A series of boating articles and boating anecdotes written by the author for Offshore Magazine back in the nineties. Updated, reprinted, and supplemented here in a collection meant to educate and entertain both novice and professional boater.

"Perfect for summer reading, "Jack Tar" will satisfy your nautical curiosities and tickle your funny bone."
--"Practical Sailor"

A nautical trivia book on steroids, learn why it is a Blue Monday and other expressions with a nautical past

"Jack Tar and the Baboon Watch" is a "Ripley's Believe It or Not" for the mariner--everything odd, weird, and unbelievable. Mariner and author Frank Lanier began to compile these entries when he served in the Coast Guard; they were included in the "plan of the day" published aboard the various ships Lanier was stationed on starting in the 1980s. In his book Frank explains in plain language the origin of curious nautical language and expressions.

Sample Contents

BLUE MONDAY: A reference to Monday, the day traditionally reserved for dispensing the week's accumulation of whippings amongst ship's boys found delinquent in their duties. Black Monday was another common term for the day during the 17th century.

FOURTH-CLASS LIBERTY AND THE BABOON WATCH: For a sailor, the only thing worse than enduring a miserable watch at sea was the privilege of standing one during the ship's port call. It was there the "Baboon watch" (those unfortunates so tasked) enjoyed fourth-class liberty, sampling a port's charm via the ship's telescope.

JACK TAR: A sailor. One of the most common masculine names of the English language, Jack has been a popular euphemism for the common man since early on, particularly those of the working class--it's where we get Jackhammer, Jack-in-the-box, Jack-of-all-trades, Jackass, jack-o'-lantern, Jack-be-Nimble, jumping jacks, jackknife, Jack . . . well, you get the idea. Sailors applied the name liberally to a wide variety of descriptive terms, from Jack Adams (a stubborn seaman) to Jack Whore, meaning a masculine, overgrown wench.
As for the later part, seamen have been known as Tars for centuries in reference to their use of that material to waterproof clothing and caulk hull seams. Interesting and good to know type stuff, 'cause you certainly wouldn't want anyone commenting that "you don't know Jack."

SEA LAWYER: Not one of those beloved members of the land based legal fraternity, but instead a prophet of pessimism and declarer of doom aboard ship who is forever arguing his views concerning any and everything, from how to properly complete any task (without involving any action on his part, of course) to his views on what's wrong with the fleet and what needs be done to correct it.

Pursuing the inlets of coastal British Columbia, where the mountains drop into the sea, and lifestyles focus on self-assurance and a different sense of purpose. Northward from the Strait of Georgia, in pursuit of adventure. Coastal cruising notions from the author of 'Up the Strait' and 'Off the Grid.'

This book may be of interest to anyone interested in buying a boat built outside the EU and importing that boat into the EU. Details of suppliers, discounts for equipment and materials and tips accumulated from various advisors and years of research are described. Skylark's original survey for US insurance, tips for clothing and personal comfort, preparing the boat for an Atlantic crossing to Europe and a report of one boat's experience meeting the EU regulations to obtain a CE mark for a US-built 1973 Pearson 36-1. George DuBose is a well-known music photographer with over 300 record covers and over 50 gold or platinum plaques to his name. He is writing and designing a series of books that showcase his photography for groups' album covers and promotional portraits for groups as diverse as the B52's and the Notorious B.I.G. In his spare time, he sails and works on his two Pearson yachts, a 1970 P26 and a 1973 P36-1.

