Power Boating For Dummies [Paperback]

Randy Vance (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 3, 2009

Power Boating For Dummies is a guide to power boating for both new and experienced boaters. It advises readers of necessary boating supplies, safety concerns and equipment, accessories, and includes locations of boating facilities, and how to safely pilot the ship.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Your comprehensive guide to captaining your own boat

Whether you're a nautical novice or an experienced boater, this friendly guide explains everything you need to know about owning and operating a power boat. From the basics of safe seamanship and docking and mooring techniques to necessary equipment, routine maintenance, and hosting guests, you'll discover how to get the most out of this exciting sport.

• Power up to be a boater— determine what type of boat is right for you, set your boat budget, and get trained and licensed

• Gear up for safety and fun — select quality safety gear, secure and protect your boat, and make a splash with watersports activities

• Handle your boat like a pro — tow your boat, maintain your trailer, launch and load your boat, and drive properly and safely

• Be a responsible boater — know boating rules and regulations, read boat lights, and understand navigation markers

• Keep your boat shipshape — perform maintenance and minor repairs (and know when to call a mechanic), and get your boat ready for winter and spring

Open the book and find:

• Eight pages of color photos featuring different types of power boats available

• Details on all types of power boats, from fishing to sport

• Info on boating exams and safety courses

• Step-by-step instructions with illustrations for operating your boat

• Anecdotes from the author to help you avoid mistakes

• Checklists for buying new and used boats

• Tips on docking, rafting up, and anchoring

• Options and guidance on how and where to store your boat

About the Author

Randy Vance is a lifelong boater who has made a career of writing about boating. As the operator of a small resort and marina in Missouri for more than 20 years, Vance hosted or appeared on many radio and television programs covering boating and fishing topics. During his tenure at Boating Life, the magazine and some of Vance's articles have won awards in many publishing circles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (March 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470409568
• ISBN-13: 978-0470409565
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Boating
  • #33 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Water Sports

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great overview of boating, May 4, 2009

By 

Z. Meiners "drmeiners" (Independence, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Power Boating For Dummies (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't really know what the style of my boat was considered, but after reading this, I learned that I own a Walkaround, or express boat. That alone was worth the price of the book.

This book really covers everything well in a very readable format.

Just about every topic that I wanted to learn something more about was in this book.

It's no replacement for Chapman's Piloting and Seamanship, which is the definitive tome for boating. But if you need more of an intro to boating, this book is highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative Book, May 27, 2009

By 

B. Kornett - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Power Boating For Dummies (Paperback)

For someone interested in boating, but no idea where to start, this is the perfect book. It is well organized, well written and provides all the details a beginning boater needs to know. I am especially happy with the sections on maintaining your boat and boating etiquette. Bottom Line: a good collection of tips to make boating fun and keep new boaters from looking like idiots on and around the water.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HE REALLY COVERS IT ALL, April 14, 2009

By 

PERFECT ICE (SOUTHWEST FLORIDA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power Boating For Dummies (Paperback)

JUST NAME IT. BUYING,TOWING, LAUNCHING, NAVIGATION, WEATHER, MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, HE COVERS IT ALL. READING THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOUR BOATING LIFE MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE.