Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia II [Hardcover]

Steve Dashew (Author), Linda Dashew (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1997

The original Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia has inspired a generation of cruisers to untie their dock lines and go! Packed with data on every facet of sailing, from design and systems to the cruising lifestyle, it has provided sailors around the world with the knowledge necessary to buy, equip, and prepare themselves in the most efficient manner possible. Now it is even better!

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A bible for ocean cruising people." -- Varen: Maandblad Voor De Watersport (Belgian magazine) September 1997

"I have received the Cruising Encyclopedia...and it is, by far, the best book about sailing I've read. Thank you!" --T.T., Sweden

"I found the 2nd Edition so good I'd like to order a copy to keep on my boat and leave one at home." --J.Z., Hong Kong

"I'm enjoying it immensely: 300 pages in 4 days, so far." --R.R., Mamaroneck, NY

"(It) so happens that your Second Edition is timely, as we are beginning our quest for a 48- to-60-foot blue water sail boat to prepare to break away into the real blue water. I am a quarter of the way through the new edition and enjoy the learning and wit. Keep up the good work." --R.W., Naperville, IL

"...The book is just terrific. Clear, accessible, (and) just as good as advertised." --B.F., Seattle, WA

"...It certainly appears to be worth twice its price." --S.M. , San Francisco, CA

"The book is EXCELLENT - I have not had much time to look at it in depth, but what I have read, particularly the sections on yacht design and the philosophy behind Sundeer and Beowulf, has been fascinating." --T.G., England

"I found (the) books and video to be excellent and well worth the wait...Good job!" --C.M., Singapore

"I've just received my copy of the updated Encyclopedia. It is much more than I'd hoped for...It looks like a labor of love. I can only imagine the effort expended. WELL DONE!" --D.T., Wesley Chapel, FL

"I received the Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia a few days ago...Already from the first few pages I can tell you that I am completely satisfied. I think it is a magnificent book. Congratulations and many thanks." --R.C., Switzerland

"Just received your much expanded Second Edition Encyclopedia -- a Beethovenian effort. We find it very informative..." --G.S., Guilford, CT

"I think you have made a fine book for sailors." --A.S., Germany

"Thank you very much for your new book. I am thrilled with it." --D.M., Irvine, CA

"...I'd like to give you a bouquet of flowers for a very high- quality...product: The Encyclopedia." --S.J., Sweden -- Readers' Comments on Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition

"The book is a terrific source of informatin and guidance in my ongoing boatbuilding/learning eperience." --P.L., Vancouver, Canada

"Having thoroughly enjoyed your last edition of the Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia, I would like to order the upgrade...I have recently bought a 33- foot boat which I am re-fitting for extended single-handed cruising. Your advice so far has been invaluable, and I look forward to reading the new edition. Please keep up the good work." --B.G., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"Your Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia is the best, most complete reference I've read in 25 years. We are planning a circumnavigation of the Atlantic on our new J-42 in two years and your book has cemented my resolve to do it. It has been most helpful in planning and outfitting the boat." --B.S., Grand Rapids, MI

"Always great information based on well-thought-out and practiced ideals." --B.G., Las Vegas, NV

"I am a COMPLETELY satisfied and happy owner of Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia and the Bluewater Handbook. I have read both at least once and I have watched your videos at least a dozen times each....I am an Electrical Engineer and I always enjoy the detail you go into with each system you analyze. Reading your books has made me aware of things I could not dream about since I have little hands-on experience...I do not own a boat yet but I do read A LOT about sailing and I am hoping to sail into the sunset one of these days..." --N.G., Pompton Plains, NJ

"One of my favorite books..." --J.S., Los Altos Hills, CA

"I have been following articles on your family since the (first) article on Intermezzo in Sail Magazine. That's a long time ago! I have been intrigued since then...Although my sailing experience has been mostly confined to Lake Michigan, the temptation to take off and begin a life of cruising is going to become a reality. With my retirement next year, my wife and I hope to begin our venture within three years. (Your book) is of great value to research with those who have documented their experiences." --M.B. & B.B., Island Lake, IL

