Your Reference Library

[Pura Vida]

Hi all,
Reading through some of the old threads on reference material I began to think about some of the books that I won't leave home without. So with that in mind it may be practical to have a poll on reference books much like the one on periodicals.

If you have books that you consider 'must haves' on board a cruising yacht please list them. Please limit the list to reference material on systems, yacht design and repair, weather, navigation, seamanship, etc. Sailing directions and narratives may make the scope too large but post what you think about adding those.

Hopefully we can learn which are popular and maybe find a few unknown gems along the way. After a couple of weeks I'll put a poll together.

pv

[Whimsical]

Calders Mechanical and Electrical Manual
Mike

[seafox]

Safety in small craft by Mike Scanlan

[GordMay]

Generalized “How To” books are great pre-study learning resources, but can be left ashore, once you’ve absorbed the general information. Specific information becomes much more useful, once offshore.

In addition to the ubiquitous Owner/User Manuals that come with equipment, I like to have Shop Repair Manuals and Parts Catalogues for all complicated/technical gear aboard.

I also carried a home made “Make Gord Smart” binder, c/w formulaes, conversions, and other technical details. This book also contained lists of “consumables” (specific to my boat), like filtre cross-reference numbers, belt sizes, etc. I also found it very useful to have a list of suppliers, c/w all contact information including the names of knowledgeable & helpful employees.

[Sandero]

I like to have a few extensive parts catalogs. McMaster Carr is handy.

[JusDreaming]

Calders, Chapman, depco pump, and, west catalog

[Roy M]

The Ashley Book of Knots, by Clifford Ashley. This is far more than a "how to" book. It's art, it's history, and mostly, it's great reading.

[Ex-Calif]

Books are heavy, take up valuable space but in many cases are invaluable reference. People also really like paper.

However in the interest of efficiency it would be interesting to know how much valuable stuff can be acquired electronically.

Could be quite a cottage business for someone to digitize the most popular works and distribute on digital.

[seafox]

but you can never quite trust it........
At least the book remains, even after the virus's, system failures.......

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by seafox

but you can never quite trust it........
At least the book remains, even after the virus's, system failures.......

Spoken like a true "old guy" - LOL.

Just Kidding. Books get wet, get mildewed, catch fire etc. Like I said paper is what people love, no doubt.

As far as computer viruses are concerned. Just like a boat plan you need a computer plan. I haven't had a virus on my PC since about 1995. Books on CD are "virus proof." All data backed up weekly and believe it or not I reformat my HD and reload the OS every two years. Kinda like spring cleaning.

[seafox]

Just bought two 250GB external hardrives for $168 kiwi each. That is a bargain here. Figured I could back up and then back up the back up. Now just have to remember to keep BACKIN UP.

bit of reversing going on here????