Since its first edition in 1964, owners and professionals have relied upon this classic reference to understand the many facets of fiberglass boat construction. Now completely updated, it is an invaluable, nontechnical resource for expert information on the principles of fiberglass construction, as well as sound practice. Author Hugo du Plessis focuses on the kind of boats that dominate the used market, examining fiberglasss durability, weaknesses, effects of use, and the latest research into causes of blistering--or osmosis. His advice will help owners extend the life of their fiberglass boats and prevent would-be owners from purchasing craft that are soon to fail. Table of Contents: Introduction Section A � General Principles Principles of fiberglass boatbuilding / Materials / Tools and working conditions / Health and safety. Section B � Understanding how fiberglass can fail Physical failure / Destructive influences / Fatigue / Factors of safety / Effects of heat / Fire. Section C � Turning a bare moulding into a boat Glassing-on / Joins / Stiffening / Bulkheads / Attaching fittings / Sealants / Hardspots and stress concentrations / Double shell mouldings / Sandwich mouldings / Wood and fiberglass / Fiberglass and other materials / Sheathing / Access. Section D � The gel coat�that shiny fiberglass look Gel coat / Weathering / Nasty little lumps / Replacing a gel coat. Section E � In the beginning�moulding Conditions for moulding / Moulding / Moulding faults / Mouldless construction / Thickness / Mechanisation / Inspection and quality. Section F � Maintenance and use Design for low maintenance / Maintenance and cleaning / Overloading / Painting. Section G � Repair Temporary repair / Minor repair / Major repair / Every crack tells a story / Testing. Appendix, Technical terms & equivalents, and index. About the Author: Hugo du Plessis has spent a lifetime with fiberglass. Forty years ago he was one of the pioneers, starting as a moulder and boatbuilder with a special interest in sheathing. Later he became a surveyor specializing in fiberglass boats, so gaining experience in the common defects as well as the elusive ones. He has, he says, learned something from every boat he has surveyed. Hugo du Plessis has owned boats for 60 years, including a small charter fleet. This new edition was written on his yacht (fiberglass of course) while cruising in the West Indies. Published by McGraw-Hill/International Marine. Hardcover. 288 pages.

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