"...From your books to...your web site, you are appreciated. I bought your First Edition sail boat - Sea Eagle - a 1990 36-foot C&C racer/cruiser that we have put over 6000 miles on traveling the Great Lakes." --R.W., Naperville, IL

"(The) ultimate TOME...Can't wait to start picking your minds again!" --J.Z., Los Angeles, CA

"I thoroughly enjoyed...Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia. Most of my sailing is coastal cruising, but I have learned many valuable lessons from your excellent publication. As a licensed captain, I do have aspirations of offshore sailing and your book has certainly helped to prepare me for many situations. My compliments to both Steve and Linda, whom I already consider friends from their writing....Thank you for your efforts." --E.B., Hollywood, FL

"You've provided a tremendous service to the boating community. I applaud you for your efforts." --J.G.

"I read this book from cover to cover, and regularly re-read many portions. You could say it is my bible, and it is the checklist for my new yacht -- a 60-foot catamaran..." --W.V., The Netherlands

"We appreciate all the good advice from the Dashews, and put it to work." --C.D., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"The book is a terrific source of information and guidance in my ongoing boatbuilding/learning experience." --P.L., Vancouver, British Columbia -- Reader's Comments on original edition of Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia

"The single most useful text available anywhere for sailors who are outfitting a boat for voyaging -- full of good ideas, educated opinions, ingenious solutions, useful charts and tables, and world cruising savvy." -- George Day, publisher and editor, Blue Water Sailing, September 1997

The one sailing reference you ought to have is...

Steve and Linda Dashew are the Leo Tolstoys of sailing books. Their recently published Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia, Second Edition, is not only very long -- 1232 pages, with more than 2500 drawings and illustrations -- but it's also very good. Lifelong sailors with nearly 200,000 ocean miles on a variety of boats -- and often with children -- they have the on-the-water experince to write with authority. Having also been involved in the design and/or building process of more than 50 large cruising boats around the world, they've also got a good handle on the technical aspects.

The Dashews' tome works in three distinct ways. First, it's a fine reference work from which to get a good background on every conceivable aspect of cruising boats from the bottom of the keel to the top of the mast. Everything from the compressive yields of rudder bearings to bunk dimensions to price comparisons of different hull materials. Secondly, there is sensible advice on a world of topics of interest to cruisers -- such as the pros and cons of different styles and types of boats, rigs, anchors, and such; on the possiblilites of making money while cruising; on how to get along with locals, and so forth. Thirdly, mamy of the Encyclopedia's topics are backed with anecdotal stories from the Dashews' seemingly unlimited number of cruising friends and acquaintances. As such, The Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia makes for enjoyable bedtime reading for non- technical sailors and women, too.

There are two aspects of the encyclopedia that some might find vexatious. The biggest one is that there are so many drawings, photos and references to the Deerfoot concept of boats the Dashews have been developing over the years. While we've never been big fans of the Deerfoot concept, the numerous Deerfoot references and drawings don't significantly detract from our appreciation of the encyclopedia, and you shouldn't let it either. The second troublesome thing is that the encyclopedia is so heavy that only Arnold Schwarzenegger could hold it up for more than a few minutes of bedtime reading. The rest of us will just have to learn to read differently in bed, as this is the rare kind of encyclopedia that you'll enjoy opening to almost any page and reading.

It's been said that one photo is worth 1,000 words. After seeing the profusion of helpful photographs and illustrations in this volume, you'll better appreciate the saying. The underwater photos of various anchors lying on the bottom, for example, is very interesting.

If you're new to sailing or are interested in increasing both your theoretical and practical knowledge of all aspects of cruising, we can't imagine why you wouldn't purchase the Offshore Crusing Encyclopedia...We at Latitude rarely endorse anything but going sailing, but we think the Offshore Encyclopedia is extraordinary. And we're not even getting paid to say so. -- Latitude 38 magazine, July 1997

The other day we pulled out our copy of Steve and Linda Dashew's Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia, originally published in 1989. It measured one and five- eighths inches deep. Then we measured their new OFFSHORE CRUISING ENCYCLOPEDIA, Second Edition and it's a full inch larger -- that's 436 pages more of information.

