{"product_id":"building-kathy-ann-my-lake-superior-boat-project-9798896560555","title":"Building Kathy Ann: My Lake Superior Boat Project","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eBuilding Kathy Ann\u003c\/em\u003e, 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Building Kathy Ann\u003c\/em\u003e 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, \u003cem\u003eSuperior Reads\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom Modern History Press\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ewww.ModernHistoryPress.com\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Modern History Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/15\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798896560555\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 102\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.71lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.31d","brand":"Robert Johnson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51616380518581,"sku":"9798896560555","price":30.56,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_77112987-6e98-4d32-8468-7ce197498662.jpg?v=1756189220","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/building-kathy-ann-my-lake-superior-boat-project-9798896560555","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}