Used Boat Notebook: From the Pages of Sailing Magazine, Reviews of 40 Used Boats Plus a Detailed Look at Ten Great Used Boats to Sail Around the World [Paperback]

John Kretschmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002

With the used boat market growing and becoming more complex, here is the book that used boat buyers have been waiting for. John Kretschmer's Used Boat Notebook has long been one of the most popular features in Sailing Magazine. Each month Kretschmer provides a hard hitting, detailed review of a well-known boat. From trailer sailers like the O'Day 23, to coastal cruisers like the Ericson 35, to blue water classics like the Valiant 40, the Used Boat Notebook covers a fascinating spectrum of boats. These thoroughly researched reviews include owner insights, a guide to common problems and suggestions on where to find parts, advice and support. Kretschmer's lively writing style and unique perspective is based on 200,000 miles of offshore sailing experience. In fact, Kretschmer has sailed thirty different boats at least 1,000 miles or more. Current market pricing and availability information along with an innovative 'value guide' help readers evaluate each of the forty boats profiled.

In addition, ten great and affordable used boats to sail around the world' features quality boats that prospective world cruisers should seriously consider. The boats are selected for their seaworthiness and their value in the market place. You can find affordable boats for world cruising with the aid of this book. While there are plenty of good books that offer general information and what to look for in an offshore boat, this book focuses on the specifics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a first-class, strongly recommended reference written especially for anyone from a novice mariner to an experienced sailor..." -- Midwest Book Review, September 2002

"If you plan on buying a used boat, this book is a necessity." --Latitudes & Attitudes, March 2004

From the Publisher

*First collection of reviews from one of the most popular features of Sailing Magazine.

*Concentrates on popular cruising boats ranging from 23' to 52'.

*Expert evaluations combined with owners reports.

*Magazine and boat show support year round

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Sheridan House (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574091506
• ISBN-13: 978-1574091502
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #349,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I wrote in my memoir, FLIRTiNG WITH MERMAIDS, "I make landfalls for a living." That's not a bad way to navigate through life. But it's only partially true. I have been fortunate to blend my two passions, boats and books, and make a living by sailing and writing. As a kid I confounded practical minded advisers trying to steer me toward a career. I told them I wanted to be an explorer. When pressed for details I explained that I wanted to sail and tramp all over the world and write books and articles about my adventures. Amazingly, that's how it has turned out.

My first book, CAPE HORN TO STARBOARD, is a coming of age story that chronicles my record-breaking voyage around Cape Horn. Although out of print, it's been popular as a used book, particularly in England and it is being re-published next year and will be available in the fall. FLIRTING WITH MERMAIDS, is a nautical bestseller. It is a funny and uplifting look at the life of a professional sailboat delivery captain. AT THE MERCY OF THE SEA, is a narrative account of three sailors converging in the eye of a hurricane. It's a sad but profound story, and I worked hard to get it right. It's a book I am proud of. I have a new book coming out next fall, it's about sailboats and storms, two things I know a lot about.

I have been a contributing editor and columnist for Sailing Magazine for twenty years. My column, The Used Boat Notebook has been compiled in two volumes, both available at Amazon.com. I wrote a sailing/travel column for the Miami Herald and an online column for Sailnet.com. I currently blog at www.sailingmagazine.net and www.yayablues.com. I have written hundreds of magazine articles including features in, Islands, Newsday and the Los Angeles Times Magazine.

I have logged 250,000 plus blue water miles including 15 Atlantic crossings. My passages and expeditions have taken me all over the watery part of the planet. I own a 47' sailboat, Quetzal, and conduct sail training passages and serious, adventure travel expeditions. For a schedule of upcoming passages check out, www.yayablues.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book to Buy While Shopping for A Boat, September 15, 2002

By 

James Carter (Castro Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Used Boat Notebook: From the Pages of Sailing Magazine, Reviews of 40 Used Boats Plus a Detailed Look at Ten Great Used Boats to Sail Around the World (Paperback)

This book is a fantastic resource that is broken down into easy to assimilate categories:
* First Impressions
* Construction
* What To Look For
* On Deck
* Down Below
* Engine
* Underway, and
* Conclusions

Each of these categories are covered in depth, but I found the construction and what to look for most interesting. As I write this, I am currently shopping for a new boat with a friend and reading each review is like sitting down with a knowledgeable person that owns each boat.

In addition to the areas covered above, there is also a great summary and Sailing Magazine Value Guide that covers: Price, design quality, construction quality, user-friendliness, safety, typical condition, refitting, support, availability, investment and resale, and overall 'SVG' rating.

The only criticism I have is that the author is definitely biased in what he likes and doesn't like and makes it apparent while reading. He is extremely qualified in his opinions, but they are just that - opinions. So just keep that in mind while reading and buy based upon what YOU want, not just what the author likes.

That said, that is also what gives the author credibility. His reviews are not just 'glam-shots' of the boats. Each boat and it's shortcomings are discussed, but the boat is not simply shot down.

Would I buy a boat without reading this book in-depth? No way. This book is well worth the money even if you are not buying a boat as it will help you look at your current boat with some new ideas.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly "user friendly" guide, September 8, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Used Boat Notebook: From the Pages of Sailing Magazine, Reviews of 40 Used Boats Plus a Detailed Look at Ten Great Used Boats to Sail Around the World (Paperback)

Drawn from the pages of "Sailing" magazine and incorporating reviews of forty used boats (plus a detailed look at ten great used boats to sail around the world), Used Boat Notebook by professional delivery skipper John Kretschmer is a thoroughly "user friendly" guide for anyone looking to buy a used sailboat. The Used Boat Notebook provides an authoritative coverage of sailboat prices, ease of use, safety, investment, design quality and much more. Packed with technical information for each boat type, Used Boat Notebook is a first-class, strongly recommended reference written especially for anyone form a novice mariner to an experienced sailor who wants to know just what they are buying before they buy it!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Should be titled "Old Used Boat Notebook", February 8, 2007

By 

Robert R. Lanning "Flyer90" (Annapolis, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Used Boat Notebook: From the Pages of Sailing Magazine, Reviews of 40 Used Boats Plus a Detailed Look at Ten Great Used Boats to Sail Around the World (Paperback)

My primary purpose in writing this review is not to disagree with other reviewers. Rather it is a caution that many of the reviews in this collection are quite old and so are the boats reviewed. If you are new to sailing or own a day sailer of say 23' or less do not expect this book to prepare you to explore the overwhelming number of used boats currently for sale. Many of the boats reviewed have been out of production for many years and many of the companies that built them are out of business or have been acquired by other builders. The reviews include approximate selling prices for the boats but they are mostly used ships built in the 1970's.

There is no doubt that many of the ships covered are considered "classics" and some, such as the Alberg 30, have active clubs of enthusiasts around the country.

But people who are intent on owning a classic boat are a special breed. They are certainly not novices and they usually have deep pockets; either to buy a classic that has been lovingly and meticulously cared for (damn-the-cost!) or to rehabilitate an "abused" treasure that needs new rigging, sails, engine, wiring, electronics, stove, etc,etc, etc.

The good:

The author has a lengthy and deep knowledge of sailing ships. Even if you never see many of the boats reviewed you will gain a fundamental knowledge of the compromises that all yacht designers must make in hull shape, performance and comfort below decks. The specific problem areas he discusses for each boat will apply in general to any ship you may consider.

In summary: For a great read on some of the great boats built in the last 35 years this is the book. Just don't plan on going to a marina (even at the major sailing locations in the USA) and expect to see very many examples of the ships reviewed in this book.