Customer Reviews

Shipshape: The Art of Sailboat Maintenance

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

 

 

A persistent problem with my new 'old' boat had me asking around the marina how to solve the problem. My neighbor handed me Ferenc Mate's "Shipshape" and I read it cover-to-cover in three nights. In this book I found chapters of useful information that every sailboat owner needs to know. Mate takes the reader step-by-step through the process of owning and maintaining a sailboat. Starting with the value of a 'proper' survey, you are immersed into the ins and outs of proper craft maintenance. Mate is both direct and irreverent in his topics and the corresponding suggestions. Labeling the inept solutions as something 'Elmer' would do, he takes gacious shots at marina queens and the owners we've all seen and known. While his style may grow tiresome (my sole reason for four of five stars), Mate finds the 'mark' and details the solution. I would consider this book a 'must have' for any sailors reference library, and you will too. Now stop reading this review and get the book Elmer!

"Shipshape" is a common sense approach to to sailboat maintenance. It's written clearly and with a sense of humor that makes the reading easier.

I used to have a copy of this, but donated it after years with no boat. My recent purchase of a vintage boat made me wish I had my copy in hand, so I purchased it anew. This addresses every area of the boat and my only misgiving is that it isn't up-to-date with all the newer technologies for wood preservation, lighting, etc. That is a very small shortcoming, however.

Great book with really good information and ideas for maintaining your boat...written with a sense of humor and fun to read.

This book is outdated and obsolete and has no relevence to modern sailboats, The technology is 1985 and the author covers ignorance of a subject with arrogance and bombast.

Don't wast your money. My copy is being returned.

Martyn G. D. Belben