Don Casey

[Greenhand]

Is Don Casey's Sailboat Maintenance a useful resource?

I have been reading This Old Boat, but the maintenance one is a bit pricey, so I am looking for recommendations before investing. Do you have any other recommendations?

[cwyckham]

I love it. Great for me as the instructions are simple and good pictures

[SVTatia]

His maintenance book is compendium of his other books such as Inspecting the Aging Sailboat, Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair, Sailboat Refinishing, etc. Perhaps you could get just the one you need most.
But don't leave home without Nigel Calder's Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual.

[Greenhand]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

But don't leave home without Nigel Calder's Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual.

Oooooh - that one looks good! Much more comprehensive.

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by Greenhand

Oooooh - that one looks good! Much more comprehensive.

Yes, the two complement each other well.

[Aloha_float]

I have it...on the fence about it...look on amazon for it

[Greenhand]

Originally Posted by Aloha_float

I have it...on the fence about it...look on amazon for it

I can see why. I feel like the vast majority of instructions from most sources tend to be lacking some critical detail.

To install a hose clamp:

"1) Choose the correct size. Ideally, use embossed clamps, not perforated. And the edges should be rolled. Given the quantity of information I am giving you, you should realize that this will be the hardest part of the whole process.
2) Fit it over the hose.
3) Make sure it is placed over the connector.
4) Tighten appropriately."

OK, sounds pretty simple, I can do all that...

Then we are on the boat and we are all like: How close to the end should this be? How close should these double clamps be? How tight am I supposed to make this clamp?

And after multiple google searches that also end "tighten appropriately," you finally find one site that recommends 1/4 inch spacing and a separate one that suggests that the edges of the clamp should be flush with the hose.

"Make sure your fittings are bronze, not brass. Use gasket goo to make the seal. Bed tightly."

Why didn't they tell me that bronze fittings not meant to actually screw all the way together?? Is it time to get out the die set or is this part the engineering? How do you get enough gasket goo in there to make the seal, but not so much as to impede the flow?

And we don't have internet at the boat.