Product Description
If you've ever dreamed of casting off in search of adventure wherever your heart may lead, this book will help turn those dreams into reality. A trailerable sailboat is the ideal way to explore every part of the country - wherever there are lakes, rivers, reservoirs or ocean coastline. To make the most of this exciting lifestyle, owners (or prospective owners) of trailerable sailboats need three things: an understanding of the boat and how to use it, knowledge about the tow vehicle and trailer used to transport the boat, and a spirited sense of adventure to live the dream. This book delivers all three, in a down-to-earth style old salts will appreciate, yet easy enough for budding sailors to grasp. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good first mate
As a young old salt, I've ridden the waves enough times to know a good guide when I see one. This book taught me a few things, even though I thought I knew everything. I also like the stories in the second half of the book. The tech parts are very enlightening and the adventures he and his family have bring back lots of memories. The breezy writing style made the tech parts easy to take, and the stories were both lessons learned and funny. The book is every bit as good as his wilderness guide, and I'll keep them both by my side.

Very Cool
Well, well, another Rich Johnson Guide. This one has the same breezy writing style as the wilderness survival book, but with more folsky anedotes and a sense of real adventure. Johnson covers both the technical and the fun (and funny) side of sailboating. Very informative, very honest about the joys and trials of owning and trailering a sailboat. Lots of pictures to wink at, too. ... Read more

Product Description
Increasing competition for mooring and dock space has driven the price of their favorite sport out of reach for far too many sailors. The solution? Downsizing to an affordable boat stored between sails on a trailer. Not only is the boat safe and convenient, but cruising options expand dramatically--the whole continent becomes available at 55 miles per hour dead to windward. Whether you're a new sailor just starting out or an old hand choosing the '90s phenomenon of "downshifting," this completely revised and updated edition of Bob Burgess's Handbook of Trailer Sailing, first published in 1984 and widely acclaimed as the trailer sailor's bible, will chart your whole course. There's detailed information on finding your dream boat, outfitting and setting up, trailers and trailering, elementary and advanced sailing, anchoring, customizing for comfort, taking care of your outboard motor, sail camping, cruise planning, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

One of my favorite books for trailer sailing
This is one of the first books I bought on sailing, and it's still one of my favorites (I have read dozens and dozens by now).It is aimed squarely at the trailer sailor, someone who is going to take a 16-25 boat, go to a launch and go off for the day or the weekend.Details ways to make all of this more enjoyable and more comfortable.Does not go into much detail on how to sail, there are other books that do that much better.But for advice for small boating, I think it's great.

Not bad, but not the best.......
There are others that I have gotten more from, but I've already read them.This did add to my knowledge, especially as I am planning a Keys trip myself.This was the most useful part for me. Good winter reading!

detailed, but didn't like layout
This book seems to have detailed information but as a certified instructor I only found a few sections that caught my eye when I was skimming through it.I don't particually like the way the book is layed out.Definitely not a book I would read cover to cover.There are better books out there...

good tho' what about the trailer and tow vehicle?
quite good tho' curiously silent on the realities of trailering, especially topic of how to fit your choice of boat to your existing vehicle and vice versa.Just as Portland OR says elsewhere

An excellent reference for the trailer sailor
This is the third highest rated book in our Ensenada 20 library, just below "Frugal Yachting", which is just below "The Complete Sailor".

I would strongly recommend any would-be sailor whoseconsidering to take the plunge, to get all three, read them cover to cover,and keep them close at hand always.

The Handbook of Trailer Sailingprovides rafts of information that would otherwise be difficult to aquirefor those who are considering purchasing a trailerable sailboat.