"Having raced twice around the world myself, I can appreciate the stresses and trials that Jeff has endured traversing the Southern Ocean and rounding iconic Cape Horn. His writing conveys a great Corinthian spirit of adventure, and is a tribute to all the sailors that have dared this passage. In human history it wasn't so long ago that rounding cape Horn was akin to going to the moon, and many never returned. Jeff brings that spirit of adventure to the pages of this book." -Bruce Schwab, Around Alone Racer "Sailing around Cape Horn alone is not everyone's "Milk shake." I had decided to do it because after 60,000 miles of sailing ocean passages they were becoming too familiar. My wife Debbie and I had sailed clear of Ecuador and down to Peru. It was on that passage that I realized just how close to the Horn I was and realized I just needed to give it a "Shot." Debbie felt no need to try it so she volunteered to become my shore side support. Now most people don't realize the problems of going West to East around the "Horn," and I was one of them. With nearly 45-years of sailing experience under my keels and Sailors Run a 40ft. Baba Ketch, I felt confident that the 5,000 NM passage was doable. What I did not know is that the worst storms occur in the summer season. I also learned that the Humboldt Current runs up the coast of Chile at nearly two-knots. The wind also comes up from the south, so you must set sail from Peru heading SW and eventually you will end up 1,000 NM off of Chile (at 45 South) before you can start your run in towards the "Horn." You experience a severe low just about every three days with storm force winds. Anyone who thinks going West to East is easy, best try it before they make that claim. In this book, you will not only experience what it takes to sail in the Southern Ocean, but you will get an in-depth look into the life of a sailor who had to overcome insurmountable "road blocks" to live out his dream, a life of freedom upon the sea.

WITH TWO OARS explores the art and science of sculling. Written with intermediate and advanced-intermediate rowers in mind, it addresses questions any thoughtful rower will want answered, including these: What is boat set, and why is it important? Who is smarter, rowers or their oars? How can you avoid splashing at the catch? How can you row "with your ears"? Where should your foot stretchers be set? What role does hydrodynamic lift play in sculling? Should your hands be symmetrical at the catch? Why should strong rowers care about form?

There are over 45,000 kilometres of navigable rivers and canals in Europe. That is more than a global circumnavigation's worth of inland waterways to explore. Over one third of these are In France and the Netherlands, where much of the finer inland cruising is found. This book will lead the reader in discovering the better ways to enjoy these waters. The book draws from the knowledge and insights gained through the author's half century of boating experience. It is not a "How To" book, rather it is a look at many of the things that are possible. It is profusely illustrated with over 950 photographs and maps, which add depth and clarity to the narrative and give the readers a better understanding of the day-to-day life while cruising the rivers and canals of Europe.

Right now there are over 1.6 million people who love boating on the rivers, lakes and oceans around Australia. They must be onto something. So what's stopping you from getting in on this lifestyle? Buying a boat can be daunting and depending on whom you talk to, you will get all kinds of advice. Some of it's great but much of it can be lousy. At last there is one book that answers every question you could have about buying a power boat in Australia. Darren Finkelstein has been buying, selling and simply messing around with boats for over 30 years and that is exactly what prompted him to write "Honey, let's buy a Boat ." This book answers all of your questions and outlines the process to make buying (and selling) a recreational power boat within reach of everyone. Make no mistake, this book aims to convince you that boats and boat ownership, is truly awesome and as Darren says "life's better with a boat." "Knowing your options and all of the facts will get you on the water, enjoying quality time with family and friends. And that will build a healthy and active boating community. Boating in Australia has always been an attractive outdoor activity that is both healthy for the mind and the body. Fundamentally, Australia is an island - boating just makes sense " Andy Warner, President - Boating Industry Association of Victoria "I have never met anyone with the level of knowledge about buying boats as Darren. He is a straight shooter with a total commitment to get people on the water, living the great Australian lifestyle. This book is a must read for new and experienced boaties alike." Andrew Griffiths, Bestselling Author and Boat Lover "I've bought and sold several boats from Darren at St Kilda Boat Sales for many of years now and actively recommend him to many of my friends. He sure knows what he is doing. When it comes to power boats, Darren is my MAN." Andrew Fox (LINFOX) www.letsbuyaboat.com.au

"Radar Made Simple for Cruisers" focuses on how a cruiser, or especially a single handing cruiser, might best use their radar to remain safe and sane while cruising. (See www.made-simplefor-cruisers.com) It will help you with both types of navigation, contact avoidance and navigation. "Radar Made Simple for Cruisers" provides cruisers some tricks to determine how close a big ship is going to come ear you and to get a fix from a point of land when the GPS went down. It helps in the fog, the night, and even in daytime. Radar is a valuable asset on your boat and you should not head to sea without one aboard. If you do not know how to get CPA or find your position with your radar, you should consider a copy of "Radar Made Simple for Cruisers. Many cruisers that assumed they knew how to use their radar, they just stay away from the dots. When they take a look at this book they usually say they never really knew how to use their radar. "Radar Made Simple for Cruisers" will help make your radar a valuable tool. The book provides many examples to aid the cruiser in learning the basics needed to be safe and sane at sea. Additions and Downloads for this book may be found at: http: //www.made-simplefor-cruisers.com/radar

Practical knowledge for Inland, Coastal, and Ocean waters that makes your sailing safer and more efficient. Special topics in navigation and weather from the "Burch at the Helm" column in Blue Water Sailing magazine.

