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Yachting Manuals: Service, Repair and Restoration

Explore the best illustrated books on boat maintenance. Discover handbooks on the maintenance, repair and restoration of sailing and motor yachts.

Yachting Manuals: Service, Repair and Restoration | Quick Select

The Restoration Handbook for Yachts - The essential guide to fibreglass yacht restoration and repair

Restoring a fibreglass yacht is not something for the faint-hearted, even if you don't intend to do all the work yourself (you still need to understand the processes to be gone through). But the satisfaction of the job well done, not to mention the possible cost savings on buying a new yacht, are immense. Nevertheless, it is not something that should be undertaken lightly and without careful consideration.

That is where this book comes in, as Enric Rosello takes you through his restoration of a 30-year-old 40-foot yacht. Broken down into 46 chapters, Enric details the stages of his restoration in chronological order. For each he starts with an overview of the task and the thinking behind the approach he took.

For those who decide to take on the challenge, each overview is followed by an in-depth step-by-step account of what they did, accompanied by numerous informative photo sequences (with over 800 colour photos in total).
All possible subjects are covered, including dealing with osmosis, the interiors, deck, rigging, electrics and electronics, plumbing, engine, galley, heads and much more.

The author is very honest about the amount of work and commitment required and also offers advice about when to call in the professionals and when to consider doing the work yourself.
Anyone contemplating a complete or partial restoration is advised to read this book beforehand, so you know what is ahead, and to follow its guidance if you to decide to proceed.

Product details

Author:Enric Rosello
Details:256 pages, 11.2 x 8.25 x 0.87 in (28.5 x 21 x 2.2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:800 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Fernhurst Books (GB, 2018)
ISBN:9781912177134
Book cover: The Restoration Handbook for Yachts - The essential guide to fibreglass yacht restoration and repair | Fernhurst

The Restoration Handbook for Yachts - The essential guide to fibreglass yacht restoration and repair

Language: English

Be Your Own Boat Surveyor - A hands-on guide for all owners and buyers

This practical Adlard Coles handbook empowers the reader to carry out a survey on their own boat, or one they are thinking of buying, before calling in the expensive professionals.
Organised into chapters covering: Tools of the trade (basic tools, moisture meters, fingers and feel, smell, mirrors, sources of information); Checking the hull (including wood construction and rot, GRP laminates, osmosis, metal construction, keels, anodes); RIBs and inflatables; Engine and systems; Stern gear; Plumbing; Mast and rigging; Electrical systems; Interiors; Safety equipment.

At the end of the book there's a handy guide to carrying out a five minute survey - invaluable when making a quick assessment of a potential purchase.
Highly illustrated, with anecdotes and hands-on advice throughout, this practical book gives readers the tools to do much of the work on their own, and know when to call in the experts.

Contents: Why survey your own boat? - The tools of the trade - The hull - Deck and superstructure - Engines and their systems - Stern gear - Plumbing - Masts and rigging - The electrical system - The interior - Safety equipment - Ribs and tenders - The ten minute survey - After the survey.

Product details

Author:Dag Pike
Details:192 pages, 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.39 in (24.5 x 17.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:extensively illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (GB, 2014)
ISBN:9781472903679
Book cover: Be Your Own Boat Surveyor - A hands-on guide for all owners and buyers | Bloomsbury PLC

Be Your Own Boat Surveyor - A hands-on guide for all owners and buyers

Language: English

Boat Maintenance - The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Boat Ship-shape

Every boat, be it sail or power, wood or fiberglass, stored in the water or on dry land, needs regular maintenance to keep it sea-worthy. Proper maintenance can help save money by catching trouble before it starts. This guide will help new and experienced boat owners keep their boat in tip-top shape.
From repairing scratched and worn hulls and decks, to fixing engines and tightening fittings, every inch of the boat is covered including the below deck quarters. Learning to care for this valuable possession is part of the thrill of owning one.

