Chapman Piloting Seamanship and Boat Handling, 63rd Ed

Authors: Elbert S. Maloney, Charles Frederic Chapman

656 Page, Hearst Publishing

ISBN Number: 0688168906

I'd sooner summarize the Encyclopedia Britannica. Yes, this book is that comprehensive in regard to seamanship. If you have any serious inclination of pursuing powerboating or sailing as a hobby or if you are studying towards your Captain's License, this book should be on your desk. Other books may tackle a specific area of boating or cover the most basic topics (and very well at that), but this book is one of the definitive resources for seamanship. Check out Amazon and read the other reviews of this book if you need another opinion, but at least consider this book, strongly.

I should note that The Annapolis Book of Seamanship is another comprehensive book you hear much about. I can't differentiate between the two based on personal experience except to say I hear that the Annapolis Book is more oriented towards sailing. Here is an excerpt from the Amazon web site

"First launched in 1983, Annapolis remains the sailor's bible, a comprehensive chapter and verse guide to all aspects of seamanship from the simplest ABC's to the most advanced skills and latest electronics."

and

"Based on the US Naval Academy's courses in navigation, piloting, and seamanship."

The important thing, in my opinion, is that either one of these books is better than neither.

Klutz Book of Knots

Author John Cassidy

11 "Pages", Published by Klutz

ISBN 0-932592-10-4

Now here is a book that really puts a smile on your face. I have never
been a Boy Scout, nor have I ever had any fascination with macramé or knots in general. For all these many years I have made due with the Bowline, Square (or so I thought), and half-hitch knots. However, after watching me tie the same knot two or three times at the pier, the wife finally decided it was time to get me some formal education in knot tying and presented me with The Klutz Book of Knots by John Cassidy. Normally, a book of knots would be relegated to the pile of other unread reading material, right below the copy of "Better Wall Papering Techniques" I have been meaning to get to for the last four years. That did not happen in this case if only for two reasons - String and Book Construction!

Not only is this book a series of brightly colored, somewhat easy to read,
diagrams, it also comes with its own string (or cord to you nautical types) with which to practice your knots. I never looked for a knot book before, so maybe the inclusion of practice cord is nothing new. Still, how many of you have read about a great knot in your favorite boating magazine and had to run to the dockline locker to get some cord out to give it a try (for those really neat sounding knots, how many of you unlaced your shoes to give it a try?). The book is constructed of heavy gauge cardboard with holes punched in each page. These holes are laid out in a manner to reflect a potential usage of each knot. The inclusion of the cord and punch-outs on each page was an instant invitation to pop open the book and give the knots a try. And with that, I was in the reading chair going through each of the 24 knots described in the book.

The author goes through about 24 knots and some variations. In the preface,
he states that he selected the 24 most useful knots from among thousands. Knots chosen cover everything from those that would be useful to tie yourself off to the dock piling to a better shoelace knot to a package tying knot. Although the book has slight overtones to boating, it is really a much more generic book. For the casual power boater most knots are of passing interest more than "must know." One the other hand, if you are a sailor or rigger who works with many lines there will certainly be more to get familiar with. There were no instructions for how to tie your own eye-splices or such, so you'll have to look elsewhere for more advanced rigging. I should note that even though the book has punch-outs to work with, I still found myself making up temporary pilings in the living room to get a more true scale test-bed. Still, they were useful. Both my wife and I commented during our initial go through of the book that the diagrams were not always all that easy to follow. A few more steps in some of the more complex knots would certainly have been useful. Also, the use of some knots after they are tied would be useful. Of note is the taught-line knot. It sounds very useful for ratcheting down a good taught-line between two pilings, but the author only shows the completed knot. How to use the knot is up to the reader.

If you are looking for a good basic knot book that provides tools and somewhat easy to read diagrams, this book is worth the 10.00. Keep it on your boat and you have a great distraction for yourself or kids while anchored out in your favorite cove. Unless you are a sailor or rigger that has need for more advanced knots this may be the first and last book you ever need. Considering the price of the book and its accessibility to the general reader, it is well worth the meager investment.

