5 comments about Storm Tactics Handbook: Modern Methods of Heaving-to for Survival in Extreme Conditions, 3rd Edition.

1. Find the book clear,concise and complete. Full of facts; their experiences and the others well narrated



2. I got the 3rd edition. In very few words what I believe it makes this book a real treasure is the authentic storm experience Lin and Larry is sharing with the reader. It is not a book written or inspired by other books. It is a testimony of real life storm survival experience and the story about how they improved their techniques over time. And maybe what I value most about this book is that Lin and Larry do not give general ideas and stop there, but they do go into the very fine details about almost everything. Also catamaran enthusiasts be warned that since Larry and Lin have no sailing experience on catamarans you will find nothing about cats in this book.
   Since personally I haven't gotten into more that force 6 storm, this book was an excellent educative reading and provided me with more that enough information to try lay hoving-to with or without a para-anchor in worse that force 6 storm conditions.
   Also note that the book is clearly written for real sailors, its focus being on how you get things done properly and in the most optimal way. Even though the science behind these phenomenons it is mentioned in a few places, you will not find here a mathematical model of let say Karman vortex street or other fluid dynamics phenomenon that may be of any interest in boating. It is a pragmatic book, a comprehensive essay about storm tactics and a superb attempt of passing by this valuable knowledge to sailor from all over the world.
   Thank you Lin and Perry.



3. Storm Tactics Handbook: Modern Methods of Heaving-to for Survival in Extreme Conditions, 3rd Edition
   Hands on approach, real cases examined. Pragmatic. Though through careful planning a modern sailor would seldom find him/herself in the conditions described, the book is very readable, informative and, most important, helps increase skills and safety of the average sailor.



4. This is an excellent book. Well researched, thorough, with experience from many sources and clear, practical guidelines for real life use. Highly recommended.



5. This book is so informative and vital for the off shore sailor. It is so good that I ordered the DVD version and the DVD will be a mandatory view for anyone that crews on my boat. Bravo !!!

5 comments about Sailing For Dummies.

1. My wife and I have sailed all our lives, have taught sailing, own our own 27' sailboat, and are very involved in our local club's sailing program. We have given three copies of this book over the last few years to novice sailors ranging in ages from 13 to 41. Everyone has loved it, and have lent their copies to friends and family members. It is very clearly and humorously written, and it covers the basics of sailing very well. There are other books available for greater detail regarding seamanship, cruising, racing, and sail trim, but this book is best for the novice who is about to embark on his or her first voyages aboard a sailboat.



2. book is a simple, easy to read, straight forward intro to sailing for the beginner. more advanced chapters are included for those who want to make sailing a sport or fulltime hobby. fun and interesting tidbits make the book an easy read. pictures make learning terms and techniques fast and easy. great book.



3. Good book to start with for the non sailor which I am.
   This book gives me a good idea how to get into sailing
   what to look for in a boat and general sailing terms.



4. This book has been a great help for someone who knows nothing about sailing but always wanted to learn. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to start out.



5. I bought this for my non-sailing wife after I unsuccessfully tried to explain the effects of wind on the sails. She found it to be vastly better than my explanations. She also told me some things I didn't know, that she learned from the book.

5 comments about The Complete Sailor: Learning the Art of Sailing.

1. Covering all aspects of sailing, in an entertaining way, this is an easy read that can take you from novice to knowledgeable. The illustrations alone (pen & ink) are worth the price. I use this book to teach children to sail on a small Adirondack lake and recomend it to adults after lessons on Lake George, it works for me!



2. The book came in better condition than advertised and within a few days. The price & quality were very good and the service excellent.



3. This is an excellent book for new sailors. The writing is easy to understand and the illustrations are great. We refer to it frequently.



4. The Complete Sailor is a fantastic book. Well written with great illustrations. Covers everything a beginner sailor needs to know. Easy to read and understand. Couldn't put the book down.



5. I read this book after a couple of years of sailing lessons and sailing experience. While you can't go sailing with just this book and a boat, once you actually have some very basic sailing experience, this is a wonderful book.
   
   It covers all major areas a recreational sailor would encounter and explains them with beautiful illustrations. The illustrations are plentiful and make it easy to understand the material. I should emphasize that they are also very pretty to look at. It certainly makes you want to go sailing and try things out!

5 comments about How to Cast Small Metal and Rubber Parts (2nd Edition).

1. Excellent book for casting small rubber parts useful in auto restoration
   worth the money!!!



2. Ok in all fairness, I am reviewing this from what I was told by the friend I bought it for who lives in Nepal.
   
   He and his family do metal casting as a business and he said he would like other books on the subject so I bought him this.
   
   He said it helped a lot. I don't know for sure but can only repeat what he said. so - I gave it a middle score.