Product details

Details:160 pages, 13.2 x 9.1 x 0.35 in (33.5 x 23 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:mainly in color, photos and drawings
Language:English
Publisher:Fox Chapel Publishers (GB, 2011)
ISBN:9781565235496
Book cover: Boat Maintenance - The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Boat Ship-shape | Fox Chapel

Boat Maintenance - The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Boat Ship-shape

Language: English

Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual - Repair and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems

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 fourth edition has been fully updated to reflect these developments and expand its predecessor's worldwide popularity.

Product details

Author:Nigel Calder
Details:960 pages, 11.2 x 9.1 x 1.69 in (28.5 x 23 x 4.3 cm), hardback
Illustrations:500+ b&w photos and drawings
Language:English
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (GB, 2017)
ISBN:9781472946676
Book cover: Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual - Repair and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems | Bloomsbury PLC

Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual - Repair and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems

Language: English

Fiberglass Boat Repairs Illustrated - Cosmetic and Structural Repairs for Sail-and Powerboat Hulls and Decks

If you don't have the experience of working with fiberglass, any repairs to your boat must be done by high-cost professionals or left undone. This entry-level guide uses full-color, step-by-step photo sequences and line drawings to present you with the basics in an easily digested form. You will learn how to:
- Save money and time doing your own fiberglass repairs
- Improve the value, appearance, and safety of your boat
- Work with materials such as polyester, epoxy, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and core materials
- Fix annoying leaks; repair cracks; restore gelcoat; fabricate new components.

Table of contents: 1. How a Fiberglass Boat Is Built - 2. Diagnosing Damage - 3. Materials, Tools, and Basic Techniques - 4. Gelcoat Restoration and Repair - 5. Making Joints, Plugs, and Molds - 6. Hull, Keel, and Rudder Fairing - 7. Major Repairs - 8. Osmosis and Blister Repair - 9. Finishing Your Repair Work - Appendixes.

Product details

Author:Roger Marshall
Details:192 pages, 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.39 in (27.5 x 21.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:International Marine Publishing Co (USA, 2010)
ISBN:9780071549929
Book cover: Fiberglass Boat Repairs Illustrated - Cosmetic and Structural Repairs for Sail-and Powerboat Hulls and Decks | IMC

Fiberglass Boat Repairs Illustrated - Cosmetic and Structural Repairs for Sail-and Powerboat Hulls and Decks

Language: English

Fibreglass Boats - Construction, Gel Coat, Stressing, Blistering, Repair, Maintenance

An invaluable source of reference for anyone wanting practical advice on working with GRP, in order to make repairs and improvements correctly and thus extend the life of their boat.

Since it was first published 45 years ago, Hugo du Plessis' "Fibreglass Boats" has become a classic, relied upon by owners, surveyors and boat builders keen to understand how fibreglass behaves, and obtain practical advice on working with GRP.

In a deliberately non-technical manner, he explains the peculiar nature of fibreglass, its durability, its weaknesses, where its likely to fail, the effects of use and the weather, plus the latest research into causes of the biggest worry for owners - blistering and osmosis.

Product details

Author:Hugo Du Plessis
Details:312 pages, 9.7 x 6.7 x 0.63 in (24.5 x 17 x 1.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:50 b&w photos, 50 drawings, 16 pages color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (GB, 2010)
ISBN:9781408122747
Book cover: Fibreglass Boats - Construction, Gel Coat, Stressing, Blistering, Repair, Maintenance | Bloomsbury PLC

Fibreglass Boats - Construction, Gel Coat, Stressing, Blistering, Repair, Maintenance

Language: English

Inspecting the Aging Sailboat - Know what to look for in the boat you own or would like to buy

Become an expert judge of used sailboats. Step by step, the author of the bestselling "This Old Boat" shows you how to evaluate the condition of an older fiberglass sailboat - the one you own or the one you'd like to purchase.
Don Casey's expert advice helps you: assess the condition of a used sailboat in 30 minutes; prioritize maintenance and repair tasks for a boat you already own; catch potential problems early; know where to look and what to look for (and how to interpret what you see).

