Chapman's - How Current?

[Pau Hana Daz]

Looking for some opinions...

We have a copy of Chapman's from a few years back (59th Edition, 1989) and as we continue to get rid of stuff in preparation for our upcoming change of lifestyle, we're wondering - Do we need a newer copy/edition, or is what we have good enough to keep as an on-board reference book?

Thanks

[Reckless]

21 years is a few years back lol.

We have the 63rd edition, and had a look at our local bookstore at the newest 66th edition. It is prettier, more pictures and some new charts.

Don't know if you "need" the latest and greatest copy, I find majority of the information is available from many other sources, just nice to have it all in one.

We aren't ready to head out just yet, at least 5 more years for us, until then local cruising, but we will plan on getting the most recent edition before we leave, the price is reasonable for the information it has.
That being said I won't be running out every time they issue a new one either.

[GordMay]

The answer to your query might depend upon what information you expect to cull from the book.
If you’re seeking basic boathandling, seamanship, & rules of the road (etc), and the like; then I’d expect the text to be fully adequate, as far as it goes. These skills don’t change with fashion.
If you’re looking for information on the latest “electronic” navigation/communication equipment & techniques; then you’ll want the latest book (which will be out of date by the time you acquire it).

[hugosalt]

Thread made me check...56th edition from about 1985...yikes!
Refer to it occasionally, given to me and signed by my dad,
I think I'll keep it.
But I wonder if it's available to purchase a download? Would
be a lot lighter to carry around in the laptop!

[scook1]

I keep my chapmans with me in case I need to reference it... or if I need to do some bench presses.
Spencer

[Pblais]

Refer to it occasionally, given to me and signed by my dad,
I think I'll keep it.

Should you really need it, having the real book might be easier thus saving time. I agree with Gord. Mine is a bit newer yet 8 years old and why I like it has nothing to do with it being out of date. It's the basics presented in good fashion. Most all the important things are basic and covered to a degree. It's just that there are a lot of basic things about a lot of topics. Flipping through Chapman's makes you think about a lot of things and thinking about a lot of things at once defines piloting and cruising a boat over long distances quite well. I also find Annapolis Book OD Seamanship to be of the same yet different concept too. I keep both. I would add Bowditch as a another good example of something quite old that has exceptional value. That book is free for download in PDF from NOAA.

[GordMay]

“Chapman’s ...” is available online (free), but not for downloading:

Chapman Piloting & Seamanship ~ by Elbert S. Maloney ➥ Chapman Piloting & Seamanship - Google Books

[sandy daugherty]

I use my 1976 52nd edition daily, to prop up a lamp and to park my coffe cup. It cost $11.95 but I got it for much less because then (as now) I worked at a Marine hardware store! Some of use measure our professional development in terms of decades, I guess. At least I make twice as much money now!

It provides a lot of helpful information on the use of CB radios, Omega navigation, and the latest Radio Direction Finders. My copy must be damaged, the pages about GPS appear to be missing.

Okay, I bought a new one. I'll start reading it soon.

[hugosalt]

Sandy I know what the problem is...it's those printers...their
no good...they only have sailing on their mind. I know I am one.
But thanks for supporting the industry with the new purchase,
maybe we will have gotten this one right!

[cal40john]

Originally Posted by GordMay

“Chapman’s ...” is available online (free), but not for downloading:

Chapman Piloting & Seamanship ~ by Elbert S. Maloney ➥ Chapman Piloting & Seamanship - Google Books

Just under the cover it says that it's just a preview, not the whole thing.

How are book previews limited?

Print

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When you've accessed the maximum number of pages allowed for a book, any remaining pages will be omitted from your preview. You can order full copies of any book using the "Get this book" links to the side of the preview page.