3. How to Cast Small Metal and Rubber Parts is an excellent resource for the hobbiest or restoration pro that needs to recreate parts that can no longer be sourced from the manufacturer or aftermarket. Cannon's writing style is clear and the photos are very helpful.
   
   Highly recommended!



4. For someone just getting into hobby metal or rubber casting, this is singlehandedly the best book on the subject. Although there are numerous other books, most of them are either poorly written or have too much information. This book has just enough information to allow you to build your own cheap metal crucible furnace and show you how to use it. Eventually you will want other books on the subject but only after this book gets you started. The section regarding rubber casting is still usable but it only pertains to one brand of rubber. When referring to this section, be aware that there are many other brands of rubber that can be used but the technique used in this book can be used universally. This is a very good book and I recommend it to anyone starting hobby casting.



5. I have a background in similar skills and I was interested in this book because I wanted a knowledge of working with rubber, but a better title would have been "How To Cast Small Metal And RUBBERY Parts". There is no coverage of actual rubber. So that being said, the book is very comprehensive and the author gives very accurate and easy to understand information.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn these skills, just know it covers urethanes as rubber and not rubber.

No comments about Fiberglass Boat Repairs Illustrated.

5 comments about Luncheon of the Boating Party.

1. i can not think of better way to get to know a painting than to take ms vreeland's tour of ninteenth century Paris.



2. 
   BOOK WAS IN GREAT CONDITION. QUICK SERVICE BY AMAZON THANK YOU!
   
   I ENJOYED THE BOOK VERY MUCH. BOUGHT A POSTER OF THE PAINTING ON THE COVER OF THE BOOK TO USE AS ATMOSPHERE FOR MY BOOK CLUB GATHERING IN OCT. LOOOKING FORWARD TO OTHER PEOPLES BOOK REVIEW. I THOUGHT THE IDEA OF BUILDING A STORY AROUND THE PEOPLE IN THE PAINTING WAS VERY CLEVER. YOU FELT THAT YOU WERE IN PARIS!



3. For anyone who loves classic art, the hardcover edition of this out-of-print book is a delight to the eye. The order was received very promptly. Unfortunately, the Amazon provider stated it was "hardcover", but sent the paperback. Still a lovely read, but I had wanted the hardcover version with its beautiful photos for Christmas gifts. I re-ordered from other suppliers and did receive the hardcovers.



4. The book arrived on time in excellent condition. The book is mostly like an art history book rather than a novel that would draw me in.



5. This book is a gem, like any and all of Susan's novels, it is superbly well written and carefully researched. The characters are engaging and the story compelling. A delightful read!

5 comments about The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, 3rd Edition Revised.

1. There's nothing that needs to be said other than if you want to know it about sailing... then it's in this book... Anyone who sails should have this onboard.



2. Everyone who has anything positive about this book is correct.
   
   The reason for three stars is the discussion of GPS is slightly shorter than the discussion of Loran and Radio Direction Finding; e.g. one page to each. There is no acknowledgment of the existence of a thing called the Internet.
   
   The value of this book lies in things that don't change much - Ground tackle, Rigging, Knots, Dead Reckoning.
   
   At one point this was the go-to book, but the growing lag in coverage of technology that has changed in the years since 1998 includes subjects that are now core to offshore sailing.



3. Very informative, well organized and simple to understand for the inexperienced sailor as well as those who have a basic understanding of sailing. Very helpful.



4. A whole lot of info. I agree, that it could use an Addendum of modern navigation.



5. I am a relatively new sailor, so I don't have a lot of experience in much more than reference books and study at this point. But, from my vantage point I can attest that this book is one of the best written and illustrated book on the market. I believe it contains just about every aspect of the art of sailing. Aside from Sailing Fundamentals, by Gary Jobson, the Annapolis Book of Seamanship is a absolute must for any sailors library.

5 comments about Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 66th Edition (Chapman Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling).

1. I can't say enough about the usefulness of this manual. Whether you're 18 or 60, a novice or old salt, this book is not just fact filled, but also a pretty good read, thanks to the almost 100 year legacy of the primary authors.
   
   I bought new the 66th edition hardcover.
   
   I've been boating since I was a 16 year old Boy Scout seeking my Canoeing merit badge, including an enlistment in the US Coast Guard and empployment in unlimited hydroplane and offshore powerboat racing.
   
   I find this book to be the ultimate reference.
   
   Buy It. Now.



2. Not much to say about the standard in piloting & seamanship for almost 100 years. Should be required reading for all recreational mariners. If you own a boat, you should own, and have read this book in addition to your continuing boating education.



3. The nautical 'bible' Chapman Piloting & Seamanship has been completely updated and reviewed with new charts, photos and illustrations for its 66th anniversary edition, making it an ongoing foundation title for any serious nautical collection. Chapters have been fully updated with the latest U.S. regulations, fees and federal laws and cover everything from how to assist a stranded boat charts vs. maps, considering radar's pros and cons, and more. A 'must' reference.



