Customer Reviews

Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 65th Edition

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I don't know how you can make a more comprehensive book about boating.

I'm new to boating, and I've been asking questions of everyone I meet at the marina and at the stores. When I received this book, I read for an hour and found answers to everything I wanted. If I didn't recognize a term, phrase, or technique I read in the book, I didn't have to leave the book to find it.

Knots? It's in here; and it's the most approachable guide I've read. Safety equipment and how to use it? Everything you need to know is here. There's a great chapter on maneuvering, focusing on all the scary bits: at the marina and docking, including casting off and coming back in. The book even includes a section on using ropes and power to turn in tight quarters.

Trailering and sailboating are treated clearly, though sailing coverage might be a little light -- I'm a power boater and can't say.

The book is continually revised and is incredbily current. There's a chapter on advanced marine electronics, including all the new plotters and GPS systems, and the upcoming radio features. The book doesn't neglect the basics; there's a 40-page chapter on compasses, and plenty of information on observing weather, charting, and navigation.

There are colour illustrations throughout, a great index, and a good glossary. Unfortuantely, there are also typographical errors and formatting problems here and there, too. Sometimes, they're enough to make the material confusing or inaccurate.

This volume is giant and a bit intimidating, and you probably can't bring it aboard with you. You can't read it in bed, either.

If you own a boat, even if you're experienced, I'm sure you can use a copy of this book for reference. If you're new to boating, like I am, you'll have great use for the book and its contents. If you don't own a boat yet, you should buy one before you go to the boat show or the dealership; you'll learn more than your salesman probably knows!

This was the required text in my USCG 6 Pax class. And with good reason. I cannot add to the other reviews, only that any respectable school will use this text. One of the few times I felt I got my money's worth, and then some. A READABLE textbook I will keep & refer to over and over again. There is SO much Cool stuff in this book. Like learning how to drive all over again.

This book Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 65th Edition (Chapman Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling) was recommended to us when we bought our first boat some 14 years ago, and has become a bible for boating to us. We've given it ever since to good friends in need of some fundamental boating instruction, and they all love it. Not all information might be useful for everybody, but everybody will find some valuable information for their specific boating needs and skills.
It's fun to read, easy to understand and extremely informative. Two thumbs up!

This is the book all new boat owners should be obliged to have. I bought an earlier version in 1978 when I got my first boat and bought this for my son-in-law on the occasion of his first boat purchase. The book covers every conceivable skill required for safe boating, be it sail or power. Everything from knots to rules of the road to approaching docks to securing in slips to weather to navigation to compass compensation, etc. etc.

Hands down the finest manual on all aspects of power and sail I have seen or used. The last edtion I purchased was about 1980 (50th or so). So much has improvaed and all is both current and relavant must have info for all that ply water with any craft. One can not boat in any form without this manual- its a must have document!

I bought this for my son who recently bought his first boat--a small power boat with an inboard/outdrive. This book is a must have, must read compilation of the world of yachting covering seamanship, knots, navigation, rules of the road, weather and much more. I studied it carefully years ago in preparation for my Master's License in the Caribbean which I passed on the first try. I still have my original copy, worn and saltwater-stained, a 1969-70 edition.

Anyone that has or is planning on getting a boat should be required to read
through this text. It may save lives. It will add to your enjoyment of
boating by teaching you about seamanship. A must read for any one who will
be on the water for recreational purposes.

As expected, this 65th edition is an updated version of the tried-and-true Chapman's. The photos and examples are current, and the plain language is easy to read and understand. It would be nice if everyone on the water had a good look at this book before untying and heading out onto the water. If you're a rag-head (or and aspiring one), supplementing this book with the Annapolis Book of Seamanship for a deeper dive into sailing-related detail is a really good idea.

Good book, just wish they would update some of the pictures and information. But otherwise, it's a great basic book for new boaters.

This book is a great resource and covers just about any info that you would need in regard to seamanship. I just completed my 100ton master and this was a nice addition to the study guides we got in school.