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The author goes into detail with his instructions but remains accessible throughout. Prior to reading this book, I couldn't have seen myself ever building something this beautiful and useful. There are no tricky formulas or maths to confuse the manual process. I bought this book recently, read and re-read it cover to cover, and performed as much research on the subject as possible.
You have the option of purchasing the full-size plans at a reasonable price from the author if you have doubts or no previous experience creating lofts from offsets.Building Outrigger Sailing Canoes is not meant to be a historical survey of Pacific outrigger canoes, nor is it meant to be a complete guide on how to sail, paddle or cruise with them. Two weeks later, I ordered a set of full sized plans for the Ulua sailing canoe featured in this book. I am in the midst of building this boat as I write this review.My personal experience aside, I will say that this an exceptional DIY book with many clear and well-composed illustrations and diagrams. I have always been enamored with outrigger canoes and catamarans. In my opinion, the author would be re-inventing the wheel if he did so. All the measurements are given in English and Metric units.
Building Outrigger Sailing Canoes is approachable to the first time builder that might have a little experience with power tools. If you've cut lumber with a tablesaw, built models with glue, and used a sabersaw to cut out basic wood shapes, then you have the skills necessary to build any one of the canoes in this book.
I'd suggest Ted Moore's "Canoecraft", "Sailmaker's Apprentice" by Emiliano Marino andr Nick Schade's "Building Strip Planked Boats" for further reading. I've built small wood & plastic models, but that's about it.
The book is exactly what the title implies.The only areas for improvement I can find are possibly in the technique sections. In a couple of instances, he suggests some alternatives to techniques and materials for construction.
This is not an overly technical read or a jargon-ridden manual. A few more pages could be spent on detailing the strip planking and sail rigging, but there are several excellent books written on the subject.
Gary mentions a couple of these in the book's resources appendix, along with several valuable internet sites and forums specifically on outrigger sailing, culture and construction.
Nice book Gary,Lots of good ideas and very well presented.Your history with Rudy was of interest since I am also a designer and builder of ocean cruising catamarans.An interesting read, both from a historical and technical viewpoint.Richard Mason --shipwright, Port Lincoln. Australia.
An outrigger should attract some attention on the boat ramps here in Maine. There is plenty to ponder including the author's website and links.
The proof is in the pudding. Excellent.
Each boat also has options as to material and rig. I plan to build the T-2, one of the proas covered in detail.
Only the book is needed to complete several proas from start to finish, including sails. I was looking for something light weight, fast, and different.
Paul
The book also details the construction of amas, akas, spars, and foils; everything is covered. As a sailor, builder, and designer of multihulls, and collector of multihull related books, this one is unique. Dierking presents three simple and attractive designs, from a hard chined plywood outrigger for a first time builder or for a class project; to a strip built asymmetric hulled proa that is also simply described and laid out for a first time builder. If you are inclined to purchase plans from Dierking, this book would be the perfect primer. Actually, it's a great primer to anyone interested in building a small sailing craft.
This is, after all, a boat building book, not just an explanation of the types and principles of outrigger canoes (though you'll learn a lot about them as you read and build). The "Ulua" design, in particular would also make a great paddling hull in case you aren't interested in sailing all the time.
People who have read my book (Canoe Rig) know that I place great value on plenty of top-notch illustrations. If you're interested in building a sailing outrigger or have simply always wondered how these somewhat mysterious boats work, this book is a "must have" and contains a tremendous amount of information, especially for the price.
Toss in the bonus that they're light, fast and relatively easy to transport and store in the off-season and the become even more attractive. Gary's book is crammed full of them and does an excellent job of showing you exactly what he's talking about in the text.
They also inspire the reader to build one (or maybe even all three) of the boat projects illustrated, just because they're beautiful boats. Building procedures and options for all three designs are well documented and discussed.
In short, this book will be a great addition to any conoeist's library and any or all of the boats illustrated should be a very nice and unusual addition to your fleet.Todd BradshawAddiction Sailmakers
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