Design/building literature

[CuriousNavyGuy]

I plan to build watercraft sometime in the future and would like some suggestions on some literature to study before building my first sailboat. It is also a desire of mine to design my own plans for various types of boats and would like some other suggestions on technical books to aid in learning to design these boats. I already have a solid backgeound in physics but could use some touching up on fluid dynamics.

My mind is open to suggestions so please have at it!

Nick

[Matt Sponer]

Hi,
I have also started learning and have an education in physics. My favorite books so far are:
Boatbuilding with Aluminum, Stephen Pollard. This is a good overview of aluminum construction-- how to cut the metal, weld it, and how it deforms when you put it together. There are a lot of pictures and discussion of the various construction methods.

Yacht Design According to Perry. This isn't technical, but I like reading his descriptions of the trade offs involved. He also has a series of books with his boat design reviews in them, which I think are also a good introduction to the things a designer tries to balance.

The Cruising Encyclopedia. Dashew. This is a huge, expensive book, that is written by and for people who spend a lot of money on their boats. But there is a lot of good discussion on design, especially if you buy into the 'long waterline, narrow beam' vibe of the boats they've made (I do). And a lot more on a lot of small, important details that go into a good design-- how to lay out the cockpit winches, what good hatches look like, talk about dodgers, biminis, and etc.

Principles of Yacht Design, Larsson. This is more technical. I like this book.

Please tell me if you find any others that you find useful.

[Milan]

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-...ref=pd_sim_b_3

http://www.amazon.com/Dave-Gerr/e/B0..._athr_dp_pel_1

http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Yac...7071472&sr=1-1

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/how-to-publications/

http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Boatbuil.../dp/1888671025