, that you can hold close during times of doubt and troubles.


So, without further ado, the list:



  1. Alvord, Douglas. On the Water: The Romance and Lore of America's Small Boats. Yankee Publishing Incorporated, 1988.


This book goes first because it is so compact and beautiful, detailing the beginnings of boats on the American continent, from dugouts all the way to Cape Cod catboats, and I keep it on the coffee table to convert landlubbers.
This book goes first because it is so compact and beautiful, detailing the beginnings of boats on the American continent, from dugouts all the way to Cape Cod catboats, and I keep it on the coffee table to convert landlubbers.

  1. Trefethen, Jim. Wooden Boat Renovation: New Life for Old Boats Using Modern Methods. International Marine, 1993.


A book for when you actually need advice on how to repair something right now, as there is a terrible paucity of books on wooden boat repair (though you should note the free pamphlets made by West Systems and other epoxy companies).
A book for when you actually need advice on how to repair something right now, as there is a terrible paucity of books on wooden boat repair (though you should note the free pamphlets made by West Systems and other epoxy companies).

  1. Wittman, Rebecca J. Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood. International Marine, 1990.


At the same time extensive and succinct, this little book dazzles with its full color photography and its useful tricks on laying down the best varnish job, and while some of the products Wittman uses are out-of-date, it is a great resource.
At the same time extensive and succinct, this little book dazzles with its full color photography and its useful tricks on laying down the best varnish job, and while some of the products Wittman uses are out-of-date, it is a great resource.

  1. Steward, Robert M. Boatbuilding Manual. 5th ed., International Marine, 2011.


The first book I read about boatbuilding while flying across the Pacific Ocean, a great introduction to the craft, and is an oft-used reference book. Strength: demonstrates a variety of techniques across a diverse set of boats.
The first book I read about boatbuilding while flying across the Pacific Ocean, a great introduction to the craft, and is an oft-used reference book. Strength: demonstrates a variety of techniques across a diverse set of boats.

  1. Calder, Nigel. Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual. 4th ed., International Marine, 2015.


The everyman's source on modern mechanisms and systems, an essential reference to keep on your boat, and to whack intruders over the head with, due to its heft. Highlight: diesel engine chapter.
The everyman's source on modern mechanisms and systems, an essential reference to keep on your boat, and to whack intruders over the head with, due to its heft. Highlight: diesel engine chapter.

  1. Chapelle, Howard I. Boatbuilding. W.W. Norton & Company. 1994.

THE boatbuilding bible, and if you disagree then a gaggle of shipwrights will adze you to death, and if you don't know what an adze is you should read this book. I use as a reference work, though I have heard people read it cover to cover...
THE boatbuilding bible, and if you disagree then a gaggle of shipwrights will adze you to death, and if you don't know what an adze is you should read this book. I use as a reference work, though I have heard people read it cover to cover...

  1. Rossel, Greg. Building Small Boats. WoodenBoat Publications, Inc., 1998.

Building a small boat from start to finish with a very enjoyable, humorous narrator and easy-to-digest explanations with drawings as the side dish.
Building a small boat from start to finish with a very enjoyable, humorous narrator and easy-to-digest explanations with drawings as the side dish.

  1. McIntosh, David C. "Bud". How to Build a Wooden Boat. WoodenBoat Publications, Inc., 1987.


With a voice on par with Greg Rossel in terms of humor, this absolute master Bud makes complicated ideas simple, with incredible illustrations by Samuel F. Manning to aid in your understanding. His descriptions of lofting are unparalleled, in my opinion.
With a voice on par with Greg Rossel in terms of humor, this absolute master Bud makes complicated ideas simple, with incredible illustrations by Samuel F. Manning to aid in your understanding. His descriptions of lofting are unparalleled, in my opinion.

  1. Lowell, Royal. Boatbuilding Down East: How Lobsterboats Are Built. WoodenBoat Publications, Inc. 2002.

One of the coolest and most utilitarian boat designs, the lobsterboat, deserving a book of its own. Voila! This may seem hyper-specific, but Lowell's explanations answered a lot of questions that some of these other books raised.
One of the coolest and most utilitarian boat designs, the lobsterboat, deserving a book of its own. Voila! This may seem hyper-specific, but Lowell's explanations answered a lot of questions that some of these other books raised.

  1. Bingham, Fred P. Boat Joinery & Cabinetmaking Simplified. International Marine, 1983.

A book dedicated to all the finish work, inside and out, that the other books somewhat neglect, with an excellent chapter on homemade tools and jigs.
A book dedicated to all the finish work, inside and out, that the other books somewhat neglect, with an excellent chapter on homemade tools and jigs.

  1. Devlin, Samual. Devlin's Boatbuilding Manual: How to Build Your Boat the Stitch-And-Glue Way. 2nd ed., McGraw Hill, 2023.


This book describes a much more modern take on boatbuilding (see fiberglass, extensive use of plywood, and glue-on keels), which I think evens out this list.
This book describes a much more modern take on boatbuilding (see fiberglass, extensive use of plywood, and glue-on keels), which I think evens out this list.


And so, that about wraps it up! Reading these ten books has helped lay the foundation for my own work, and I hope this article helps you on your building journey. Feel free to reach out with questions, concerns or potential projects.


Got a favorite book I neglected to mention? Leave your comments below.

 
 
 

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