While itcould provide more depth on the trailering aspect, it compensates with lotsof real life experience in all the places a trailer sailor may end upgoing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Dream becomes reality
Sailing America is a rare kind of a book. Yes, it is dated. Yes, America has become a more dangerous place since its publication, and yes, America has totally fallen for consumerism and is paying the price for it now. While it has become a different country, the contents of Sailing America still has a true ring to it. Sailing America should not be viewed as one long trailer-sailor expedition. Rather, it's a collection of possible sailing destinations, from which a trailor sailor may select the ones closest to home, if frugally inclined, or the one that promises the greater adventure, if time and sufficent funds are available. What readers have to understand is that Mr. Brown has made his living as a teacher, and as such, he has had the privilege of taking summers off to pursue sailing. While teachers have their summers off, they also earn correspondingly less money than other professionals with similar degrees. Folks, there is always a trade-off. As a friend of mine is fond to say: you can have time or you can have money, but to have both is difficult. Thus, Mr. Brown's sailing has been of the frugal type. In Sailing America, he didn't use a big SUV as a towing vehicle, but a small 4-cylinder Toyota bus. Neither was his boat impressive--mostly a small West Wight Potter 15, which nowadays can be had for a few thousand dollars on the second-hand market. Mr. Brown's family, himself, his wife, and two daughters, also camped a lot on their low-budget trips to make them affordable. If you are into money,glitzy things, big SUVs, big yachts, and expensive hotels, then this book is not for you. However, if your budget is located in the lower middle class/working class environment and you have been smart enough to not get trapped by credit card companies and been able to avoid a huge morgage and big car loans that will enslave you forever, then Sailing America is truly an inspirational book whose contents can become reality. Thus, you may fall in love with sailing, but do not fall in love with expensive boats, cars, houses, or other budget-crippling gadgets. If you can do that, you will love this book. Fair winds from a low-budget sailing aficionado.

should have been so much more
Read this book and you will learn how to tow your boat all across the united states, while getting in precious little sailing.There is a guide at the back with short suggestions on possible sailing locations.I was excited to find this book, since Larry Brown's "frugal yachting" seems to have a devoted audience.But I was dissappointed.It could and should have been so much more. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide to trailer sailing provides the information required to participate in the sport. It explains what the ideal hull, keel and rig design for a trailer is, what type of car and trailer are needed for towing, what snags may be encountered and how to achieve comfortable living accommodation. ... Read more

Product Description

Master the most difficult part of boating before hittingthe water

This comprehensive guide will help you gain confidence, develop skills, and avoid boat-ramp and highway mishaps when trailering your boat. The book includes easy-to-follow, heavily illustratedinstructions on driving, backing, launching, retrieving, and tying down your boat; trailer maintenance; and selecting tow vehicles, hitches, trailers, and towing accessories.

Customer Reviews (1)

Book review
We are experienced boaters (have owned 1 other trailer boat 21 ft. and a 28 ft. Bayliner in Seattle.

This book provides lots of good ideas, additional information and things to remember. We thought we knew it all, but found several things in the book that helped us with a boat we just purchased.

Good book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Boat trailers
Thsi is the best book available on boat trailers and the vehicles that tow them. I recommend it to all trailer sailers! the only drawbback is that it is american orientated.

A Terrific single-source for boat-towing information
Steve writes in a clear, hands-on style. He combines the thoughtfullness of someone who has thought a lot about the topic with the practicality of someone who has done many, if not all of the things he writes about. Here is someone who has towed a great number of boats with a number of tow vehicles and and write well on the subject. This is a great book for someone who really wants to know what's up with trailering boats.

Great Handbook
This is a helpful book that makes the subject easy to understand. ... Read more

Product Description

A soup-to-nuts introduction to small, economical sailing craft

Trailer sailers--the smallest, most economical sailboats with sleeping accommodations--are a popular platform for learning the basics of sailing and are often considered to be the entry level to cruising under sail. Author Brian Gilbert shows how trailer sailers can be the ideal craft for a lifetime of enjoyment, including serious, long-distance cruising. This book covers all the bases, including how to inspect, buy, and equip a boat; how to trailer, sail, navigate, and cruise in small boats; how to use communications andnavigation equipment; and more.

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book! Easy Read!
Very informative, clear, and easy to read.Read his other book, "Fix it and Sail" as well.Both are recommended for the novice sailboat owner.

A Great Book!
The hands-down BEST book for the new sailor, or even the experienced sailor looking to downsize. Couldn't have done it better if I'd have written it myself... actually, I did write it myself. But it's still pretty good, even though this is the most biased review you'll ever read. AND it's the only sailing book that has a guest appearance of the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannaugh from Monty Python's Holy Grail- BG

Very good book
I really enjoyed reading this book.Lot's of good information that will help you with your new boat.In the back of the book he lists different sailboats that are trailerable.I wish that he had more detailed information about each boat and maybe listing the pros and cons of the different designs.

