Building Kathy Ann

In Building Kathy Ann, Robert Johnson shares the deeply personal and technically detailed story of building his custom steel-hulled boat from scratch in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Drawing on his lifetime of construction experience, family heritage in craftsmanship, and a love of Lake Superior, Johnson walks readers through every stage-from childhood inspiration, selecting materials, and designing the layout, to welding the hull and installing systems.

The project took several years and was guided by a commitment to quality, safety, and sharing adventure with family. The Kathy Ann was more than a boat; it was a legacy built with help from friends and lessons passed down from his father and grandfather. Blending memoir and technical manual, the book celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and the rewards of doing something by hand and heart. It is both a tribute to Northern heritage and a practical guide for any aspiring boat builder.

"Building Kathy Ann is a remarkable tribute to hands-on craftsmanship and perseverance. Robert Johnson takes readers on a heartfelt, detailed journey from blueprint to launch, transforming raw steel into a seaworthy vessel. His deep-rooted knowledge, patience, and problem-solving shine through every step. Blending memoir and manual, this book is both inspiring and informative-a true celebration of skill, legacy, and love for the Great Lakes. A must-read for makers, mariners, and dreamers alike." Victor R. Volkman, Superior Reads

From Modern History Press

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