Anyone who has spent much time working around boats is fully aware that repair work is often far more demanding than new construction. That is because, done correctly, a repair should be invisible–and to be invisible the original work has to be matched precisely. To achieve that requires an overall understanding of boatbuilding practices as well as an understanding of the materials used and the finishes applied. That covers a lot of territory, but with this book close at hand you won't have to commit all that information to memory. Much of what is included between these covers has never appeared in print, and it surely has never before been gathered together in a single book.

This book was more than two years in the writing, most of that time spent combing through the files of boats that have passed through our shop here at Duck Trap. It is written from decades of first-hand experience.No matter how complete a book, though, the value of its contents fades if the information can't be located when needed. Repairs is logically arranged according to subject and is extensively indexed to be even more useful. Whether you're interested in basic maintenance or faced with the more challenging task of replacing a stem, a plank, or building a centerboard case, here is a book that can pay for itself in short order.

Above and to the right are shots of the same storm damaged yacht tender. When she arrived she had seven shattered planks, a number of broken ribs, a split midship thwart, and various contusions and abrasions. Planks are worked into place in order working upward from the keel. Ribs are replaced after the new planks are in place. The balance of the work was finishing. It took about 50 hours to make her good as new.

Below is a 1926 Old Town Octa that had been nearly broken in two. Like the tender she had shattered planking and broken ribs, and one rail was completely gone. Her canvas covering was completely shot. When she left the shop, she had been completely restored to original condition and now plies the boundary waters between the US and Canada.

Both repair jobs and a number of others are detailed in Pigeons and Gudgeons.