3 stars (Great read, but a bit thin in critical areas) - This is a very entertainingly written book, essential for anyone restoring a wooden boat - worth it as a fun read alone. Good general introductory information about wooden boat types and construction, very good information about planning and initiating projects, tools, and repairing holes in a wooden hull. Sadly, the book is a bit thin in some critical areas: the section on hull refinishing is insubstantial, unclear, and confusing. Also his information on the use of expoxies and their derivatives for hull strengthening is a bit dated - you need to look further to get the best info here, and this is a critical area. (I also take issue with his promotion of fiberglassing wooden hulls, but this is more in the area of a personal disagreement than a problem with the book.) Of course, with any ambitious project you'll have a stable of books, and be sure to add this one. Or get it for sure if you're an armchair boat refurbisher. But if your primary interest is refinishing the hull, look elsewhere. 5 stars (Great Read) - I found the book both entertaining and very useful. The author adds humor as well as knowledge which means you read for the enjoyment as well as the practical skills you will obtain. The author covers every aspect from searching for a boat , restoring , repairing and the all important how to get a good fininsh on your final product. Would recommend this book to anyone considering doing restoration work on a wooden boat regardless of size. Just completed my last restoration project using this book and very satisfied with the results. 3 stars (Decent info - but proceed with caution.) - The previous reviews touch on the good points of this book, so I won't bother to repeat these. Suffice to say, there's plenty of good info to be had from this book. I would however express one word of caution. It has to do with the author's tendancy to push the reader toward approaches and methods t... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Woodwork - General :: Woodwork :: Wooden boats :: Sports & Recreation :: Small Craft Maintenance And Repair :: Ships & Shipbuildi :: Wooden Boat Renovation- New Life for Old Boats Using Modern Methods
5 stars (Excellent coverage of fiberglass repairs) - Covers all the areas I needed. Soft & rotten cores, broken fiberglass, chipping, etc. I liked it so much I just ordered his book on refinishing. 1 stars ( Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair ) - Good book with understandable illustrations and practical suggestions. 5 stars (Lots of details in a small package) - This is an excellent book for someone who knows nothing about fiberglass boat repair. It starts off with a brief discussion of the three major sealant types (polysulfide, polyurethane and silicone) and when to use each. Other sections cover the different types of resin, epoxy choices, etc. etc. Excellent information when trying to decide which of the gazillion products to purchase in the boating catalogs. Major sections include Leaks (finding and fixing, installing deck hardware), Restoring the Gloss (polishing and scratch repair), Deck Repairs (stress cracks, voids, nonskid surfaces, and teak decks), Laminate Repair (fiberglass layup, types of resins, epoxy), Core Problems (wet core, stiffening), Hull Repairs (gouges, blisters, impact damage), Keel and Rudder Damage (centerboard pivots, weeping keels, etc.) This little book is not afraid to tackle big projects--the Core Problems section for example shows the repair of a huge 2-foot diameter section of rotted core. The book makes it sound easy, but I'd rather not think about that much work. The section on gelcoat--what it is, how it is manufactured, and how to keep it looking good as long as possible--is by itself worth the price of the book. ... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Sports & Recreation :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Sailing - General :: Sailboats :: Sail Powered Craft M :: Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair
3 stars (dated) - This is a very old book as far as fiberglass boats go.Must later prcedures,and products not included. There is some usefull info in the book 5 stars (Ready, Set, Fix) - This book was not only very informative, but also a very great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down once I started. Quickly I now have the knowledge I need to continue my work on my project boat. I would recommend this to anyone looking to work with an old boat of any kind. True enough, some tricks here will save you money. 3 stars (I think there are better books out there . . .) - This is a good book. It is complete, to be sure. For the expert fiberglass repair person, I cannot speak, but it is certainly difficult to read for an amateur. Generally, a bit much to swallow. I think that other books have similar information more elegantly stated. The fault is not with the content, but the presentation. ... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Small Ship Design And Construction :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Ship Maintenance A :: The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual
5 stars (Great Book for beginners and advanced users) - Tons of good information to get started with using a GPS, goes beyond the basics. Really a very good starter book. Once you get this book, I would also recomend "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching" and the Owing's "GPS Mapping". With GPS for Dummies and my Garmins 60CS manual, I was able to hit the trail in a few hours. With the other books as complement, I have become very accurate locating waypoints when I do horse riding or 4x4 trips. 2 stars (Dangerous in the wrong hands) - A book that sends you out in the field with a GPS but without the knowledge of how to use a map and compass too. If you reall are a "dummy," you should start with the basics first before relying on an electronic device that can leave you stranded. Better choices would be the Land Navigation Handbook (new edition) and Wilderness Navigation (less detailed). 5 stars (Highly recommended.) - Excellent book. Highly recommend it for all beginner geocachers as well as advanced geocachers. Doc Beamont, Texas Geocacher ... For Dummies :: Sports & Recreation & Outdoor Skills :: Boating :: Technology & Industrial Arts :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Satellite Communication Technology :: Outdoor :: GPS For Dummies
