Fix it and sail : everything you need to know to buy and restore a small sailboat on a shoestring

Find a small cruising sailboat and restore it to pristine condition on a budget that won't sink your budget Small, trailererable cruising sailboats are more popular than ever as mooring spaces dwindle and marina dockage and winter storage costs soar. Fix It and Sail helps you discover boatloads of fun far less than a single ski weekend or golf club membership. Veteran sailor and journalist Brian Gilbert shows you how to select and inspect a boat, then restore it from keel to rigging. Gilbert's clear, step-by-step instructions guide you through every phase of the restoration process from repairing keels, hulls, ports, and cabins to painting, wiring, and sealing. You'll learn how to evaluate, repair and replace hardware, upholstery, canvaswork, and more. Profusely illustrated appendices give you a vivid picture of the costs, tasks, and labor involved in an actual restoration project.

Find a small cruising sailboat and restore it to pristine condition on a budget that won't sink your budget

Small, trailererable cruising sailboats are more popular than ever as mooring spaces dwindle and marina dockage and winter storage costs soar. Fix It and Sail helps you discover boatloads of fun far less than a single ski weekend or golf club membership. Veteran sailor and journalist Brian Gilbert shows you how to select and inspect a boat, then restore it from keel to rigging.

Gilbert's clear, step-by-step instructions guide you through every phase of the restoration process from repairing keels, hulls, ports, and cabins to painting, wiring, and sealing. You'll learn how to evaluate, repair and replace hardware, upholstery, canvaswork, and more. Profusely illustrated appendices give you a vivid picture of the costs, tasks, and labor involved in an actual restoration project.

Brian Gilbert is a lifelong sailor who lived aboard a Catalina 27 for four years. As a young father with a modest budget, he bought a Venture 22 for $500. The photos of his restoration of that boat are truly inspirational. His sailing articles have appeared in Good Old Boat, Small Craft Advisor, and DIY Marine magazines.

Yes, you can find the small, trailerable sailboat that's right for you, buy it for $2,000, $1,000, or less, restore it to pristine condition, and sail into the sunset. Budget sailor Brian Gilbert leads you through the entire process, from choosing a boat to setting off on your maiden voyage.This learn-as-you-go handbook presents a gallery of fourteen author-recommended, widely available pre-owned trailer sailer models, and shows you how to inspect any boat before you buy. Crisp, step-by-step instructions guide you through the quickest, most cost-effective restoration methods, while photos and drawings vividly demonstrate the process. Before you know it, you'll master every skill you need to get the boat of your dreams at a price that won't keep you awake nights. Topics include: Restoring the hull, keel, cabin, and ports, Fiberglassing, surface preparation, painting, and sealing, Woodworking, metalwork, canvaswork, and wiring, Repairing and improving the rigging and sails, Sea trials and commissioning, including engine and outfitting. Why restore a trailer sailer? : economics, practical considerations, and having it your way Resources and choices for the small boat sailor : books, websites, magazines, and a look at a few boats Getting ready : safety, tooling, and setting up shop Getting started : restoration strategies, tooling up, cleaning, and more Boat joinery and woodworking : materials, techniques, and procedures Marine metalwork : cost-effective solutions for the trailer sailer Upholstery and canvaswork : sewing basics for small boats The rig : inspection, repair, and replacement Outboard motors : a cost-effective power plant Sea trials and commissioning : finishing it all up. Crisp, step-by-step restoration instructions, supported by excellent photos and drawings A photo gallery of the top 16 small sailboats found for sale, used, all over North America Restoration techniques are similar for all Fully itemized work and expense lists for sample restorations Advice for outfitting and enjoying the boat