Discover how to design and power small boats with practical, engineering‑driven guidance.
This book breaks down the boat design problem into clear goals and trade‑offs, showing how hull weight, load capacity, safety, and cost shape every choice. It also compares different power systems and explains how a motor, propeller, and hull work together to deliver performance and reliability.
- Learn the three key steps in turning natural energy into propulsion: store, liberate, and transform energy.
- See how four‑cycle gas engines operate, including intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust cycles.
- Understand practical construction principles for small boats, from frame layout to weight savings and material choices.
- Compare gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, and other power options, with a focus on efficiency, maintenance, and cost.
This edition speaks to builders, operators, and enthusiasts who want a grounded, no‑nonsense view of how motor boats are designed and operated. Ideal for readers seeking a solid foundation in the fundamentals of boat propulsion and practical construction.