Acclaimed author and naval architect Dave Gerr created this unique system of easy-to-use scantling rules and rules of thumb for calculating the necessary dimensions, or scantlings, of boat hulls, decks, and other parts, whether built of fiberglass, wood, wood/epoxy composite, steel, or aluminum.

In addition to the rules themselves, The Elements of Boat Strength offers their context: an in-depth, plain-English discussion of boatbuilding materials, methods, and practices that will guide you through all aspects of boat construction.

Now you can avoid wading through dense technical engineering manuals or tackling advanced mathematics. The Elements of Boat Strength has all the formulas, tables, illustrations, and charts you need to judge how heavy each piece of your boat should be in order to last and be safe. With this book, an inexpensive scientific calculator, and a pad of paper, you'll be able to design and specify all the components necessary to build a sound, long-lasting, rugged vessel.

What reviewers have said about Dave Gerr's other books:

Propeller Handbook

"By far the best book available on the subject."
- Sailing

"The best layman's guide we've ever read."
- Practical Sailor

"Dave Gerr and International Marine made a complicated topic understandable and put it into a handbook that is easy to use."
- WoodenBoat

"Without doubt the definitive reference for selecting, installing, and understanding boat propellers."
- Royal Navy Sailing Association Journal

The Nature of Boats

"If you are not nautically obsessed before reading this book, you will most certainly be afterward."- Sailing

"Fascinating potpourri of information about today's boats, modern and traditional." - WoodenBoat

"The best explanation of (propeller) formulas and theories that I've ever seen-not exactly bedtime reading, mind you, but propellers don't get any better than this." - The Society of Boat and Yacht Designers

"The best layman's guide we've read." - Practical Sailor

The Nature of Boats is packed with understandable explanations of the difference between initial and reserve stability, of why winged keels do what they do, of how torque and horsepower work, of traditional vs. high-tech boatbuilding materials, of rudder control, of speed powered by sails vs. engines, of floatation and trim, and more.

"A witty and wise romp through boat design and theory of hulls, their speed, displacement, advantages and faults, motors, sails, building. Abundant lucid drawings. Great fun."
Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
- Book News, Inc.
(This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title)

"It's quite obvious Gerr understands the weaknesses of those of us afflicted with a passion for boats. Furthermore, he trades on our insatiable appetite for nautical tidbits. And he does it well. There's hardly an aspect of yacht design, construction, and operation that he doesn't touch on in his cheerful, chatty manner." - Sea

"If you are not not nautically obsessed prior to reading this book, you will most certainly be afterword." - Sailing

"It's sort of a cross between David Macaulay's The Way Things Work and a volume of Andy Rooney essays. Which means it's fun and educational at the same time." - Practical Sailor