Boat Navigation for the Rest of Us: Finding Your Way by Eye and Electronics

by Bill Brogdon

Book Overview

"Thorough treatment of traditional and electronic sailing] methods by an expert."--WoodenBoat

Want a full course in navigation? A whole toolbox of little-known tips and shortcuts to deal with real-life navigation situations without resorting to a slide rule? You get both in Boat Navigation for the Rest of Us, second edition, a guide to pleasureboat navigation that shows you how to combine electronic aids like radar and GPS...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071372261
• ISBN13: 9780071372268
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: International Marine Publishing
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

An easy and entertaining read

Not a substitute for an ASA105 class, but a good introduction. The biggest take away from this book is that you should never trust any one tool. GPS can and does fail, maps are references, but may predate our more accurate navigation tools now, etc. This is a good addition to chart 0 and a good reference to keep on board.

Don't leave home port without it

If you travel away from your home port, this book is invaluable. Simple, clear, useful. Combines traditional and GPS based methods.

A really practical guide to navigating in small boats

I have read or skimmed dozens of works on navigation. I have also navigated a variety of small boats along the coasts of Nova Scotia. None of the other books provided the degree of realistic and practical advice that this one does. It takes a pragmatic view that the typical small boat operator will use visual navigation where possible, backed up by judicious use of GPS/Loran and/or radar. In my experience, this is the way that most of us navigate. The book provides lots of excellent tips based on the author's extensive experience in small boats, ships, and the coast guard. It also debunks common misconceptions about GPS and LORAN accuracy and clearly explains how to use these tools. One caveat is that the book is biased to North America. This makes it clearer for an audience on this continent, but not as useful below the equator or in Europe or Asia. All in all, if you buy one book to help you learn or improve your small boat navigation skills, this would be the one I recommend.