Small Craft and Yacht Construction MTA
Design-to-build guide for wooden, fiberglass, and composite recreational vessels

About this book:

*Small Craft and Yacht Construction* is a comprehensive design-to-build guide tailored for designers, professional builders, and serious enthusiasts. Moving beyond mere theory, the book bridges the gap between naval architecture and shop-floor reality, offering a step-by-step workflow for creating wooden, fiberglass, and composite recreational vessels. From the initial spark of a mission profile and aesthetic design language to the rigorous engineering of scantlings and laminate schedules, this manual provides the technical depth necessary to move confidently from concept to launch.

The text provides detailed instruction on every phase of construction, including lofting, structural framing, joinery, and advanced composite techniques like vacuum bagging and resin infusion. It treats the modern boat as an integrated system, offering specialized chapters on propulsion, electrical networks, plumbing, and HVAC, while emphasizing the importance of soundproofing and vibration control for a professional finish. Whether building a bespoke one-off or planning a limited production series, readers will find practical advice on costing, procurement, and quality assurance.

Focusing on both the art and the engineering of boatbuilding, the book concludes with essential protocols for safety compliance, prototyping, and sea trials. Each chapter is packed with actionable steps and rules of thumb designed to streamline workflow and improve seaworthiness. *Small Craft and Yacht Construction* is an indispensable resource for anyone dedicated to building vessels that are not only high-performing and safe but also a true joy to behold.

What You'll Find Inside:

• A comprehensive 'design-to-build' workflow for creating wooden, fiberglass, and composite recreational vessels.
• Technical guidance on naval architecture essentials, including buoyancy, stability, resistance, and hull form development.
• Practical construction techniques for skeletal structures, planking, and advanced sandwich core laminates.
• Integrated systems engineering for propulsion, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, prioritizing accessibility and maintenance.
• Strategic advice on production planning, quality assurance, and project budgeting for both one-off builds and limited series.

Who's It For:

This book is written for professional boatbuilders, naval architects, and serious marine enthusiasts who wish to move confidently from a design concept to a successful launch. It is especially beneficial for those looking to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern composite engineering. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for project managers overseeing the construction of bespoke yachts or limited production runs.