Cruising Boat Basics: Hints, Tips, and Tricks for a Fabulous Life Afloat

by Cap'n Fatty Goodlander

This book contains 58 years of seamanship and ship’s husbandry distilled into more than 350 readable pages. It is chockfull of technical information gathered during three circumnavigations and a lifetime of living aboard in foreign ports. It tells you the nitty-gritty technical details of the sea gypsy lifestyle. It isn’t merely about the boat, it is also about the knowledge required to safely handle that boat and, ultimately, how to manage the cruise as well. It contains what every sea gypsy understands—but few marine publications address—the good, the bad, and the ugly of ocean cruising. It does not cop-out by telling you to throw money at your problems by hiring marine experts. It does exactly the opposite. It informs you how to not need those experts. It clearly communicates the morality, the economy, the karma, and the delights of sailing the world with empty pockets and full hearts. Cruising offshore isn’t rocket science. It is all basic, logical stuff. The skills required can be explained step-by-step. This book reveals the reality of buying a well-found, inexpensive boat and outfitting it for living aboard—then taking it inshore gunkholing, coastal sailing, offshore cruising, and ocean storm-strutting. Reading this book is like sitting in the cockpit of a battered ketch at anchor in an exotic port—and having one of the most famous circumnavigators spin yarns, tell jokes, and give the most outrageous of advice on cruising under sail. Forget the “you gotta have a pile of money” rock-hugger thinking. You don’t. There are a million good reasons why not to go to sea—lack of money is not one of them. Basic seamanship is far more important than coinage—and you can’t buy seamanship. In fact, circumnavigators with large purses actually have less fun than work-as-you-sail sea gypsies. This book was not written for the edification of Topside-clad yachtsmen or teak-trodding credit card captains—but rather for the working-class sailor attempting to transit from dirt dweller to ocean vagabond without losing sight of the daily fun factor. Does sailing across an ocean on a small vessel seem like an immense challenge? It doesn’t need to be—if you are prepared with a well-found boat, strong offshore safety gear, and some basic seamanship skills. Fatty and his wife Carolyn are currently on their fourth circumnavigation. They sail across oceans with no more concern than most yachties experience while putt-putting to the fuel dock. Are you just getting your sealegs but have a burning desire to live within Mother Ocean’s warm embrace? To be truly free? To sail to Borneo, Madagascar, Cocos Keeling, the Caribbean, and Chagos? To kiss life full on the lips from the deck of a small boat on a big ocean? Then you are in luck. This book is written with the specific aim of helping sailors exactly like you accomplish these very real, very worthwhile cruising dreams—without a massive amount of money, complication, or BS. Welcome aboard!

364 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2018

Reviews

[Alfred Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I both enjoyed and was enlightened by this book. I enjoy the way Cap’n Goodlander writes, mixing in the learning with stories that both entertain and inform the point of view. I enjoyed this book so much that I have bought 2 other titles by the author as I’m working on making a recent purchase of a 41.5’ sailboat more seaworthy. It’ll happen, and I’ll be getting it done in a more cost effective manner thanks to Cap’n Goodlander.

[John V. Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning and humor presented in a guy next dock over presentation.

Changed my perspective of what and how I want to see this world before I leave it. I will keep and re-read for future use

[Paul Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just great

I’ve been aware of Captain fatty since I began listening to his radio show out of St. Johns in the 1980s and 90s. I’ve read a lot of his works and often quote him. This particular book is most useful to anyone interested in buying and sailing a boat.

[Sara M Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read this all the way through. I was looking for more of a guide with detailed tips (hints and tricks) and found this style and tone to be more of loosely written old sailor stories. Which I think is the real point anyway but the title of the book felt misleading.

[Sidaras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatness

This is the real world of sailing.

If you think you want to sail, this book will show how to do it.

Buy it

[Michael Mechsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Politically Incorrect Guide

A good humored, if not a bit raw at the edges, guide to sailboat cruising. At times irreverent but always useful.

[Mark A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight talk great read

I like Fattys straight talk writing style. He is not selling u sometime but really wants to help. Can’t wait to start my adventure

[Gustavo Reis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

One of the best books Ive come across lately. If you are considering it, dont hesitate. You won't be disappointed.

[Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just great. Reminds me, that one life is not enough to do everything worthwhile in this life, on this planet. So, the next best thing to living multiple lives is reading as much as you can, while not forgetting to live your own life as well.

[Pelokentus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. Even when I disagreed with the author he made his points in such a way the I still enjoyed reading them.
Both good information and good stories.