Essential Books

[Jeffrey S]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

So how do you know what information to believe on the net?

It's a valid question. But you're also mixing up these types of forums with real, solid information that exists. I'd tend to trust the info on the John Deere site before I'd trust anyone on this board (sorry). If there were something more specific I needed, I'd definitely trust boatdiesel.com responses especially as multiple people converged on an answer to my issue.

These social types of forums are great - as we all know. But they're the 2012 equivalent of running into some trawler friends at a bar and talking about issues, problems, and other things on each others minds. If you have a real, specific question or topic to research, qualified information is out there often with comments and questions.

Originally Posted by djmarchand

At least authors of books and magazine articles have to have some acknowldeged expertise to get themselves published. Anyone can post any thing online.

I totally disagree with that. Anyone can print anything and bind it for a couple of hundred dollars of investment. Even getting a book into the distribution channel isn't difficult not to mention the people who sell their books from the trunks (or lazarette's). I'd much prefer an online source where others can comment on the content - to show where it's right or wrong. Paper doesn't do a good job of that. It also doesn't update itself as technology, products, and new ideas come about. My Chapman's doesn't even have the word AIS in it. My Calder doesn't talk about Lithium ion technology. And no matter how much I want it, they'll never be updated without laying out another $25 or more to get something that is available in many other places for free.

[psneeld]

What I find curious is that so many distrust internet forums.

I have had amazing luck and saved a ton on my home projects, truck issues and boat issues.

Yes I agree that maybe every 500th word is the only gem you get out of a thread...but it's there if you know what you are looking for. And with a few more minutes of cross verifying from those sites that are more trusted (manufacturer, government, testing, whatever) you probably have as good info as you can get...even from reference books...why? because that kernel of knowledge probably came from one of those ancient books, was tried and found to be time tested true or updated to newer tech by the poster and a bunch of other "real life people" (not some lab info)....and then verified by independent info if you care to.

No different than asking the guy at the marina, dealership, parts store, etc....yes you have to have some idea what's going on...but sometimes only a little research will put you in a position to make the intelligent choice.

What's funny too...is there ARE those "experts" that you find in yards, machine shops, etc...etc...right here (well sorta ) you just have to know who is blowing smoke and who is not and whether they are likely to have experience with what the topic is.

[Tom.B]

Originally Posted by psneeld

I have had amazing luck and saved a ton on my home projects, truck issues and boat issues.

THIS!!

I have many of the book named and I really like the ability to grab a book. The tactile feel of it, the lack of internet connection and power needed to have the info on the workbench or on the hook in a far away anchorage. No matter what, books will be around for a while yet.

[CPseudonym]

I grew up with encyclopedias and libraries for research and reference and still love spending time reading books. Google has completely changed the paradigm of researching answers to a problem. In less time than it takes to type the question you will receive thousands of leads that can give an appropriate answer. Not at all unlike sitting in the library sifting through card catalogs and searching books on the shelf. Only faster.

Ultimately discernment of the information received is still required as it always has been. The authors background, experience and motivation is still vital to know as well as his sources.

Japanese Proverb - “Knowledge without wisdom is a load of books on the back of an ass”

[alormaria]

Sloan Wilson's "Away from it all".

[Marin]

The best book on radar I've cme across is Kevin Monahan's "The Radar Book."

"Painting and Varnishing" by Rebecca Whitman is one of the best books ever on those subjects.

"How to Read a Nautical Chart" by Nigel Calder is excellent.

And while it's aimed at PNW boaters specifically, "Local Knowledge" by Kevin Monahan is very informative, too.

[MurrayM]

As a newcomer to the game, it'll be nice having some vetted & edited information sources to establish a base of knowledge to build from. The books listed will help greatly to that end, and as GonzoF1 said, they can rest on the workbench or be read in some distant anchorage when they're needed most.

Thanks to all for the recommendations.

[KJ]

Nigel Calder: [I]Marine Diesel Engines".[I] KJ

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by ActiveCaptain

........Anyone can print anything and bind it for a couple of hundred dollars of investment. Even getting a book into the distribution channel isn't difficult not to mention the people who sell their books from the trunks (or lazarette's).........

Many of these books have been validated by boaters. Chapman would not still be in print and updated from time to time if experienced boaters did not recommend it.

Once you have a basic background and understanding of a subject (usually from books or formal education), the Internet can be a way to get updated information. Still, there is a lot of bogus information out there. How do you know who to believe? The number of posts? The author's claimed background and education? His/her claimed experience?

