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cdreamonly
1st Mate

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27 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/29/2009 : 19:00:14

What are your opinions about these handbooks? If you could only have one (that's what the mate says) which one would you pick?

Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook $33
2nd Edition by Charlie Wing

Sailboat Electrical Simplified by Don Casey $21

The 12 Volt Bible For Boats (author unknown) $16

The 12 Volt Doctor's Practical Handbook (Spa creek instrument co.) $20

83 tall rig w/k

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2009 : 19:45:31

I've got the first one (picked it up at Half Price Books, a good resource for boating books). It's fairly technical, but he does a good job of explaining everything as he goes along. Bear in mind that I was an electrician in the USN for five years, so my opinion may be skewed. I like it.

I have a number of books by Don Casey and can recommend pretty much anything he's ever written. However, I don't have his electrical book (haven't found it yet in HPB).

Edited by - on

DJAnderson
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2009 : 20:55:23

I have Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual by Nigel Calder. Seems to be a pretty comprehensive manual of all the "stuff" on a boat.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2009 : 23:24:37

I have the 12 Volt Bible and the above Nigel Book mentioned. You never can have enough books for reference. They all have something to offer. The Casey books are als very good as well - believe I borrowed it from the library at one time or another. For the cost, the 12 Volt Bible paperback is hard to beat.

If you can look at each at either the library or West Marine, what I would do is look up one or two topics that you know you have interest in and see if each book covers the topic and if each provides the type of info you desired. Perhaps in that way, you can come to a decision.

For example, some of those books may not have been edited recently and so if you are looking for well explained basic topics, then they may all cover that and it then comes down to how well each explains the topic. However, if you are also looking for more up-to-date info such as solar panel hookups, etc...some of the books may not even cover the topic at all.

Edited by - OLarryR on 01/29/2009 23:30:46

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 01:33:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by cdreamonly
 What are your opinions about these handbooks? If you could only have one (that's what the mate says) which one would you pick?

Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook $33
2nd Edition by Charlie Wing

Sailboat Electrical Simplified by Don Casey $21

The 12 Volt Bible For Boats (author unknown) $16

The 12 Volt Doctor's Practical Handbook (Spa creek instrument co.) $20
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hi Willi,

I have these books available on my site in the Maintenance section:

Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook $27.54

Sailboat Electrics Simplified $11.87

The 12-Volt Bible for Boats $9.24

The 12 Volt Doctor's Practical Handbook $6.98

Also Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual that David mentioned for $28.97

www.sailboatbooks.com

Hope this helps

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 01/30/2009 01:43:08

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 07:04:14

Nice store Steve!

Paul

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 07:29:59

Thanks Steve,
That's a great resource. Going in the "favorites" for future reference!

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 10:54:56

Thanks for the feedback guys. The site is brand new and a work in progress. I'm trying to make it as easy as possible to get to the best sailboat books at the best prices. Future developments will include content where I will be posting my mods and other info and a link back to our Association's site. I will also be working on improving the categories for example I want to create sub categories under Maintenance for Electrical, Engines, Fiberglass, Rigging etc. I am very open to ALL comments on how the Sailboatbooks.com site could be improved. I would also like ideas on how I could help our Association through this site in any way(s) since I feel this is where "I'm from and belong".

More books coming as I am expanding my selection every day.

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 01/30/2009 10:56:28

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 13:34:47

Congratulations on the new site, it's in my favorites now.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 14:59:50

I own the Nigel Calder"s Electrical and mechanical book , and the Don Casey Sailboat electrics book.
For a good basic beginning from square one I recommend Casey's book. I hear Wing's book is good

Hey Steve, I don't want to hijack this thread but I'm trying to learn all about diesel engines now that I also have an inboard Ericson. I already have Crompton's troubleshooting book. What do you recommend as t he next book I should buy. And I'll place my order with you.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 15:21:18

"Sailboat Electrics Simplified" is an excellent book. It's all I needed to rewire my mast, upgrade my battery connections, and figure out lots of things about what's in my boat wiring that needs improvement.