5 stars (The big book of boat systems) - This book nominally covers everything there is to do on a boat of an electrical or mechanical nature including diesel engines. But the vast majority of the book is on electrical equipment. After all, most of the things on the boat sooner or later wind up being part of the electrical system. Many boats have two electrical systems in parallel. There's the basic DC system, usually 12 volt, sometimes 24. Then there's an entirely separate circuit for 115 volt AC power used when the boat is docked at appropriate places. This book covers it all. The first chapters are on the battery itself and the circuitry around the boat. Then it gets into battery chargers, inverters, wind and water generators, solar cells, everything you ever wanted to know. There are chapters on corrosion, lightning protection, radios and antennas and on and on. About half the book is on purely electrical devices. The remaining half has chapters on engines, toilets, air conditioning and so on, but this also includes a lot of electrical devices such as autopilots, bow thrusters, and so on that may require electrical power. Basically this is the bible on how to fix things on the boat. You'll save a fortune on repair bills, and even more if you're halfway across the ocean. 5 stars (If You Could Only Have One Boating Book, this is the One) - If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and could only take one CD with you, which one would you take and why? Years ago I used to listen to a program on the BBC that asked famous guests that question, only they said record, not CDs. Well I suppose I'd take Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" if I were in that fix. And if I were to go to sea on a cruising sailboat and could only take one book with me, it would have to be this excellent, well written book by Mr. Calder. It's big, heavy, expensive and if you need it, you'll be glad you have it and you'll think it's worth it's weight in gold. 5 stars (RV Repair Guid... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Nigel Calder :: :: Boatowner-s Mechanical and Electrical Manual
5 stars (Clear and concise- and attractive) - The best introduction to sailing I've found. The illustrations- cartoons, really- are attractive, and clearly show exactly what you want to know without excessive detail or abstract diagrams. Along with instruction from a friend, this is the book that taught me how to sail my little Potter 15. Recommended for all beginning sailors, and those who are intersted in learning more about sailing. 5 stars (wonderful sailing book) - As I said, I own many sailing books, but this is my favorite. It teaches while still catching the essence, the soul of sailing. (so many sailing books of this type are so dry). 5 stars (Better than Sailing For Dummies for dummies like me.) - I wish I had gotten this before I bought Sailing For Dummies. Sailing For Dummies somehow left me with a lot of unanswered basic questions about sailing. Complete Sailor answered those questions. Complete Sailor also has more illustrations that provide a clearer understanding of just what the heck the author's talking about. ... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Sailing - General :: Sailing :: Sailboats :: Physical Education :: Equipment and supplies :: Boating :: The Complete Sailor- Learning the Art of Sailing
4 stars (Great Information but Needing a 2nd Edition) - The edition of the book that I have was published in 1999. It was a very helpful book to guide me in my selection of my first sailboat. The general principles that John Vigor advocates will be valid indefinately. I found his "In Comparison" ratings and his "Known Weaknesses" sections valuable. His ratings of comparative seaworthiness, speed, and comfort help anyone selecting a small cruising sailboat. John has made a great contribution with this book. That being said, it would be nice to get a new edition. In particular, it would be valuable to get John's views on other potential bluewater sailboats easily cruised and handled by two people. What are his views on other boats in 28' to 32' size? I suggest the 1999 upper price limit of $50K should be increased. How about a limit of $100K? John's opinions on selected other potential boats from Beneteau, C&C, Catalina, Ericson, Island Packet, and Tartan would make it worth while to buy a new edition. 3 stars (Screen the Reviewers, Please......) - I've read Vigor's book, I've bought an Albin Vega within the past 3 weeks, I'm no circumnavigator (and never will be), but now have my boat of choice for the duration. I at least know if I do want to go offshore, my boat, properly prepared, can do it. The rater that speaks of Vigor's head being 'up his stern' should lighten up or, at least, give some reasoning for his unsubstantiated comments. Obviously, if your heading offshore you probably won't just read Vigor's book (or choose a Cal 20 or Catalina 27) but the book sure narrows the choices to make. And, of course, Vigor's choices aren't the only ones. As many raters said, 'a good starting point' and, contrary to captain 'up his stern' and his innuendo's, there's not a boat in Vigor's 20 choices that are inherently 'bad'. Sorry to Capt. A. Spears and his review which was, nevertheless, helpful; Tanya A. sailed around the world in a Contessa 26 not a Bay... Paradise Cay Publications :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Sailing - General :: Sail Boating :: John Vigor :: :: Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere
