Fiberglass Boat Restoration: The Project Planning Guide

I should state that I met Wayne Canning - not via this book - but as a highly recommended marine surveyor who reviewed my classic, 1975 Bristol 32. He was extremely experienced in the marine industry, meticulous and thorough. His survey was invaluable in my purchase of this lovely boat. In the course of doing the survey, I came to learn about his book, which I now own.It turns out that the name of the book - beginning with "Fiberglass Restoration" - was chosen by the publisher, not Wayne. Wayne's preferred title had to do with the actual content of the book: Project Planning Guide. The book was never intended to discuss restoration techniques at all, but rather as a guide to planning and sensibly carrying out a project. In my opinion, his book does that, and very well.Unfortunately it appears a number of reviewers seemed to have stopped reading the title at "Fiberglass Restoration", and ignored the colon (:) and the actual subject, "Project Planning Guide". If you're looking for actual restoration how-to's, Don Casey's Good Old Boat is a must have - and has been for years. On the other hand, this Project Planning Guide provides the guidance for actually putting a project together in a logical, effective and doable fashion that will maximize the likelihood that you will not only finish the project successfully and economically, but in an order of progression that makes sense.Believe me, having gotten overwhelmed - literally buried - in getting tied up in a project boat that I little understood at the time, I wish I'd had this guide back then. I found myself discovering or creating what seemed an unending and growing project that in the end, defeated me. I wish I'd had Wayne's Project Guide back then. The book is well organized, starts with defining a true project boat that is worth your time, from one that will eat you alive. Having found a good candidate, then he discusses logistics - the when and where, the tools and materials needed, weather concerns and the like. I especially liked his advice to avoid stripping the boat down for good reason.He covers the nuts and bolts of why plans are essential, and how to make one, taking into account, costs, time, labor, skills, etc. and just as important, the order. He covers cost control and budgeting, which in the ultra high cost of all things labelled "Marine", is truly important. Ask me how I know. How and when to purchase parts at the best prices is good. He argues convincingly that there is no need to buy parts much before they are needed, except for the exception of finding a truly "killer deal" on something that your plan requires.Later he talks about motivation. We all think we are motivated, but somehow a project boat has a way of breaking you down. Again, I know. I finally had to abandon a 3/4 finished project boat that I once loved - that still looks great, but that I simply was forced to abandon. Poor planning.Last I really appreciated his listing of project resources: where and how to purchase a project boat, researching ownership, valuation, planning and budgeting software, used parts (including my local fave "Sailorman" and so forth. My last advice: please ignore the couple of reviewers who failed to comprehend this book was/is about Project Planning, and not about specific tools or how-to's. Lord knows there are enough of those.Trust me - I owned all the great "how-to" books - and still failed. Wayne's book could have changed that.

Nothing on how to actually accomplish anything fiberglass.

Good book in general. It is useful to have it as reference

It's great for learning project management - things like "make lists" and "everything takes longer than expected." Even some good basic economics ($10k in repairs does not equal $10k in increased value) to think about with boats. Some good info on overall approach to restoration (e.g. don't rip out everything; keep as much in place as possible and go slow) but really lacking in useful specifics. Too macro, not enough hands on/step by step.

Good information to save you some money and help you plan your purchase.

Not a how to book. Disappointing. The book tells you to plan ahead, get organized and almost nothing on how to actually restore a fiberglass boat. Not very useful.

This book is very vague.

Author concentrates on planning, which is very complete. Little on actual work.

Informative