Inspecting the Aging Sailboat (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The hull is the most important component of any boat..." (more)
Key Phrases: keel bolts, cap fitting, production boats (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The perfect place to begin or to continue your education...As a reviewer of both new and used boats, I own many books filled with advice. I strongly suspect that Inspecting the Aging Sailboat is the one I will consult most." - Sailing Magazine" --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

Step by step, picture by picture, here is a complete reference on evaluating the condition of fiberglass sailboats using common sense and proven advice rather than complicated methodology. Current owners will find out how to prioritize maintenance tasks or prepare a boat to sell, while prospective owners will learn how to find good value and avoid pitfalls. "Surveying" a boat conjures an image of complex diagnostics using moisture meters and ultrasound. But premier boating writer Don Casey shows that, most of the time, owners and shoppers can learn what they need to know by rapping, poking, looking, and listening. Hull, deck, rig, interior, engine, electrical system--all are covered in a lavishly illustrated format. Casey also guides readers through the process of hiring a professional surveyor, but it won't often be necessary. Whether maintaining or shopping, readers can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in survey fees with the help of this peerless guide.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070133948
• ISBN-13: 978-0070133945
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #374,892 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unstanding what you're looking at, May 24, 2000

By	Brad Shinn (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

I used this book in combination with another to really understand the boat systems and make an informed judgement. Are those cracks in the gelcoat serious? How do I know if the tiller attachment is a weak design? Casey helps you understand how to make a judgement about critical components from a novice/lay point of view. I found the book a very good resource.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book. Clear and Concise. Could Save You Hundereds, November 11, 2004

By	Mark Kanzler "Mostly Harmless" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I checked this out from the local library,
and ended up with several pages of notes in the
form of an outline of what to look for when
checking a poential candidate boat for purchase.

I highly recommend it.

Enough so that I will eventually buy it simply
to loan out to friends (I took such copious notes that
I no longer need the book myself).

If you are looking at older boats in a price range that
doesn't justify a professional survey, this DIY survey
could save hundereds of dollars spent on a survey of a
boat of limitted value.

If you already decided against a survey, it could save
you thousands by steering you away from an absolute
basket case.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow, June 1, 2006

By	Sailing Triathlete (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inspecting the Aging Sailboat (The International Marine Sailboat Library) (Paperback)

This book is very easy to read and understand. When I wanted a book about surveying fiberglass boats, I was intimidated by the thought of 100s of pages of technical text. Luckily I bought this book. It includes many illustrations which added greatly. As informative as it is, it is also very quick to read. I found it a great coach to help me do my own non-professional survey.

I also have Mustin's book about surveying. Also good but it is more laborious to get through. I read both books a good 3 times each before I survey about 4 different boats, and I really felt confident that I knew what I was doing.

I am a fan of Don Casey's books. They are informative and easy to understand for the DIY person with limited experience.