Boating Books

This book fully explains the Baltek method of boat building. The method is a real time saver over standard cold-molded planking methods and it results in a stronger hull. The method allows for construction of all hull shapes using ordinary tools. Check this out if you are considering new methods for boatbuilding.`

I made the mistake of purchasing this book because I was curious about Baltek products and how to use them. I think you can get that kind of information for free elsewhere (on the web or from Baltek).

HOWEVER, if you will be building a boat out of that materal, and you are sure of it, it appeared to be a very thorough explanation of the subject, and is likely a reference such a builder would really need to make the most of this material.

This book covers a lot of material which is essential for a new boat owner also a good review for old timer. Easy reading whit good photo illustraion. I found it very helpful for a power boat owner. You really need to need most everything that is covered in this book.

This review refers to "Boating/Skills and Seamanship"(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary)......

If you have ever thought of or plan to buy a boat or step foot on a boat or any kind of watercraft this book is an absolute must. It would also be highly advisable to take the classes the Coast Guard auxiliary offers (usually for free) in conjunction with this manual.

Mostly geared toward new boaters, this book together with the classes will teach you everything you could possibly need to know to get started. It is even a good refresher for the experienced hand. Among the very important information gained are basic "rules of the road", who has the right of way on the water, what do all the markers, different colored lights, and signs mean and what are your responsibilities, and legal concerns.

If your thinking of buying a boat, there is a whole chapter on which may be best for you and another on how to safely trailer your boat and place it in the water. Many safety and emergency situation issues are discussed, you'll learn proper use of the radio and other equipment. Boating terminology, knot tying, piloting, charting a course(this was my favorite chapter) and maintenance are thoroughly gone over.

The coast guard classes will also guide you through each chapter and will present a test at the end of each. At the end of the course an official coast guard certificate in skills and seamanship is yours. These classes are great for the whole family or anyone just needing this knowledge. You can probably find the nearest classes to you in the phone book or through your local community center. There are also extended classes for those wanting to further their boating education(i.e. Learning to sail). The beginning classes are in a classroom and not on the water.If you have already signed up for these classes, it's possible this book may be purchased at your first meeting.

The book is easy to understand and spells out every detail clearly and has critical information that everyone who plans on being on the water should know. A Great keeper for fututre reference as well.

Have a fun and safe boating experience.....Laurie

If you've been messing around boats most of your life (as I have), or if you're new to boating, this book offers a source of practical, useful information. I suspect many of us have seen some of the author's tips in other publications from time to time, but I have never seen them compiled in one easy-to-find source until I got this book. I heartily recommend it to all boaters.

A GREAT EASY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND PUBLICATION FOR THE APPRENTICE TO THE ACCOMPLISHED BOATER. IT IS WRITTEN IN UNCOMPLICATED TERMINOLGY THAT GETS RIGHT TO THE POINT OF MAKING ONES BOATING EXPERIENCE MORE PLEASING. IT COVERS THE TECHINICAL AND PRACTICAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY BOTH THE SAILOR AND POWER BOATER. THE TIPS AND ADVICE PROVIDED WILL SAVE US ALL MANY DOLLARS.

This book gets a lot of mileage with my 18-month old nephew. The subject matter, the colorful illustrations and the story hold his interest for multiple readings in one sitting!

Along with its companion book, PLANES AT THE AIRPORT (which is by the same author and illustrator), BOATS ON THE RIVER is one of the best board books/simple picture books I've ever bought. I'm a children's librarian and a mom, and the book's colorful art and rhythmic text (that's fun to read aloud) get even very small kids excited about transportation.

Happy sailing!

Would the real Bobby Otter, please stand up? Please stand up?

I'm standing!

As the real Bobby Otter, I would like to recommend this book to everyone. It is an inspiring book that helped me when I was younger in finding myself. The pictures are wonderful, and Ms Burdick does a wonderful job of portraying a younger me. Plus it doesn't get much better than porcupine! If you have kids and want to get them a great book, this is it!

