Frame, Stem, and Keel Repair Paperback – Import, 1 November 1996

interesting book

An excellent resource for the novice or DIY boat restorer. Covers the techniques of frame, stem and keel construction, sources of problems, alternative fixes and best methods. Written to be reader-friendly, I found the answers to critical questions on replacing frames v sistering, the pros and cons of each, the concerns for selecting, purchasing and cutting oak stock, fastening, etc. in the first 15 minutes. Pictures support the written word and provide the first-hand guidance you usually find at small boat yards, but here in Maine most are very closed-mouth and are slow to dispense advice (the general response being, "Well, I suppose you could do it that way."). I recommend this book to anyone who is now building or repairing a wooden boat and also to those who are considering such a project. Knowledge such as this will either put you well ahead in the project, or take on to other endeavors at a very small investment.

For those of us who are not professional wooden boat builders this is an excellent book. Assuming that each boat repair we would make has a number of variables that are possible, including time and budget restraints, then this book is an invaluable collection of articles by professionals contemplating and then making those same repairs. I also purchased and referenced heavily while making repairs the Planking and Fastening book as well and highly recommend a thorough reading of both before you begin your repairs. Good luck!

Very informative book. They go through every aspect with photos. If you can use a few basic tools, I'm convinced you can do any job on a wooden boat pertaining to the stem, frame, and keel.

I have used the Woodenboat Series publications in conjunction with woodworking and boat building seminars, and find they compliment the course work well and usually provide additional information. I am not experienced enough to use these manuals without a seminar presentation, but I think experienced boat builders could use these as stand-alone instruction.