Sailing Boat Manual

Publisher: Haynes Publishing; £17.99
Publication Date: 2008

Haynes Publishing are well known for their Car Maintenance Manuals, but this extends the range into the boating scene, ‘buying, using, maintaining and repairing sailing dinghies and small sail cruisers’.

This would appear to be quite an undertaking for a publication of 210 well illustrated pages, but the result is an extremely comprehensive and readable reference book. The aim is to demonstrate that getting on the water can be attained responsibly, safely and enjoyably on a modest budget, particularly if some practical work is undertaken by the boat owner. The contact details are given for the main maritime organisations, boat manufacturers for dinghies and small cruisers, and class associations. Website details are also provided. The appendix of sailing terminology extends to over three pages, and is especially informative.

The author, Dennis Watts, has over the years acquired, improved, sailed, enjoyed and then sold a number of boats, starting with dinghies and moving on to small cruisers. His enthusiasm shows in the comprehensive practical advice given on the many jobs that can be undertaken to minimise costs, very relevant in the current economic climate. Details include work to timber and GRP hulls, rigging, engines (inboard and outboard),electrical work, instrumentation and interior improvements.

This is, however, more than a boating d.i.y. manual. The whole range of owning and sailing small boats is included, from all the factors affecting the choice of boat to costs of storing, insurance, mooring and maintenance. The purchase of a second hand boat and items to be checked prior to such a purchase are particularly well documented. There is a section on the practical aspects of sailing and the Rules of the Road, but this is somewhat limited.

The manual should succeed in convincing the novice boat owner that a lot of enjoyment can be obtained with relatively modest cost. – Peter Labdon