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2009 : 15:54:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 I own the Nigel Calder"s Electrical and mechanical book , and the Don Casey Sailboat electrics book.
For a good basic beginning from square one I recommend Casey's book. I hear Wing's book is good

Hey Steve, I don't want to hijack this thread but I'm trying to learn all about diesel engines now that I also have an inboard Ericson. I already have Crompton's troubleshooting book. What do you recommend as t he next book I should buy. And I'll place my order with you.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks Frank (and others), I really appreciate the questions and support. What make is your diesel engine(guessing Yannmar?), year and model? I have books for nearly all types.

BTW Frank you just gave me a good idea to create an area where people can ask about book recommendations directly on the site if they can't find what they are looking for.

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 01/30/2009 15:59:08

cdreamonly
1st Mate

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27 Posts

Response Posted - 02/01/2009 : 08:21:36

Thanks for everyone's input. When you are stuck in the snow and thinking about spring projects it is great to be able to draw upon everyone's experience & knowledge.

Steve, great site and I also now have it bookmarked.....

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2009 : 06:52:03

Hey Steve,
In my Ericson I have a 1985 Universal M-25 diesel. I haven't been able to find any aftermarket books specific to a Universal. I don't want to learn how to tear it down, but just to do whatever fixes/maintenance you need to do while cruising.
The Ericson is my learning boat before I transition to a 38-42 footer, and I'm learning a lot. someday I have to quit learning on it so I can finally finish getting my Catalina ready to sell. But it's on my list.
I would assume that Calder's book specific to diesel engines would be pretty good. His mechanical and electrical manual only has a few chapters on the engines specifically.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2009 : 09:16:19

Steve, This is a great site. Is this a new venture? I will be putting in a few orders shortly. Now if only I could somehow tie my love of sailing into a full time business. (I am an insurance agent and do sell boat insurance but its only a very small part as I recommend BoatUS.)

Steve A

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2009 : 22:23:17

Frank,

[url="http://www.sailboatbooks.com/pub/shop.php?c=Everything&n=1000&i=0070123543&x=Troubleshooting_Marine_Diesels"]Troubleshooting Marine Diesels by Peter Compton[/url]
More than 10 years old (1997) but very recommended. Simple and to the point. The strength of this book is it's trouble shooting tree and diagrams. Lots of Illustrations. Excellent for Sailboats.

$11.90

[url="http://www.sailboatbooks.com/pub/shop.php?c=Everything&n=1000&i=0071475354&x=Marine_Diesel_Engines"]Marine Engine Diesels by Nigel Calder[/url]
More recent (2006). Well written and easy to read. Considered the "bible" of marine diesel engines. Good for the uninitiated.

$15.43

[url="http://www.sailboatbooks.com/pub/shop.php?c=Everything&n=1000&i=0071432388&x=Boatowners_Mechanical_and_Electrical_Manual"]Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual[/url]
But if you really want the best bang for your buck, Nigel Calder wrote a gem of a book called Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual. An easy read and great resource for novices yet extremely thorough. Covers the most part of his Marine Engine Diesel book plus electrical and mechanical components. A great reference book. Have a look at the customer reviews you wont be disappointed. Every owner of a boat your size should have one on board.

$29.89

If you do lots of offshore cruising then you should go with the first book "Troubleshooting Marine Diesels" for its troubleshooting Yes/No flow chart style if ever you're stuck somewhere and need to get out of trouble efficiently, AND the last book "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" for the full coverage and ramping up your general knowledge of mechanical and electrical components.

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 02/02/2009 22:32:02

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2009 : 22:28:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by piseas
 Steve, This is a great site. Is this a new venture? I will be putting in a few orders shortly. Now if only I could somehow tie my love of sailing into a full time business. (I am an insurance agent and do sell boat insurance but its only a very small part as I recommend BoatUS.)

Steve A
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hi Steve A,

Thanks for your comments. Yes this is a new venture, a result of the mix between my passion for sailing and computers. I work as an SAP implementer (business system and databases).

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2009 : 05:56:35

thanks steve,
I'll order Calder's diesel engine book from you when I get back from skiing in colorado next week. I already have the other two.
Good luck on your venture

Edited by - on

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