Our copy of this book is dirty, kind of beat up, and splattered with grease and epoxy. I used this book as my companion while we brought our 40 year old sailboat to life. Following specific instructions in the sewing, fiberglass repair, and hardware sections, I was able to be a full participant in the boat recovery project. In areas where I already had some expertise (varnishing and painting), I found the advice to be right on target. I recommend this book all the time to new boat owners at our marina.

Don Casey is the Guru of practical boating and sensible cruising (The Thoreau Approach is another of his works that demonstrate this) and this was his first book. It recounts from a straight forward narrative the rebuilding of a basic cruiser.
However; it is so loaded with sound advice and practical hints on woodworking, glassing, fittings and cruising comforts it offers far more than a simple renovation guide. His good writing led to other books, articles and regular columns in the sailing, cruising and boating world.