Customer Reviews

Nautical Terms & Abbreviations

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As the final authority that it is, a dictionary has to be above reproach. If one definition is wrong, all are suspect. This dictionary has some problems. Some definitions are outright wrong: a "lee shore" is defined as a "weather shore" which is the exact opposite. A "boomvang" is defined as a "preventer" which is something entirely different. Some definitions use misleading language: The definition of a "knotmeter" incorporates a classic landlubber's mistake: "knots per hour." A "chainplate" is described as "bolted to the deck" when, in fact, it could just as well be fastened to the hull and often is. Decommissioning is defined as a seasonal thing. And the author must have been displaying her sense of humor when she made petcock two words. On the positive side, the book does abound with definitions of abbreviations. We all know the frustration of not being able to bring to mind the meaning of an acronym or abbreviation when called upon to do so. If you want a dictionary for this purpose, this one might be a good choice.

This book came in handy while I was "armchair traveling" I was reading a series of Patrick O'Brien books, and the book of Nautical Terms and Abbreviations was an invaluable reading aid. It let me enjoy those novels much more, knowing exactly what was being mentioned or described along the narratives. A great asset in your reference library.