This was my favorite book as a child. Margaret Burdick is a wonderful author and illustrator in this charming book. It is a great story about an otter in a little village full of friendly animals. Amazon.com found this book for me even though it was out of print. Thanks Amazon!

I'm so excited to see this book in print again. I read an old copy lent to be by a friend after my husband and I "did the ditch" (traveled the Intracoastal Waterway) from Florida to Maryland. The tale is by a New England gentleman of superb boating skills who travels to Florida along the then-new ICW in a small sailboat with his son and an elderly cat. This was very unusual, people along the way had never seen a sailboat making the trip. And they have some harrowing experiences such as going aground (of course we all know about that!) but there was no Tow Boat US to come get them out of trouble. Particularly for anyone who has traveled the modern ICW, it is a fascinating documentary of how undeveloped the lowlands were back then. And it is written with great charm so that anyone who likes "messing around with boats" will enjoy it.

I bought my copy of this book in the early 70's. It is still on my book shelf along with the more important books in my life such as Bill Atkin's "Of Yachts and Men", Herreshoff's "The Compleat Cruiser" and Maurice Griffiths' "The Magic of the Sands".

This is a book about a trip that a man took with his son. It is a report mostly from a thoughtful log and bears enough interest that there it sits in its plain brown book cover on my shelf asking to be read yet again.

What more could you say about a book than it share space with those others?

I love reading this book with my daughter! The first time I read this wonderful book by Neal Parker I couldn't help tearing up a little bit. I think any dad who shares this with their daughter will be touched by Parker's amazing story. Set on the Maine shores and beyond, Captain Annabel is beautifully illustrated and very well written. I could relate with this single father watching his daughter grow up and go out on her own. The bond between Annabel and her "Papa" is powerful!

CAPTAIN ANNABEL
Published 2004 Down East Books
Illustrated by Emily Harris
Hard Cover, 36 Pages

This is the story of a small girl who, encouraged by her father, takes to the sea at an early age. Through her own diligence and efforts she works her way up through the ranks of schooners, ferries and tankers. By the time she is a young woman Annabel is the master of her own tugboat. Though "Captain Annabel" uses a maritime theme as a backdrop, it is more the story of hard work and self-reliance.

This book is really charming. The illustrations are distinctive and clear. There's a nice balance of light and serious themes. The rhyming text is as readable and enjoyable as Dr. Seuss, but not an imitation.

This is an outstanding book!

When I first read this book to my four year old son, it put a smile on my face and my son kept laughing and asking me to re-read it - which was a first. I had read many books to him before, but this captured his imagination. He takes it with him in the car wherever we go, so he can leaf through it. He has bonded with the animals in the book.

The animals are loveable, the duck is wonderfully refreshing, and the illustrations are vibrant and larger than life. I would recommend this highly to any parent looking for a clean, refreshing book for their preschooler.

I hope the author continues writing more books like these.

I've read both of Maud Fontenoy's books and cant wait to read the next one about her solo voyage around the world. If you want to inspire your daughter onto great accomplishments than a gift of these books may do it.

In 2003 the author became the first woman to row alone cross the North Atlantic ocean: in 2005 she challenged the Pacific - and won again. CHALLENGING THE PACIFIC tells of her journey, capturing both daily sailing challenges and long-term motivation and goals. Her story is true adventure at its best; perfect for any general-interest public library lending holding or for nautical collections.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Excellent book, the best in its class. It contains all the needed information for safe boating.

This book is a must for anyone who is seriously thinking about spending time out on the water. There is very detailed information on every aspect of seamanship and boating. Boaters who are just beginning to those who are so called "experts" really must have a copy of this book in their nautical library. I have a very old copy which is well read and tattered and now it is time to buy a newer edition. It is even better than before with updated critical information on all kinds of topics. Anyone interested in boating can spend endless hours just browsing and reading this book. "May the wind always fill your sails!"