I agree with a previous reviewer, in that many of the drawings needed to be cleaned up - a lot. Some actual photographs would have greatly enhanced the book as well! The cover photo is just a teaser, and ultimately becomes a depressing example of how nice this book COULD have been. Also, I found this compilation, often word for word, duplicated many of the designs and descriptions already covered in the "30/40/50 Wooden Boats" series. The reviews were based on previously written descriptions (see above), the reviewer's own interpretation of the drawings, or on hearsay - NOT on the reviewer's actual experience with the boats. Many times the experts just describe a boat from the drawings without any interpretation at all. Not too impressive, since even I can see if a boat is ketch rigged, has 3 berths, a starboard galley, etc.



That being said, the book does have 100 boats to dream about, including paddle, sail and power boat designs of all different sizes. Most are fairly conventional, older, wooden boats - but some of them are not, and are pretty interesting and thought provoking. When the expert reviewers venture their own opinions, the reading becomes more entertaining, and it is nice to get a different slant than the one promoted by the designer or plans broker.



If you don't mind the lack of photographs, and aren't already familiar with the other boat design books put out by Wooden Boat magazine, then this is a nice book to have.



If you're looking for in-depth information, real visual inspiration and originality, then save your money.