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I Need My Yacht by Friday: True Tales from the Boat Repair Yard
A recent immigrant to Canada, I had completed an apprenticeship as a shipwright and found a good paying job in the shipyard, which allowed me to buy a three-bedroom house for my growing family. Three weeks before Christmas, the foreman at the shipyard gave me one hour’s notice that I was laid off.I found piecemeal work to help pay the mortgage — then decided to go into business repairing boats.I rented a large warehouse, brought a chair from home, made a desk from a door and bought a brown manila envelope to put receipts in.I Need My Yacht by Friday, is the story of what happened next.
257 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2018
An honest depiction of one man’s life story, the business he ran for twenty years, and the challenges and heartbreak family life brings. I thoroughly enjoyed living in Rod Baker’s world and look forward to his next book.
May 6, 2017
I have little interest in boats and even less in boat repair. However, although there are a few passages that detail various techniques of fixing boats, this book is mostly about a man, forced to start his own business, the challenges he faces, the people he meets, and the eventual success he attains, along with the dissatisfaction he feels.
Writing with typical British understatement, Mr. Baker manages to be both funny and conversational. He also infuses sage comments without preaching. One example: Good results often rested upon the shoulders of learning from bad results. The indigestion caused by swallowing mistakes was a great teacher. Definitely one of the strengths of this book is Mr. Baker's seaman's ability to spin a good yarn, combined with his adroit use of the English language.
The fear of failure, the pressure of being the boss, the wacky things people do and say and the myriad of ways one can wreck a boat are some of the subjects addressed in this excellent memoir.
I should say, too, that the ending is unexpected.
For me, some questions were left unanswered. However I believe more books are planned, and perhaps some of those questions will be answered in them.
I was a beta reader for Mr. Baker. I acquired my own copy of this book, and this review is my honest opinion.
Writing with typical British understatement, Mr. Baker manages to be both funny and conversational. He also infuses sage comments without preaching. One example: Good results often rested upon the shoulders of learning from bad results. The indigestion caused by swallowing mistakes was a great teacher. Definitely one of the strengths of this book is Mr. Baker's seaman's ability to spin a good yarn, combined with his adroit use of the English language.
The fear of failure, the pressure of being the boss, the wacky things people do and say and the myriad of ways one can wreck a boat are some of the subjects addressed in this excellent memoir.
I should say, too, that the ending is unexpected.
For me, some questions were left unanswered. However I believe more books are planned, and perhaps some of those questions will be answered in them.
I was a beta reader for Mr. Baker. I acquired my own copy of this book, and this review is my honest opinion.
September 12, 2017
“Some sixty years ago, I left the small English village in Buckinghamshire, but the skylarks’ song and the crunch of horse chestnut leaves in autumn remain inside.”
So begins Rod Baker’s entertaining and big-hearted story of a man who at the tender age of sixteen has left his home and family in England, joined the Merchant Marines and travelled the world. When he meets his wife-to-be in Vancouver, one of his ship’s ports-of-call, he decides to settle in Canada to begin a new life. A life on land. This story’s journey begins when he and Louise marry and Rod becomes an apprentice boat builder in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Presented with the offer to buy the boat building business where he’s been working and training with the owner, Rod jumps at the opportunity. Before long, he moves the business closer to home – to North Vancouver, where he and Louise live with their two young boys.
The story unfolds not only as a tale of the vagaries of business ownership and the struggle to prosper, but the reader is also given a glimpse into the life of a dedicated young man who is determined to succeed by his father’s maxim: “Don’t look back, don’t quit, and keep moving forward to wherever life takes you.” Those words serve him well.
This is not a book just about boats. It’s also about Rod, the family man. It is the story of a young couple’s attempt to create a good life together, the rollercoaster of marriage, and the weight of responsibility Rod feels to maintain a thriving business. The story is about fatherhood and the struggle to raise two energetic boys; Rod becomes a Pee Wee soccer coach for his boys and the kids in the neighbourhood. But he also follows his own dream – his love of dirt bike racing. Here is the landscape where he battles fear, faces it and wins.