A professional survey is recommended before purchasing a boat - and usually required for financing - but with "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat", you can consider and reject any number of boats before settling on 'the one'.
This book will streamline your used-boat shopping while saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in professional survey fees.

Product details

Author:Don Casey
Details:144 pages, 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.2 in (23 x 19 x 0.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:250 photos and drawings
Language:English
Publisher:McGraw-Hill (USA, 2004)
ISBN:9780071445450
Book cover: Inspecting the Aging Sailboat - Know what to look for in the boat you own or would like to buy | McGraw-Hill

Inspecting the Aging Sailboat - Know what to look for in the boat you own or would like to buy

Language: English

Powerboat Maintenance Manual | Clymer Outboard Shop Manual

This manual covers serves as a general reference for boat maintenance. Step-by-step procedures, along with hundreds of illustrations and photographs help boating enthusiasts maintain their boats and on-board equipment, lowering repair costs while increasing operating satisfaction.

More information about Clymer Outboard Shop Manuals

Product details

Details:344 pages, 10.8 x 8.25 x 0.71 in (27.5 x 21 x 1.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:many photos and drawings
Language:English (technical dictionaries in 19 languages are available for free download here)
Publisher:Clymer (USA, 1996)
Series:Clymer Outboard Shop Manual (B700)
ISBN:9780892876549
Book cover: Powerboat Maintenance Manual | Clymer Outboard Shop Manual (B700) | Clymer

Powerboat Maintenance Manual

Language: English

Surveying Yachts and Small Craft - A Hands-on Insider's Guide to Surveying Second-hand Boats

Highly practical in nature, and packed with detailed close-up photography, step by step procedures, and helpful checklists, this definitive handbook will prove a godsend to small craft owners who want to check out defects on their own boats or on boats they are planning to buy, as well as practicing surveyors and surveying students.

Featuring surveying bodies, equipment required, assessing defects (including moisture-related defects, and the use of moisture meters) and their severity, the book guides the reader through conducting a thorough inspection, from keel to topsides, coachroof, stern gear, rigging and much more.

Product details

Author:Paul Stevens
Details:208 pages, 9 x 7.5 x 0.63 in (24 x 19 x 1.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:color photos and drawings
Language:English
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (GB, 2010)
ISBN:9781408114032
Book cover: Surveying Yachts and Small Craft - A Hands-on Insider's Guide to Surveying Second-hand Boats | Bloomsbury PLC

Surveying Yachts and Small Craft - A Hands-on Insider's Guide to Surveying Second-hand Boats

Language: English

The Boat Improvement Bible : Practical Projects to Customise and Upgrade Your Boat

The Boat Improvement Bible is the most up to date, user friendly and hands-on practical manual for boatowners who wish to improve their sailboat or motorboat. It will equip any boatowner with average DIY skills to improve all aspects of their boat: safety, comfort, facilities, storage and performance on the water. Many of these projects will also help increase a boat's value.

Projects include: installing a heating system, installing hot water and a shower, increasing water tank size, making the heads electric, installing air conditioning or better ventilation, setting up solar or wind power charging for the batteries, fitting a generator, adding a gas alarm, installing interior lighting, adding a bathing platform or boarding ladder, plus much, much more.

Packed with exploded diagrams, helpful step-by-step photographs and detailed guidance, The Boat Improvement Bible provides a wealth of DIY expertise and advice to enable anyone to improve their yacht or motorboat.