Steve and Linda started this second edition two years ago, thinking it would be an easy update of the information contained in the first volume. However, so much has changed in nine years, especially in electronics, communications, and design, that the project developed into a two-year job. Their two daughters -- Elyse and Sarah -- have also contributed with Elyse's company, EDX Communications, handling the production of the volume.

"Hence this somewhat thickly crammed compendium on cruising yacht design, construction, equipping and usage.

"Our apologies if the type is a bit small and layout tight, but we figured that you'd want as much data as we could cram in -- and cram we did, right to the limits of what our printers told us they could print and bind!

"Although the page count is only up by 50%, there are over three times as many illustrations and almost twice as many words. If you're like us, you'll need to reach for the reading glasses." (from their Introduction)

Crammed it is but so well written and laid out that you don't really mind the narrow margins and closely cropped photos. It is after all an Encyclopedia and when compared to a full set of the Encyclopedia Brittanica, the layout seems genuinely airy with generously sized photos.

One of the biggest changes is, naturally, in the area of communications. While their 1989 volume contained sections on VHF, SSB, and Ham, the informations was based on the more limited communications commonly available. Just nine years later, we are used to e- mail, satellite links, vastly improved phone links and a lot of goodies to help us keep in touch with people and information on shore. Electronic charting and weather faxes have become vastly more sophisticated and considerably cheaper. Both are covered in this new book along with five pages of frequencies for SSB, VHF, and Ham Nets from our Electronics Whiz Gordon West.

Steve and Linda do tip their hat to the rapid changes in communications and technology. In fact, during the time it took for the presses to roll and the book to reach nautical bookstores, things have changed so they opt for an intro to the section that allows for the rapid changes:

"Communications technology is literally exploding with options. While SSB, Ham, and VHS will (probably) always be with us, new times of electronic data transmission -- not to mention cellular phones with world-wide capabilities -- are not far off."

Another area that was barely foreseen nine years ago is the asymmetrical spinnaker. We're not sure when we first heard about them but they were popularized by the new sport boats, found easy to work with and developed for cruisers. Rigging and handling them can make a muscle and time saver to cruisers while providing good off the wind performance. As the Dashews write, "If we were buying a spinnaker today and planning to use a pole with it, we'd go with an asymmetrical before a conventional sail."

The heart of the book and greatly expanded is the edit on the boat itself -- design, hull construction, steering, rig, deck layout, and systems -- propulsion, refrigeration, plumbing, heating/air conditioning, interior. All the goodies are mentioned but the premise of the Dashews' book remains the same, "Don't be seduced by the glamour and sex appeal of some of the things in this book if it means waiting. If you really want to pursue the dream, do it now."

That is the goal of this book -- do it now -- get out there and go cruising -- pursue your dream... A "Salt-Water Guarantee" covers all books irreparably damaged by salt water which means you've actually taken off and suffered an accidental leak (just because it's heavy, did you have to store it in the bilge?).

The price of the Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia, Second Edition, isn't cheap -- $129.95. For an introductory period, it's reduced to $89.95 so make the investment quickly -- it's a wealth of information and, at eigher price, well worth the bucks.

If you are cruising, plan to go cruising, or dream of cruising, buy this book. It has an incredible amount of information and considering the contents and the costs of printing and binding, it's inexpensive (heck, it doesn't even have one of those pretty color photo, glossy paper covers -- just a plain brown book with the minor extravagance of gold embossing). If you have to, stand in a bookstore and read the sections on "Earn As You Go Cruising," pages 391-395, to pay for it. You'll be glad you did. -- Santana magazine, August 1997 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

We have just completed a three-year massive rewrite -- the second edition of this unprecedented volume has been completely updated with 1232 pages jam packed with the latest information on over 2200 subjects and more than 2500 detailed photos and drawings.