BOAT DOCKING

Author Charles T. Low

90 Pages, Published by Harvey Island Enterprises

ISBN 0968232701

$15.95 at Amazon.Com

As of July 26, I have not yet had the chance to read and summarize this book.

GETTING STARTED IN POWERBOATING

Author: Bob Armstrong

224 Pages, Published by International Marine

ISBN 0070030952; $14.36 at Amazon.Com

I am sure I am committing some sort of egregious violation of journalistic protocol by posting this summary. As soon as I become a journalist I'll repent. The story is, I picked up this book just before I moved to my new place. This book was really something special in my opinion. Unfortunately, I cannot find it to adequately summarize it. I guess my memory is starting to slip. I feel that any novice boat owner/operator would really find this book useful. Not quite as deep at John Mellor's book (below) and more informative than others in regard to handling power boats and what makes them float. I really found the instructions on how to use spring lines to dock in tight conditions quite educational and can't wait to get the opportunity to give it a try! Unlike other books, this does not get into other aspects of boating such as how to judge how far from land you are, how to plot a course, the function of every item on a boat, etc. Other books described below will handle that much better. This is a real burgeoning captain's training book written from a life time of experience. I only wish I could find it to really do it justice in this review. Here are some reviews from Amazon.Com I heartily recommend this book and will do my best to find my copy to provide more information here as soon as I can!

Midwest Book Review
The author's lifetime of small boat experience lends to his discussion of the basics of power boating for beginners. From choosing a boat and maneuvering in various waters to overcoming problems associated with drives and handling boats in wind and current, this packs in specific details.

Book Description
This guide covers all powerboats-big and small, fast and slow, single engine, twin engines, outboard motors, and sterndrives. It points the boat shopper to the best boat for his or her needs and describes how to handle that boat. Armstrong explains how to dock and undock any boat, handle docklines, execute close-quarters maneuvers, anchor, run inlets, adjust trim for a better ride, and cope with rough weather. He offers hints for judging the quality of a boat and presents a gallery of good boats.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST POWERBOAT

Author: Chuck Gould, Illustrated by: Larry Dubia

181 Pages, Published by Sheridan House, Inc., Dobbs Ferry New York

ISBN 1-57049-056-9; $11.16 at Amazon.Com

For anyone considering an entry to the world of Power Boating or those with an interest in the nuts and bolts of Power Boating this book is a must read. From the early stages of considering if you can afford a boat and the “Family Factor” that must be considered when deciding what type of boat to a discussion of secondary systems such as RADAR and GPS the author covers the basics anyone considering a boat purchase should know. This was the first book we bought when considering our first boat purchase. As such, we were not familiar with much of the function and nuances of marine systems. This was not detrimental to our enjoyment of this book as the author avoids unnecessary jargon and explains the operation and construction of boats in clear, casual language suitable for any wannabe Captain.

To educate the hopeful boater of the world of Power Boating the author uses 31 Chapters and 181 pages. Topics progress logically from the budgeting and methods to buying a boat, the basics of construction, to more specific section where secondary systems are discussed. The number of topics that need to be covered might surprise those new to boating. Refrigeration, anchors, fresh water systems, heaters, even free-standing fire places are fair game in addition to hulls, engines, and propellers. The book then wraps up with helpful insights to making an offer on a boat, surveys to certify construction, and wrapping up the deal. Black-pen illustrations are used to bring the reader along on what various components look like and how they function.

I found this book to be very useful. Not because it made me feel like an overnight boat expert (it didn’t). But because, after reading this book, I had a basic working knowledge of almost everything on the boats I was visiting and actually had intelligent questions to ask besides the usual “how fast does it go?” HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST POWERBOAT is basic, thorough, shuns jargon for straight talk, and is even humorous. If you are considering a foray into the wonderful world of Power Boating or just have an interest in recreational vehicles do yourself a favor, get this book, a drink, and a quiet weekend. By the time you are done with the book much of the mystery surrounding Power Boating will be lifted and you’ll be ready to talk business with the best of them.

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

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POWER CRUISING - The Complete Guide to Selecting, Outfitting, and Maintaining Your Power Boat

Author: Frank Claiborne S. Young 238 Pages,

Published by Pelican Publishing Company.Gretna, Lousiana.

