Boatowner's Mechanical And Electrical Manual: How To Maintain, Repair, And Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems
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The boatowner's foremost troubleshooting guide, now better than ever If it's on a boat and it has screws, wires, or moving parts, it's covered in Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual. When you leave the dock with this book aboard, you have at your fingertips the best and most comprehensive advice on:
"If you had to choose a single book to help you assess and maintain your boat gear, this would be it."—Practical Sailor "A truly remarkable bible. . . . This book is the best of its kind."—WoodenBoat "A major achievement. . . . It would be hard to imagine anything going wrong on a boat that couldn't be figured out with this book."—Sailing World "The world's best technical reference and troubleshooting book."—Sailing Inland and Offshore "This manual will be of lasting interest to anyone who wants to know how their boat works, what has gone wrong when it doesn't, and how it could be fixed."—Classic Boat "Without becoming too complex, the book covers almost every imaginable mechanical or electrical matter in the marine environment."—Work Boat World "Calder lives what he writes, . . . [and] what he offers . . . is practical solutions to problems associated with increasingly complex marine systems. . . . [A] bargain for anyone in the construction and repair side of the boat business."—Professional Boatbuilder |
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Do yourself a favor: if you own a boat, you should also own the Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual. Written in a simple, accessible style, the Manual is aimed at helping the nonexpert solve problems in marine systems--think of it as a friendly mechanic. Author Nigel Calder explains how the systems work, helps you troubleshoot and identify problems, and presents clear and concise instructions on how to repair them. Best of all, Calder also offers helpful advice on how to prevent future system failure. Absolutely indispensable for boat owners. --M. Stein
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| Reader Reviews Below Sorted by Newest First | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10-27-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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unbelievably detailed book and hence one where some information may become obsolete fairly quickly, though some is timeless. I was hoping for mostly overview material but I can skip the gorey details if I want.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-30 06:03:29 EST)
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| 09-10-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Every boat owner who plans on doing work on their boat should have a copy of this book. You will be able to do the work correctly the first time and fix what was done before you. Just an incredible reference.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-10-27 05:18:42 EST)
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| 09-08-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Green horn or old salt, this book is an absolute must have for those among us who take pride in having boat grime under our fingernails. Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual covers well everything that makes the power and sailboat tick. Even if a topic encountered is beyond the reader's skill or comfort level, the knowledge gained through study of this manual give a foundation for understanding and measuring basic standards of quality and workmanship when, Heaven Forbid, you must pay someone else to make things right with your boat. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's boat is more than a floating cocktail lounge.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-11 04:59:30 EST)
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| 05-12-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I have a 1987 Catalina 30 sailboat with a diesel engine. I wish I had purchased a copy of this book six years ago when I bought my boat. I might have saved hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars in yard bills by doing more of the work myself with the help of this book. I have the 2nd Edition published in 1995. I think it is well organized, well written, and I find the illustrations to be clear. A friend of mine purchased the 3rd Edition, which has updated information, particularly on electronics. However I am extremely satisfied with the 2nd Edition for my needs.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-08 05:19:47 EST)
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| 05-07-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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No this is not a book for inland gas boats! This is a book for ocean going vessels. Both power and sail. I have cruised on a 28' Columbia (outboard) and a 41' Islander Freeport (perkins). It was a *must have* with the Cruising Handbook in 4 years of full time cruising. [...] Fairwinds!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-19 01:36:51 EST)
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| 02-27-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is the second Nigel Calder book I own, and I am even more impressed. I am an ASA-certified instructor qualified to teach through bareboat chartering and coastal navigation. I have sailed on all sorts of boats, have owned a cruising style boat for six years, have heard boat owners and students complain about various problems, have read dozens of books, and through all of this have experienced so many mysteries related to corrosion, electrical problems, equipment problems, and issues with various boat systems. For the first time, I feel I have a single reference manual specific to boat systems that not only provides clear troubleshooting steps but goes beyond troubleshooting to clearly explain the mechanical and physical principles that demystify why things go wrong and how the troubelshooting steps systematically work through problems. The explanations are understandable, the instructions and safety tips are effective, and the diagrams and photos are valuable. It has already helped me deal with a grounding problem that was causing our main cirvruit breaker to trip!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-19 01:36:51 EST)
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| 02-23-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I'm redesigning the electrical system for my boat and portions of this book has given me the knowledge to make informed decisions, with an understanding of the trade offs, about what features and capabilities I would like my new system to have. It has also provided information to allow me to make intelligent decisions about selecting new components to achieve my electrical system goals efficiently (save money by not buying things I don't need). I would recommend this book for the person with a basic knowledge of electricity who wants to understand either how their current electrical system works or how they might change it to make it better.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-28 07:20:24 EST)
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| 02-13-08 | 4 | 1\1 |
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This is a great book. I love the extensive coverage of electrical systems, as it seems so many boaters have problems with electrical. I was a little surprised that the engine section only covers diesel engines. No big deal, as most of the other stuff applies to gas too (impellers, transmission, etc), but I wanted to know a little about a head overhaul and there's not much there for the gas engine owner.
