100 Boat Designs Reviewed: Design Commentaries by the Experts

by Peter H. Spectre

Well-known as the editor of the best-selling annual Mariner's Book of Days, Peter Spectre lives in Spruce Head, Maine.

266 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 1997

Reviews

[James Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anachronism?

What with all the plastic yachts, one might think that wooden boats are from a bygone era. But in fact, these designs are not only interesting historically, but there is a growing number of wooden boat enthusiasts building and sailing them. These venerable designs are still some of the most seaworthy vessels with many stories to confirm it. I find these plans little works of art and thoroughly enjoy looking at them again and again. A page of narrative and a page or two showing line drawings is included in most if not all the boats covered. You can tell that the comments are from people of authority. On the Scottish Yawl: "The designer has made no major changes in the rig, staying with the gaff-yawl sail plan of the original boat. At 742 square feet, including topsail, the rig is a large one for a boat of this size."

There are dinghies, kayaks, and canoes, but mostly sailing craft by far. There are daysailers you can build in your garage and cruisers capable of sailing around the world. Keelboats, centerboard boats, fin keels and full keels. Most any size and configuration is there. (Up to 92'-6", but most much smaller). So if you have don't think wooden boats are still worthy of consideration think again. A wonderful book to read, look at designs, consider attributes and characteristics of one design or another. Lots to imagine and dream about. Much better than a few I have seen on the subject and completely superior to the free wooden boats you will see online. I highly recommend it if you love boats, especially sailboats.