Small Sailing Craft - Design and Construction

This vintage book is a complete guide to small sailing craft, with a focus on the construction thereof. First published in 1939 (with later editions in the 1950s), this book quickly established itself as a foundational text, bridging the gap between theoretical naval architecture and the practical realities of small boat design and building.

Written for the amateur boat builder, this handbook is intended to cover all the problems commonly faced by those who attempt to build a boat of their own design, and will be of considerable value to anyone occupied in such an endeavour.

Sutton, an experienced designer and builder, provides a systematic and accessible study of the principles that govern how a small yacht is drawn up and ultimately constructed. The book is invaluable for anyone aspiring to design their own boat, build from scratch, or simply understand the technical forces at work beneath the waterline.

Contents include:

• Methods of Construction
• Metal V. Wood
• Durability of Timber
• Decay
• Marine Borders
• Anti-fouling Methods
• Rigs and Sails
• Design of Boats
• Speed and Power
• Materials of Construction
• Construction of a Sharpie
• Sail Making
• Yacht Racing
• Anchors, Cable and Rope
• Choice of Size

This book is a highly prized and necessary reference for naval architecture students, amateur boat designers, wooden boat builders, and serious sailing enthusiasts seeking to understand the science behind their craft.