How to Buy the Best Sailboat

by Chuck Gustafson

The leading guide to the maze of boats, builders, and brokers that confronts every prospective sailboat buyer. This comprehensive manual covers every aspect of the boat-buying process, from material,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 068810987X
• ISBN13: 9780688109875
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Quill
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Nice book, a lot of details, well worth the time required to read

A woman that loves the water and sailing the Chesapeake Bay in her Dufour 35 writes this review. I purchased my boat without any research or knowledge of sailing or sailboats. I don't recommend this method to others. I was very fortunate that things didn't go badly. I have heard many horror stories at the marina and wanted to learn more, even though it was after the fact. That is the reason I purchased this book. This book covers many aspects of the sailboat acquisition that had never occurred to me, even after going through it once. I found this book to be very complete from both the perspective of the prospective sailboat buyer and the current sailboat owner. The book is subdivided as follows: 1. Learning from other's experiences 2. Sailboat selection prerequisites 3. Self-survey criteria for the engine and electrical systems 4. Self- survey criteria for below decks 5. Self-survey criteria for other equipment 6. Evaluating the designer, building, dealer/broker 7. Making the decision 8. Finalizing the sale 9. Other aspects of the decision 10. How to sell your boat Appendix A: Sea Trial Checklist Appendix B: Starter List of Tools and Spare Parts Appendix C: Performance Criteria Checklist Appendix D: Self-Survey Criteria Checklist Appendix E: Summary Data Format Appendix F: Pricing Worksheet Appendix G: Long Term Costs Worksheet Appendix H: Sailboat Evaluation Checklist This book is written from the perspective of a day sailor that is compulsive about construction and fast sailboats. Given that I agree on all fronts, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it is out of date, it still contains a lot of valuable information. I wouldn't consider getting rid of this book until a suitable replacement came along. If you are serious about buying a sailboat, this book has much information to offer. I highly recommend this book. It does reflect a very accurate picture of what sailboat ownership is all about. I only wish that I had purchased this book before my first boat, and not after the fact.

very good, and worth it

I found this book to be an excellent way to spend fourteen dollars. It is a 0.3% investment if you're thinking of a $5000 boat, and worth every penny. It's accessible to the novice, as it includes a glossary of salty terms and details many of the fundamentals of boats, yet it is also useful for the experienced sailor who could use a good review of the topic before making an investment. It is full of information that can save you much frustration should you buy a boat not completely informed. It is well written and organized well. It's photos are in black and white, and they're a little dark, but still effective.

All you need to know?

This is a neat little book with lots of wisdom Gustafson apparently learned through experience. Some "how to buy a sailboat" books seem to be written by naval architects or good writers with limited experience. But this one combines experience with science. I have quite a few years experience sailing all sorts of boats in several locations and have owned several boats, but I still found myself taking notes while I read the book. You will too, I think, enjoy this little masterpiece. When purchasing or researching a sailboat to purchace this book will save you time and help you make an informed decision.