Still, I'd highly recommend this book to any boat owner who also has the gumption to do the work themselves. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-27 07:26:24 EST)
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| 01-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I am a student at a well-known school of boat building in Maine. This is one of the texts we use in our Marine Systems Technology course. It is very thorough, detailed and one can understand what the author is trying to say. I just gave a copy to my father-in-law who keeps his boat on Buzzards Bay. I think the owner of every recreational yacht should have one, if only to understand what the guys at the yard are talking about when discussing the systems on the boat.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-20 12:17:13 EST)
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| 11-24-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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The ideal book for understanding what goes on inside a sailing boat... beyond sailing.
Necessary and sufficient for a complete self maintenance of one's yacht, and when planning for upgrades. As clear as a technical book can be. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-23 20:51:40 EST)
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| 08-19-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is one of the most useful, practical, and understandable mechanical and electrical information sources on the planet! I have a couple of professional degrees and I still learned PLENTY from this book. Don't learn the hard way read this book! This should be required reading for all the girls and boys in the college of engineering. That way they would be comfortable to operate in the field making everyday practical decisions.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-25 05:24:37 EST)
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| 08-08-07 | 3 | 0\1 |
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good on basics except fails to help those of us looking for information on older, or actually any, gasoline engines. And that is not mentioned in any of the advertisements or other information. I should return it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 03:14:56 EST)
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| 08-07-07 | 5 | 0\1 |
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My husband and I just bought a vintage steel-hulled Abeking & Rassmussen classic cutter-rigged boat. We are restoring, re-wiring, reconnecting plumbing, refinishing the interior, etc. This reference book is by my husband's side throughout the process. It has been on-target in every aspect. We will be acquiring more Nigel Calder titles, I am certain.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 03:14:56 EST)
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| 07-27-07 | 5 | 0\1 |
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This book is a must for boat owners.
Amazon is by far the cheapest place to purchase it. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 03:14:56 EST)
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| 07-26-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a great book with lots of information, a must for anyone that may have to do any repairs them self on their boat, lots of input on the how to for the boat owner mechanic.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 03:14:56 EST)
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| 05-09-07 | 5 | 2\2 |
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The third edition of Nigel Calders' seminal work has improved even more proving that this is still THE book for the expert or novice. Nigel's easy style is akin to have a quiet conversation with an expert. The text is clear and concise and the photos and illustrations ensure that the reader will gain a thorough grasp of the subject material.
If you own a boat, power or sail, that has any electrical, mechanical or plumbing system onboard, then you need this book. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 03:14:56 EST)
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| 04-10-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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Full of secrets only professionals know, this book will teach even the most experienced boater some new tricks. This reference is a must-have for all boat owners.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-13 06:22:43 EST)
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| 03-18-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This is a very good book. If you feel that most books on boating are for absolute beginners, this is the one to get. Even the most experienced boat-owner will have something to learn here. It covers a lot of areas, and it covers them in detail. The book is also fairly up-to-date.
However, if you are an "absolute beginner", this book may be too much. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 04:45:07 EST)
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| 03-14-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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I'm fitting out my 30' hull and i've found an indispensable help.
Thank you Nigel (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 04:45:07 EST)
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| 03-13-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I'm fitting out my 30' hull and i've found an indispensable help.
