Book Learnin’: The Complete Wooden Runabout Restoration Guide
There are not many books out there to learn all the basics of restoring or maintaining classic mahogany runabouts, and for good reason: Don Danenberg covered it all.
His masterwork (or, works, as it was originally published as two separate volumes and then compiled as one) The Complete Wooden Runabout Restoration Guide (TCWRRG) is second to none. I would be willing to bet there isn’t a shop in the country doing this kind of work that doesn’t have a well-worn and dog-eared copy out on a workbench.
The two volumes span the spectrum of what you’d need to know, the first focusing on the woodwork. Volume One spends the first few chapters taking the time to work through the basics of construction, surveying, and inspecting hulls, followed by disassembly, material selection, and processes like steam-bending wood. Danenberg then moves methodically through the boat, instructing how to restore frames, transom, keel, stem, chines, bottom planking, topside planking, and the deck, each in turn. Once all complete, he spends the final chapters pulling it all together: fairing, sanding, staining, sealing, and varnishing. Now you have a glistening, beautiful boat!
Whatever might have been left out of Volume One is surely covered in Volume Two. These chapters are more like separate articles, each focused on specific, necessary topics. He writes on engines, upholstery, wiring, running gear, paint, hardware, and fasteners. Even trailers and storage options have their own chapter. In all, Danenberg deals with the topic with expert and clear direction accompanied by anecdotes from his decades of boatbuilding and stories from his own shop, Danenberg Boatworks in Manistee, Michigan.
I can’t stress enough how essential Danenberg’s writing is to my work. From diagnosing leaks to wiring engines, I don’t think there’s a project I don’t pull this book out for. In fact, I use it so often, if there’s a bill I need to be sure to pay or a piece of mail to remember to send out, I stash it in TCWRRG; that way, I’ll be sure to see it soon.
If you, for some reason, find yourself without a copy, go get one! Yes, I know the prices may shock you when you go looking, but that isn’t Dan’s fault (the publisher doesn’t seem like a friendly). But it’s still worth every penny, truly a testament to the wealth of knowledge it contains.
