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

by Nigel Calder, Calder Nigel

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

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.

[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"