Who'd have thought books might be the answer...

Something even scarier than the current pandemic, a good read, and in the "Just in case you haven't been paying attention" department...

I've been watching a YouTube channel featuring a likable couple with a little boat, a large dash of enthusiasm, and an inclination to, when needful, to sort out issues in a DIY manner.

So far so good right?

Well, you might say there's a "petit problème" as their DIY skills are sorely lacking to the point that I seldom can get through one of their videos without visibly cringing at just how clueless they are in terms of tools, methods, and materials of doing the DIY boat work thing. A problem that the couple in question are well aware of as they often point out that they are indeed clueless and if anyone knows how to do stuff that they'd really appreciate some advice in the comments.

Sadly, as often as not, the advice-givers are just as clueless as the couple asking for advice. So we wind up with a somewhat problematic cycle of the Möbius strip sort.

I mention this because the couple in question are not alone and, just maybe, what is really needed is not advice but a few books for reference purposes.

Take the question of how to use epoxy asked recently...

So, if you happen to be looking for information on using epoxy I'd suggest "The Epoxy Book" from System Three (a free download), "The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction" (also a free download), and if you really want to up your skillset buy/download a copy of Russel Brown's excellent "Epoxy Basics: Working with Epoxy Cleanly & Efficiently". I've been using epoxy on boats for three decades and these are the books I still use on a regular basis.

There's an incredible amount of real (as opposed to conjecture/opinion) knowledge available in books that far surpasses what's available in forums, comments, and the odd passersby. It just makes a lot of sense to avail yourself of existing information instead of getting on the trial and error bandwagon which seems to be the norm these days.

Now, if you'll forgive me, I have a Luddite meeting to attend...

Listening to an album's worth of Fleetwood Mac covers

So it goes...

Something that might come in handy...

About that "enemies list", a lifesaving use for fish skin, and some needful situational awareness...

Yesterday the good folks at Duckworks sent out an email with some information about a new product with the moniker of Composite Patch that they're selling.

It's kind of cool.



Not cheap but something that sure could come in handy around a boat.

Looking at APLTec's website who make the Composite Patch there is a lot more information and a variety of videos expounding on various uses and how to work with the product.



Definitely worth checking out.

Listening to an album of Bob Dylan covers

So it goes...

Just a little food for thought regarding composite structure...

Something to think about, a little needful reading, and some apt life advice...

I hate to admit it but I tend to cringe whenever someone mentions the words "composite" and "boat design" in the same sentence. Not that I'm not in favor of composite construction but because it is mostly used incorrectly or badly. Slapping some carbon fiber on something does not a true composite make especially if the carbon is doing all of the work.

So, take a look at a bit of inspired use of carbon that actually makes a whole lot of sense.

And yes, dear Reader, I know it is in fact a guitar neck and not a bit of boat as it is a lot easier to find smart use of carbon in guitar building than in boats. Plus, after watching the debate last night I'm just not in the mood to spend a day searching for the rare occurrence of smart use of carbon in a boat.

Listening to Skinny Lister

So it goes...