But overall a good investment in your quest for buying a boat.

The Best book for trailor sailors written in years
I have been a trailor sailor for many years, and have bought most of the books of the subject over the years.This is the most comprehensive book on CRUISING trailor sailors to come out.It brings the problem of big trailor sailors that are very difficult to trailor and launch to the fore.


One warning, the displacements listed at the end of the book are those provided by the manufacturers.They usually do not include the weight of trailor, sails, mast/boom, equipment,and are often still faked lower than they really are.For example, I looked at the Telstar last year which is listed in the book and by the manufacturer as 3000lbs, but owners had taken theirs to commercial scales and measured them as being close to 7000lbs.This goes for most of the boats listed. ... Read more

Product Description
The Trailer Sailer Owner's Manual should be included with every trailerable sailboat.This comprehensive guide to selecting, caring for, and enjoying a trailerable sailboat willanswer all your questions about fitting out, care of your sails, launching and retrieval, andboat maintenance. Easy-to-understand selection guides help you choose the proper sealant/adhesive or antifouling paint. Here you'll find natural alternatives to commontoxic cleaning agents, as well as a useful guide to cooking in very small spaces. You'll even learn to make traditional mats from rope while you keep a weather eye on the clouds.

This mother lode of trailersailing information is neither a how-to-sail manual nor a salespitch for a specific brand or type of boat. Rather, it's a compendium of trailersailing wisdom that reads like a conversation with a fellow sailor relaxed, informative, thought provoking,and entertaining. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Trailer Sailer Owner Manual
The Trailer Sailer Owner's Manual guides readers through all the steps of buying, sailing, and caring for a small sailboat.It includes matching boat to trailer to tow vehicle: taking the whole rig on the road; and launching and retrieving the boat.This comprehensive manual also covers such topics as cooking in small spaces, sail management, marlinspike seamanship, anchoring and weather.There's plenty of practical information packed within its pages.This was an exceptional manual for myself and my 15 year old son to read.I will recommend it to my fellow sailing buddies.I found that the simple and affordable tips alone covered the cost of the book.

the missing manual
If you can ask a question about trailer sailers, this book can answer it. To say the book is complete is an understatement. This book offers plain advice on everything a sailor needs to know...buying, outfitting, trailering, and maintaining a trailerable sailboat. This mother load of information is neither a how-to-sail manual nor a salespitch for a specific brand or type of boat. Consider it the "missing manual"; the one that should be included with every trailersailer.

Essential tips key to sailing will appeal especially to novices
THE TRAILER SAILER OWNER'S MANUAL should be in every nautical collection: it offers a guide to selecting, caring for and enjoying a trailer-able sailboat and answers all questions about caring for sails, launching, boat maintenance and more. Essential tips key to sailing will appeal especially to novices who want tips to pleasurable sailing and maintenance.

For total amateurs
This book is a good introduction to trailer sailers for someone who knows very little about boats. Most of the information is common sense and does not really deserve to be published. There are a few good technical chapters such as the chapter on sealants and paints, however, the author goes into WAY too much technical detail for the average reader. Its as though the book is written for average people and then has a sprinkling of university level information on paints and adhesives. I am a materials engineer, and found the technical content generally correct, but feel that there is no way an average reader would have a clue what the author is trying to say. The book left me wondering just who the target audience for this book is. Not recommended. Your money is much better spent on "Sailing Big on a Small Sailboat". ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Trailer Boats, published by Ehlert Publishing Group on June 1, 1999. The length of the article is 2235 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Magnificent SEVEN.(planning a boating excursion to the San Juan Islands)
Author: John L. Beath
Publication: Trailer Boats (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 1999
Publisher: Ehlert Publishing Group
Volume: 28Issue: 6Page: 60

