Most boaters appreciate receiving a good marine related book. Here are some suggested titles for the boater in your family.
I have put together a list of books here that should interest many boaters. While I seem to collect many books (all right lots of books), these are some you might like. Tastes vary, but I think a lot us of with nautical interests really appreciate a good marine book as a gift. Barring purchase of the actual book, bookstore gift cards are a good alternative to the indecisive purchaser. Feel me to email at Boating and Sailing with your reading suggestions. Christmas is always coming, right?
GPS for Mariners by Robert J. Sweet $15.95 ISBN 0071410759 International Marine-McGraw-Hill
Sweet uses this book to explain the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and the navigation concepts that lie beneath that little LCD screen. The affordable GPS chartplotter using integrated navigation software is probably one of the greatest improvements to occur in navigation equipment for recreational boating. A great resource, GPS for Mariners is used as the standard text for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's one day GPS navigation course.
Chapman Piloting: Seamanship and Boat Handling by Elbert S. Maloney $60.00 ISBN 158816232X Hearst
"Chapman's" is the boater's bible. A nearly complete reference, this book will guide you through almost any boating subject you can think of exploring. Referencing this publication has resolved more than one disagreement. Electronic versions of the book are also available.
The American Practical Navigator by Nathaniel Bowditch ISBN 0160511259 United States Government Printing Office
Know to serious mariners as "Bowditch", this the standard reference in American navigation. It is a doorstop of a book weighing some eight pounds. Very few merchant mariners passed their licensing tests without the help of Bowditch. The book is available in many forms and is a government publication printed by several companies. IRBS.com has The American Practical Navigator available online. Wikipedia discusses Bowditch in great detail as well.
Heavy Weather Boating Emergencies: The Survival Guide for Freshwater Powerboat Operators: What to Do When Everything Goes Wrong written by Chuck and Jean Luttrell. $19.95 ISBN 094340097X Marlor Press
One reviewer called this the Boy Scout Handbook for power boaters. It details how to prepare and equip your boat to handle a wide range of emergencies that could strike during a trip. Well illustrated, this book is good candidate for inclusion in the ship's library. As they say, "Be Prepared."
The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework written by Geoffrey Budworth. ISBN 1843091380 Anness Publishing
Budworth provides step-by-step directions for making 200 different knots, bends, and hitches. Each step need for each knot is illustrated. This text describes not only the ropework, but also use, origin, and history for each entry. A great gift for those involved in outdoor sports.
The Unknown Shore written by Patrick O'Brian. $13.95 ISBN 039331538X W. W. Norton and Company.
The sailor in all of us needs Patrick O'Brian. The Unknown Shore details the adventures of Jack Byron and Tobias Barrow as they are shipwrecked on the wild coast of Chile. O'Brian offers a wealth of reading opportunities for nautical enthusiast. Many boaters will have watched Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World that was based on two novels by the author. Begin with The Golden Ocean and then keep going. You won't regret fueling the O'Brian reading habit.
Books make great Christmas, birthday and anniversary gifts for the boater in your family.
