Favorite Books on Basic Boat Maintenance?

[seaparrot]

Everyone is beginning to ask me what I really want for Christmas. My husband and I are getting closer to purchasing our first boat, so I'd like to begin reading on basic maintenance.

Anyone have a favorite good, practical book (or books) about getting things done? There are quite a few out there, so I am particularly interested in those that have actually come in handy, especially for someone who doesn't already know the basics.

[PorFin]

By far (IMHO) the best bang for the buck will be this one:



Nigel Calder's Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems [Hardcover]

[Allanbc]

Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual and This Old Boat as well as the book above.

[bljones]

Ditto on "This Old Boat"

[jephotog]

Don Casey is definitely the king of this genre. I have a bunch of his books.

Ferenc Mate wrote a book called shipshape that also describes a lot of the same thing in this old boat. I find it handy to have two sources, with two descriptions of the same technique to have a full understanding of how to go about it. Either that or I really like having a lot of books.

[schoolmarm]

From a female perspective, his books are easily understood. I've used a number of his over the years. Good luck... If you want a little refresher to keep on board about sailing.. I still think Sailing for Dummies is one of the best.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

Boatworks, Sailboat Maintenance, Repair, and Improvement Advice You Can't Get Anywhere Else, compiled by the Editors of Sail Magazine. This book is simpler than some. Nice pictures.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

Marine Diesel Engines: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair by Nigel Calder. All of Nigel Calder's books are very technical. This book goes into detail about specific problems encountered in marine applications for the diesel engine plus instruction on just about all aspects of engine work including bearing and piston problems an automotive machinist wound encounter. If a person is handy with tools, this book and the engine maintenance manual (shop manual) specific to the engine in your boat would allow a person to do a complete rebuild. The only thing I could ad is the requirement of absolute cleanliness of engine and parts when doing engine assembly, as dirt half the thickness of a sheet of paper will imbed in bearings and cause accelerated wear.

[jrd22]

All of Calder's books.

[seaparrot]

Many thanks! I am getting the general idea that Casey's writing is a little more accessible, so I'll start there. I've requested the new edition of This Old Boat, with a mental note to spend some time with Calder next.