Books on Mechanical and Electrical Systems

D

dread

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I came across this book in a Google search: Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems. Do you know it? Do you like it? Do you have other suggestions?
 
I think that's the book by Nigel Calder? If so, I've always found it to be an excellent reference. That said, it's usefulness probably leans a bit more toward bigger boats with more systems. Not to say it's not useful for smaller boats and/or interesting to anyone who likes to know how things work and have a reference aboard.
 
That should be Calder's book--as Sunbeam says it is excellent, but more geared toward larger boats. Not a bad book to have.

I always get a manual for the outboard--Seloc makes most of them specific for the motors and years. For electrical--there is a good section in Calder's book. There are also several 12 volt electrical books: The 12-Volt Bible for Boats by Miner Brotherton and Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook by Charlie Wing. Both are a bit dated.

Be sure you have some basic tools and a digital volt meter and a couple of lengths of wire with alligator clips on the ends.

And ask the questions here.
 
Agree with Thataway...as usual.

Chapman Piloting & Seamanship is a great reference for all things boating, in my opinion. If you know everything in it, and apply it, you are more knowledgeable than most boaters out there.

Vigor Encyclopedia of Boating is very useful, in my opinion, and on Ebay.

Nigel Calder How to Read a Nautical Chart is a great reference.

Smart Boating with Capt Steve on 8 CD I have found to have tips and insights that I never knew or forgot over the years; I found we have been tying off cleats wrong (by only one pass) the past 25 years. Highly recommended for a reasonable price.

David Pascoe has opinionated, but free, dated crusty surveyor reviews on-line of many boats, and you may learn from his sardonic reviews (or not).

As always, Your Mileage May (and undoubtedly WILL vary).
 
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