5 stars (Absolutely a MUST for your boat -- you need this book.) - You're familiar of course with the numerous lists of necessary books to have aboard your boat. Boat Owner's comes to mind by Nigel Calder as one. HOWEVER, I believe you will find more useful information within the 408 pages. Also, it's book size (won't be a pain to store aboard) will be welcome. The boring stuff (he tells you how to prioritize) -- some may need to hear/see safety first, and structure/bilge pumps et al. I could understand the reasoning but it wasn't real useful to me. His organizational check-lists will help folks actually plan chronology and FINISH the jobs. The best part though was the step by step, well-illustrated how-to's. Everything I could want/need to know was covered, including how to read my electric meter, how much insulation the refrigerator needs, how much heat loss to expect in various sized boxes, how to plan for power needs, and a logic as to what we really need/can use/and WILL WORK aboard. It's not a be-all/end-all book but it's very very good and well worth space aboard. You'll still need your shop books (for your engine, head, pumps, etc.) but with this gem you'll understand the why as well as the how to do repairs. Even canvas repair is covered. Don't tell anyone, but it's not genius material. You can do it yourself and save big bucks. Mostly though, it's a book of instructions for repairs/improvements and "gosh, that'd be nice" type of things. If you don't know already, you'll learn step-by-step how to Fiberglas, how to make sails, how to fix wiring, WHEN TO HIRE EXPERTS, and more. Even at retail price $35, it's well worth it, though of course I'd suggest saving $$ and buying used. 2 stars (Not complete) - I found that the book lacked certain basic information. for example: when restoring an old boat, one must typically contend with transporting the boat (perhaps mention of trailer, and cradle designs), or de-masting and storage, removing the multi-layer... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Transportation :: Sports & Recreation :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering :: Sailing - General :: Boating - General :: Don Cas :: This Old Boat
5 stars (Get Your Captain's License Ed. 3) - I received this volume in the mail about two weeks ago and have been hard at work using it to prepare for my exam. While not yet licensed, I have boated and sailed much of my life and am familiar with most of the material in it already. The new edition is quite thorough. It not only presents all the questions, but has substantial guides preceding each section to help you understand the principles, which I find to be the most helpful feature of all. The volume's only weakness is it is written in a very dry, technical manner making it somewhat laborious to read. Also, if you are not already familiar with some of the concepts, you need to read more basic, outside resources to prepare you to study them in this book, otherwise it will leave you behind. However, if you are not familiar with the material in this text, you probably should not be applying for licensure yet either. Finally, the new version of the software is very good. It still does not offer to test on the navigation problems. The author correctly states it cannot do this because one cannot plot with compass and parallel ruler from charts on a computer screen. However, I wish the software offered the tests anyway so that I could at least put my answers down and have it confirm them. It would just be more convenient for practicing. Cliff 1 stars (Don't be tempted by the included CD) - The software not only is simplistic, but also is unstable. 4 stars (A Good Start) - No single text is going to allow you to ace the test, but this should be one of the ones you use. This is the second edition and supposedly updated as of 2000. While much of the information is available on the Coast Guard web site, Wing does a good job of "packaging it" to make it much more readable. I found the light and signal summaries worth the price of the book. Without these two summaries, memorization of the many, many lights and signals would be much harder. Another plus is a "p... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: United States :: Study Guides :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Ships & Shipbuilding - General :: Ship captains :: Se :: Get Your Captain-s License- Third Edition
4 stars (A Classic in Need of a New Edition) - I have a copy of the "Annapolis Book of Seamanship," 3rd edition dated 1999. I have the highest regard for John Rousmaniere and the great contribution this book makes to sailing. There is information in this book that is hard to find. The text is extremely well written, useful, and informative. However, as I write this review in 2005, I suspect most of us would find some of the photos and illustrations have a dated look and feel. If you compare the third edition of "Annapolis" to the current edition of "Chapman's", you will see that "Annapolis" looks dated. The increased use of color and the increased use of higher resolution photos would help better illustrate the knowledge that the author is trying to communicate. Some updates of the text would be of value, for example as related to electronics. Despite the areas for updating in the third edition, "Annapolis" is well worth the price for any sailor's library. 