ISBN 1-56554-635-0; $14.36 at Amazon.Com

[work in progress. Quick summary, any reading material is good. I might look to other sources for this same information, the book is ambitious, I am not too sure I agree with some of the conclusions of the author but it may be more of an argumentative nature. There are some irritations. Worthy of consideration and the knowledge and experience is there to learn from]

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO BOATING AND SAILING

Author: Frank Sargeant Illustrator: Jody P. Schaeffer

358 Pages, Published by Alpha Books, A Division of Macmillan General Reference. New York New York

ISBN 0-02-862124-7; $15.16 at Amazon.Com

By now, you have undoubtedly heard of the Complete Idiot Guides (CIG). This series of books covers everything from Computers, to Cooking, and yes, boating and sailing. Frank Sargeant, a former charter boat skipper and writer for Boating and Sports Afeild, authors this CIG. Through 358 pages the author covers almost every aspect power boating imaginable. Sailing, however, is covered only in two chapters towards the end of the book. I am not enough of a sailor to know if this is fair coverage though I suspect it is really meant as an overview and the books primary aim is towards Power Boating. Unlike HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST POWERBOAT, which is a guide to help beginners understand types of boats and their systems, this guide actually gets into procedures, knot types, how to dock, and management of crew aboard and much more. This is definitely much more of an everything the beginner (and even experienced) should know about operating their boat. And it covers this subject matter very well.

To borrow from the books own introduction: “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Boating and Sailing details all the important things you need to know to get started. Read the book and learn the basics, then take it with you on your first voyage and put them to work.” Which is pretty much exactly how I used it. Reading this book is very easy. As most CIG, the text is clear and free of unneeded jargon and technicalities which makes digesting the material rather quick and painless. Throughout the book are copious pictures and illustrations to assist the reader in handling procedures, various techniques, and even knot tying among others. Entertaining and informative asides are provided in side bar “Boat Bytes” which cover interesting and relevant facts about boating and procedures. Frequent “Boater-ese” boxes provide definitions and explanations of nautical terms and “Look Out!” boxes warn the new boaters of common dangers and how to deal with them. The book ends with a glossary and sources of information and contact information that the new boater will find useful, I know I did.

THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO BOATING AND SAILING is a Swiss Army Knife of knowledge that will make the new boater much more comfortable about assuming command for the first time. This can’t compare to on water experience however. I found that when I first took complete command and had the responsibility of bringing the boat and guests back safely all the book knowledge I gathered went right out the window. Still, this book covers the essentials that will be built upon as the new boater proceeds from rank newbie, to novice, to full captain of his or her vessel. I still find myself pulling this book out to compare what I encountered on the water to the proper technique illustrated by an experienced captain. Read this book, attend a safe boating course conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Power Squadron, and you will be ready to take to the water with the needed knowledge to accumulate your on water experience in a safe and responsible manner.

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

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TOWARD SAFER BOATING

Author: James K. Battye Graphics: Craig Kirby, Linda Lee Jackson, and Cindy Fletcher

47 Pages, Published by Bayshore Books.

POB 580, Stevensville, Maryland 21666, Phone 410.643.7250

You might have to do some digging to find this gem. Or, contact the publisher above. I couldn’t find a listing on Amazon.Com for this literature. Unlike the other books I have summarized, this is not a book. Instead, information is presented in a 47-page workbook style publication. If you read my account of delivering our first boat to its slip, you will recall the name Jim Battye. When we got a captain to train us on our boat, we got the guy who literally wrote the book. As I said in that write up, Jim is not one for small talk. He takes the education of boaters seriously and speaks plain talk when describing boat operation and safety for the beginning boater, which is who this guide is written for.

As I previously pointed out, the material in this publication is presented in plain, no-nonsense, language. Could you misunderstand the following passage: “Low head damns look harmless, but it would be hard to build a more efficient killing machine” or “When you see a lone red or green light moving along the water, look ahead of it to see if it is being towed. If it is a barge being towed, and you try to cross its bows, you will probably die.” Such straight-talk is found through out this boating guide. Information is divided up into 6 chapters, a glossary, a right of way discussion, and a final review test. In addition to the review test at the end of the publication there are review tests at the end of each chapter to drive home concepts and knowledge.

