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Nigel Calder
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Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems Hardcover – 6 Jun. 2005

by Nigel Calder (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 353 ratings
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 third 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
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  1. Print length
    832 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Adlard Coles Nautical
  4. Publication date
    6 Jun. 2005
  5. Dimensions
    20.3 x 25.4 x 4.7 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0713672269
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0713672268
  8. See all details
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Product description

Review

'A reference library book that'll solve or at least set you on the right track to solving almost any boat related problem' Boat Mart 'A serious builder or owner, or a marine proffesional, will find it invaluable" Sailing Magazine (March 2010)

About the Author

Nigel Calder, a diesel mechanic for almost 30 years, is also the author of numerous articles for nautical magazines and other books - all of which have helped tens of thousands of boatowners deal with mechanical problems at sea.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Adlard Coles Nautical (6 Jun. 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 832 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0713672269
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0713672268
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 20.3 x 25.4 x 4.7 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 353 ratings

About the author

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Nigel Calder

Nigel Calder

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
353 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides comprehensive and useful information on boating. They appreciate the detailed explanations and diagrams, making it a great reference guide and financial investment. Overall, customers consider it an excellent guide that offers good value for money.

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ContentDetailValue for moneyPhoto content
19 customers mention ‘Content’19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content comprehensive and useful. They describe it as an excellent guide covering many subjects, some obscure ones as well. Readers say it's a must-have for serious boat owners.

"...The content is truly comprehensive and makes fascinating reading, or just browsing...." Read more

"...Still very pertinent Covers many subjects, some obscure ones as well. Worth having for the price." Read more

"...This book is by far the most comprehensive practical book on the subject, better than John C Payne's and Geoffrey O'Connell's offerings which I..." Read more

"good." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Detail’10 positive3 negative

Customers find the book provides detailed explanations with clear diagrams. They appreciate the high-resolution photos and drawings. The text is easy to understand and the author is praised as an intellectual genius.

"...The 800-odd pages are packed with an amazing level of detail on every aspect of boat systems - truly a "bible" for anyone interested in boats,..." Read more

"The level of detail in this book is superb, and does assume that you have at least a basic knowledge of how the systems on your boat work and are..." Read more

"Very nice text and pics, both photos' and drawings. So easy to understand some of the finer 'leccy problems which have been bugging me for a..." Read more

"...However, I found it extremely technical. There are over forty pages of information just on batteries. Way more than I care to know or learn." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Value for money’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They say it's a great investment for boaters.

"...Amazing value for money." Read more

"...Covers many subjects, some obscure ones as well. Worth having for the price." Read more

"...to any generation of auto, or boating amature, as a fantastic financial/practical investment...." Read more

"...Excellent value. Content includes electrics, corrosion, engines and drive, fridges, tanks, plumbing, heating, deck gear and rigging among others." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Photo content’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's photo and diagram content. They find it detailed with nice text and pictures, both photos and drawings.

"Very nice text and pics, both photos' and drawings...." Read more

"...Over 800 pages, with many photographs and diagrams (although black and white, they are high resolution and clear)...." Read more

"Very detailed with lots of photos and diagrams. Great reference book." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • ecurieecosse
    5.0 out of 5 stars top notch
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 February 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This book was recommended to me during a course run by a ships surveyor who claimed it was his "bible". having purchased it, I can see why he referred to it as he did.
    The content is truly comprehensive and makes fascinating reading, or just browsing. I don't imagine anyone simply reading this cover to cover as it is more of a reference book.

    The level of detail in many cases is astonishing - for example I've learned so much about battery technology, the pros and cons of different battery technologies, why we need different battery characteristics for starter battery and ship's battery. 41 pages are devoted to this topic including the techniques for selecting, sizing, designing, and installing the basic battery charging and regulating systems. A further 25 pages then cover the additional specifics for energy intensive boats. then we have 30 pages on maintaining and troubleshooting the battery powered electrical systems (batteries, alternators, chargers, regulators). Hopefully this gives a reasonable indication of the level of detail, the research, and information contained within it's covers.

    The 800-odd pages are packed with an amazing level of detail on every aspect of boat systems - truly a "bible" for anyone interested in boats, amateur like me or professional like the tutor that recommended it.

    Amazing value for money.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Simon Isaacs
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide - just not on the Kindle
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 November 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The level of detail in this book is superb, and does assume that you have at least a basic knowledge of how the systems on your boat work and are laid out; if you don't have a basic knowledge, this manual could be heavy going in places! Using the advice in this book I have changed some of the set up in my electrical system and have noticed a massive increase in performance. The section on battery wiring was particularly helpful!