John Gardners work has engaged and inspired more individuals connected with traditional small craft than will ever be counted.--WoodenBoat magazine

Deserves an honored place on the library shelf.--National Fisherman

Poses clear and impassioned means to go from the armchair to the open water via your own boat shop.--Sea History

This big, handsome legacy volume contains all the plans, measurements, and directions needed to build any of 47 beautiful small boats for oar, sail, or motor.

This book is for boaters with who take pride in their powerboat but have limited mechanical experience or knowledge of small boat systems, boating maintenance or boat trailer maintenance. It is intended for powerboats from 18 to 45 feet and provides a quick reference guide to performing simple routine boat maintenance and service to keep your boat looking good with fewer problems. Many sections begin with a description of how the system works followed by instructions on how to maintain it. The book includes hundreds of time saving boat cleaning and maintenance tips and tricks that experienced boaters and marine professionals use every day. It includes maintenance schedules, a comprehensive troubleshooting guide and product application guides that will help make your boating life easier. The products suggested are common cleaning and maintenance supplies found at most home centers, hardware stores and marine supply stores that are easy to use and get the job done. This book is organized to be a quick reference guide to boat cleaning and maintenance. Follow the tips in each section to spend less time working on your boat and more time on the water enjoying it.

Adventure is not just for the young! Though I own a boat! was the opening phrase to their courtship and eventual married life, little did Baby Boomer couple, George and Pat Hospodar, know then that those words would lead to their making a year-long journey of a lifetime aboard their boat, Reflection, almost forty years later. This book welcomes and encourages not only fellow boaters, but also armchair adventurers, and dreamers of all ages to join them aboard as they share a light hearted, real-life account of their travels on the circumnavigation of the waterways of the eastern United States and Canada. In addition, for those who may consider making this journey themselves, the authors offer insights and tips on:? Routes? Anchorages? Navigation? Locking? Marinas? Free dockage? Low bridges? Fuel stops? Restaurants? Shopping? Points of interest and local history? Border crossings in Canada and the United States? Local marine weather websites and phone numbers.

This is a resource log printed in full color. Here is a place to store all your valuable boating information including sections for: Marinas, Fuel Docks, Restaurants, Maintenance, Dive Site, Fishing Sites, and Bridges and Locks. As a bonus, there is included a complete emergency procedures section: Captain's Countdown to casting off, Boat Briefing, Emergency Radio Communications, Man Overboard, Fire, First Aid, Taking on Water, and Rescue and Recovery.

Two brave women prove that to live a real life adventure, they only need to take the first step. Giving into an urge to see the world, they take their cat and move onto a sailboat in California. After a year's preparation they set sail into the Pacific Ocean. Three months later they arrive in Florida after sailing 1500 miles down the Baja coast, across the Sea of Cortez, and driving an old pickup truck 2000 miles across Mexico and the southern United States. When Kim, Jazzymyne and their cat leave Los Angeles, California on New Year's Day they have no idea where the wind will take them. Their second day at sea they are caught in a violent storm. They struggle back to land and upon attempting to anchor near an island off the coast of Mexico, Kim breaks her hand. Conflict looms when Jazzymyne tires of the hardships and wants to go home. After twenty five days at sea they reach Mazatlan, Mexico and make plans to relocate in Florida. After loading all their possessions in a twenty-five year old truck, they head for Florida encountering dangerous mountain roads, military checkpoints and border patrol with their cat in the cab and a surfboard tied on top. Mixed emotions concerning this undertaking become solidified by the reality of life at sea, travel abroad and the wonders of nature. This is a true adventure without technical jargon and will delight readers of all ages.

