I'm actually building a boat and will tell you that this book is a good overview on the topic, but when it comes to finding specifics for a particular project it will usually fall short. I have had much better luck with a specific research topic referring to the likes of Fred Bingham, Howard Chappelle, Bud Mcintosh, and Larry Pardey. Having said that, your library is not complete without this classic. It is another valued tool in the toolbox