The Practical Mariner's Book of Knowledge, 2nd Edition: 460 Sea-Tested Rules of Thumb for Almost Every Boating Situation by John Vigor (1-Apr-2013) Paperback

by John Vigor

This book—distilled from centuries of seafaring wisdom (and the author's 20 years of researching,clipping,and collecting)—provides quick,simple answers to most of the questions sailors and powerboaters—both novice and experienced—ask about small boats and the sea. Covered are 420 topics in alphabetical entries,which are conveniently accessed via a thoroughly cross-referenced master index. Among the topics covered are hull thickness,estimating distances,bottom paint coverage,when to hoist and lower flags,predicting weather,which colors are unlucky,rope size and strengths,anchoring rights,and making a rum punch. When greater precision is needed,it will in most cases be found in the extensive appendices.

Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 1994

Reviews

[Charles Rouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went through this at one rule of thumb per day till I finished it. If memory serves, I went through it this way twice. Terrific. I would say, if you have a boat, might get a boat, or are just thinking about it, get this book. It's one of the necessary books, along with nautical rules of the road, and boat maintenance.
Have you ever wondered how much paint to buy to paint your topsides? This book has that and so much more.

[Marshall Edgcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great book to read while tied up, full of reference information and nautical tidbits. This is not the kind of book to check in an emergency. It's laid out alphabetically by subject.

[Alistair Cunningham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fatally flawed

This book contains plenty of good advice. Unfortunately it contains even more bad advice, anachronisms, and superstitious nonsense. For experienced sailors it's a waste of time. For inexperienced sailors, it's borderline dangerous.