Before you think of buying this book, it's important to note that it is really meant for true beginners. If you're looking for help getting started, or you need a refresher course, this is a great book. If you're an experienced boater, it will probably be a disappointment. It is also important to note that this book focuses more on the every day tasks facing a boater, and it is not written to help you learn how to pilot your craft, sail a boat or go out on the water.All of that aside, this is an incredible book that every single new boater should read. In fact, it was so comprehensive, we're thinking of lobbying to have it included with every new boat sold. There are so many questions that new boaters invariably have, and many times, they are too embarrassed to ask them, especially if the questions are elementary in nature. This book answers every single one and is an incredible resource that earns its place on your nightstand and in your cabin.

The book covers the every day tasks, as we mentioned before. You'll get vital safety information as well as tips on how to perform rescue drills. These steps can truly save someone's life and again, if it included nothing else, this would be worth the cost of the book. So many new boaters really don't understand the safety considerations they need to make and this is a great reference book for pretty much anything that could happen while in the water, or at the dock.

Next up, the book covers VHF radio protocols and how to deal with the Coast Guard. Amazing information is contained and will really help any new boater figure out how to work their radio, what terms they need to use and how to get help. Since most of us can use a radio refresher, this is a great section with a lot of information.

You'll also get tips on Anchoring, Boating at Night and Dealing with Weather. All three are vital for new boaters and the techniques recommended are solid. If more people read this information and took it to heart, there would be a lot fewer accidents on the water. This section should be read a couple of times, to make sure that you take everything in.

Last but not least, you'll also get tips on Navigation, Rules of the Water and much more. There are so many lifesaving and practical tips in this book that it's incredible it's actually quite small. It's the perfect size to bring on board and everything is laid out very well, making it easy to find information on quick notice.

As you can tell, we really cannot say enough nice things about this book. It was a refreshing change of pace and although it could have included more pictures, it's difficult to find anything wrong with this book at all.

Related Posts

• The Practical Mariners Book of Knowledge By John Vigor Every single boating magazine and reviewer that picked up this book had the same comment - it's impossible to put down. We decided to put that to the test and see just how useful Vigor's book is. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the hype was well justified. It......
• Review: Boater101: A full-reference guide to boating basics Federal law may not require boaters to take a safety course of any kind, but that does not mean that boaters should hit the water without a good working knowledge of the basics. Making states do require that boaters below a certain age limit pass a safety course before they......

Online Stores

• Coast Guard Militaria Date Unknown Militaria Collectibles

If you liked this article, vote for it on del.icio.us and stumbleupon.

Are you planning a vacation to California? Looking for a better way to fish the more than 1000 lakes throughout this state? You'll find everything you need to know inside The Complete Guide to California Fishing! Click here to download the 30 page the 100% FREE eBook "Fishing in California."

If you prefer a real book, this book can be bought as a paperback from LuLu.com for $10.93.

Categories:

Boat Safety, Boating, Book Review

Tags:

coast guard, day tasks, heart, nightstand, protocols, radio, reference book, refresher course, safety considerations, single one, true beginners, weather