Used Boat Notebook: From the Pages of Sailing Magazine, Reviews of 40 Used Boats Plus a Detailed Look at 10 Great Used Boats to Sail Aroun

As expected from Sailing Magazine, a well written and comprehensive guide in the selection of great used sailboats. Covers all of the pluses and the minuses of 40 'classic plastic' sailboats from small to large. Of particular interest is the review of things to look for and problems that exist as well as performance and accomidations.

Congrats on achieving what so many writters and sailors have tried to do. A clear and easily read guide to help out we few honest novice sailors to be. This guide contains the ins and outs in readily understood verse, it will be in my back pocket when next I see a hull shape and color that is so appealing, hopefully the newly acquired knowledge will allow me to disregard some boats before having to pay for a survey. Strongly recommended reading.

This book is a fantastic resource that is broken down into easy to assimilate categories: * First Impressions * Construction * What To Look For * On Deck * Down Below * Engine * Underway, and * ConclusionsEach of these categories are covered in depth, but I found the construction and what to look for most interesting. As I write this, I am currently shopping for a new boat with a friend and reading each review is like sitting down with a knowledgeable person that owns each boat.In addition to the areas covered above, there is also a great summary and Sailing Magazine Value Guide that covers: Price, design quality, construction quality, user-friendliness, safety, typical condition, refitting, support, availability, investment and resale, and overall 'SVG' rating.The only criticism I have is that the author is definitely biased in what he likes and doesn't like and makes it apparent while reading. He is extremely qualified in his opinions, but they are just that - opinions. So just keep that in mind while reading and buy based upon what YOU want, not just what the author likes. That said, that is also what gives the author credibility. His reviews are not just 'glam-shots' of the boats. Each boat and it's shortcomings are discussed, but the boat is not simply shot down.Would I buy a boat without reading this book in-depth? No way. This book is well worth the money even if you are not buying a boat as it will help you look at your current boat with some new ideas.

Drawn from the pages of "Sailing" magazine and incorporating reviews of forty used boats (plus a detailed look at ten great used boats to sail around the world), Used Boat Notebook by professional delivery skipper John Kretschmer is a thoroughly "user friendly" guide for anyone looking to buy a used sailboat. The Used Boat Notebook provides an authoritative coverage of sailboat prices, ease of use, safety, investment, design quality and much more. Packed with technical information for each boat type, Used Boat Notebook is a first-class, strongly recommended reference written especially for anyone form a novice mariner to an experienced sailor who wants to know just what they are buying before they buy it!