Mustin's part-by-part look at hull, deck, rig, and machinery is both a minicourse for transforming used-boat shopping from a game of craps to a science, and the first step in a holistic boat maintenance program. His discussion of the significance of cracks found in aging hulls and decks is the most thorough in print. He is not shy in assessing the lack of regulation of professional surveyors, nor does he shrink from pointing a finger at shoddy building practices. Having a used boat surveyed is a critical prelude to buying it. Yet a professional survey is expensive--several hundred dollars. Surveying Fiberglass Sailboats will enable you to conduct your own surveys while narrowing the field, then monitor a professional surveyor's performance when selecting your target boat.

This is the only book linked to a practical surveying course. Highly practical in nature, and packed with detailed close-up photography, step by step procedures, and helpful checklists, this definitive handbook will prove a godsend to small craft owners who want to check out defects on their own boats or on boats they are planning to buy, as well as practicing surveyors and surveying students. Featuring surveying bodies, equipment required, assessing defects (including moisture-related defects, and the use of moisture meters) and their severity, the book guides the reader through conducting a thorough inspection, from keel to topsides, coachroof, stern gear, rigging and much more. The highly practical approach of this book will be invaluable to students of surveying, qualified surveyors and yacht and boat owners everywhere.

". . . the perfect place to begin, or continue, your education." --Sailing Whether you are shopping for a used fiberglass boat or prioritizing maintenance tasks on the one you already own, this book saves money--and perhaps even disaster. With clear step-by-step drawings and instructions, Don Casey explains how to recognize problems--both surface and hidden--and how to separate cosmetic flaws from serious faults.

This beautifully illustrated reference work for all boat lovers is an encyclopedic treasure trove of fascinating detail about every element of a yacht, from keel to binnacle, wheel and mast.

Reeds Marine Surveying is an expanded and updated new edition of the author's Handbook of Marine Surveying. Aimed at students of marine surveying, professional marine surveyors, boatyard operators and technically-minded boat owners, it covers the latest marine surveying technology, including analysis of the mechanical behaviour of materials, failure analysis, stress concentration, fatigue and fracture, corrosion, wood-damaging organisms, polymer chemistry, and the composition and characteristics of common plastics, metal, alloys and composite materials. There is also a useful survey checklist that provides practical techniques and hints for conducting a survey. 'A mass of information on different materials used in boatbuilding plus their failure mechanisms... an excellent book' www.nonstopyacht.com 'A concise collection of practical, theoretical and regulatory information' Sailing 'Now it all makes sense!' William F Buckley