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

by Nigel Calder

This manual takes both novice and experienced boatowner through minor to major repairs of electrical systems, engines, electronics, steering systems, generators, pumps, cookers, spars and rigging. When it was first published in 1990, the Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual broke new ground. It was hailed as the first truly DIY manual for boatowners and has sold in its thousands ever since. There have been significant changes in boat systems since then, particularly electrical systems, and this third edition has been fully updated to reflect these developments and expand its predecessor's worldwide popularity. 'Probably the best technical reference and troubleshooting book in the world' Yachting Monthly 'It deserves to come standard with every boat' Yachting World

Genres: Reference, Boating, Nonfiction, Nautical, Engineering

832 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 1990

Reviews

[Martinc2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bible on marine maintenance.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable.

[Bonnie-jean Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope that my experience with this book improves as I move through the systems I need to address on my 1966 River Queen Houseboat. I was eagerly awaiting the book before beginning to install and wire in all the 12v DC devices, including bilge pumps, navigations lights and - well I have a list of 12 items to go on that system. At the moment I received the book, however I was (am) looking for best practices and smart hacks for replacing my shifter cables for my Dana outdrives. River Queen is out of business, and Dana - the outdrive manufacturer - is too, I do believe.
I grabbed the eagerly awaited book package out of the mailbox, tore open the envelope, and turned to the index: "Cables"..."Electrical...", "Steering...". That is all there was! No throttle cables. No shifter cables! Dang!!
Well, here's to hoping everything ELSE I need is in this Mechanical and Electrical Manual.

[Fatih Muslu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yachtman’s Bible. More useful than real Bible(s)

[Stocker Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a electrical engineer to that designs luxury yachts, this book was a lifesaver when I started my career.

[Chris While · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a book you read from front to back (although I’ve been tempted to !) - it is instead an excellent reference covering many subjects in a boaters life!

[Kelly Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Nigel outdoes himself with clear explanations, troubleshooting and repair steps for all of the other onboard systems...this book includes his expertise on diesel engines as well. Our fridge died a couple of times during our 4-year sailing trip and Nigel rescued us (and all of our precious frozen meat). When lightening surrounded us, we consulted Nigel for tips to avoid an strike. I highly recommend his books for anyone who plans to cast off for a bluewater adventure.

[Geoff]

This is a must have for any DIY boaters.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for anyone who maintains boats. This book has vastly improved my experience with breakdowns many times at sea and in the harbour.

[Greg Rudzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have book for any do it yourselfer boat owner.

[Court A Rawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive

A one-stop shop to understand and maintain your boat's systems. It's hundreds of photos and illustrations are a very useful complement to the narrative.

[Charlie Anderson]

I'm not sure if this counts as "read"