Hi all,
Just got my own copy of "Boat Owners Mechanical & Electrical Manual - Nigel Calder" after maxing out the number of checkout renewals from the local library.
I decided to spend the bucks and get my own.
This book is brilliant - over 900 pages of extremely well written material on all aspects of boat maintenance including Diesel engines, electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, propellers, plumbing, etc.
How things work, how to install them, how to fix or upgrade them, how to choose, etc, etc.

I used to spend hours googling and poking around forums searching for info I wanted - I wont be doing much of this anymore.
So, do yourself a favour check it out. The latest is the Fourth Edition 2015 which your library probably won't have but previous editions will give you an idea of its worth.

PS: I have absolutely no connection with the author, publisher or anyone else associated with this book
regards to all
allan

If there's a boating bible, this is my suggestion for one of the chapters.
This, the Gudgeons boatbuilding book, and Yamaha 9.9 outboard manual covers just about everything a man needs to know.

Just missing the part on how to turn water into wine, and being able to part the seas.
Both may be useful at times.

LooseChange said..


Thanks for that, book found and downloaded. Not the latest version, but as you stated probably not all that necessary to have the latest.

Downloaded!!! Could you post the link possibly??

Most of the updates to the 4th edition are for the electrical system. Since it is the book on the electrical system, and the cost of the book is a lot cheaper than the electrical system, it would be wise to have the latest edition for those planning on rewiring the boat.

For a library consisting of 2 books on boat maintenance, the second I would recommend is "This Old Boat" 2nd edition by Don Casey. Note though there are some dissenting opinions on how to rebed deck hardware and portlights:

www.pbase.com:443/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware
www.pbase.com/mainecruising/nfm_port_lights

This is my favourite book price comparison site:

booko.com.au

Nigel Calder is a technical contributor to the magazine "Practical Boat Owner" so if your a regular reader you probably have covered all the info. I have about 40 years worth downstairs!