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
I haven't reread all the postings on this thread but a thought occurs to me about the most important book on boating. CHEQUE BOOK!!!!!

[Capn Chuck]

Many publications that began from "trunks or Lazarette's" include, most of Nigel Calder's, Lynn and Larry Pardey, Earl Heinz, Hal Roth, the original Skipper Bob, Mark Doyle, John Kettlewell, and let's not forget that Waterway Guide was originated and published by active cruisers. There are many, many, many more examples. These are all well known and well respected authors in the marine industry who many of us consider true experts and can educate us all. Beware of those that buy a boat, spend a little time running up and down the river or never leave the dock and proclaim themselves experts. In today's electronic age it has become more and more difficult to weed those types out and I believe that is why there is a certain amount of mistrust from online information. But correct me if I am wrong, the original poster ask about books on board and not whether they should use online resources or buy books. Unfortunately there is always someone that wants to move the conversation in another direction.

[Capn Chuck]

Originally Posted by RT Firefly

Greetings,
I haven't reread all the postings on this thread but a thought occurs to me about the most important book on boating. CHEQUE BOOK!!!!!

RT, That's the one book we wish we never had to carry, but unfortunately, It's a boat. Chuck

[Nomad Willy]

I agree w Marin. Two plus two always = four. And our culture is a "pop" culture and new things like the internet, hypred cars, electronic charts, and umteen other products and concepts aren't the miracle things they seem to be JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NEW. Ther'e worse in that they haven't stood the test of time but ther'e better in that they have benefitted from evolution to a greater degree. All the new things have advantages but all the new things have disadvantages too. I like to read Peter Culler. Don't know if he's on the internet but his methods, ideas and boats are wonderful and just as good today as they were in his time. I love my Dewalt power tools but a chorded drill or even a hand crank drill is better for some things. I love my VW Golf but if it wasn't for the millage I'd be just as happy w a 1955 car. I took my Golf to the dealer to get my headlights fixed! I love the power of the internet and the ability to converse w people all over the world about things I'm keenly interested in but I love my old books too. But the concept that now that we've got the internet we ought to burn all those nasty old dumb books is stupid.

[MurrayM]

Information or advice I read on Internet forums is usually given as much weight as conversations overheard on a bus, especially on subjects I know little about. You can normally glean enough to start doing more concentrated searching on the Internet to confirm...or spin off on any number of unrelated searches! Such is the Internet.

Thanks a bunch for the authors and book titles...this'll provide untold hours of web wallowing and knowledge base building.

[Jeffrey S]

Originally Posted by manyboats

And our culture is a "pop" culture and new things like the internet, hypred cars, electronic charts, and umteen other products and concepts aren't the miracle things they seem to be JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NEW.

It doesn't mean they're bad either. It's also pretty important to realize that major changes have occurred in almost every aspect of buying things, getting information about things, and planning things. I seriously doubt we'll ever go back to the time when you call a manufacturer to ask them to mail you a brochure about their products, as an example.

Even bigger changes have happened with navigation - cars, boats, or planes. There's nothing wrong with not using it - whatever works for you is great. I just know that getting rid of paper in all forms (charts, books, etc) has made my cruising better, more enjoyable, and even safer.

[Conrad]

We all have our own ways of learning, researching etc. For some of us, on-line is the way, while others prefer paper in its infinite forms. Myself, I tend to prefer on-line when I'm at home, but on the boat where web access is often absent, books are the only way to go. Trying to trouble shoot a problem in some bucolic little cove would be better done with book in hand I think. (I'm not suggesting that you read Chapman's WHILE you're attempting your first anchoring!)

Many excellent suggestions here.

[Tom.B]

Originally Posted by Capn Chuck

Beware of those that buy a boat, spend a little time running up and down the river or never leave the dock and proclaim themselves experts.

Now wait just a cotton-pickin' minute there bub! I resemble that remark

[Capn Chuck]

Originally Posted by GonzoF1

Now wait just a cotton-pickin' minute there bub! I resemble that remark

Now Tom, we would never accuse you of anything like that.

[BruceK]

Nigel Calder would be happy with his nominations. And he`s actually English! He also has a good book on Marine Refrigeration, I can`t recall the precise name of it and can`t easily check,I lent it to a friend, he must be finding it very helpful, books are made to be shared. BruceK

[OFB]

If you realy want to talk crap about boating Peggy Hall has a book that I recomend as a boat owner that has a head.

But its on the boat and I aint got the valve set correct so cant remember the name.