| Writing an entire book on the topic of inflatable boats | | | | up until chapter eight and nine of the book. This is |
| seems to be somewhat of a challenging task. After | | | | where you will find the most valuable information for |
| the first few pages, one would think that the topic | | | | maintaining and repairing your boat - both minor and |
| would exhaust itself pretty quickly. Making the book | | | | permanent repairs. |
| an easy and fun read seems almost impossible. In | | | | Writing Style |
| fact, the author's first written line in the | | | | The topic of inflatable boats and dinghys is not the |
| Acknowledgement section of this book reads "This | | | | most exciting one to write a book about, but this |
| book was hard to write." | | | | author does a good a job as any to make it as |
| Mr. Trefethen succeeds, however, in writing an | | | | interesting and fun to read as possible. Writing style is |
| informative and entertaining book, Inflatable Boats: | | | | light and full of humor, with many "story" lines scattered |
| Selection, Repair and Seamanship. It is laid out well | | | | throughout the book. Mr. Trefethen does not simply |
| and manages to fully cover the topics that readers | | | | spew out inflatable boat facts, but weaves personal |
| interested in inflatable seaworthy crafts would find | | | | stories and anecdotes into the factual information. |
| useful - without being dull and overbearing in on any | | | | Another nice touch is the use of penciled illustrations |
| one topic. | | | | and charts to offset the text. No color photography |
| Content | | | | is used. Jim's writing style is light and often amusing, |
| The product description for this book dwells on the | | | | but it is clear that he is an experienced sailor with a |
| topic of repairing an inflatable boat. Although learning | | | | wealth of knowledge to share. At the end of the |
| how to repair an inflatable craft is important, this book | | | | book, you will find lists of major manufacturers of |
| contains much more content than that topic alone. | | | | inflatables and their contact information. |
| Chapter one begins with a history of inflatable boats, | | | | Rating |
| from ancient times to the present day. Did you know | | | | We found this book to be highly informative as well as |
| that the first use of inflatable crafts date back to 550 | | | | very entertaining. It is intended for someone who is |
| B.C? (You will have to purchase the book to find out | | | | either looking to purchase an inflatable boat, or who |
| how they did it!) | | | | already owns one. If you are in the market to |
| In addition to the short history of the inflatable boat, Mr. | | | | purchase your first inflatable craft, it will definitely make |
| Trefethen also thoroughly discusses the types of | | | | your buying decision much easier. |
| modern materials used to build today's durable crafts in | | | | If you are an experienced inflatable boat owner, the |
| chapter two. | | | | chapters on maintenance and repairs are worth the |
| Content that you will find useful is literally found in ever | | | | price of the book alone. And if you simply want to |
| chapter of this book. Chapter four deals with the | | | | read an informative and entertaining book on a fun |
| topic of inflatable boat selection, which leads nicely into | | | | topic, this book is also highly recommended. Keep in |
| chapter 5: Outboards, Oars, and other Options. | | | | mind that this book deals mainly with inflatable boats |
| Chapter six follows with a discussion on how to | | | | and dinghys, not so much with inflatable kayak |
| operate your boat safely once you have selected the | | | | reviews. |
| model and its accessories. | | | | We give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. |
| The topics of maintenance and repair does not come | | | | |