Customer Reviews

The Capable Cruiser

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I read in a sailing magazine that the Pardey's are known as the "enablers". So I bought this book, liked the title, cause that is what I want to be. This is the first sailing book that does bring cruising within my means, mentally and financially. I will definitely be reading more of the books written by this couple. Informative, easy to read and sometimes even funny. First rate and never out of date.

The Paradays allways have a sound oposite view in a world of more and more technical cruising and sailing where everything is supposed to be bought ready to use. This book is a collection of articles that deal with real world problems for the long distance cruiser. For example: how long does varnish last? I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in more than a race around the bouys.

I haven't read other Pardey books so I can't compare with other titles. However, this book reflects there style (minimalist) and budget (ditto) which I think is applicable to many. Even if you want more luxury it is nice to know that people have done lots of crusing with much less. Book includes thoughts about choosing a cruising boat, equiping it, maintaining it, and actual curising and seamanship information.As a want-to-be soon hope-to-be cruiser I think the book had lots of good practical information. Doesn't cover everything but what it covers is well thought out and clearly explained. I intend to buy other Pardey books as well. Would I buy again. Yes!

According to expert and experienced small craft sailors Lin and Larry Pardey, successful cruising is the result of the right people on board the right boat, along with proper preparation, gear maintenance, and seamanship. The Capable Cruiser is a compendium of thirty-three informative chapters divided among such issues areas as "Preparing to Go"; "Maintenance at Sea"; Safety Aloft"; At Anchor"; Choosing Gear"; Care of Self and Crew"; and "Seamanship". The Pardey's analyze cruising disasters such as the Cabo San Lucas, discuss finances and how to pay your way on a voyage, and a great deal more relevant to anyone who has ever set sail on a cruise of their own. If you are considering embarking on a cruise with family or friends, begin with a thorough and careful reading of Lin and Larry Pardey's The Capable Cruiser.

Lin and Larry remind me of the Amish for living a life without many of its modern conveniences. With the Amish it's about the outside world influencing the interconnectedness of their community. For Lin and Larry it seems to be a mistrust of modern equipment. Having worked on marine engines for a living, holding a radio amateur's license, owning a 15 foot sailboat, and flown sixty year old airplanes (which is a lot like sailing what with weather and navigation issues), I can agree with much of their position, KISS, or Keep It Simple Stupid. Salt makes for a terribly corrosive environment. Corrosion takes its toll and the Larry and Lin have developed cruising techniques that minimize safety concerns involving modern equipment failure by just not embracing it. However, their books are a careful analysis of safety issues with though out procedures and I believe require careful reading for anyone who wants to cruise. The only thing critical I have to say is they need a transmitter to radio for help as they may have medical emergencies, as they get older.

I recently read the Cost Conscious Cruiser, and became a fan of the Pardeys immediately. The Capable Cruiser is my second book from them, and I feel obliged to confess that I'm a little afraid of the power this philosophy is taking over my way of thinking. Not only for the ones who intent to go cruising, this is a strong recommendation for anyone who question the way life is being lived by most people in our culture. Simplicity is the fastest and easiest way to happiness, and the time is now. The Pardeys are changing my way of thinking and behaving whenever facing life's choices, and for that I'm thankful.

Not many new ideas or sharing of information ~ same info and previous books. Linda on cover was so long ago!!!

Good for a first read but repetitive if, you read their other books.

Seller prompt with mailing ~ would recommend seller.

Simple, practical, down to earth advice on how to enjoy the cruising lifestyle. Over 30 years of living on small sailing vessels full time has seen the author and her husband face nearly every challenge possible in building and owning cruising boats. From the setup of the galley to how to anchor on remote coral cays this book has it all. Thuis book should be in every serious boaters libray.

I liked this book a lot and would highly recommend it apart from their attitude towards safety. Their advice on self-sufficiency is valid, but I feel their attitude on safety equipment is irresponsible. In particular their suggestion to do without an EPIRB. With their experience they may get away with it but most of the readers will be relatively inexperienced.

There should be no compromise on safety equipment. It is no use saying you don't want anyone to come looking for you if you get into trouble, because the SAR orhanisations have both a moral and legal obligation to do so. In addition there is the feelings of loved ones to consider.

Some countries are sensible enough to insist on minimal standards of safety equipment. New Zealand's "Category 1" standard provides a good guide to minimum requirements.

World class advice from world class cruising sailors.