The Complete Trailer Sailor: How to Buy, Equip, and Handle Small Cruising Sailboats (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A soup-to-nuts introduction to small, economical sailing craft

Trailer sailers--the smallest, most economical sailboats with sleeping accommodations--are a popular platform for learning the basics of sailing and are often considered to be the entry level to cruising under sail. Author Brian Gilbert shows how trailer sailers can be the ideal craft for a lifetime of enjoyment, including serious, long-distance cruising. This book covers all the bases, including how to inspect, buy, and equip a boat; how to trailer, sail, navigate, and cruise in small boats; how to use communications and navigation equipment; and more.

About the Author

Brian Gilbert is a lifelong sailor who lived aboard a Catalina 27 for four years. His total restoration of a basket-case trailer sailer is documented in his book Fix It and Sail, and he is a frequent contributor of how-to articles for magazines such as Good Old Boat, Small Craft Advisor, and DIY Boatowner.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (May 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071472584
• ISBN-13: 978-0071472586
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,830 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best book for trailor sailors written in years, June 3, 2009

By	---- Neil H. "Ecclectic Reader" (Michigan) - See all my reviews

I have been a trailor sailor for many years, and have bought most of the books of the subject over the years. This is the most comprehensive book on CRUISING trailor sailors to come out. It brings the problem of big trailor sailors that are very difficult to trailor and launch to the fore.


One warning, the displacements listed at the end of the book are those provided by the manufacturers. They usually do not include the weight of trailor, sails, mast/boom, equipment,and are often still faked lower than they really are. For example, I looked at the Telstar last year which is listed in the book and by the manufacturer as 3000lbs, but owners had taken theirs to commercial scales and measured them as being close to 7000lbs. This goes for most of the boats listed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book, October 9, 2009

By	Steve Fleischer (Orem, Utah USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed reading this book. Lot's of good information that will help you with your new boat. In the back of the book he lists different sailboats that are trailerable. I wish that he had more detailed information about each boat and maybe listing the pros and cons of the different designs.

But overall a good investment in your quest for buying a boat.