Boatowner's Mech. & Electrical Manual

[Quandary]

I have a copy of the second edition of Nigel Calder's book, (published in the UK in 1996 but earlier in USA) but have always been a little disappointed with it. Massive content, but so much of it not relevant to smaller modern European yachts. A lot of the stuff such as rigging, steering etc. is better covered on sites like Selden, Jefa, Lewmar or Harken.
Is the current edition significantly better, is there a better manual targeting the UK yachtsman who needs down to earth help mainly with his diesel and electrics, or am I just better to stick to searching the forum?

 

[zalophus]

If you mean 3rd edition (2005), I have this and it still suffers from the same faults as you describe. On first sight a great reference text, but on closer study very US-focused. Like you, I'd be very interested in a more Europe-orientated version.

 

[gianenrico]

I suggest: "Lavori a Bordo" by Davide Zerbinati.

Opps! Yeah, it's written in Italian by an Italian boat surveyor, designer and expert.

IMHO it's worth the effort!!

Cheers

 

[Quandary]

I suggest: "Lavori a Bordo" by Davide Zerbinati.

Opps! Yeah, it's written in Italian by an Italian boat surveyor, designer and expert.

IMHO it's worth the effort!!

Cheers

Ta, Gianrico
Are you sure you'r not responding to the thread on washing teak?

 

[pugwash60]

Not sure which edition mine is probably the second edition, can't say I'm at all disappointed with it and don't understand the US references, anything I've looked up has had good clear understandable advice. I personally wouldn't be without it and particularly like that it, in one book, pretty much covers all you need to have with you, apart from your manuals, for any problem solving and or maintenance. Thoroughly recommended as far as I'm concerned.
Mind you I've not seen the other books you're talking about, and I don't speak Italian.

 

[cimo]

Also have the calder tome - very indepth as regards DC systems. I thought the rigging section was a little glossed over, but thats a book in itself I suppose. Wouldn't be without it.

For diesel engines I would recommend the following - Troubleshooting Marine Diesel Engines, 4th Ed. Peter Compton (International Marine
Sailboat Library), from £7.23 - very generic in nature and has quick lookup troubleshooting tables. covers engine electrics and panel instruments. a good quick referrence.

some have recommended "the 12V bible" here. can't comment I'm afraid.
N. calder covered it pretty comprehensively I thought.

 

[sarabande]

The 12v Bible is not good; too many typos and poor diagrams. The guy knows his stuff but can't teach it.

 

[pragmatist]

Disagree with Sarabande - wouldn't be without the 12V Bible ! And it's a better size for bedtime reading than Calder !!!

In terms of rigging, have you considered Brion Toss - The Rigging Handbook ? Have Calder - not sure which ed but several years old and have mostly found it excellent - although there was, to my recollection, nothing which helped with our built-in self-steering.

 

[Ubergeekian]

For diesel engines I would recommend the following - Troubleshooting Marine Diesel Engines, 4th Ed. Peter Compton (International Marine
Sailboat Library), from £7.23 - very generic in nature and has quick lookup troubleshooting tables. covers engine electrics and panel instruments. a good quick referrence.

Duly bought and awaited from Amazon. Thanks for the tip.