Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual: Including Inspecting the Aging Sailboat, Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair, Sailboat Refinishing, Sailbo Hardcover – Illustrated, October 6, 2005

As a CYA & ASA instructor, boat owner, and professional teacher, finally I have found 'A' book on sailing,surveying, and/or maintenance and repair that outreaches my expectations. Casey can truly teach and soooo knows his stuff. The details on every aspect are precise and clear. A picture is worth a 1,000 words; Casey speaks volumes in his illustrations- several on every page. Through his illusrations, you could almost visualizes his words and ideas without knowing English or any technical jargon. Also, he nails down most every idea with a simple test or application. A novice would almost feel he is gaining practical expereience just by reading him while an experienced person would have many fuzzie ideas clearified,varified and extended.I am searching for another boat to purchase for an extended Carribbean trip and this book will certainly be my bible. In fact I strongly recommend THIS BOAT BIBLE above any other book on the market. He covers it all with professional teaching technique and in depth knowledge.

Embarrassed - but I'm not that handy. Boat instructions and manuals seem to be the most difficult compared to other things in my life. So - I was praying that this book would be better. Have tried likely 10 others - over the years - and always disappointed. This book was great. It not only showed you what and how to do something - but the graphics were very helpful - and the book explains WHY which is usually missing. Highly recommend.

This book is *THE* Sailboat Maintenance Bible. It's a must have. I have "This Old Boat" by Don Casey as well, and much of the information overlaps. I find this book to be a bit easier to read and refer to since it's completely sailboat focused. I don't attempt any job on my boat without first referring to this book, and it has never steered me wrong. Whether it's the guys at the mechanic shop, out in the yard, or the other folks in my owner's group, the advice given is almost always identical to what you'll find here. And if it isn't, question the source. It's a great book, I can't say enough good things about it.

I just got this book in from Amazon. I need to work on my own 30 year old L. F. Herreshoff designed H-28 sailboat. I ordered two Don Casey books. These books by Don Casey cover 99% of the things which I need to work on, complete with drawings and diagrams. This book gives you an extensive list of information topics for repairing your boat properly. This book is a reference book and doesn't spend a lot of time on any one subject. This book is well worth ordering if you plan on doing any repairs to your sailboat.Update (2 weeks later):I've had a chance to look closer at this book and I just reduced my opinion of this book from 5 Stars to 4 Stars. The reason was his explanation on Basic Electronics. I came away scratching my head and wondering what the heck he was saying. This is information from a Physic's Course for people who understand it better. What he considered were his layman's explanations were still over my head.However, I found his How-To information very useful. Even his How-To on electronics was very useful. But if you need to know exact numbers on how much electricity that you are pulling and how much you need (And you have been out of school as long as I have been), I would suggest ordering an additional book on boat electronics. (I suggest "Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook" by Charlie Wing.)Beyond his attempt (failed attempt in my case) at educating the general public on Basic Electronics, this is a good book to have on board your boat for a quick reference to repairs.

Fantastic. It had everything I needed to get my fixer-upper boat out on the water. After three years of steady improvements (both in my sailing and the boat itself), I have yet to find a repair project that this 5-in-1 books doesn't have the answer to.Initially, I was disappointed that the illustrations were simple two-color line drawings. But I've come to appreciate the simplicity as more helpful than other, more complicated art. The writing is concise, simple, and the nautical terms are explained. For example, on the deck/hull joint , he explains the different methods used, which are best, where the probably weak points might be, and the tools and step-by-step process to repair them.For fixing up a fiberglass sailboat, you won't do better than this book

Although a sailing novice, I recognize this as an excellent reference. Actually 4 books in 1 with excellent information to help you evaluate a used boat and maintain it. We used it to successfully evaluate the boat we bought. The writing style is clear, but casual -- not dry like some. Great illustrations. A special section on diesel engines is included written by an expert in the field. I was really thrilled with the section on items that you can make for your boat, from pockets, to sail bags, covers, and even biminis. It has become my favorite book and will be invaluable in refinishing my boat's teak and getting the inside neatly organized. Can't wait to get started!

It sounds like a promotion instead of review.I am new to sailing and knew nothing about sailing and bought many sailing books and read/scan a lot of them. I feel the Diesel engine section is detailed enough to get my hand dirty and simple enough to understand.The book structure is hard to follow as it is books within book then there is chapter within each book/chapter. Author did mention it but still. Anyway good book for a novice to start.