Do you live for spring when the boat goes in the water? Do you suffer from post-boating-season depression when she is hauled back out in the fall? Do you ever wish, just once, that instead of hauling and dreaming about "next year" that you could just keep going and put a little water under your hull on a slow boat south? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float down the mighty Mississippi River like Tom Sawyer on his raft, or look up from your aft deck at the Blue Moon of Kentucky? Dreamed perhaps, of feasting on grilled catfish in Tennessee and then heading off to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry? Wondered what it would be like to glance over from the helm and witness a huge alligator slither into the murky waters of the Mobile River or stand out on the deck just a few feet from dolphins frolicking in your bow wake? Perhaps you can picture yourself docked in old Key West, catching a sundowner's party at Mallory Square, washed down with a cold one from one of Hemingway's old haunts or yourself in New York City, anchored under the towering Statue of Liberty, watching the busy harbor come to life while you sip your morning coffee? Doesn't that sound more appealing that a quick coffee from the drive-through coffee shop as you navigate traffic jams, snowstorms and business meetings? Each year many people just like you combine their love of boating with their love of travel and set off to explore America's Great Loop, a series of lakes, rivers, canals and waterways that connects a huge area of south central Canada and the eastern United States. Boaters from all over the world converge to enjoy this experience and many who have never owned a boat but always longed to try the cruising lifestyle make the leap, buy the boat and do what they must to become a "looper." We're glad we did. Here's our story.

STOP WORKING ON YOUR BOAT AND GET OUT ON THE WATER!Save money and time with these 1,001 tested tips from Sandy Lindsey, a boat-maintenance contributor to Boating magazine for many years. In Quick and Easy Boat Maintenance, Lindsey has culled the best ofher years of advice and gathered the top suggestions from her readers. These handy, natural solutions work amazingly well-and are environmentally friendly. Boats last longer and look more beautiful with proper care. But that care takes a lot less time when you work smart. See how you can make your winterizing and spring commissioning chores go much faster and learn Lindsey's labor-saving secrets for tackling: Teak, canvas, and carpet carePainting, metal cleaning, and polishingFiberglass and gelcoat cleaning and repairEngine care and winterizingMildew--how to get rid of it, how to prevent it This second edition is updated with green solutions, information about dealing with ethanol in fuel, howto maintain the new batteries, and an all-new chapter on maintenance aspects of sailboats (sail care,winches, lines, and wire rigging). Putting the helpful hints of Quick and Easy Boat Maintenance to work can change your boating life.Less time working means more time boating! "A treasure chest of proven labor-savers that can help get those pesky maintenance chores done faster." -- Observer-Dispatch

The second edition of Ker-Splash offers a greatly expanded view of the recreational boating hobby following a disastrous economic period in America. All types of non-fishing powerboats are covered, from jet skis to small yachts. The emphasis is on the history and economic status of each builder and the engines and drive systems employed.

Everyone dreams of running away to sea, and few do it, because of the need to earn a living. But Patrick and June found a way to make a living on the water, in the yacht delivery business. Founding their own firm in 1955 they set off on a series of adventures that took them from New York to Venezuela, Cuba, Nova Scotia, London, Paris and the Great Lakes.

On June's first voyage she didn't see land for 17 days and Patrick made corn beef hash three times a day. Later they sailed together in all kinds of boats including a research vessel that sent a million volts up a wire held by a helicopter, thousands of feet above.

Ashore, they worked on boats in Caribbean islands and French canals helping the local carpenters, electricians and plumbers get the boats ready for sea. And in their free time they sipped coffee on the sidewalks of Paris, strolled on beaches in Bermuda or climbed mountains in Jamaica.

2012 Reprint of 1955 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. This book, the first of its kind, makes clear the difference between "boat carpentry" and "house carpentry." On a boat there is hardly a straight line, in a house almost all the lines must be straight. Many tools used by the boat carpenter are almost unknown to the house carpenter. Amply illustrated, this remains a classic book on the subject. Few twentieth-century writers could equal Hervey Garrett Smith's works on the traditional arts of the sailor; none could surpass them. His descriptions of knotting, splicing, fancy work, canvas work, and the practice of marlinspike seamanship are clear, concise, and evocative. So, too, are his drawings, which are technically accurate, easy to follow, and a joy to behold.