Logically divided into thirty-two sections, the equivalent of 9 major books, Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia -II brings together into one integrated package all the information you need to make the right decisions (and avoid the wrong ones) for your own style of cruising. No matter what reference books you own or your level of cruising experience, this new encyclopedia is a must have. Never before has a single reference source contained such a wide scope of detailed, real-world, first hand cruising knowledge. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Beowulf Pub Co; 2nd edition (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965802868
• ISBN-13: 978-0965802864
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.3 x 3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,540,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars TONS of INFORMATION- Literally., March 29, 1999

By 

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

This review is from: Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia-II (Hardcover)

OK this is the heavist book I own with more than 1200 pages! It has exhaustive information covering everything. Pick a topic it's in there. Why not 5 stars? Well this book is definitely based on the DASHEW way. Big boats, lots of equipment, big money. If I had the budget it would be great but honestly how many can afford to cruise around in a 80 foot custom built boat? Now I didn't say I wouldn't like to, it's just for my budget it sometimes is lacking in the simple cheap way to do it. Also I find the book a little preachy some times. As in this is the only way to do it because that's how we do it and we know everything. But this comment applies to a lot of cruising books so I can't single out the DASHEWS. But for the simple life look elswhere- like the Pardeys, Casey and Payson. Gee- I didn't mean to be so negative. This book is expensive, but has tons of information, a superb index and broad and thourough coverage of just about everything. I definitely use this book as a reference for new projects. Like need a new dingy- 11 pages of information. Or a dodger-15 pages. Or cruising with kids- 15 pages. The book is organized I.M.O. on the premise of building a boat from the ground up. What are the best designs, construction materials, techniques, systems etc. Although pricey, this book is a good addition to my library. I agonized over making this purchase for some time- what if the book just didn't suit me? But even for the price it is worth it. Would I buy it again? Yes! There is information hear you will not find anywhere else and it is well organized.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Everything you probably can't afford in a cruising yacht, January 26, 2001

By 

Ewen Wallace (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia-II (Hardcover)

A behemoth of a book about cruising yachts from dreamland. If you can actually afford the type of yachts they concentrate on then you can probably afford the crew and engineers to sail & fix it for you.

Still, there's a tonne (1.1 tons) of information in here & it is worth reading - once. Try borrowing it from a library if you anticipate a more down-to-earth cruising budget. If you're still dreaming - buy it & read the bits about how much all this costs, behold the gradual realisation that this is how Bill Gates would cruise.

from page 1092..."I have only one major regret: That we waited so long. While it's always hard to look back and say one should have done this or that, I firmly believe that selling my car and few possessions and buying a Folkboat, or some such machine, and heading off into the South Pacific, would have been more rewarding in the long run, than banging our heads against the walls of our economic system in order to accumulate the wealth I thought was necessary to go cruising in the 'proper' style. ... The sooner you go and the simpler you do it, the better off you will be"

So, if you really don't want a glossary of the West Marine catalogue, try Jim Trefethen's "The Cruising Life", Herb Payson's "Blown Away" or Tania Aebi's book or the Pardy collection. KISS never went out of style. What this book contains is beyond the realms of most of us mere mortals. Who wants to be reminded of that ?

I bought a folkboat (I'm not claustrophobic). Who knows...if I made a mistake then at least it's only a small one. Personally, I don't think I made a mistake. We'll see :-) Ewen

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authoritative source on sailboat systems and design, October 6, 1998

By 

Robert S. Newman (Grapevine, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia-II (Hardcover)

If any nautical reference book can be worth the nine year wait between editions, this is it. There is simply no other book that comes close to it in terms of covering sailboat systems and design issues. The Dashews guide you through all the options that confront cruisers and their boats discussing how things work and why. Nor are they bashful about naming names and making recommendations where appropriate.

There is much to be said for their KISS philosophy where minimal, reliable systems are always preferred to those that are just the latest gadget. I especially liked the in-depth discussions on electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems which are some of the best I have ever seen and all integrated into the context of the total cruising boat.

I would like to have seen the authors opt for color photography rather than the so-so black and white reproductions used throughout the book. This is one of the few flaws in an otherwise fine effort. This is the most expensive nautical book in my growing library, but well worth the price. It is a must have item for all cruisers.