Desirable and Undesirable Characteristics of Offshore Yachts

by John Rousmaniere and Steven L. Davis

Surveys trends in yacht design, discusses safety, modern construction techniques, spars, rigging, sails, and auxiliary equipment, and describes five good boats.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393033112
• ISBN13: 9780393033113
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 1.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.8" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Clears up the muddy waters often seen with online sites.

I've been seeking information for a couple years now, and without fail, the online sites are full of information that ranges from the silent majority with little to offer, a few heavily biased individuals that believe theirs is the only good boat, and the resident alleged expert (naval architect with not a single claim to fame, but can spew copy as good as any xerox). Many newbies are often left with the wrong impressions. This book cuts to the heart of it, and, despite what another reviewer stated on limited keel information, there's more than one page, as it is often integrated with other associated hull design issues. The answers are there. The 5 boats mentioned are, stay with me now, EXAMPLES of different boats that all incorporate good designs. None are all-inclusive, but show how different approaches all come together to make good boats. Without pointing fingers at newer designs, the book also delves into how these newer designs are not so good for bluewater excursions. Racing? There's little on this other than discussions on how bluewater stability affects safety, and that safety addresses larger issues. This is not a take-you-by-the-nose and lead you to where you want to go book....many of said online experts would poo-poo it because they happen to have said unstable or marginal boats. This is a clear, thoroughly enjoyable book that clears up the questions. Special thanks to Cajun Clearance Book Co. for getting the book out faster than expected, and in perfect shape. (I missed the feedback deadline).

An excellent book

Whether you are a novice about to buy your first boat or an old salt who wants to add a little more practical knowledge, this is an excellent book. Some of the recommendations may seem like overkill for the casual weekend sailor, but it is best to be prepared, if not in equipment then at least in knowledge, for the worst conditions. There is a big difference in knowing and not knowing how much your boat falls short of ideal preparation. This book could give you a sense of where to set the standard.

Leaves you with more questions

A good well written book with essential information clearly explained. If you know exactly what type of characteristics you want in a boat (performance, safety, etc) then this book will help in finding the right boat though the criteria laid out in the boat by various authors are not easily found or reconciled in one boat design. Will make further investigation more productive to be sure. Certainly a jumping off platform for the first time buyer and more reading is needed for a true understanding of the concepts resented in the book.

Outstanding

This book is incredible. If you are a complete novice, in the market for your first boat - or an experienced sailor preparing to go to sea - this should be required reading. There is an incredible amount of experience behind this book, making it the authority on sailboat configuration and equipment. Illustrated in all the right places.

Authoritative on cruising yacht design and features.

This is the authority on the features and equipment that belong and those that don't belong in a cruising sailboat. Rarely before has a book on sailing drawn upon as much experience and knowledge as these authors provide. Between them, they have been sailing for some 850 years, have covered more than 750,000 miles offshore (the equivalent of 30 circuits of the globe), and have owned 43 cruising sailboats. Writing for sailors of cruising boats of all sizes and types, the authors cover just about every aspect of preparing to go to sea in a modern boat: characteristics of safe boats for blue-water cruising; latest developments in hardware, construction and sails; dimensions of proper sea-going bunks, chart tables and cockpits; lists of sails, emergency gear, and electronic instruments for different types of boats and sailing; ways to improve your boat's ventilation and refrigeration; checklists of gear and medical equipment...and much more.