Book excerpt: This book caters specifically for the needs of prospective buyers of production and custom built boats, outlining the pros and cons of all types of boatbuilding materials. It will help owners decide what material is most suitable for their needs and how to customise and modify the boat to suit their particular requirements. With his vast experience of boat design, Bruce Roberts-Goodson gives advice (for both sail and powerboats) on: construction materials and methods special tools required suitable building sites designing and building the interiors engines for sail and power electrical systems for sail and power rigging, sail plans and keels plumbing and equipment Bruce Roberts-Goodson has a thriving boat design business, and with many hundreds of enquiries each day, he is well placed to know what questions customers want answered and what the current trends are.