On our way to our slip with out new boat we were given a copy of this boating guide. Later that week as we lounged about the cabin and enjoyed the new world we just entered, I went through and read this publication and completed each review exam. The next week, Jim Battye came back to give us some additional on water instruction. While we were working through steerage in windy conditions (a storm was blowing in) I executed a near perfect pirouette with our stern driven boat. Jim was impressed, “where’d you learn to do that?”

“I read your book” was my reply.

Safety discussion, boat handling, navigation, and many other basic boating skills await the user of this workbook. If you are in the Maryland area and want some on water training, you might also give Jim a call. Don’t expect to chew the fat though and be prepared for some stiff observations of your skills. Boating education the old fashioned way, the way it should be.

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

BOATING 101 – ESSENTIAL LESSONS FOR BOATERS

Author: Roger H. Siminoff

213 Pages, International Marine/McGraw-Hill.

POB 547, Blacklick, Ohio 43004, Phone 800.262.4729

ISBN 0-07-134329-6, &16.95 from Bluewater Books & Charts

I’m going to be lazy and use the summary provided by Bluewater Books & Charts. After reading it I think it wraps up the content of this book fairly.

"Boating knowledge has never been this easy to acquire, at home or on the water. The elements of seamanship are in your hands. In this handy little volume, Roger Siminoff shares the wisdom and practical experience he's earned the hard way - from years on the water. How sharply you skipper your vessel and react to your fellow boater, staying keenly alert to your vessel and your surroundings, are all key to success, fun and safety on the water.

More than 100 savvy tips and short essays on boating and seamanship distill Siminoff's hands-on boating knowledge into a compact, timesaving format. Every boater, power or sail, beginner or experienced, can benefit from his practical advice. Includes many black and white photos and illustrations.”

I agree with this summary. This 213-page book is broken up into 10 chapters and contains an index. Each chapter presents its information in a bulleted “Tip #” format, so a flowing discussion and build up from point to point is absent. The author has, as the title says, about 100 points that can benefit all boaters. These are presented in a “Do it” fashion that, for me, removed a lot of unneeded interpretation. Examples of the authors tip titles that illustrate this are as follows:

· Know who has the right of way, and never argue

· The best places to tie fenders

· Know how to choose an anchorage

· Don’t try to tie a moving vessel

Whereas I like this book and think many boaters will find it eminently useful, I don’t see it as being incredibly helpful to the very new boaters. Tips are great, and the subject matter is right on, but the bulleted format required some prior knowledge in my opinion. Tips are something that you use after you have some working knowledge of what is required of you as a boater, crewmember, or Captain in charge. That is, guidance in handling the boat or charting a course in the form of workbooks and direct human guidance should come first. Once you have a feel for what is going on, THEN you pick up this book for the tips and pointers to do it right and refine your technique.

Any book written by an experienced yachtsman and sailor that describes first hand learned knowledge and advice should be read by any boater serious to learn from those who has sailed over the water before them. Such pre-knowledge will surely help us avoid the hard rocks of education, which imperils all our paths. However, to get the most of another’s experience you must first have some of your own to build upon. Put this book on your list of required reading material. However, a few grains of salt in your hair will greatly increase its impact in my opinion.

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

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BOAT HANDLING UNDER POWER – A Motorboat and Yacht Owner’s Guide

Author: John Mellor

192 Pages, Sheridan House Inc.

Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522

ISBN 0-924486-43-0, $13.20 from Amazon.Com

Here is a real purists book. Boat Handling Under Power contains 192 pages of text, figures, and pictures describing almost every facet of boat handling under power, berthing, narrow stream negotiating, and working with warps and springs. Unlike other books, this book is full of nautical terminology that might have the new boater scratching their head or getting out and out lost. This book was published in Great Britain and as such seems to incorporate many European boating skills and terminology. However, this book is a complete tome of about every situation a boater and sailor might encounter when underway and near moorings, quays, docks, and other boats. Is it useful? You bet. Is it readily accessible and translatable to entering inlet at you favorite dockside watering hole? Maybe. This is one of those books that will take more than one read through and some pen and paper diagramming to get the full gist of the methodology described. I suppose if you are an old salt a lot of this might be second nature and easily understood. The new boater, such as I, might be more confused than enlightened. For example, the new boater may be interested in which end of the anchor goes in first. This book covers much more complex anchoring techniques such as multiple anchors to create a hurricane hawse for really severe conditions or dropping an anchor to help negotiate a very tight bend. Does this help the new boater? Of course. But time dedicated to learning this advanced techniques might be better placed in practicing and learning some more basic maneuvers first.

