Handbook of Offshore Cruising, The

Price: $29.95

Most readers will be interested in Jim Howard’s definition of cruising which to him means taking a boat on the ‘ocean’ for more than one day. This means that the information in the book applies to most of us and gives the book a wide potential readership.  Although the book is an encyclopaedia of cruising and covers every aspect of ocean travel by small boat it is very readable. Quite often I found myself checking Jim Howard’s recommendations against the situation in my own boat and, as his advice and logic was so compelling, it will lead to me making some modifications. Readers should be aware that this edition is primarily aimed at an American audience, costs are in dollars and references to customers are largely to American companies. There are also a few words and phrases that are typically American such as ‘gunk-holers’ and ‘lapper’. With only line drawings and no photographs, the book might initially give the impression that it is old-fashioned and a little one-dimensional but this belies the fact that it is well-written and contains some excellent advice based on Jim Howard’s years of experience. It is also enhanced by his touches of wry humour which help the book’s readability. Above all, it is a very sound reference book.  RED