Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual

Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual
by Nigel Calder

Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual
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Book Summary Information

Author: Nigel Calder
Edition: Hardcover
Published: 2005-05-31
ISBN: 0071432388
Number of pages: 832
Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press

Book Reviews of Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual

Book Review: A Must Have for Owners of Auxiliary Sailboats
Summary: 5 Stars

I have a 1987 Catalina 30 sailboat with a diesel engine. I wish I had purchased a copy of this book six years ago when I bought my boat. I might have saved hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars in yard bills by doing more of the work myself with the help of this book. I have the 2nd Edition published in 1995. I think it is well organized, well written, and I find the illustrations to be clear. A friend of mine purchased the 3rd Edition, which has updated information, particularly on electronics. However I am extremely satisfied with the 2nd Edition for my needs.

Summary of Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual

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

The boatowner's foremost troubleshooting guide, now better than ever

If it's on a boat and it has screws, wires, or moving parts, it's covered in Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual. When you leave the dock with this book aboard, you have at your fingertips the best and most comprehensive advice on:

  • Battery technologies
  • 12- and 24-volt DC systems
  • Corrosion, bonding, and lightning protection
  • Generators, inverters, and battery chargers
  • Electric motors and electric lights
  • Marine electronics, antennas, and RFI
  • Diesel engines
  • Transmissions, shaft brakes, and propellers
  • Refrigeration and air-conditioning
  • Tanks, plumbing, and through-hulls
  • Pumps and watermakers
  • Steering, autopilots, and wind vanes
  • Stoves and heaters
  • Winches, windlasses, and bow thrusters
  • Spars, rigging, and roller reefing

"If you had to choose a single book to help you assess and maintain your boat gear, this would be it."—Practical Sailor

"A truly remarkable bible. . . . This book is the best of its kind."—WoodenBoat

"A major achievement. . . . It would be hard to imagine anything going wrong on a boat that couldn't be figured out with this book."—Sailing World

"The world's best technical reference and troubleshooting book."—Sailing Inland and Offshore

"This manual will be of lasting interest to anyone who wants to know how their boat works, what has gone wrong when it doesn't, and how it could be fixed."—Classic Boat

"Without becoming too complex, the book covers almost every imaginable mechanical or electrical matter in the marine environment."—Work Boat World

"Calder lives what he writes, . . . [and] what he offers . . . is practical solutions to problems associated with increasingly complex marine systems. . . . [A] bargain for anyone in the construction and repair side of the boat business."—Professional Boatbuilder

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