Stitch-and-Glue Boatbuilding

The definitive how-to manual for the most popular method of amateur boatbuilding.

Stitch-and-glue boatbuilding may be the most popular method of amateur boatbuilding today. In this method the home builder cuts out marine plywood panels to prescribed shapes, then puts them together with wire stitches long enough to glue and seal the seams with epoxy. Once the epoxy cures, the stitches are removed, and the result is a handsome, strong, watertight boat.

Stitch-and-Glue Boatbuilding lays out the basic building techniques; outlines the shortcuts and pitfalls; shows how to design your own boat or choose a plan to build from; how to select tools and materials; and how to paint, finish, and outfit the boat.

Over 10,000 stitch-and-glue boats have been built to Chris Kulczyckis designs. His plans have been published in numerous magazines and books. The company he founded has become the largest boat kit and plan manufacturer in the world. His designs have been licensed to a kit builder in Japan and are sold by distributors in Europe and Asia. Chris also taught boatbuilding courses at the WoodenBoat School and in other programs for 10 years. He is the author of three books and over 100 magazine and newspaper articles. He has been contributing editor to Sail magazine and a regular contributor to Cruising World, WoodenBoat, Sea Kayaker, and others. His articles have also appeared in Outside, Mens Journal, and other magazines. His photos have appeared on a WoodenBoat cover and in interior spreads in Cruising World and Sail. Chris sold Chesapeake Light Craft three years ago to concentrate on writing.

Plans and assembly instructions for eleven boats, including nine kayaks, a skiff, and a rowing shell Step-by-step photographs and drawings The information you need to choose the right materials for your boat Your guide to the most popular method of amateur boatbuilding Building a stitch-and-glue boat brings you as close as you'll ever get to instant boatbuilding. It's the fastest, easiest method yet devised for creating a strong, beautiful, seaworthy craft with your own hands. Now, one of the world's premier stitch-and-glue designers, builders, and teachers gives you the information and guidance you need to build the boat of your dreams in your backyard, basement, or garage. Chris Kulczycki explains why you don't need to be a master craftsman with dozens of specialized tools to create a sleek, responsive small boat. He lays out the basic stitch-and-glue building techniques; outlines the shortcuts and pitfalls; and details the materials you'll need. Then he guides you through each phase of the building process, from cutting plywood panels and stitching them together to gluing the seams with epoxy to fiberglassing, sanding, painting, finishing, and outfitting. Praise for Chris Kulczycki's The Kayak Shop: "Recommended reading for anyone who wants to paddle a boat of their own creation."--Sea Kayaker "This book should prove to be one of the standards on boatbuilding that will be on every small boat builder's bookshelf."--Upper Midwest Kayak Touring News

In "Stitch-and-Glue Boatbuilding", one of the leading practitioners and teachers of the craft assembles the definitive how-to manual for the most popular method of amateur boatbuilding today. Enlivened with tales of boat shop mishaps and designs gone bad that entertain as they instruct, this invaluable book includes full plans and assembly instructions for nine boats--seven kayaks, a sailing skiff, and a wherry. Step-by-step photos and drawings make this an ideal guide for visual learners.

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