As a beginner boater I found this book to be very useful. Not so much for the handling under power discussions, but more for the way the author set up new discussions by defining the controls that effect power and sail boats. For instance, this book does a good, if not a bit complex, job of defining terms and function of such terms as center of gravity, center of buoyancy, period of roll, slipstream, wave force, keel force, and others. Once these terms were explained a light would go off and a voice says “so that is what I am feeling out on the water.”

BOAT HANDLING UNDER POWER – A Motorboat and Yacht Owner’s Guide is a book that will help the intermediate to advanced boater refine their existing skills and learn new ones. As for the beginner boater, the books own forward sums it up nicely. “In order that we may concentrate on detailed, and in some cases quite difficult, techniques, the reader is assumed to possess some basic knowledge and experience of boats, their machinery, and general seamanship.” In my opinion, after you acquire the requisite experience this book will be the next logical step in your development as a competent seaman.

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

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CHAPMAN’S NAUTICAL GUIDES – Boating Etiquette

Author: Queene Hooper Foster

128 Pages, Hearst Marine Books

New York, New York 10019

ISBN 0-688-09457-0, $11.96 from Amazon.Com

Did you ever wonder when the proper time to fly colors is? When tradition says it is permissible for women to come on deck? The proper way to fly the club burgee and courtesy flag? What is a burgee and ensign anyway? Well have I got a book for you. Unlike other books that discuss the mechanics of operating a boat and the rules of the road, CHAPMAN’S NAUTICAL GUIDES – Boating Etiquette is a short pocket guidebook that discusses just such topics.

Boating is as much a life-style as it is a day out with the family. Many years of mariners before us have learned the way of water life and a standard of conduct – or etiquette – has evolved. Adherence to these standards creates a consistent environment where all boats can act and react with other boats and have some pre-knowledge of what the other guy is going to do. But the manners and etiquette of boating go deeper than right of way discussions. These include the proper way to fly flags, how to handle sea sick crew members, how to cross other boats when in a raft up, responsibilities of guests aboard, and much more. To observe the fine points of mariner tradition distinguishes you as a student of yachting and not just a boat driver.

I found this book very enlightening and think it will greatly benefit the new boater. If there were a book that I think all prospective boaters were required to read this one would be it. Not because it reinforces the rules of the road much like a drivers education manual, but because it also demonstrates the importance of manners and the consideration each captain should have for others on the sea. When we first started boating, and to this day, the concerns I have are not about how to start the engine or fix a leak should one occur. My fears are about being in the wrong place at the wrong time, making neophyte mistakes that tell all the old salts out on the water “here is an uncouth idiot who is boating only because he and his wife decided to spend money on one,” ruining a race because I did not recognize one was going on, or congesting a dock side area. It was for these reasons I picked up this book. The author describes flags and observing colors protocols, harbor manners, dockside manners, radio manners, guests aboard, boat maintenance, ship’s daily routines, and even gets into the use of signals and lists the official New York Yacht Club signal codes. Each discussion provides meaningful "to do" and "not to do" points and illustrates the importance of each. See if I ever hang my towels to try from the bimini top again!

The discussions are often presented in relation to sailing yachts and multiperson crews. Therefore some discussions seem aloof and not geared toward the Saturday afternoon ski boat captain. Truthfully I don’t know when I will ever have to read the signals hoisted by the flagship to determine the days destination for our yacht club race. Regardless, exposure to the formal customs and etiquette of yachting will make anyone more appreciative of the methods of communication between boats and the traditions of the well versed mariner.

