Fiberglass Boats - Tapa dura

This third edition has been completely rewritten and updated, and concentrates on explaining the principles of fiberglass construction as well as sound practice. It contains much new information not previously published, including explanations of the peculiar nature of fiberglass, its durability, its weaknesses, the way it can fail, the effects of use and the latest research into causes of the biggest worry for owners - blistering and osmosis. The fiberglass boat industry is currently going through the greatest change since it started 40 years ago. But for the majority of owners this is irrelevant because their boats predate this change. Much of this book accordingly concentrates on how fiberglass boats used to be built, highlighting the deficiencies that were prevalent at the time together with their potential effects. Hugo du Plessis has written this book in a deliberately non-technical manner so that it will appeal equally to owners, students, surveyors and boatbuilders. It will be an invaluable source of reference for anyone, whether owner or professional, wanting to understand the many facets of fiberglass boat construction.

Hugo du Plessis has spent a lifetime with fiberglass. Forty years ago he was one of the pioneers, starting as a moulder and boatbuilder with a special interest in sheathing. Later he became a surveyor specializing in fiberglass boats, so gaining experience in the common defects as well as the elusive ones. He has, he says, learned something from every boat he has surveyed.

Hugo du Plessis has owned boats for 60 years, including a small charter fleet. This new edition was written on his yacht (fiberglass of course) while cruising in the West Indies.