Why Didn't I Think of That? : 1,198 Tips from 222 Sailors on 120 Boats from 9 Countries [Paperback]

John Roberts (Author), Susan Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1997

Cruising on a small boat is a continuous learning experience. Sometimes you discover answers on your own, but more often the best lessons come from casual conversations with other cruisers. Why Didn't I Think of That? brings together the lessons learned, the tested advice, and the ingenious solutions of more than 200 sailors from around the world. Here you'll find nearly 1,200 tips on everything from anchors to bilge pumps, refrigeration to communication, food preparation to handy gadgets, finding just the right tool to weathering the weather, and cruising with children to making your boat a secure and comfortable home. Whether you're new to cruising or a full-time liveaboard, this book belongs on board.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Tip 86 Inventing your anchor rode from chafing on the bobstay. Tip 259 Creating extra stowage space in your V-berth. Tip 1,019 Preventing barnacle growth on your propeller and drive shaft. Tip 368 Preparing your dinghy for towing.

About the Author

John and Susan Roberts have been sailing and writing for nearly 20 years. Their articles have appeared in Yachting, SAIL, and Cruising World. They finished their 36-foot sailboat, Sea Sparrow, from a bare hull and have cruised her from Maine to the Caribbean and back. This is their third book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070532214
• ISBN-13: 978-0070532212
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #301,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid Tips--Even If You Have Heard Them Before., December 29, 1999

By 

Dennis H. Ross (Kansas City, Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Didn't I Think of That? : 1,198 Tips from 222 Sailors on 120 Boats from 9 Countries (Paperback)

Why Didn't I Think of That contains many good tips--and some that can be found in other cruising books and publications. It's value is that they are all in one place and reasonably well organized. The author's writing style, layout and illustrations make for easy reading. It is worth reading and will be a handy reference.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some helpful hints... Some not so helpful..., September 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Why Didn't I Think of That? : 1,198 Tips from 222 Sailors on 120 Boats from 9 Countries (Paperback)

I was a little disappointed in the quality of "hints". Some seem as though they were included just to fill up space on the page.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why didn't I think of that!, November 14, 2000

By 

david milne (northeast, usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Didn't I Think of That? : 1,198 Tips from 222 Sailors on 120 Boats from 9 Countries (Paperback)

This is a useful book. As a boat owner, there are of hundreds of little things which would make my boat safer, more fun, more convenient. This book gives me tips, tips,tips, for a better boat and a better time. Some I knew, but its good to see them and start another check list.