Product details

Details:304 pages, 10 x 8.1 x 1.02 in (25.5 x 20.5 x 2.6 cm), hardback
Illustrations:many color photos and drawings
Language:English
Publisher:Adlard Coles (GB, 2015)
ISBN:9781408154199
Book cover: The Boat Improvement Bible : Practical Projects to Customise and Upgrade Your Boat | Adlard Coles

The Boat Improvement Bible : Practical Projects to Customise and Upgrade Your Boat

Language: English

The Boatowner's Guide to Corrosion - A Complete Reference for Boatowners and Marine Professionals

Corrosion is a constant, often expensive, and sometimes dangerous problem for boaters. Moisture, salt, electrical currents, and chemicals create a potent combination that can attack the metallic (and sometimes nonmetallic) parts of your boat.
Everett Collier, an expert in marine technology, details all the types of corrosion-including simple galvanic, electrochemical, and electrolytic-and explains how to identify, combat, and prevent them.

The most comprehensive book on this subject, "The Boatowner's Guide to Corrosion" shows you how to:Prevent corrosion with proper grounding, cathodic protection, protective coatings, and careful selection and matching of metal partsProtect your boat's hull, deck gear, masts, and rigging, as well as its propulsion, electrical, plumbing, and steering systemsRecognize and cure developing corrosion before it can damage your boat.

Product details

Author:Everitt Collier
Details:320 pages, 9.25 x 7.3 x 0.55 in (23.5 x 18.5 x 1.4 cm), paperback
Illustrations:illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:International Marine Publishing Co (USA, 2006)
ISBN:9780071475440
Book cover: The Boatowner's Guide to Corrosion - A Complete Reference for Boatowners and Marine Professionals | IMC

The Boatowner's Guide to Corrosion - A Complete Reference for Boatowners and Marine Professionals

Language: English

Understanding Boat Corrosion, Lightning Protection and Interference

Covers problems with metal corrosion on the hull and fastenings, lightning hazards and protection and electrical problems on a boat.
It is part of series of books about technical issues facing every boat owner and is fully illustrated with photos and technical drawings.

Product details

Author:John C Payne
Details:96 pages, 8.7 x 5.5 x 0.39 in (22 x 14 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:honderden photos and drawings
Language:English
Publisher:Rowman & Littlefield (USA, 2005)
ISBN:9781574091991
Book cover: Understanding Boat Corrosion, Lightning Protection and Interference | Rowman & Littlefield

Understanding Boat Corrosion, Lightning Protection and Interference

Language: English

Upgrading Your Boat's Interior

After just a few years, cabins can all too often look tired, outdated and in desperate need of renovation. But it needn't cost the earth or even require the skills of an expert to revamp them.
In this series of highly practical, step-by-step photographic manuals, "Upgrading Your Boat's Interior" shows boat owners how to improve their boat's living space in terms of comfort, functionality and convenience.

This book will help owners to regain a little of that 'new-boat' feeling, including:
- How to improve your basic facilities, from interior lighting to making your own fan
- Simple interior decorating ideas to personalise your onboard space
- Working with soft furnishings to create new bunk cushions and sprung mattresses
- Creating workable storage solutions
- Tackling major woodwork projects, including rebuilding a galley from scratch

Suitable for both motorboats and yachts, this invaluable guide is perfect for any boatowner willing to give it a try themselves. Each project lists equipment and a difficulty rating, and many projects are so simple that the whole family can get involved. With this book to hand, it has never been easier to bring your boat's living space into the 21st century.

Product details

Author:Mike Westin
Details:144 pages, 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.47 in (24.5 x 19 x 1.2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:many color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Adlard Coles (GB, 2012)
Series:Adlard Coles
ISBN:9781408132951
Book cover: Upgrading Your Boat's Interior | Adlard Coles | Adlard Coles

Upgrading Your Boat's Interior

Language: English

Handbuch Yachtsicherheit - Diebstahl, Einbruch und Überfälle vermeiden

Recent acts of piracy have shown that pleasure boats, with their equipment and furnishings, often represent great material value. This book contains tactics for preventing and defending against theft, burglary or robbery and helps you to realistically assess risks, prepare for them and face them with more calm.

