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

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Summary: Besides my Bible, this is the most valuable book I own.
Review: I recently bought a 29 sportfish boat. I knew it had some problems but after owning it for a few weeks the list of problems was longer than I am tall. The initial estimate from the marina to fix these items was $14,000! I intially choked at the thought of spending $49 for this book but i knew I couldn't afford the marina. Now 4 months later and only $4,000 invested, I have completed the repairs of every item on the list. My book is now dog-eared and oil stained but it has a permanent place onboard. The best investment I made in my boat.

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Summary: The one book every sailor should have onboard
Review: I use to carry four different books, that together did not come close to covering what this one book does. This is one of the few books that I consider absolutely essential. I consider this book as important as my charts.

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Summary: Incredibly complete and useful summary of boat systems.
Review: If I only had room for one book on my boat, this one would be it. I have yet to find a subject not extremely well covered. My wife and I are preparing for long-term cruising, including a circumnavigation. Calder's books, especially this one, have been great resources for learning how to install and maintain nearly every major (and minor) system. Most importantly, a lot of manuals for installed equipment were missing when we purchased this boat (a Tayana V-42), and Calder filled in many needed blanks. Having this reference on board, I feel very confident in being able to handle the inevitable problems that Murphy's Law predicts.

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Summary: Packed with Information
Review: If you have a boat you need this book. It's full of detailed info on how to fix just about anything on board. Lots of pictures and explanations on how things work and typical problems. Don't leave the dock without it.

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Summary: BUY THIS BOOK!
Review: If you own any type of boat and plan on doing any repair or maintennance yourself, this is the indespensible book. Covers almost everything that can break on a boat. Starting with an explanation of the system, what can go wrong, what you can do to prevent against failure and finally how to repair it when it does. There is no better book.

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Summary: If You Could Only Have One Boating Book, this is the One
Review: If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and could only take one CD with you, which one would you take and why? Years ago I used to listen to a program on the BBC that asked famous guests that question, only they said record, not CDs. Well I suppose I'd take Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" if I were in that fix. And if I were to go to sea on a cruising sailboat and could only take one book with me, it would have to be this excellent, well written book by Mr. Calder. It's big, heavy, expensive and if you need it, you'll be glad you have it and you'll think it's worth it's weight in gold.

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Summary: The owner's manual they forgot to give
Review: My wife and I recently purchased a 1978 36 ft. trawler. Absolutely no documentation for any system was provided. This book thoroughly explains various systems, and gives comprehensive technique for repair and evaluation. At first reading the information almost overwhelmed. Subsequent reading made the information seem to unfold before me. This is the kind of book that empowers! Having this book aboard is like having the expert mechanical "dock" friend" we all wish were tied next to us. As a favor to yourself, your insecurities, your wallet -- put this book on board.

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Summary: Great book
Review: The only downfall of this book is that it is a text book. Nigel does not gloss over or try explain how any alternator works in flamboyant and exciting text. What he does provide is an EXCELLENT description, depiction, and explination of many of different systems found on boats. If you every are going to do any work on your boat or want to understand how the things on your boat work; BUY THIS BOOK. Note to the people looking for used copies I would bust out any buy a new one, you will be waiting a long time for one to come avaliable.

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Summary: Great book
Review: The only downfall of this book is that it is a text book. Nigel does not gloss over or try explain how any alternator works in flamboyant and exciting text. What he does provide is an EXCELLENT description, depiction, and explination of many of different systems found on boats. If you every are going to do any work on your boat or want to understand how the things on your boat work; BUY THIS BOOK. Note to the people looking for used copies I would bust out any buy a new one, you will be waiting a long time for one to come avaliable.

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Summary: Don't Wait For a Problem
Review: This book needs to be in your boat, along with Chapman Piloting. This book also needs to be in your hands before you buy, rent, or take responsibility for any boat. It will save you money and time. Most importantly, it may well save your life! Electricity and fuel are not happy together, and this comprehensive reference will tell you how to install or repair any part of your boat's electrical system to make it safer and more efficient.