In a book that is sure to become a classic, internationally respected boatbuilder, yacht manager, and delivery skipper Bill Seifert shares his hard-won solutions to a host of boat design, construction, and equipment issues and seamanship dilemmas. Unlike other books on the subject, Offshore Sailing doesn’t just tell readers what to do for safe and comfortable passage making; it shows them how to do it with clear, step-by-step instructions and nearly 200 detailed drawings and photographs.

Praise for Your First Sailboat "Here's a book for first-time sailboat buyers that offers practical information they can really use toease the transition to boat ownership. The buying guide to 84 of the more popular used sailboats will be particularly helpful when making the rounds at the boatyard." -- Cruising World "Spurr strikes just the right balance in this book of logic, education, and humor, without ever talkingdown to the reader." -- Latitude 38 "Have fun. Save time. Save money. This book omits everything you don't need to know." -- Great Lakes Boating Can a keelboat tip over?How can I determine what boat I want?Once I do, what's a fair price to pay for it?Should I buy it new or used?How can I tell the difference between a used boat and one that's used up?Now that I have it, how can I start sailing quickly and safely? Your First Sailboat has answers to all your questions about selecting, buying, maintaining, and usingyour first boat. This user-friendly guide covers issues that other books ignore, including how to choose between a trailer sailer, daysailer, raceboat, cruiser, or multihull; what hull material is best for your first boat; whether to buy new or used; where to shop; how to judge quality and condition; where to keep your new boat; and what to do about gear, loans, insurance, and annual maintenance. Special features of this second edition include: An up-to-date descriptive buying guide to 84 recommended sailboats of all types and sizes, from daysailers to racers, cruisers, and multihullsHow-Do-I? sections that cover boat handling, maintenance, and navigationWhat-If? segments that cover a variety of worst-case scenarios that you may worry about--from getting lost, to sinking, and when to look for the next sailboat! Straightforward and fun, Your First Sailboat gives you just what you need to stop asking questions andstart sailing.

Is your boat ready to go cruising?.

Just about every sailboatused and newcan make a good cruiser, but only if the hull-deck structure, rig, and systems meet certain standards. "Spurrs Guide to Upgrading Your Cruising Sailboat" tells you what those standards are, and gives you all the help you need to refurbish and upgrade every structure, surface, fitting, and system on your boatstem to stern, project by project..

This all-in-one guide leads you step by step to a seaworthy, crew-friendly boat with top-notch cruising performance. Not only will you learn what to look for when you buy a new or used boat, you'll also learn how to reinforce your boats hull and structural components, redesign and replace rigging, upgrade electrical systems, and much more. Special features include: . . A detailed survey of 70 used and new fiberglass sailboats best suited to offshore sailing. Gear and equipment recommendations by brand name. Construction details and other essential features of a strong, safe cruising boat. How to make critical repairs to the deck, hull, bulkheads, blisters, and portlights. .

Daniel Spurr is editor-at-large of "Professional Boatbuilder" magazine and the author of seven sailing books. He has been senior editor of "Cruising World" magazine and for twelve years was the editor of "Practical Sailor," He has owned and upgraded eight sailboats..

Just the right ticket for those of us who have discovered the boat we own is not the ideal cruising vessel."Sailing,"

An extraordinary approach to refurbishing and structurally upgrading an older fiberglass sailboat for offshore cruising. Excellent illustrations."Good Old Boat,"

A must-have book. The electrical andinstrument chapters are outstanding."Southern Boating,"

This long-awaited book bridges the gap between the theoretical and the practical aspects of sailboat design, construction, and renovation.Robert Perry, yacht designer.

This book sets a new standard of excellence by which any future texts must be judged. I heartily recommend it for anyone who is contemplating building or buying a cruising sailboat.Meade A. Gougeon, Gougeon Brothers, Inc..