The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction - WEST SYSTEM Epoxy

x Preface
<strong>The</strong> brief history of <strong>Gougeon</strong> <strong>Brothers</strong> and WEST SYSTEM epoxy (Chapter 1) and overview of modern wood/epoxy
composite construction (Chapter 2) are new. We have also written new prefaces for each chapter, alerting readers to
changes or new techniques. In addition, we have included limited new material within the chapters to update information
and reflect significant shifts in practice.
Hardware bonding receives greater emphasis in the 5th edition. We have also updated safety information and
included current product information. Revised appendices reflect ongoing testing and developments. New photographs
show the wide range of successful boats built during the last 35 years using the techniques discussed in the
book.
To meet the needs of an international audience, we have also provided metric equivalents for the English measurements
used in the book. Where there are standard metric sizes—for sheet plywood dimensions, for example—we
give these. For measurements that do have a direct metric equivalent, we use approximations based on common
metric standards or round off for clarity.
Thus, this updated 5th edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Gougeon</strong> <strong>Brothers</strong> on Boat Construction not only continues to make fundamental
information on “modern” wood/epoxy boatbuilding readily available to readers. Through its revisions, it also
provides a contemporary context for understanding these materials and techniques.
While we are planning new publications to cover changes, choices, and considerations in wooden boatbuilding for
the 21st century, we continue to print <strong>The</strong> <strong>Gougeon</strong> <strong>Brothers</strong> on Boat Construction: Wood and WEST SYSTEM
Epoxy as a snapshot in time—modern wooden boatbuilding as it emerges from traditional methods to embrace new
materials and new technologies.