Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Do yourself a favor: if you own a boat, you should also own the Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual. Written in a simple, accessible style, the Manual is aimed at helping the nonexpert solve problems in marine systems--think of it as a friendly mechanic. Author Nigel Calder explains how the systems work, helps you troubleshoot and identify problems, and presents clear and concise instructions on how to repair them. Best of all, Calder also offers helpful advice on how to prevent future system failure. Absolutely indispensable for boat owners. --M. Stein

Review

"A truly remarkable bible-This book is the best kind that I am aware of, and it should become part of the ship's library for every self-sufficient cruiser." -- WoodenBoat

"An impressive compilation of advice on boat equipment and systems-one of the best we've seen-Much of the information cannot be found anywhere else." -- Practical Sailor

"Several feet of shelf space in [our] technical library is devoted to material published in recent years on marine systems for small craft. But the single most frequently reached for reference in this collection is [this book]... It has effectively supplanted everything else on that shelf." -- Professional Boat Builder

"This book should come as standard equipment with every boat." -- Sail

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 2 edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007009618X
• ISBN-13: 978-0070096189
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #280,792 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #35 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing > Instructional
  #94 in	Books > Nonfiction > Transportation > Ships > Repair & Maintenance
  #99 in	Books > Nonfiction > Transportation > Ships > Boat Building

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY IT, March 29, 1999

By	M. Mitchell (Lake Tahoe) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't give out many 5 star reviews. But this one definitely qualifies. If you have an electrical or mechanical problem start here. Lots of good, well explained information for those of use who are not experts. This book was a great help in redoing my electrical system, as well as helping me understand numerous systems on my boat. Calder covers how things work, limitations, purchase and design considerations, integration with other systems and practical pros and cons. Would I buy this again? ABSOLUTELY-I can recommend this book with no limitations.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Boaters, March 11, 2001

By	Kathy "AnUnnaturalCook" (Middle River, MD United States) - See all my reviews

When electrical or mechanical systems go wrong on a boat afloat, you have a crisis. An uneducated repair can be costly. This book needs to be handy.

The book devotes 113 pages to aspects of the electrical system, then addresses auxiliary sources of power, electric generators and motors, marine electronics, diesel engines, transmissions, refrigeration and air conditioning, toilet systems, pumps, steering systems, stoves, heaters, lights, rigging, deck rigging and hardware. Its a gold mine.

Its guidance in the toilet repair and generator troubleshooting has been a great help to us.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible for Novices, November 1, 2001

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

I bought this book as a sailer who was getting ready to take a two-year hiatus with my new wife crewing aboard an 80 ft motorsailer. The boat was absolute mechanical and electrical madness compared to my 26 ft Pearson and I needed help in a BIG way. This book was the answer.

The book explained everything very simply and thoroughly. I am not sure if experienced mechanics (diesel) and electricians would find it useful, except as a resource, but if you are even a little unsure of your abilities you cannot go wrong with this book. As a result of reaading the book several times as needed, and receiving a bit of instruction from the knowledgeable captain, I am now fairly competent.

Pick up this book and keep it handy. You will use it.