    As a boat owner, I like to buy Kindle versions because of the space saving, however, I am finding that many manuals and guides simply do not work on the Kindle because of factors such as zoom limitations on images such as diagrams.
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  • bobzic
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great book if one is studying anything to do with small craft
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Most of the book is USA, but there is quite a lot of UK/European content.
    Still very pertinent
    Covers many subjects, some obscure ones as well. Worth having for the price.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bill Aitch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Payed for itself the first week-end.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 April 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Very nice text and pics, both photos' and drawings. So easy to understand some of the finer 'leccy problems which have been bugging me for a possible half-century, oft at great expence. A mobile, or any other "Sparky", is now costing £75/hr. here in UK. They oft mis-lead us into the most expensive, completely unnecessary purchases/solutions. I have been doing most of my own work for so many years, and would only purchase such an expensive book as a last resort. Glad I did. Just replacing an old £10/20amp ignition controled split charger, with a £30/30amp automatic version, in the hope that it will last slightly longer. I completely rewired a mini, with "raw materials" back in the early 70's, working basically "by ear". Have rewired many trailers, and fitted many vehicles for towing trailers, but modern alarms/central-locking etc., are still quite foriegn to me. Also modern generation and supply, and all the modern dash-board info. I have long since mourned the death of dash-board ammeters, induction pressures, etc. I would recommend this book to any generation of auto, or boating amature, as a fantastic financial/practical investment. I could have saved so many £thousands in the past 50 years.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Liz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for new boat owners too
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2011
    Verified Purchase
    As a new boat owner I am finding this book easy to get in to and am sure we'll return to it time and again as we tackle different projects. Over 800 pages, with many photographs and diagrams (although black and white, they are high resolution and clear). Clear descriptions, including the pros and cons of different equipment and how to avoid gear failure. Excellent value. Content includes electrics, corrosion, engines and drive, fridges, tanks, plumbing, heating, deck gear and rigging among others.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Dave
    5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed and comprehensive
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 January 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I am a professional Electrical Engineer and long time sailor. This book is by far the most comprehensive practical book on the subject, better than John C Payne's and Geoffrey O'Connell's offerings which I also have. It gives detailed and comprehensive explanations that will ensure you not only know what to do to test, install or repair something but also understand how it works. It does have a slight US slant and terminology but he also refers to UK / European standards and practices.
    Helpful
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  • ceebee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Novice boater - superb!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 February 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Everything you could possibly want to know. We are complete novices re-fitting a 116 year old barge and having to do all the work ourselves. It takes a lot of reading and re-reading to get our heads round some of the complicated electrical stuff but the information is all there, complete with diagrams. The best thing is, not only are the explanations of HOW to do it comprehensive but also the reasons WHY you need to do it. Absolutely brilliant.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Tien Ling Chen
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    good.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Dante
    5.0 out of 5 stars Boat electrical and mechanical
    Reviewed in the United States on 19 June 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Very in-depth book
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very detailed excellent go to resource
    Reviewed in Canada on 7 May 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Easy to understand
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  • Brett Turner
    5.0 out of 5 stars must have for amateur boatowners
    Reviewed in Australia on 5 June 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic book, great for the novice takes you through from fundamentals to detailed repair instructions across all the technical aspects of a boat. Excellent resource
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  • Luis Antonio Miranda Ortiz
    5.0 out of 5 stars UNA AFORTUNADA SINERGIA
    Reviewed in Spain on 3 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    El porqué este libro es tan bueno se debe a la muy poco frecuente coincidencia de encontrar en el mismo autor a un técnico competente, a un experimentado navegante y a un señor con unas grandes dósis de sentido común que además de ser capaz de redactar correctamente un texto lo hace con una evidente voluntad de enseñar lo que sabe y no de epatar al lector con un despliege abrumador de conocimientos.
    Para mi es una herramienta y una base sobre la que avanzar tanto en el plano teórico como en el empírico, es decir, cuando te llenas las uñas de grasa.

    Conozco, y así mismo recomiendo, otras dos de sus obras:

    - Boatowner`s practical and technical crusing manual y Marine Diesel Engines (que es una extensión y prácticamente viene incluido en los capítulos dedicados al motor diesel en la obra comentada).
    Una pena que no exista una edición en castellano. El problema es que un traductor convencional resulta inviable para una obra de este tipo. Se requiere, salvando las distancias, parecida multidisciplinariedad a la del autor; además del conveniente dominio del idioma.
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  • Rulane
    5.0 out of 5 stars if you have a yacht or ant to buy one
    Reviewed in Germany on 8 December 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is an absolute fantastic book. A lot of thought went into it! And when it gets to detailed skip it. It is loaded with knowledge and experience!!

    And if you're buying a boat also read:
    Surveying Fiberglass Sailboats: A Step-By-Step Guide for Buyers and Owners (Step-By-Step Guide to Buyers and Owners)
    Mustin, Henry C.

    Surveying Yachts and Small Craft
    Stevens, Paul
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