Customer Reviews

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

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

 

 

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.

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!

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.

Congrats on achieving what so many writters and sailors have tried to do. A clear and easily read guide to help out we few honest novice sailors to be.
This guide contains the ins and outs in readily understood verse, it will be in my back pocket when next I see a hull shape and color that is so appealing, hopefully the newly acquired knowledge will allow me to disregard some boats before having to pay for a survey.
Strongly recommended reading.

I bought this to replace an older edition that was loaned out but not returned. The older one was much better. More about sailboats and less about catamarans, I guess they added them to appeal to our aging population.

Why he would put in a section on "10 NEW boats to sail around the world" instead of prior version's "10 USED boats..." is beyond me, that's not why I bought a book on USED boats. Guess Sail's advertisers got to them....

Returning this one for a refund and looking for a used older edition, which was a great book and was what it said it was...., a book about USED (i.e. affordable) boats.

As expected from Sailing Magazine, a well written and comprehensive guide in the selection of great used sailboats. Covers all of the pluses and the minuses of 40 'classic plastic' sailboats from small to large. Of particular interest is the review of things to look for and problems that exist as well as performance and accomidations.