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Rating:  -
If you start getting into plans and methods for building your own boat, it isn't long before you run across the name of Phil Bolger. While info on his designs may be a bit elusive on the net, this book is an excellent sampling. My own reason for purchase was looking for info on the Chebacco line, as well as similar designs, which it does have. I am pleased with the number of fine designs, and the info on his "square box" designs.
Rating:  -
There is not enough detail in this book to build any of the boats, but the stories explaining the reason for each design are entertaining and informative. This book is like a catalog of boat designs. It provides enough information that you will be able to decide if it is worth while to order plans for a specific design.
Rating: -
When I first showed my copy of Boats with an
Open Mind to a friend with a custom-built, gold
plater 28' ketch, he said 'you paid money to
look at somebody's catalog....they're not even boats
you could get excited about'
In a sense, he's right. This really is a catalog
of boat plans by Phil Bolger and yes, I just bought
a big advertising brochure. His second comment is
more devastating. There are those of us who buy boat
books to drool over the pictures (I have a file
on my computer called 'boat porn') and these boats
are more often homely than pretty. Some few are so
ugly that you need not only an open mind but a great
sense of humor.
So why am I giving this book four stars? Because it's
written in a friendly, down-to-earth style that explains
the reasoning behind each boat. In the course of the
explanation, a reader develops a useful understanding of
the compromises that are involved in boat design. Bolger
is very frank about the trade-offs involved and very
clear in his explanations of them.
Finally, there are a few designs-the munroe-inspired
sharpies, the rowing boats sweet pea and spur and the schooners that have
an eccentric eye-appeal. Of course to learn the most and
enjoy the most of this book, it helps to have an open
mind.
--Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE and
the novel bang BANG. ISBN 9781601640005
Rating: -
The book is a good primer on different boat designs. Don't buy it expecting to build any of the boats enclosed straight from the book as it's not a "how to" book. There is a resource section in the back of the book that gives information on how to get building plans. It will shed light on the thinking that went into the designs, and from that standpoint, it will get your "creative juices flowing". Overall a good read that will open your mind to many design possibilties.
Rating: -
This guy's boats go from traditional to... wacky, I guess you'd say. This might be his only book still in print. Too bad. I think he's got more that 600 designs and I want to see more.
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