The Essential Boat Maintenance Manual

Aimed at the owners of small to mid-sized boats, this manual fills a large gap in the growing boat owner market. For those just starting out or for experienced boaters, this handy reference guide is packed with useful tips and instructions on doing things the right way. Photos.

This manual takes both novice and experienced boatowner through minor to major repairs of electrical systems, engines, electronics, steering systems, generators, pumps, cookers, spars and rigging. When it was first published in 1990, the Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual broke new ground. It was hailed as the first truly DIY manual for boatowners and has sold in its thousands ever since. There have been significant changes in boat systems since then, particularly electrical systems, and this fourth edition has been fully updated to reflect these developments and expand its predecessor's worldwide popularity. 'Probably the best technical reference and troubleshooting book in the world' Yachting Monthly 'It deserves to come standard with every boat' Yachting World

It doesn' t take a university education in naval architecture to understand the components of a boat. But it is important to have that basic knowledge before undertaking repair and maintenance work. A poor repair job can create weaknesses that could place the boat and her crew in danger.The Essential Boat Maintenance Guide is the ideal reference to ensure that such problems don' t arise. It details the various repair and maintenance jobs that crop up with every boat after every summer season, and describes how these jobs must be tackled so the boat is as sound and seaworthy as the day she was built. Covering the make-up of both sail and motor boats, this book is packed with detailed instructions, tips and hints that reduce the cost and effort of maintenance work. It is a must for every boat owner who wants to keep their boat well maintained and in shipshape condition.

Electricity is vital on board most boats: to keep their systems running and to provide the crew with the services they expect. Much of it will be professionally fitted and many yachtsmen will have little knowledge about the finer detail of electric circuits. But, given the importance of electrical power, some understanding of it is likely to be useful: either to use when required away from the marina or to repair and upgrade your systems. This book is written to provide that understanding and to allow you to undertake electrical jobs on board yourself, properly and safely. It removes the mystique of boat electrics and gives you the confidence to tackle the jobs when you need to. Included are the minimum formulae and theory required, focussing more on the practical – using simple language and clear illustrations. There are tutorials, from using a multimeter and wiring a circuit, to troubleshooting electrical faults, all using easy-to-follow photo sequences. The book also looks at tasks such as choosing solar panels and batteries and connecting navigational instruments. The book is a great manual for a yachtsman needing to keep the power flowing. It has been thoroughly modernised and updated for this new edition by boating electric wizard Oliver Ballam.