5 stars (It's all you need but the boat and water!) - I purchased this book feeling that Chapman's was the bible of boating. I expected the Annapolis Book of Seamanship to be a sail boat owners version of the same, covering much of the same ground with a slant toward the sailor. I now know that this is only half true! John Rousmaniere, who I have since had the honor of meeting, presents a no nonsense look at sailing and seamanship. He takes this sailing business very seriously and doesn't fudge on anything. His own sailing experience has taught him that sailing can be dangerous and that the sea or any large body of water is to be dealt with respectfully, safely and with a base of knowledge and preparedness. John knows his stuff and is unquestionably one of the country's most knowledgeable seamen. His words are like gold to every sailor. 5 stars (A "Must Have" for all Sailors) - When I started sailing my 27 foot sloop, I knew very little about sailing. I bought this book and used it to teac... Simon - Schuster :: Sports & Recreation & Sailing :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Seamanship :: Sailing - General :: Sailing :: Navigation :: Boating And Sailing :: Boating - General :: The Annapolis Book of Seamanship - Third Edition- Completely Revised- Expanded and Updated
5 stars (Great book) - Lot's of sailing info packed into one book. Covers many different aspects of sailing. 5 stars (Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook) - Outstanding book on cruising. Written primarily for sailboats, the day-to-day cruising information provided applies to power boaters also. This is one book cruisers should have onboard for quick reference. Nigle is one of today's best marine authors giving clear descriptions of the many boating tasks. 5 stars (A very complete reference) - The strength of this book is its readability. Calder writes very well, and he organizes this book in a way that makes it something one can read from cover to cover. Reading his work actually makes you want to be sailing. His treatment of yacht design is a fantastic walk through the desireable characteristics of yachts for cruising. If you are buying a boat, read this book before you finalize your decision. Calder acknowledges that every boat is a compromise, and he clearly favors traditional design over modern lines (he repeatedly expresses his distaste for wing keels, for example). The book then progresses through different sailing and cruising skills and issues. His discussion of anchoring is one of the best I have seen, and he does an admirable job of explaining marine weather. The one thing to keep in mind about this book is that it is rather "blue sky". He describes the ultimate cruising yacht (which looks remarkably like his own) and tends to overcook some of the concerns with "lesser" designs. Not everyone can afford to have a brand new Pacific Seacraft 40 built for them from scratch, but this is the boat Calder essentially lists as the perfect cruising yacht. ... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Seamanship :: Cruising :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Travel :: Transportation :: Sports & Recreation :: Sailing - General :: Sailing :: Sailboats :: Navigation :: H :: Nigel Calder-s Cruising Handbook- A Compendium for Coastal and Offshore Sailors
5 stars (Top Flight Calder) - The book gives you the tech you need, in terms you can understand. Calder is very impressive in his ability to impart knowledge to the layman. Don't however, assume this is just fluff overview, because it truly is the down and dirty of how it works and how to maintain it. 5 stars (A Cruiser's Engine Atlas) - This book provides the reader with a broad overview of most of the basic problems that can occur and offers simple solutions. I have recommended/loaned my copy of this book to several Diesel sailboat owners. The all remarked on how simple their repair was according to the book and how it save them $$. I do find the book is a little lacking in coverage of large powerboat diesels, but the concepts seem applicable. 5 stars (Know Your Diesel) - My copies of this book has grease stained fingerprints throughout. A lot of folks have told me they think this book is redundant, because much of the info is covered in Mr. Calder's Mechanical & Electrical Manual but this smaller book is easier to work with when working around your engine and the material is presented differently enough that the book is one I believe you should have if you live on a boat. ... International Marine-Ragged Mountain Press :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: Marine engineering :: Engines & power transmission :: Transportation :: Ships & Shipbuilding - Small Boat Maintenance and rep :: Marine Diesel Engines- Maintenance- Troubleshooting- and Repair
5 stars (A MUST FOR NEW BOATERS AND A GOOD REFERENCE FOR ALL) - I just replaced my 54th edition with the 64th. Much of it is the same but much has also changed in the past 16 years. If you are new to boating this book might literally save your life. If you're a seasoned skipper you'll find yourself using it for a reference more often than you'd imagine. Covers every thing you need to know for boating in either sail or power. This book is "the Boater's Bible". If for no other reason than learning the "rules of the waterway" Chapman's is worth it's weight in gold. 4 stars (Great book "manufactured" and edited in China) - This is a great book. It has almost everything. What it does not have, I have not found. I do have a problem with the book. The number of "typos" is huge. It appears that whoever proofed this book was not fluent in English. The words appear to be spelled correctly; they are just the wrong words. It v. if? "United State" v. United States. I don't know if past editions had this problem, but this one shure does. ... Hearst :: Sports & Recreation & Boating :: BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY PRESCHOOL :: Sale Books :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Boating - General :: Elbert S Maloney :: :: Chapman Piloting - Seamanship 64th Edition - The Boating World-s Most Respected Reference- Completel
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