4. This is an excellent reference book to have. Explains navigating very well. BTW, West Marine is selling the 66th edition for $29.95.



5. I was very pleasd with the quality of the book and the timely manner that it arrived.

5 comments about Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems.

1. Although emphasis is marine the chapters on electrical is detailed and found by me as very good for my RV and home power projects.



2. Bought this for my husband for his birthday! He really wanted this book, so I was happy when I found it on Amazon.com! It shipped in a few days and arrived in perfect shape! Couldn't ask for more! I am sure it will come in very handy when we use our boat next summer!



3. Very thorough manual although it is becoming somewhat dated due the the rapid advances in electronics.



4. Calder provides a detailed, in depth discussion of electrical and mechanical systems found on modern small to medium cruising vessels both sail and power. This is not a book for those who are looking for a cursory overview. It is a text book for those who want to know the details of electrical and mechanical systems and are willing to put in the time to study. The book is exceptionally well written, clear and extensively illustrated. Also helpful, the author discusses the pros and cons of different approaches to configuring electrical and mechanical systems. Very helpful in sorting out the many claims and counter claims made by industry. If you want to be a knowledgeable expert, this is the book for you.



5. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and could only take one CD with you, which one would you take and why? Years ago I used to listen to a program on the BBC that asked famous guests that question, only they said record, not CDs. Well I suppose I'd take Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" if I were in that fix. And if I were to go to sea on a cruising sailboat and could only take one book with me, it would have to be this excellent, well written book by Mr. Calder. It's big, heavy, expensive and if you need it, you'll be glad you have it and you'll think it's worth it's weight in gold.

5 comments about Not Without Hope.

1. Nick is not one to dive beneath life's surface now, before, or during the accident. There is is a sense that more is waiting to be told.
   
   When his friends counted on him to help retrieve life jackets from the boat, he refused to dive under. But 24 hours later when Nick was the sole survivor, he suddenly was able to search under the craft.
   
   When Corey wanted a chance to climb on the boat, Nick fought him off. Then he justifies it by saying, "There isn't room." Why didn't they take turns on the boat? Why was Corey always the one left in the water? Nick says that Corey went crazy at the end. Maybe Corey was mad as hell that Nick would not share the safe spot.
   
   Maybe Corey was mad as hell that Nick took it upon himself to declare Marquis's death. Nick let Marquis float away and fifteen minutes later, Nick says, Corey went crazy on him. Did Nick have any prior experience in declaring people dead? And once Marquis was gone, why wouldn't Nick let Corey on? Nick says he was holding on to Corey for Corey's sake but maybe Nick was holding Corey OFF the boat. Only Nick knows and only Nick will always know. I wonder how any of us would handle ourselves out in the middle of a stormy ocean when that human survival instinct kicks in.
   
   Nick details his efforts to save the others and the tale as told is spellbinding but only because it offers insight into one man's death defying efforts to survive deep, frigid, roiling waters. Without a doubt, Nick battled the elements. His fortitude is inspirational. But a surface kind of guy comes off shallow in the telling of his story.



2. I was hooked on page one. This is definitely in my top five list of the most loved books. It tells of disaster, life's elements and what people are made of. I picked this book up from the "okay" pile at a grocery store. It should be number one! I was captivated from the very begining...four friends take on some "bonding" and innocently intended fishing time. Young men who had their whole lives ahead of them. It tells of the past and future of promising careers, their relationship to each other. I know those men now. I lived through their terror and demise through a graphic,tragic account play by play. When I was in the middle of the book and crying I realized that the story had just begun. I thought...what more could go wrong? I felt their pain, their loses, their hope and their lives. The author is an amazing human being and taking that courage to survive alone depicts his super human strength that is inside him.
   I was so captivated that I couldn't "stop" reading because my heart and soul was into these four strangers who are strangers to me no more. The book made me look within myself for courage, strength and hope under devastating circumstances. I have a new view on humanity, the elements of sea and air and survival. Hooray for you Nick, it is a beautiful, sad, astounding and "impossible to imagine story". I can't imagine finding my next book of choice to even come close to this confession of the bravest soul I would ever get to know on paper. Las Vegas Nevada.



3. I purchased this book and hated it! A total waste of money!This was a terrible book!



4. Not without hope was an interesting and inspiring account of survival. It was a very easy read and a real page turner. Only Nick knows what happened out there and I can only hope for his sanity that his accounts were accurate. I would have a difficult time going on with my life after such a tragic ordeal.



5. This was one of the best non-fiction books I've read in a long time. It's disturbing, but truthful. You know the ending, but this explains how everything went down that weekend. I cried a few days, and laughed a few, but mostly read it so intensely that I couldn't help from turning page after page despite the fact that my clock read 3:00 a.m. just a few pages from the end of the book.