"Throughout this resource manual, I have scattered some personal stories that hopefully illustrate and support some of my conclusions. All these stories are true, but occasionally, I have changed a name or location to avoid hurting the feelings of some of the people involved. The object of the stories is to show the reader that regardless of boating experience, "things" happen. I hope the stories will also lighten up a section if the "explanatory" comments get a little tedious.
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This book was written between the raindrops of my day job building fiberglass boats, my night job designing and engineering boats, and my weekend hobby of restoring old wood boats. Since my intention was to create a reference book, I don't expect folks to read it for escapism. So, there is some planned redundant information and, no doubt, some unplanned ramblings and repetitions. The reader can be assured that I have not quit my day job to start writing books.” — Walt Schulz
About Walt Schulz
In 1975, Walt Schulz founded Shannon Boat Company in Bristol, Rhode Island, to build semi-custom fiberglass, offshore yachts to his own designs. Over 40+ years of building in Bristol, Rhode Island, Shannon established an international reputation for building high-quality sailing and powering vessels. Two Guinness Records were broken in Shannon yachts designed and built by Walt Schulz. Over $750 million worth of Shannon offshore yachts, all designed and engineered by Walt, have been launched and are still seen in harbors around the world. Walt’s years in the boat business have given him unique expertise in yacht design, engines, electric, fiberglass, plumbing, and mechanical systems, and a thorough understanding of boat ownership’s often bewildering world. Walt is a private pilot with over 1100 hours flown and an experienced boater, having logged over 30,000 miles on Shannon yachts sailing all over the globe. He has authored several books and articles for boating publications, appeared on YouTube, and has been a keynote speaker for various marine organizations. In addition to his yacht design, marine engineering, and boat building work, Walt obtained 7 U.S. and European patents, including the first new lower horsepower/reduced emissions boat hull design patent (“SRD”) and a recent patent (www.amphfoil.com) on an electric hybrid hydrofoil boat using proprietary surface effect technology. Walt works days at Shannon and spends nights and weekends designing, engineering, and writing.
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His hobbies are sailing, restoring historic wood yachts, history, and paleoanthropology. Walt is married to Janet and has two daughters, Erin and Bridget, and one grandson, Michael Walter.
Other books by Walt Schulz
A Novel