Everyone has their own opinion for which books they include onboard. Here are five books that we think are excellent choices for any onboard library. Now is a great time of year to be brushing up on safety and boating basics. From tying knots to reading nautical charts, our list has you covered.
Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 68th Edition (Chapman Piloting and Seamanship)
by Chapman and edited by Jonathan Eaton
If you own only one book on boating then this is the absolute, hands-down, gospel truth of piloting and seamanship.
Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat’s Essential Systems
by Nigel Calder
This is a must-have essential for DIY fixes and basic mechanical and electrical understanding of your boat’s systems. Ours has a broken spine and dog-eared pages!
How to Read a Nautical Chart, 2nd Edition: A Complete Guide to Using and Understanding Electronic and Paper Charts
by Nigel Calder
We suggest having two copies; one that lives onboard and one that lives at home. Even if you have the fanciest apps or GPS available, knowing how to read a nautical chart is a wise move that will help keep you safe.
The Morrow Guide to Knots: for Sailing, Fishing, Camping, Climbing
by Mario Bigon (Author), Guido Regazzoni
This basic book on tying knots is so user friendly that all of our grandchildren have learned from it. The Morrow Guide to Knots would make an excellent edition to any boating library.
Advanced First Aid Afloat
by Peter F., M.D. Eastman, and John M. Levinson
There are lots of a great resources available and we like this one for keeping up-to-date on first-aid onboard a vessel.