Thank you Nigel (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-19 06:04:59 EST)
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| 01-19-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This manual is an extremely good reference for boat owners. It is a valuable source of easily understandable detailed descriptions of boat systems, operation and maintenance. I would heartily recommend it for the owner of any boat, but especially for owners of larger boats with numerous on-board systems.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 04:45:07 EST)
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| 01-18-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This manual is an extremely good reference for boat owners. It is a valuable source of easily understandable detailed descriptions of boat systems, operation and maintenance. I would heartily recommend it for the owner of any boat, but especially for owners of larger boats with numerous on-board systems.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-14 06:08:49 EST)
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| 01-10-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This book covers secrets only the pro's would know! Extremely knowledgable and very easily presented. Very valuable a must have book for any boat owner!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 04:45:07 EST)
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| 01-04-07 | 5 | 2\2 |
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I don't know how useful another 5-star review can be for a book already getting mostly the same, but this is the best book on the topic. I bought the first edition years ago and I am ready to buy a new edition. It just keeps getting better. The best part of the book is that you do not need to be a boat fanatic to read it. You can be the sort of sailor who hires a repairman for most jobs and you will still find the book usefull. At the very least, you will understand what is being done to your boat and why. And having a conversation that doesn't miss the mark when you are talking to the dockhand is what gets the job done right.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 04:45:07 EST)
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| 11-05-06 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Even if you already own the second edition of Nigel Calder's "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" you should invest in the third edition. The explanations are clear (even to a layman), thorough, authoritative, and independent as usual. But for instance, since the second edition, Calder no longer recommends the Sea Frost engine-driven refrigeration, and now endorses frigoboat with their keel cooler (as does Steve Dashew). His reasons for changing are clearly stated. Technology is changing too fast to make serious (expensive) decisions without the latest information from Calder. Nonsuch 33, Annapolis, MD
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-04 04:34:57 EST)
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| 11-04-06 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This book has virtually every bit of information you will ever need to keep your boats mechanical and electrical systems intact. It also explains in easy to understand language how and why boats deteriorate and how to prevent it. Having this book aboard has already saved me thousands of dollars in repair bills by either showing me how to fix things myself or how to prevent problems to start with. Anyone that owns a boat should have a copy of this book!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-04 04:34:57 EST)
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| 07-23-06 | 5 | 3\3 |
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I'm not talking about yachting type books. I have owned and operated commercial fishing boats in Alaska, for over 30 years. And this book demystifies bonding, grounding, AC boat wiring, lightning protection, a whole chapter just on batteries, and that's just the electrical part of the book. If your unsure about some aspect of your boat's electrical system or machinery, and are walking the docks trying to find out something about them, GET THIS BOOK. Some of that BS one hears on the dock can sink you.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-11-05 02:57:18 EST)
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| 03-20-06 | 5 | (NA) |
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covers many important areas where problems usually arise. easily understood explanations and instructions to find and resolve problems. great resource to keep on the boat.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 10-07-05 | 5 | 1\3 |
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i am a marine student in nz, i was doing a assigment of boat battery. i went to libarary for this book and i read through the first chapter of the book which gives me from basic to depth ideas about battery. it's worth to own a book like this if you are a real boatie. perticularly for trouble shooting. cheers, enjoy
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 09-09-05 | 5 | 3\3 |
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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. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-02-04 06:03:41 EST)
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| 09-09-05 | 5 | 5\5 |
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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. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 05-11-04 | 5 | 13\14 |
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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.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 04-05-04 | 5 | 10\12 |
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This is a very good book. Too many books only explain what is wrong and then instruct to perform a service without explaining specifically how. This book shows how with lots of illustrative photos and test data and detailed instructions for using test equipment. Practically everything in this book also applies to maintaining RV vehicles and trailers as well. I use it for my boat and RV.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 08-08-03 | 5 | 9\11 |
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Having completed the our first year as full-time live-aboard cruisers, currently in the Sea of Cortez, we find that this book to be essential reading. The information is presented in easily understandable terms and sufficient detail to assist in solving most mysteries of marine systems. By it and take it with you!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 05-03-03 | 5 | 2\6 |
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Even if you don't own a boat, if you love mechanical things you will appreciate this book. There is so much here that it makes the price seem a bargain.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 01-18-02 | 4 | 5\11 |
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Too complex for non serious sailors. That's what's waiting for you out there. Think it twice, or practise everything in advance. Very useful to clear your mind, makes you get prepared. A bit outdated.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 01-01-02 | 5 | 6\7 |
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This is a great basic guide to the systems on your boat. It gets a bit technical in some areas, but tries to cover a little too much ground to be overly technical. I think that every boat owner should have a copy of this aboard, even if they never plan on doing any sort of work on their own electrical systems themselves, there is a lot of info here.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 12-02-01 | 5 | 5\6 |
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I dont have boat but I bought this book. it was great deal. you have to buy this book before buy boat also you have to buy it if you have a boat. this book helps to you everywhere and everything in your boat. including lots of pictures and lots of problems and their solves, it is realy bible of sailors. thank you Nigel Calder
Was this review helpful to you? yes no (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 04:54:41 EST)
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| 11-01-01 | 5 | 16\17 |
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I bought this book as a sailer who was getting ready to take a two-year hiatus with my new wife crewing aboard an 80 ft motorsailer. The boat was absolute mechanical and electrical madness compared to my 26 ft Pearson and I needed help in a BIG way. This book was the answer.
The book explained everything very simply and thoroughly. I am not sure if experienced mechanics (diesel) and electricians would find it useful, except as a resource, but if you are even a little unsure of your abilities you cannot go wrong with this book. As a result of reaading the book several times as needed, and receiving a bit of instruction from the knowledgeable captain, I am now fairly competent. Pick up this book and keep it handy. You will use it. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-03-20 05:37:54 EST)
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