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Trailer Sailer, Boomerang 20, Hobie Magic 25. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 24. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: A trailer sailer is a small yacht or large dinghy style of sailboat that is moved to sailing locations and stored on a road trailer. It is neither a Day sailer or a Pocket cruiser but may be used for either purpose depending upon design suitability. The large dinghy style relies principally on correct crew weight for balance rather than fixed ballast, much like a dinghy and is suitable for use only on protected water. The other style is a Trailer yacht, which has a proper yacht ballast ratio of at least 30% excluding crew weight. This latter style is suited to yacht racing or cruising on inshore waters and along coastlines; a good example may pass self righting tests and be suitable for Junior Offshore Group (JOG) or Channel events or the like. Other designs are a compromise between the two principal types. An emerging type is the Sportsboat with a proper yacht ballast ratio, but large sail areas requiring crew weight positioning for stability, with their own design and self righting rules. One feature that distinguishes Trailer sailers from other small yachts is the need to launch from and recover to an on road registered trailer, which can place constraints on dimensions and weights. They may vary in length from 5 to 10 meters; above that the length-width ratio is not ideal. In addition the mast and rigging must be suitable for ease of raising and lowering. The keel is not fixed but may be retracting, removable or swing, hydraulic, winch or electric operated and the ballast may be water that is drained to reduce weight for trailing. For reason of weight saving they are more likely to have a removable outboard engine. By inherent design those with lifting...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=12391495 ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Trailer Boats, published by Ehlert Publishing Group on December 1, 1999. The length of the article is 1480 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: TOW CAR.
Author: Bob Kovacik
Publication: Trailer Boats (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 1999
Publisher: Ehlert Publishing Group
Volume: 28Issue: 11Page: 81

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, Technical Manual, TM 5-4520-244-24P, HEATER, DUCT TYPE PORTABLE TRAILER MTD, 400,000 BTU/HR FIESTA MODEL FC-400-1, (NSN 4520-01-071-7191), military manauals, special forces, military manuals on dvd, military manuals on cd
... Read more

Product Description

The first comprehensive sailing start-up kit for adult learners

Your First Sailboat is the only book that puts entry-level sailboat selection, use, maintenance, and lifestyle issues all in one place for new sailors who happen to discover this wonderful sport as adults. This book answers questions that other books don't even think to ask: Can a keelboat tip over? Can I take a centerboard boat onto open water? What's a fair price to pay for the boat I want? Can I trailer a keelboat? How do I make this boat move? How do I make it stop moving? How do I take care of it? This complete guide for the beginning sailor:

• Offers authoritative advice on choosing a sailboat
• Provides decision trees to guide the reader to the perfect starter boat
• Discusses lake vs. ocean boats, family day sailing vs. racing, and more
• Answers all of the new sailor's questions

Customer Reviews (17)

Very good book for getting into sailing
This book is excellent reading for someone that has a lot of questions about getting into sailing,...it goes beyond buying your first boat.It also has several chapters on sailing itself.Good reading, and highly recommended to get you started.

IDAHOMAN
I thought this book was very informative and well written. This is the perfect book for a first time sailboat buyer. For the first time sailor it is easy to read and understand. I would recommend this book to all the new sailors out there who are anxious to hit the water.

exactly what it says it is
I bought this book, by her request, for a godchild who will get her first sailboat when she graduates this spring. Although I didn't read it cover to cover, I did look through quite a lot of it before it got wrapped up and given as a holiday gift. The book is practically laid out, well-written, and will be very useful indeed as we are looking for a cruising sloop in the 35-45 foot range for her. I recommend it as helpful and also as entertaining reading. The book is particularly well organized; the list of topics and chapters makes the information easy to find and work from.

Great, concise, helpful & fun
A great book for anyone thinking or dreaming about buying a sailboat.Covers many topics, to a reasonable level, and is a great 'starter' book.

A great all around book
I'm fairly new to sailing and have my own boat for about two years now.
Being from North Dakota I'm pretty much self taught and this book is among the best books I own. Trust me, my wife states I have about 30 books and she's right.
I highly recommend this one. Among the best.
You'll get alot out of it. ... Read more

Product Description
"Down by the depot, early in the morning, See the yellow school buses all in a row. See the school bus driver warming up the engine. Vroom vroom beep beep! Off we go!"Little fans of trucks and trains and boats and planes will love to sing this action-packed, expanded version of the classic rhyme, paired with Frank Remkiewicz's happy, vibrant illustrations. This version of the classic children's song expands the traditional rhyme by featuring a variety of modes of transportation, not just the "little puffer-bellies." Beginning with the traditional "down by the station, early in the morning," readers are introduced to different vehicles on each two-page spread. School buses, tractor trailers, excavators, jumbo jets, sailboats, race cars, fire engines, and rocket boosters are all highlighted with an original four-stanza rhyme. Each rhyme works well with the original cadence that many parents, teachers, librarians, and youngsters are familiar with. For example, "Down by the water / Early in the morning / See the bobbing sailboats all in a row / See the salty skipper pulling up the mainsail. / Flap flap splash splash! Off we go!" Remkiewicz's lively watercolor illustrations add energy to the rhymes, and storytimes, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms will be requesting this title, as will budding transportation enthusiasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Such a fun book!
My 2.5 year old son loves this book.We sing together, and he loves each page.What is great is that there are planes, trains, cars, and everything he loves.And, there's the singing!

