ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 51 INTRODUCTION 9The hull structure * Motors, masts and sails2 FIBREGLASS-- THE WONDER MATERIAL 13Cleaning fibreglass * Removing scratches * Repairing damage * Major repair work * Finishing3 TIMBER-- THE OLD FAITHFUL 29Timbers * Buying timber * Timber fittings * Cleaning timber * Repairing damage4 METAL-- ALUMINIUM AND STEEL HULLS 43Cleaning * Removing dents * Rust and corrosion * Repairing damage5 TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES 51Saws * Planes * Sanders * Hand sanding * Sandpapers * Drills * Screwdrivers * Chisels * Files * Other useful tools6 FASTENINGS 67Timber fastenings * Metal * Fibreglass7 PAINTS AND PAINTING 89Preparing the surface * Spray painting * Roller painting * Brush painting * Clear finishes * Cleaning up8 SAILS 105A maintenance programmes * Sailcloth * Care of sails * Cleaning9 MAST, SPARS AND RIGGING 117Masts and spars * Standing rigging * Running rigging * Joining ropes * Blocks and tackles10 MARINE MOTORS 145Inboard motors * Outboard motors * Stern-drive motors * Care andmaintenance * Ancillary systems * Laying up a motor for the winter11 THE UNDERWATER AREAS 167Slipping * Careening * Anti-fouling paints * Marine fouling * Preparing and painting the underwater areas * Caulking and splining a timber hull * The underwater fittings * Laying up the boat for winter12 THE MAIN CAUSES OF MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS 193Osmosis * Dry rot * Wet rot * Stained or faded fibreglass * Leaks13 VULNERABLE ELECTRICS 213Batteries * Navigation lights * Navigation equipment * Earthing the electric wiring * Solar charging panels * A basic lightning conductor14 THE SAFETY GEAR 23315 A FEW FITTING OUT IDEAS 251Simple joinery * Fitting a handrail * Self-locking drawers * Laid decks * Laminating timber * Steaming timber * Sheathing a timber deck * Fitting fibreglass furniture and tanks * Making a hatch cover * Fittingcockpit drains * Self-draining deck * Sheathing an old dinghyGLOSSARY 276INDEX 279NOTES 286.