For those who own a cherished but dilapidated fiberglass runabout, or for those who want a boat but are turned off by the high prices and often poor quality of today's offerings, this book explains everything there is to know about turning a rundown runabout into a real showpiece for a fraction of the cost of a new model. Author Jim Anderson, a runabout renovator from Minnesota's Land of Ten Thousand Lakes, leads readers through the whole renovation process. For those who think a project like this may be more than they can handle, renovating an old runabout is actually less complicated and expensive than adding on a deck or redoing a room--two of the most popular projects for home handymen. And Anderson's sense of humor and gift for providing simple solutions make Runabout Renovation as fun to read as it is easy to understand. The backyards of North America house literally millions of rundown runabouts ripe for renovation. With Jim Anderson's help, you can own a better boat than you can buy new, for a quarter of the price or less. And like a beautifully restored '57 Chevy, it'll have class. Low-cost alternatives for the powerboater on a budget. Although more people own boats ranging in length from 14 to 24 feet than all others combined, most books published about boat repair and restoration are directed at the "big boat" or yacht owner. In addition, many marine dealers and technicians never seem to have the right answers or the time to spend on people who own "little boats." Hence Runabout Renovation, a complete guide to finding and fixing up old fiberglass speedboats. You'll learn how to: Choose and survey a boat Make cosmetic repairs and repaint your boat Replace the floor Reupholster and carpet the interior Build a new transom Upgrade electrical and mechanical systems . . . and much more. There's even a section on repairing aluminum boats, and one on installing and repairing horns, lights, bilge pumps, live wells, and other speedboat accessories. "Considering the tens of thousands of fiberglass powerboats that exist today, one wonders why Jim Anderson's Runabout Renovation is so late in coming. Whether you're shopping for a used or new boat, or trying to maintain the value of a boat you already own, this book will prove indispensable."--Richard Lebowitz, Editor, Boating World

Now MBI Publishing Company’s two top-selling boating titles—written by one of the world’s top authorities on the subject of antique wooden boat restoration—are available in one volume. In this comprehensive restoration guide for owners and enthusiasts of wooden powerboats of all makes and models built from the early 1920s through the 1960s, author Don Dannenberg covers all major woodworking aspects of restoration: surveying, disassembly, repair, reconstruction, and varnishing. But when it comes to restoring a classic wooden powerboat, getting the frame, planking, and deck right is just one part of the story. Danenberg also walks enthusiasts through the topics of hardware, running gear, electrical wiring, plumbing, instruments, upholstery, trailers, and maintenance. Fully illustrated with step-by-step color photos and written in an entertaining style in which the author stresses sound reconstruction techniques over preservation of original components, this comprehensive volume also includes resource listings, glossaries, and School of Hard Knocks sidebars.

This New York Times bestselling book is filled with hundreds of fun, deceptively simple, budget-friendly ideas for sprucing up your home. With two home renovations under their (tool) belts and millions of hits per month on their blog YoungHouseLove.com, Sherry and John Petersik are home-improvement enthusiasts primed to pass on a slew of projects, tricks, and techniques to do-it-yourselfers of all levels. Packed with 243 tips and ideas—both classic and unexpected—and more than 400 photographs and illustrations, this is a book that readers will return to again and again for the creative projects and easy-to-follow instructions in the relatable voice the Petersiks are known for. Learn to trick out a thrift-store mirror, spice up plain old roller shades, "hack" your Ikea table to create three distinct looks, and so much more.

In this guide, Bob Armstrong explains how to operate the boat you choose, paying special attention to: Dock and undocking any boat ; Handling docklines ; Executing close-quarters maneuvers ; Anchoring ; Running inlets ; Adjusting trim for a better ride ; Coping with rough weather. Offfering hints for judging the quality of a boat and presenting a gallery of good boats from each of the many types available, Getting Started in Power Boating is the perfect book for both the advanced boater and the beginner choosing his first craft.

Offers practical strategies to help people live green at home, explaining how they can cut energy costs and consumption by changing the way they heat, cool, light, and fill their homes.

Whether you¿re fishing, waterskiing, or just enjoying a lazy day out on the water, nothing beats a runabout. These boats were just built for fun.If you¿re one of those lucky speedboat owners looking for maintenance tips, or even if you¿re a first-time buyer with an eye on an older model in need of some TLC, expert runabout renovator Jim Anderson has the answers to all of your questions.In this informative and easy-to-follow guide, Jim takes you through the entire process of fixing up your roundabout; from locating and purchasing to the last coat of paint. Jim¿s trademark sense of humor and ability to cut straight to the simplest solutions make it seem like you¿re working alongside an old friend. Topics include:¿Choosing and surveying your boat¿Cosmetic repairs and touch-ups¿Replacing the floors, carpets, and interior¿Building a new transom¿Upgrading electrical and mechanical systems