On a year-long reprieve from his work and his teenage sons who are challenging the boundaries, he and his wife and daughter travel through Europe. Missing home and family, Louise and Alexis make the decision to fly back to Vancouver after a few months, and Rod decides to stay and adventure on alone through seven more countries. Despite kidney stones, a stolen wallet, and some moments of loneliness, he travels solo for another six months, missing his family but enjoying the freedom from the day-to-day grind of running a business.
One day Rod decides to move out of the role as boat-builder and step into a new future. He takes us on a surprise journey as he explores his inner ‘warrior’ within the supportive world of his group, the ‘Stirling Men.’ In his search for a new life and career, he studies to become a graduate of the Counsellor Training Institute. This surprising new life carries him into territory he has never before travelled. And he likes it.
I Need My Yacht by Friday is a book worth reading, even if you think you have no interest in boats. It will make you laugh. But it’s also a testament to the real meaning of success, the story about the dreams and longings of a man who is determined to be the best he can be through not only the joys of accomplishment, but through the struggle in times of adversity. A very enjoyable read.
So begins Rod Baker’s entertaining and big-hearted story of a man who at the tender age of sixteen has left his home and family in England, joined the Merchant Marines and travelled the world. When he meets his wife-to-be in Vancouver, one of his ship’s ports-of-call, he decides to settle in Canada to begin a new life. A life on land. This story’s journey begins when he and Louise marry and Rod becomes an apprentice boat builder in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Presented with the offer to buy the boat building business where he’s been working and training with the owner, Rod jumps at the opportunity. Before long, he moves the business closer to home – to North Vancouver, where he and Louise live with their two young boys.
The story unfolds not only as a tale of the vagaries of business ownership and the struggle to prosper, but the reader is also given a glimpse into the life of a dedicated young man who is determined to succeed by his father’s maxim: “Don’t look back, don’t quit, and keep moving forward to wherever life takes you.” Those words serve him well.
This is not a book just about boats. It’s also about Rod, the family man. It is the story of a young couple’s attempt to create a good life together, the rollercoaster of marriage, and the weight of responsibility Rod feels to maintain a thriving business. The story is about fatherhood and the struggle to raise two energetic boys; Rod becomes a Pee Wee soccer coach for his boys and the kids in the neighbourhood. But he also follows his own dream – his love of dirt bike racing. Here is the landscape where he battles fear, faces it and wins.
On a year-long reprieve from his work and his teenage sons who are challenging the boundaries, he and his wife and daughter travel through Europe. Missing home and family, Louise and Alexis make the decision to fly back to Vancouver after a few months, and Rod decides to stay and adventure on alone through seven more countries. Despite kidney stones, a stolen wallet, and some moments of loneliness, he travels solo for another six months, missing his family but enjoying the freedom from the day-to-day grind of running a business.
One day Rod decides to move out of the role as boat-builder and step into a new future. He takes us on a surprise journey as he explores his inner ‘warrior’ within the supportive world of his group, the ‘Stirling Men.’ In his search for a new life and career, he studies to become a graduate of the Counsellor Training Institute. This surprising new life carries him into territory he has never before travelled. And he likes it.
I Need My Yacht by Friday is a book worth reading, even if you think you have no interest in boats. It will make you laugh. But it’s also a testament to the real meaning of success, the story about the dreams and longings of a man who is determined to be the best he can be through not only the joys of accomplishment, but through the struggle in times of adversity. A very enjoyable read.
October 18, 2020
Easily one of my most enjoyed books of all time. You quickly connect with the author and feel like you're sitting next to good friend who is recounting an interesting part of their life's journey. Rod Baker is a very sincere writer and I felt quickly immersed in his trade even though I have had little exposure to it.
Definitely a must for boat owners, this book provides a great guide on how to interact with the people that protect your cherished floating toys, but don't be surprised if you come away with some deep life lessons along the way.
Definitely a must for boat owners, this book provides a great guide on how to interact with the people that protect your cherished floating toys, but don't be surprised if you come away with some deep life lessons along the way.
June 26, 2020
A recommended read, presumably based on all the sailing books I consume. However it is neither a sailing book nor a book about boating in general, rather a story of one mans struggle in business and life that revolves around boat repair. That being said I found myself engrossed enough to want to get to the end. I liked the author’s style but would probably not go looking for a sequel.