Pages of the book Handbuch Yachtsicherheit (1)

Pages of the book "Handbuch Yachtsicherheit - Diebstahl, Einbruch und Überfälle vermeiden"

Using practical advice and real-life case studies, skippers and crew are guided through the process of planning the trip, setting up and equipping the boat, and preparing for, defending against and dealing with current threats.

Product details

Author:Fritze von Berswordt
Details:192 pages, 9.25 x 6.1 in (23.5 x 15.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:150 photos in color
Language:German
Publisher:Pietsch Verlag (D, 2020)
ISBN:9783613508972
Book cover: Handbuch Yachtsicherheit - Diebstahl, Einbruch und Überfälle vermeiden | Pietsch

Handbuch Yachtsicherheit - Diebstahl, Einbruch und Überfälle vermeiden

Language: German

Holzarbeiten an GFK-Booten - Reparatur, Sanierung, Ersatz

Nothing is worse for a boat owner than the deterioration of his boat. Most boats today are made of easy-care glass-fibre reinforced plastic, or GRP. However, they have all kinds of wooden attachments and fittings that need to be repaired or replaced due to wear and tear.
This book helps owners with all wood work inside and out, from the mast to the hull. With simple and quick tips, the boat can be brought back into shape quickly.

Pages of the book [JH ] Holzarbeiten an GFK-Booten (1)

Pages of the book "Holzarbeiten an GFK-Booten - Reparatur, Sanierung, Ersatz"

Product details

Author:Ralf Schaepe
Details:144 pages, 9 x 6.7 in (24 x 17 cm), paperback
Illustrations:182 color photos, 3 drawings
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2012)
ISBN:9783613507036
Book cover: Holzarbeiten an GFK-Booten - Reparatur, Sanierung, Ersatz | Motorbuch

Holzarbeiten an GFK-Booten - Reparatur, Sanierung, Ersatz

Language: German

Motorboote - Kauf, Wartung und Reparatur - Alles was Eigner wissen müssen | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

Owning your own motorboat is the dream of many skippers. But many are put off by the high costs of buying, maintaining and servicing it, as well as the variety of tasks and the amount of work involved.

This book proves that all of this can be kept within reasonable limits. It shows how to minimize costs, organize your work on and around the boat, and tells you everything you need to know about buying, maintaining and enjoying a motor cruiser, an open barge, a sports or speed boat, a boat for deep-sea fishing, an inflatable boat or a rigid inflatable boat with an outboard motor.

German edition of the Haynes book "Motor Boat Manual".

Product details

Author:Dennis Watts
Details:240 pages, 9 x 6.7 in (24 x 17 cm), paperback
Illustrations:658 color photos, 20 drawings
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2010)
Series:Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst
ISBN:9783613506299
Book cover: Motorboote - Kauf, Wartung und Reparatur - Alles was Eigner wissen müssen | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst | Motorbuch

Motorboote - Kauf, Wartung und Reparatur - Alles was Eigner wissen müssen

Language: German

Segel- und Motorboote - Bordprobleme einfach gelöst - Praktische Tipps für den Bordalltag | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

Water sports enthusiasts have it tough, but life as a sailor or motorboat driver could be so relaxing if everything always went as it should.
But problems lurk everywhere and if you want to keep calm on board in every situation, you have to be familiar with many sciences: for example, aerodynamics and mechanics. You have to be your own electrician and plumber, boat builder and carpenter.

But not everyone is a Gyro Gearloose and knows a solution for everything. That's why the experienced long-distance sailor and charter operator Hans Mühlbauer has collected many practical tips for everyday life on board for this book - for more safety, functionality and comfort.

Product details

Author:Hans Mühlbauer
Details:192 pages, 9 x 6.7 in (24 x 17 cm), paperback
Illustrations:280 color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2009)
Series:Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst
ISBN:9783613505896
Book cover: Segel- und Motorboote - Bordprobleme einfach gelöst - Praktische Tipps für den Bordalltag | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst | Motorbuch

Segel- und Motorboote - Bordprobleme einfach gelöst - Praktische Tipps für den Bordalltag

Language: German

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