Down By The Station Book
What a great book, my kid likes it a lot. Fast shipping and a great price.

Just Awesome!
My son LOVES this book! Really, it's a recipe for awesome: Witty text, fun pictures, and vehicles, Vehicles, VEHICLES!

You'd have to read it to your kids to really know how great this book is.

My 2 Boys LOVE this book!
My boys are 2 and 4 and they love this song book. The illustrations are really cute.

Excellent book
My two yr old twins favorite book. They both love it so much that my son asks for the book as soon as he wakes up in the morning and also wants to read it before going to bed. Even my 6 yr old son enjoys it. My friends 2 yr old daughter came to our house and read the book once and now it is her favorite book too. The wonderful illustration and familiar rhyme makes it interesting to read it over and over again( which you would be doing once you get this book.) ... Read more

Product Description
This book covers everything there is to know about boating and it's understandable to the average person! In fact, some people have called it the "Boating Manual"!

It's like having your very own boating expert that you can reference and ask questions anytime you need to!

You'll uncover a wide array of tips, including ways to repair your boat in an emergency today!

I myself have been boating for several years and it wasn't easy to get into a routine when
I first started out!I mean, information on this isn't easy to come by...Especially the kind of thorough information I needed.
... Read more

Product Description
Do you love going to the lake… relaxing in the sun... feeling the warm breeze in your hair... and wish you had the freedom to actually get out on the lake?

Do you watch boaters from the shore and wish you could join them... but feel overwhelmed because you don't have your own boat? Wish you could? If so, then you've found the right book!

People all around the world enjoy the experience of boating everyday!

You know how it is...

There's nothing better than the warm breeze only found on the deck of a boat!

It's not hard to imagine, is it?

Your friends laughing... your family smiling... and your hands at the wheel...

There's just something about the water that calls to us!

It reaches inside of us and helps bring life back into our everyday routine.

Not only is boating a wonderful way to relax, but it's also a great way to bring your family together...

It's a fun way to turn those Saturdays into great memories!

Whether You Enjoy Water Skiing, Fishing, or Just Relaxing, Boating Is Right For You!

Many people dream about owning a boat, but never actually live the dream...

They get stopped by what appears to be impossible obstacles, like...Not living on a lake...But chances are there's water somewhere near you!

So even though you may feel landlocked, you're probably not...Just look around and find your opportunities!

Others don't own a boat because of what appears to be an intimidating list of other obstacles... Like the price...or storing and maintaining it?

Fortunately it doesn't have to be intimidating at all!

It's easy when you know what to do... and how to do it.

The idea of purchasing, storing, and maintaining a boat can be overwhelming...

Don't let these small obstacles stop you from appreciating the joys of boating!

This book will help you tear down those daunting obstacles and open up the world of boating for you and your family!

You'll discover:

- How To Buy A New Boat:Get your boat without paying an arm and a leg for it!

- Different Kinds of Boats... Whether you want to go fishing or just speed across the lake, get the right boat for you!

- Keys To Getting A Used Boat ... Get a great boat for less money without getting scammed!

- How To Finance And Register Your Boat: Never be confused by paper work and keep your boat on the water!

- A Quick Guide To Maintaining Your Boat... The 4 "What if's" that keeps your boat running great

- Tips For Getting Out On The Water... Know exactly what to do on your first day out

- Boating Etiquette... have the most fun while freely enjoying the water!

- What To Do In An Emergency Situation... Enjoy your boat with the peace of mind that your friends and family are safe... and having a blast!

- Plus much, MUCH MORE!

This just scratches the surface of what’s in this book. If you've ever been interested in boating but didn't know where to start, then this book will get you started on the right foot. It contains everything you need to know to help you enjoy the water through boating today!
... Read more