Runabout Renovation: How to Find and Fix Up an Old Fiberglass Speedboat

This book was helpful to get a general idea of what the renovation of a fiberglass boat is all about, but every boat is different and the focus is on polyester resin. I was hoping for a good discussion about the different resins (polyvinlyester and epoxy) and the advantages and methods to use for each one. I haven't looked at in a while, since some of the forums and online resources are more detailed and better. This and other information are important to consider first, but at some point I had to start laying fiberglass to really understand it.

Great book to have around. You can surf the net and find a lot of useful bit and pieces of information, parse them together and pull a renovation of just fine.Or you can spend the $14 and get something in your hand that has all the information you need in one place and walks you through the whole process easy peasy. It is written precisely for the person who has never done this before, and will explain the how and why of things in a way that gives you the confidence to get started on it.I found myself referring to this book repeatedly. Easily one of the best purchases I've made in a very long time!Enjoy

Runabout Renovation is a must for anyone even thinking about buying a small fiberglass runabout as a fixer-upper project. Jim Anderson takes you on a voyage that begins with the desire to start a renovation project and leads you through the process of finding a boat, assessing its condition, negotiating a price, and what you need to do to restore it. Jim's experience in renovating runabouts and his ability to set the right expectations for what you'll encounter in your journey is what sets this book apart.Jim's writing and instructions are enjoyable to read and won't make you feel as though you need to be an expert craftsman to take on the challenge of boat restoration.

This was written by a former owner of a boat repair shop who knows his stuff. He covers all the bases in the book focusing mainly on repairing/rebuilding runabouts in the 16 ft. range.Because it was published in 1992 it lacks advice on current technology and techniques such as rebuilding stringers and transoms using new wood alternative products like SeaCast with the chainsaw method of decayed wood removal, but it gives a good overview of techniques, advice and what is required using more conventional methods. It also covers interiors, gelcoats, ect.For anyone interested in fixing old boats this would be the place to start.

The 16' Glastron I bought on eBay turned out to have a rotten floor among other problems. Not a huge surprise - the boat is nearly 40 years old - but my experience with resurrecting derelict toys has been restricted to cars and motorcycles, and I didn't know where to begin. Jim Anderson's book was written to my level and gave me the confidence to take on this project. Highly recommended.

Overall a good book to use to start on the restoration of an old boat. However, if you dont have the most popular hull design, it may not provide a lot to you. It is a little out of date at this point, and skips over a few ideas for the cheapest fixer uppers, focusing instead on good, quality restoration instead.

This was an awesome book that gave you valuable information on what to do, how to do, and when to do all aspects of renovating your boat. I have started on my boat, a 58' Dorsett, by removing the rotted floor. The book said that this will be the toughest of all the renovation; I believe they are right! Love the book, buy it and add it to your collection.

This is a rather slim volume, but it does cover every aspect of a "classic" boat, though not in a lot of detail. I'd buy it again just for the help it provide on the overall view of early American boating.

Good book with some useful information and gives you the confidence to have a go yourself at what at first seems a daunting task.Being an American book some of the brand names used aren`t available in the UK but alternatives are easy to find.

Great product fast delivery

Very informative book for the guy whose has never tackled a job like this.I found it easy to understand and with a little extra researchonline.I was able to remove and replace the floor and stringers in my 16ft runabout with little difficulty.I'd recommend this to any noviceattempting work on a fiberglass boat.

Well detailed, easy to follow, I thought I knew a lot but I still learned some really good ideas from this book,