August 29, 2020
Very well written
Very much enjoyed reading this. Few grammatical errors but in the big picture they mean nothing. If you like boats and hearing the events of a person's life than I recommend this book
Very much enjoyed reading this. Few grammatical errors but in the big picture they mean nothing. If you like boats and hearing the events of a person's life than I recommend this book
August 16, 2020
Good read. I'll treat my boatyard owner better in the future :-)
July 28, 2021
Real life
The real life experiences and daily struggles at a boat repair business. Very interesting and full of life lessons and triumphs
The real life experiences and daily struggles at a boat repair business. Very interesting and full of life lessons and triumphs
June 16, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-30-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-30...
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-32-b...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-32...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-30-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-30...
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-32-b...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-32...
July 3, 2021
I don't do book reviews
I don't do book reviews......
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
I don't do book reviews......
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
August 19, 2023
The trials and tribulations of running a small business. No one to rely on but yourself- learning lessons that you didn’t know you needed until they happened. Not just the technical stuff of boat building, but equally challenging things, finding new customers, employing and retaining staff, and remaining optimistic in downturns. Rod displays an entrepreneurial spirit meeting challenges with grit and determination. After reading this it’s hardly surprising that after twenty years of hard work and facing parental challenges, Rod felt burnt out.
I’m sure there could be another book about the time he and his family spent in Europe and later on when he travelled alone. It’s a highly readable and enjoyable book.
I’m sure there could be another book about the time he and his family spent in Europe and later on when he travelled alone. It’s a highly readable and enjoyable book.
January 7, 2021
Not what I was expecting
The author seems to go from crisis to crisis in his business life. The book is full of tales of problem customers and screwups. His kids and married life are a mess.
Then he joins a 'men's group', which sounds like another term for cult, sells his business and embarks on a vague new career. This is apparently minus his wife, since she doesn't seem to be in the dedication.
An odd tale needing an editor.
The author seems to go from crisis to crisis in his business life. The book is full of tales of problem customers and screwups. His kids and married life are a mess.
Then he joins a 'men's group', which sounds like another term for cult, sells his business and embarks on a vague new career. This is apparently minus his wife, since she doesn't seem to be in the dedication.
An odd tale needing an editor.
October 10, 2024
Good book, kind of an abrupt ending
As a person in the boat repair industry, I found the book very interesting and entertaining. And you will too, regardless of your industry.
I was left with some questions at the end, like what happened with Louise, and who is this Anna who cooking for him at late hours of the night?
Still worth the read, and i’ll likely check out some of his other books.
As a person in the boat repair industry, I found the book very interesting and entertaining. And you will too, regardless of your industry.
I was left with some questions at the end, like what happened with Louise, and who is this Anna who cooking for him at late hours of the night?
Still worth the read, and i’ll likely check out some of his other books.
September 10, 2019
Tutorial?
This book might be a decent tutorial for one contemplating going into the boat repair business, but if reading it for entertainment is your objective, skip ii. It is boring. The author is self-centered too.
This book might be a decent tutorial for one contemplating going into the boat repair business, but if reading it for entertainment is your objective, skip ii. It is boring. The author is self-centered too.
June 7, 2023
Different, but really good
This is a very different read from lot of my normal stuff. Good writing, interesting situations, just a really good read. Recommend it, worth ur time and money.
This is a very different read from lot of my normal stuff. Good writing, interesting situations, just a really good read. Recommend it, worth ur time and money.
Read
June 29, 2019Good Book
It was a good book but sad that he divorced Louise and he did mention what happened to his sons, that should have ended the book. Overall, a good book.
It was a good book but sad that he divorced Louise and he did mention what happened to his sons, that should have ended the book. Overall, a good book.
June 1, 2020
Interesting
Not particularly well written but is a description of a business unknown to me so very interesting.
I would recommend it be read!
Not particularly well written but is a description of a business unknown to me so very interesting.
I would recommend it be read!
January 16, 2021
Touched on many familiar circumstances!
His journey was eventful and very interesting. Many of us can relate to the 'people' issues and small business hurdles that Rod overcame.
His journey was eventful and very interesting. Many of us can relate to the 'people' issues and small business hurdles that Rod overcame.
July 12, 2020
The story of how someone went from a laid off worker to the owner of a successful shop. And who had to learn as he went, roll with punches, and survive on — if nothing else — a refusal to give up.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews