Boat Book Recommendations
Whether you are a weekend boater or a full time cruiser, there is generally not a lot of room on board for books. With that in mind, we have created a very short list of boating books to keep on board plus a much larger list of books for the home library. We own copies all of these books including the ones that we 'keeping on board’ our own sail boat (“Esprit", a Mariner 39).
The book categorized into the following sections:
Marine Electrical Books
Maintenance and Reference Books
Voyaging Handbooks and Outfitting Books
Guides and Geo-Specific Handbooks
Cruising chronicles
Seamanship/Sailing/Skills/Navigation Books
Weather Books
Galley Books
First Aid and Emergency Books
Languages Books
Diving, Fish ID, and Fishing Books
Pets Onboard Books
The "General Boating Books for the Home Library” section is in the process of being formatted and will be available soon.
Note: most of the books links below are Amazon affiliate links (AKA, Amazon pays on qualifying purchases and we use those funds to off-set the Square Space expenses associated with our Boater’s page). This gives you an opportunity to gain further information about books, read reviews and link the books listed, and gives us a very small percentage to cover the cost of this boating page, which we thank you in advance for.
Marine Electrical Books
If you were to keep a few marine electrical books on your boat, we’d recommend (click title for link):
Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual, latest edition by Nigel Calder
Boatowner’s Illustrated Electrical Handbook, second edition by Charlie Wing
More electrical books:
The 12 Volt Doctors Project Book by Edgar J. Beyn
Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual, latest edition
How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat’s Essential Systems [Hardcover]
By Nigel Calder
A comprehensive guide to boat systems and a must have book on any boat. This book will be a great help in repairing or re-doing or adding to your boats electrical system in a manner that also lets you also understand and choose what technical aspects apply to your situation. Calder covers how things work, regulations that might apply depending on your home port, design considerations, and practical pros and cons.
If you are new to Mr. Calder’s books, than I recommend that you also look at his other books (i.e. Marine Diesel Mechanics, Cruising Handbook, How to Read a Nautical Chart, etc.).
Boatowner’s Illustrated Electrical Handbook, second edition
By Charlie Wing
This is an older book that still does an excellent job at covering a boat’s electrical system for all levels of readers. This book is full of detailed information on DC and AC wiring. It covers the basics, the whys and even has electronic installations, alternative power and do-it-yourself projects.
Maintenance, Upgrades, and Reference Books
6 each: Pocket Reference Book by Sequoia Publishing, Inc
Repairs at Sea by Nigel Calder
Marine Diesel Engines: Maintenance and Repair Manual by ean-luc Pallas
Marine Diesel Engines: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair by Nigel Calder
This Old Boat by Don Casey
Boater's Pocket Reference: Your Comprehensive Resource for Boats and Boating by Thomas A. McEwen
Canvaswork and Sail Repair by Don Casey
The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging by Brion Toss
Sail and Rig Tuning by Ivar Dedekam
Sailboat Refinishing by Don Casey
Sailors' Secrets by Mike Badham, Robby Robinson
Why Didn't I Think of That? : 1,198 Tips from 222 Sailors on 120 Boats from 9 Countries by John Roberts, Susan Roberts
Optimize Your Cruising Sailboat : 101 Ways to Make Your Sailboat Better by John Roberts
Cruising World's Workbench: 200 Ideas from America's Leading Cruising Magazine to Improve Your Life Afloat by Bruce Bingham
Do It Yourself Yacht Improvements by Reg Minal
How to Clean Everything Third Edition by Alma Chesnut Moore
Outboard Engines: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair by Edwin Sherman
By Thomas McEwen
If you could only have two book on your boat, Nigel’s book would be first and this might be the 2nd. This small (3“ x 5” x 1") book is easy to fit but is also available in a digital format for the iPhone. Not only a handy Reference (facts, figures, formulas, graphs, tables and regulations) but also offers how-to information. Topics include Boat Types, Rules and Regulations, Seamanship, Piloting and Navigation, Knots, Weather, Mechanical, Electrical, Communications, Trailering, General reference and more.
Voyaging and Outfitting Handbooks
The Voyager's Handbook: The Essential Guide to Blue Water Cruising by Beth Leonard
Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook: A Compendium for Coastal and Offshore Sailors by Nigel Calder
The Liveaboard Report: A Boat Dweller's Guide to What Works and What Doesn't by Charlie Wing
Sail Away!: A Guide to Outfitting and Provisioning for Cruising by Paul Shard, Sheryl Shard
Sell Up & Sail by Bill Cooper, Laurel Cooper
Tropical Cruising Handbook by Mark Smaalders, Kim des Rochers
Ready for Sea: How to Outfit the Modern Cruising Sailboat and Prepare Your Vessel and Yourself for Extended Passage-Making and Living Aboard by Tor Pinney
All in the Same Boat : Living Aboard and Cruising by Tom Neale
Comfortable Cruising, Around North and Central America by Liza Copeland
Cruising for Cowards: Strategies, Boats and Equipment Preferred by Experienced Cruisers by Liza Copeland, Andy Copeland
Guides and Geo-specific Handbooks
The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South by Bruce Van Sant
Tricks of the Trades by Bruce Van Sant
Caribbean Passagemaking: A Cruiser's Guide by Les Weatheritt
On and Off the Beaten Path: The Central and Southern Bahamas Guide : From South Florida to the Turks and Caicos by Stephen J. Pavlidis
Explorer Chartbook Far Bahamas by Monty and Sara Lewis
The Exuma Guide: A Cruising Guide to the Exuma Cays : Approaches, Routes, Anchorages, Dive Sights, Flora, Fauna, History, and Lore of the Exuma Cays by Stephen J. Pavlidis
Dozier's Waterway Guide Bahamas 2011 by Waterway Guide Publications, Dozier's Waterway Guide
Dozier's Waterway Guide Southern 2011: Florida? by Gary Reich
The Rough Guide to the Caribbean 2 by Undeleeb Din, Natalie Folster, Sean Harvey, S. E. Kramer, Emma Lozman, Benedict Mander, Fiona McAuslan, Matt Norman, Kevin Revolinski, Lesley Anne Rose
Yachtsman's Guide to the Bahamas by Thomas Daly
The Atlantic Sailor's Handbook by Alastair Buchan
The Cruising Guide to Abaco, Bahamas: 2012 by Steve Dodge
Cruising guide to florida keys by Frank M. Papy
The Intracoastal Waterway, Norfolk to Miami: The Complete Cockpit Cruising Guide, Sixth Edition by Bill Moeller, John Kettlewell
Cruising chronicles
An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude by Ann Vanderhoof
Living A Dream by Suzanne Giesemann
There Be No Dragons: How to Cross a Big Ocean in a Small Sailboat by Reese Palley
I Don't Do Portholes by Gladys Walker, Iris Corimer
It's Your Boat Too: A Woman's Guide to Greater Enjoyment on the Water by Suzanne Giesemann
The Cruising Woman's Advisor, Second Edition by Diana Jessie
The Cruising Woman's Advisor: How to Prepare for the Voyaging Life by Diana Jessie
Escape From Someday Isle the best of living abroad autographed by Linda Ridihalgh by edited by Linda Ridihalgh
Sensible Cruising: The Thoreau Approach by Don Casey, Lew Hackler
Steady as She Goes: Women's Adventures at Sea by Barbara Sjoholm
Island Hopping To The Caribbean by David Lavigne
Seamanship/Sailing/Skills/Navigation Books
Storm Tactics Handbook: Modern Methods of Heaving-to for Survival in Extreme Conditions, 3rd Edition by Lin Pardey, Larry Pardey
The Complete Book of Anchoring and Mooring by Earl R. Hinz
The Complete Guide to Knots and Knot Tying by Geoffrey Budworth
The Splicing Handbook: Techniques for Modern and Traditional Ropes, Second Edition by Barbara Merry, John Darwin
The One-Minute Guide to the Nautical Rules of the Road [1-MIN GT THE NAUTICAL RULES OF] [Paperback] by Charlie'(Author) Wing
The Complete Sailor: Learning the Art of Sailing by David Seidman
Offshore Sailing: 200 Essential Passagemaking Tips by William Seifert, Daniel Spurr
Reed's Nautical Almanac: Caribbean 2005 by Carl Herzog
Skyguide: A Field Guide to the Heavens by Mark Chartrand
Navigation Rules by U.S. Coast Guard
How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts by Nigel Calder
The Navigator's Handbook: Essential Methods and Equipment--And How to Use Them to Go Anywhere at Sea by Jeff Toghill
The Official Guide to Small Boat Navigation by Charles, Jr. Farrell
Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia-II by Linda Dashew, Steve Dashew
Weather Books
The Weather Machine by Nigel Calder
The Sailor's Weather Guide by Jeff Markell
Coastal and Offshore Weather, the Essential Handbook by Chris Parker
The Concise Guide to Caribbean Weather by David Jones, Bob Nock, Mary Finley
Guide to Weather Forecasting: All the Information You'll Need to Make Your Own Weather Forecast by Storm Dunlop
Galley Books
The Care And Feeding of the Sailing Crew by Lin Pardey, Larry Pardey
Reluctant Cook: The non-cook's cookbook by Jane Gibb
Cruising Chef Cookbook, 2nd ed. by Michael Greenwald
Kitchen Afloat: Galley Management and Meal Preparation by Joy Smith
Island fare Cookbook - Cuisine for Cruisers & Light Fare for Landlubbers
Recipes from a Very Small Island by Linda Greenlaw, Martha Greenlaw
First Aid and Emergency Books
On-board Emergency Reference by Tony Meisel
Marine Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide, 2nd Ed by Eric Weiss
Language Books
Wicked Spanish by Howard Tomb
Open Door to French by Margarita Madrigal, Colette Dulac
Jiffy Phrasebook French [Book Only] by Langenscheidt
Spanish for Cruisers: The Boater's Complete Language Guide for Spanish-speaking Destinations, 2nd Edition by Kathy Parsons
French for Cruisers: The Boater's Complete Language Guide for French Waters by Kathy Parsons
Spanish Phrases For Dummies Mini Edition by Jessica Langemeier
Diving, Fish ID, and Fishing books
Tales From the Reef: Real Life Stories That Will Make You a Better Diver by Brad Neat
Complete Guide to Diving and Snorkelling the Bahamas by Lawson Wood
The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands, Second Edition by Jeff Williams
The Cave Divers by Robert F. Burgess
Dangerous Sea Life of the West Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico: A Guide for Accident Prevention and First Aid by Edwin S Iversen, Renate H Skinner
Fishwatchers guide to west Atlantic coral reefs. by Charles C. G. Scott, Peter, Chaplin
Reef Fish Behavior: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Paul Humann
Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Paul Humann, Ned DeLoach
The Cruiser's Handbook of Fishing by Scott Bannerot, Wendy Bannerot
Pets Onboard Books (these are the books available)
Cruising With Your Four-Footed Friends: The Basics of Travel with Your Cat or Dog by Diana Jessie
Pets On Board?: Adapting Your Pet To Travel By Boat Or Rv by David W. Lavigne
Fun, Entertaining, and/or Educational:
I love reading boat stories, boat adventures, cozy boat mysteries, history and about marine wildlife.
General Boating Books To Keep in Your Home Library
For those not constrained by the space limitations of a boat, here is a general list of boating books we’d recommend for your home library: [Coming Soon, still indexing]