Buying a Great Boat

by Edmunds, Arthur

• ISBN13: 9781892216359
• ISBN10: 1892216353
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-02-01
• Publisher: Bristol Fashion Pub Co

Summary

There are literally thousands of questions that run through your mind when you start the search for your first or next great boat. Fortunately for all, Art Edmunds has put his many years of experience as a naval architect, engineer and surveyor into this book, Buying A Great Boat. This book will answer those questions and more. Regardless of your boating knowledge, this book should be the first stop in the quest for your next boat.

Art begins with the type of boat that is proper for your type of use, whether it is diving, fishing or cruising. He then moves on to all the facets of a boat, its power and its systems. This will insure you have the understanding needed to choose the correct boat for that usage.

As you read further, you will learn what makes the difference between a poorly built boat and a well built boat. Many of the glossy boat brochures fail to mention more than the eye appealing details of the boat. Art explains what the brochures can't: the methods of manufacturing, what works and what doesn't. Art will be the first to point out that just be

Table of Contents

Introduction	7	(6)
Selecting the Type of Boat	13	(16)
Types of boats and how they fit your personal needs.
Ballasted and centerboard sailboats.
Activities that are generally pursued on boats.
Boats for calm water and boats for ocean use.
Specialized boats: SCUBA, Water Skiing, Multihulls.
Buying a used boat and choosing a bare hull.
Boat Development & Ancient History	29	(8)
The building of boats in the past.
The voyages of Thor Heyerdahl in his native rafts.
Boats developed as iron fastenings came into use.
Further development with engines instead of sails.
Higher speeds demanded new hull shapes.
Hydrofoils, hovercraft, and stepped hulls.
Boat Materials	37	(8)
A description of boat hull construction in glass fiber, aluminium, steel and wood.
The advantages and disadvantages of each material is discussed.
Engines for Boats	45	(12)
Discussion of torque at the propeller and the use of a reduction gear.
Gasoline and diesel engines are compared on the basis of fuel consumption, cost and weight.
Boat speed and the number of engines is selected for a particular boat weight.
Customary engine installations, water jets, and Surface Drives are discussed.
The total number of operating hours usually determines whether a gasoline or diesel engine is used.
Inspecting Your Boat	57	(16)
Making a quick check of the hull, deck, and equipment.
The necessity of good anchoring gear and a boarding ladder or platform.
Check out the interior and the finish on the joinerwork.
Professional Advice	73	(8)
The necessity of hiring a surveyor and an engine mechanic both for your information and for your insurance company.
Checking the operation and accuracy of the electronics.
Making a run on a measured course to check boat speed.
Necessary Equipment	81	(8)
What is considered safety gear and what else is desirable for comfortable boating.
How the area of operation affects the equipment requirements. Protected waters and the open ocean.
VHF radio communications and the electronics revolution.
Suggestions for safe boating.
The Motivation for Owning a Boat	89	(6)
The time available for boating affects the type of hull that is selected as well as where it will be used.
Sometimes the like of older boats with traditional appearance influences the selection of a hull.
The pursuit of a sport may demand a special type of hull.
Sometimes the boat becomes a status symbol.
Sailboats	95	(6)
A brief discussion of daysailers and cruising sailboats.
What type of hull is most suitable for ocean and for protected waters.
How the mast and rigging are put together.
An Anatomy of Boat Costs	101	(12)
A discussion of approximate new boat costs and the cost of components that fit inside the hull.
Replacement costs vary widely and some equipment that may be installed by a boat yard is analyzed.
Bilge Pumps, Fathometers and thrusters are mentioned.
Propellers	113	(6)
Propellers are often discussed and are misunderstood.
The basic function and method of operation are discussed.
Diameter, Pitch and the number of blades are investigated.
The Boating Market	119	(4)
Doing business with a new boat dealer.
When a used boat is considered, you may see a boat broker or check out a hull a friend wants to sell.
Situations You Would Rather Forget	123	(18)
A narrative of fourteen situations with which every owner should be familiar. Some were serious accidents and some were minor problems that are easily avoided.
Included are:
Loss of steering
Seaworthiness
Tanks at the stern
Opening portlights
Plumbing fittings
Boat theft
Wrong alloys
Excessive rolling
Large ship dangers
Aground
Appendix One List of Illustrations	141	(2)
Appendix Two Index	143	(6)
Appendix Three Tools & Supplies	149	(10)
Appendix Four Glossary	159
About the Author