Nautical Book Reviews

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Current Reviews:

Captain Frank Papy writes the best cruising reference guides for the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. If you like to cruise in these waters, you will love the nautical, historical and eco information is packed into these two great books. And the information is accurate and current. Captain Papy travels the Bahamas and Florida Keys, South and West Florida personally, reporting in an easy-to-read, fact filled with info on marinas, restaurants, navigational secrets and more.

Coastal Charts for Cruising the Florida Keys by Claiborne Young. If you have ever tried to consult a nautical chart while underway on a boat, you may agree that it can sometimes be an exercise in frustration. For serious cruising, the ubiquitous Maptech Chart Kits are O.K., but they can be ungainly because of their size. Another frustrating part is that, if you use the charts for any extended period of time in a marine environment, they just don't hold up.
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Cruising the Florida Keys by Claiborne Young and Morgan Steinmetz. As many a shipwrecked sailor can tell you, the Florida Keys can be a beautiful yet daunting place. Blessed with clear waters that belie shallow depths and coral heads, the Keys are a paradise- and for some, a nemesis. However, with proper local knowledge and good seamanship, safely transiting and enjoying this unique part of the United States is a reality for modern day mariners. The good seamanship, well that part is up to you. For local knowledge go with the pros, Claiborne Young and his co-author Morgan Steinmetz.
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Managing the Waterway by Mark and Diana Doyle. Veteran cruisers, the Doyle's set out to publish the most practical ICW cruising guide that ever was, in less than 200 pages. What they ended up with is more than just a cruising guide. Click here for the full review ...

Sailing With Strangers by Charley Hester. In October 2002 the author boarded a 46-foot sailboat with five people he had never met, for a six month, 15,000 mile voyage around South America by way of the Panama Canal, the Galapagos, Easter Island, and the Falkland Islands. Click here for the full review ...

Cruising in Catamarans by Charles Kanter, AMS: Planning on buying a used or new cruising catamaran? Kanter provides you with the tools to make the right decision. More on Cruising In Catamarans

Sailing: Impressions, Ideas, Deeds, by Frank Papy: A veteran charter boat captain and favorite guidebook author treats us to some of his most memorable and educational adventures while sailing. Click for a review

Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook: Packed with tips and details only a lifetime of sailing can provide. This book is the one to buy when contemplating purchasing a monohull sailboat, embarking on a cruise, and preparing for offshore. An Indispensable reference. More on Calder's Cruising Handbook

Mid Atlantic Waterway Guide: New edition of this classic has improved features, functionality and look. Read review.
See the 2005 Waterway Guide

Abacos Ports of Call and Anchorages and Chesapeake Bay Ports of Call and Anchorages: Looks like a coffee table picture book, but an aerial picture is worth a thousand words when approaching an unknown port. Click for a review

Honey, Let's Get A Boat, by Rob and Eva Stop: These rookie boaters show that it all it takes to cruise is the right attitude in their novel and guide to cruising America's Great Loop. Click for a review

How to Read a Nautical Chart, by Nigel Calder: Calder explains the symbology and differences found in the most essential of navigational tools, the nautical chart. More on Calder's 'How to Read a Nautical Chart'

Red Sky in Mourning, by Tami Oldham Ashcraft: The life changing voyage of a woman who survives a knock down during a hurricane in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, alone. Get a copy of Red Sky in Mourning

The 12 Volt Bible for Boats, by Miner Brotherton. This essential book talks about new battery technology, smart charging, inverters, troubleshooting and more.
More in the 12 Volt Bible for Boats

Past Reviews

The Florida Cruising Directory 2002-2003

The Hungry Boaters' Restaurant Guide, by Louis and Patricia Iserhardt

Full & By

by Bill Schanen

Changing Course

by Debra Ann Cantrell

The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South, 7th Ed.

by Bruce Van Sant

Financial Freedom Afloat

by Charles Tuller

Sailing Promise