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

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GOOD CRUISING – The Illustrated Essentials

Author: Zora and David Aiken

212 pages, International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press

ISBN 0-07-000749-7, $16.11 from Amazon.Com

If one book tries to combine every aspect of cruising from how to read navigation lights and chart a course to how to get your too tall sail boat under a low bridge this book is it. GOOD CRUISING runs for 212 pages (including appendix and index) through 21 chapters. Unfortunately, when you try to cover as wide a topic as Zora and David ambitiously attempt, something is going to be left out. Notably, the details. Therefore this book is not necessarily aimed at the beginning boater, but at the boater who has the basic essential under their belt and is now looking to broaden their horizons.

GOOD CRUISING is broken into three sections – Boating Smarts, Boating Skills, and Boating Sense. Each section is illustrated with black and white figures that seem to be mostly for visual appeal than for earnest education. Section 1 tends to deal with the basics of boating that include charting, reading lights, minding rules and sending calls [these are chapter names]. In all honesty, I have seen these topics covered better in other books. However, the charting chapter did provide some very useful guidance for finding yourself on a map and ded reckoning tips. Section 3 feels like a section tacked on the end to fill space. It is short and has information that seems out of place or is not covered to the extent needed to be useful. The Watching Weather chapter is a very short 8 pages and seems to give only basic definitions (what is a cirrus cloud versus stratus versus cumulus; how to read a barometer; what channels give you weather on your VHF radio, and such.) Useful information, but this topic alone can be a book itself. It seems to me a book that is not necessarily for beginners might have more advanced topics such as how to acquire and read your own weather maps while away from your home port. The other chapters in this section are also very short and only briefly mention important topics (such as no wake zones and shoreline protection).

A reason to get this book, and what caught my eye, is Section 2. Here are the topics I have not found in other books and what makes this book one to consider for your own library. Chapters in section two include the following (among others): Tending Bridges, Mastering Locks, Tying Docklines, Setting Hooks [anchors], and Riding Waves. If you read any of my other book summaries, you know by now that my real fears in boating are not getting wet or sinking. They are being in the wrong place at the wrong time, not knowing protocols so as to create an unsafe situation or inconvenience others, and generally not being prepared when confronted with a new situation on the water. I can fix my own engine, but what about when you get to a draw bridge…just how do you tell the tender you want through!? Or do you site and wait (while the more experienced boater’s pass you by wondering if you are broke down or something). I found this section of Good Cruising to be very good at explaining at least the basics of locking, draw bridges, and getting off a grounding. Again, some may argue the topics are very short on their description. I suppose that could be the case, but there are enough steps, points of information, and guidance that I feel at least forewarned of what may be needed. The sections on anchoring and foul weather also provided useful information, but these sections also feel disappointingly short.

GOOD CRUISING – The Illustrated Essentials takes on a very broad topic – pretty much everything to you should know about cruising. Obviously, such a subject matter could be a complete tome built on a lifetime of experiences and never quite finished. In the short 212 pages of this book I can’t help but feel some important topics got very little coverage..or at least not the coverage warranted in my opinion. Some chapters just feel like a listing of terminology with no real substance to them. On the other hand, some chapters provide very good insight into navigating and boat handling. If I could ask for a custom book, I would ask David and Zora to cut out several of the chapters and double or triple the remaining chapters with stories and additional advice from their years on the water. As it stands now, this book tries to cover an awful lot in a short space and seems to come up short. Still, I found many useful items, procedures, and tips hidden in this book and many new and novice boaters will surely benefit from the material covered. However, be prepared to get additional books if you really want to get into detail on some of the subject matter.

Summary and comments provided by Scott Morgan

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HANDS ON POWERBOATING

The Chapman Piloting Interactive Series

Hearst Publishing, Retail price: $59.95

MAC/PC WIN3.1/95/98

Requires QuickTime 2.0 (on CD)

Where to begin with this title? Obviously, this title is a software title. Long before I was into boats I was into computers. Even today, when I am not reading boating books and magazines I am reading computer books and magazines. Strange as it may seem, I consider each an escape from the daily grind. During the boating season we’ll take the boat off into a river and I’ll read computer books there. Sort of a double dose if you will. My wife will learn to hate the laptop, when I can get HER off of it.

