Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems [Hardcover]

Nigel Calder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

Regardless of your skill level, Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual makes boat maintenance and repair fast, fun and easy! Hundreds of tips and techniques for maintaining, troubleshooting and fixing every working part and system on your boat--all clearly explained in step-by-step detail. How to make sure your boat's electrical system provides all the power you need; Common and little-known tips for keeping your batteries and charging system safe and trouble-free; Simple test procedures for grounding circuits on boats; Best way to prevent galvanic corrosion on newly installed equipment; Easy, reliable way to make sure your inverter can handle peak AC appliance load; Often overlooked preventive maintenance for diesel engines. What to do right after start-up, while in use and at regular intervals during the season to ensure years of trouble-free boating; 8-point troubleshooting procedure for poor pickup; How to replace a transmission output-shaft oil seal. 5 simple steps to stop loss of transmission oil; Secret trick for keeping deck hardware fastened tight no matter how excessive the loads. Works every time. 7 safety tips for repairing masthead lights and other fixtures on top of the mast; and much, much more.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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

Review

``An impressive compilation of advice on boat equipment and systems--one of the best we've seen--Much of the information cannot be found anywhere else.'' (Practical Sailor )

``Several feet of shelf space in [our] technical library is devoted to material published in recent years on marine systems for small craft. But the single most frequently reached for reference in this collection is [this book]. . .It has effectively supplanted everything else on that shelf.'' (Professional Boat Builder )

``This book should come as standard equipment with every boat.'' (Sail )

``A truly remarkable bible--This book is the best kind that I am aware of, and it should become part of the ship's library for every self-sufficient cruiser.'' (WoodenBoat )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 2 edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007009618X
• ISBN-13: 978-0070096189
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #415,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing > Instructional

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY IT, March 29, 1999

By 

M. Mitchell (Lake Tahoe) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems (Hardcover)

I don't give out many 5 star reviews. But this one definitely qualifies. If you have an electrical or mechanical problem start here. Lots of good, well explained information for those of use who are not experts. This book was a great help in redoing my electrical system, as well as helping me understand numerous systems on my boat. Calder covers how things work, limitations, purchase and design considerations, integration with other systems and practical pros and cons. Would I buy this again? ABSOLUTELY-I can recommend this book with no limitations.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Besides my Bible, this is the most valuable book I own., September 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems (Hardcover)

I recently bought a 29 sportfish boat. I knew it had some problems but after owning it for a few weeks the list of problems was longer than I am tall. The initial estimate from the marina to fix these items was $14,000! I intially choked at the thought of spending $49 for this book but i knew I couldn't afford the marina. Now 4 months later and only $4,000 invested, I have completed the repairs of every item on the list. My book is now dog-eared and oil stained but it has a permanent place onboard. The best investment I made in my boat.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible for Novices, November 1, 2001

By 

James Carter (Castro Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems (Hardcover)

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.