A practical guide to the main design considerations inherent in building yachts and other small craft. It explores how materials behave structurally, how structures resist loads, how failure is likely to occur and how materials can be put together to create boats. The author’s stated intention is to provide a thinking approach to boat construction. Case studies are given prominence and theory is introduced as needed in order to develop each study. A comprehensive glossary provides useful definitions of terms and calculations are separated from the main text so that the book can be read with or without amplification. The book is generously illustrated with over 120 line drawings and photographs.