Naturally, when I was looking to get a boat and started my literature search I first looked for software titles. Not so much for book in electronic form, but for some sort of simulator (did I say I’m an avid flight sim enthusiast?) What better way to learn about boats than to wrap it into another hobby? HANDS ON POWER BOATING (HOPB) was one of the few titles I could find. What struck me was the docking simulator that came as part of this title. But I am getting a head of myself, lets look in this title a little bit more:

First and foremost, HOPB contains a complete copy of the 61^st Edition of CHAPMANS Piloting: Seamanship & Small Boat Handling. This is a bible of powerboat handling that all should have on their shelf. However, the text is, well, text only..no figures. Also, you can’t print it or search it. Aside from a table of contents, it is about as useless a presentation as imaginable. Other text items include an index of terms alphabetically arranged and annotated with audio and video tracks, a glossary of many more terms with definitions (but no audio or video), and a text section on navigation rules and regulations. The CHAPMAN text is useful, but the presentation makes it of limited use. I don’t know about others, but reading much text on screen is tedious and hurts my eyes. Give me a book any time. The index and glossary are much more useful and make up for the CHAPMAN text. These sections have many entries and cover about every term imaginable. These sections are some of the most useful components of the CD.

But enough about the boring stuff…what about the interactive items? The reason many computer boaters picked up the CD anyway? The CD comes with several interactive components. However, some are not so much interactive as much as they are film loops with narration and some animation to explain concepts and what you are seeing. This does add a lot for the reader covering the topics for the first time. Think of it as an expert guiding you through power boating concepts. The narration’s are lively and authoritative, not like some drone rambling on. I found them to be very educational. Some of the topics covered by the narration’s and animations include: Maneuvering in open water, maneuvering at dockside, maneuvering in heavy weather, rules of the road, piloting, seamanship, electronics, safety awareness, and many others. These are a nice touch for those who learn well with audio visual aids and might think boating basics to be a dry subject.

OK, enough with the text and film loops, what about the simulator? The docking simulator and trip charting simulator? Well, they are there. And these were the biggest disappointments of the CD. After tinkering with the CD, and docking my own boat I am here to tell you the docking simulators is about as far from reality as you can imagine. Who ever coded this thing should be hauled out and re-educated with the latest Quake C code to do a real first person perspective docking simulator. The top down docking simulator on this CD does not model wind or even inertia! It’s like docking a boat in a parking lot. Not to mention that the simulator experience from a third person perspective is pretty meaningless. So whatever you do, don’t by this CD for this simulator or lack thereof. The hands on trip planner is a little better, but not a real simulator. More like it walks you through the setup of a trip then plays it as if you were the captain. Along the way you are given “What do you do?” situational questions. Kind of neat, but not really good for any replayability. And there are a few other hands on items such as boat speed versus sea height visualizer. Again, this is not much of a simulator and is probably not built on any physical laws. Just another interactive animation. Neat, but not worth too much besides demonstrating a concept.

The CD is rounded out with a few boating tools such as a fuel consumption and map unit conversion calculator, check lists, example boater’s log and float plan, among others.

All in all this CD is a good presentation of basic boating skills. The audiovisual tools help to educate the viewer to dry or more abstract terminology and animations demonstrate the concepts in an easily viewed manner. The index and glossary also provide the user with a quick way to look up answers, the ones in the index annotated with audio and video. This CD will not replace your CHAPMAN book however, but is a good complement to it. And whatever docking and other simulators are in this CD are either not based on any physical laws or the third person perspective makes them meaningless for training.

Think of this CD as boating 101 show and tell. Pretty good and useful taken as a training aid used with other sources of information. Just don’t buy it to be a boating simulator as there is nothing that resembles a simulator in it.

Searches indicate this title is our of print! I did find it at Bluewater Books & Charts however, so don't delay if you want it.

Buy this book now at Bluewater Books & Charts by Clicking here!

Recommended Reading and Book Reviews*

POWER CRUISING - The Complete Guide to Selecting, Outfitting, and Maintaining Your Power Boat

The Chapman Piloting Interactive Series