Power Boating For Dummies (For Dummies Series) - Softcover

Vance, Randy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470409568 ISBN 13: 9780470409565

Publisher: For Dummies, 2009

Synopsis

Ahoy, there! From docking and mooring to routine power boat maintenance and repairs, this handy guide is your trusted first mate for smooth sailing

For both new and experienced boaters, Power Boating For Dummies is a useful reference that covers the ins and outs of this exciting and popular sport. The book starts at the beginning, taking you through the process of buying a boat, but it's helpful to anyone who owns a boat. Designed to teach you how to pilot a boat, equip it, store it, tow it, handle emergencies, and more, -- it's a comprehensive guide written in jargon-free language .

Power Boating For Dummies teaches you everything you need to know about buying, operating, and enjoying a power boat up to 35 feet in length and provides expert guidance for anyone new to the sport and new tips and ideas for improving power boating for even those with some experience captaining a boat:

• Calculate the costs of boating and compare those costs to non-boating activities
• Decide which type of boat to buy -- fishing, runabouts, pontoon, cruisers, or houseboats
• Know which mechanical checks to perform when you're looking at a pre-owned boat
• Learn the rules of boater safety
• Find out what it takes to acquire a boating license
• Outfit your power boat with the right gear, equipment, and supplies -- for fun and safety
• Operate your power boat, from launching and loading to driving, anchoring, and docking
• Navigate with charts, GPS, and radar
• Handle the weather and other boat emergencies
• Check (and change) fluids, charge your boat's battery, and perform other routine maintenance tasks
• Check and repair belts and propellers and fix leaks and other minor problems
• Prepare your power boat for all seasons
• Keep your boat's galley fully stocked

To learn about all of that and so much more, including boating tactics that separate the pros from the amateurs and all-important items you'll never set sail without, grab your copy of Power Boating For Dummies today.

About this title

About the Author

Randy Vance is a lifelong boater who has made a career of writing about boating. As the operator of a small resort and marina in Missouri for more than 20 years, Vance hosted or appeared on many radio and television programs covering boating and fishing topics. During his tenure at Boating Life, the magazine and some of Vance's articles have won awards in many publishing circles.

From the Back Cover

Your comprehensive guide to captaining your own boat

Whether you're a nautical novice or an experienced boater, this friendly guide explains everything you need to know about owning and operating a power boat. From the basics of safe seamanship and docking and mooring techniques to necessary equipment, routine maintenance, and hosting guests, you'll discover how to get the most out of this exciting sport.

• Power up to be a boater determine what type of boat is right for you, set your boat budget, and get trained and licensed

• Gear up for safety and fun select quality safety gear, secure and protect your boat, and make a splash with watersports activities

• Handle your boat like a pro tow your boat, maintain your trailer, launch and load your boat, and drive properly and safely

• Be a responsible boater know boating rules and regulations, read boat lights, and understand navigation markers

• Keep your boat shipshape perform maintenance and minor repairs (and know when to call a mechanic), and get your boat ready for winter and spring

Open the book and find:

• Eight pages of color photos featuring different types of power boats available

• Details on all types of power boats, from fishing to sport

• Info on boating exams and safety courses

• Step-by-step instructions with illustrations for operating your boat

• Anecdotes from the author to help you avoid mistakes

• Checklists for buying new and used boats

• Tips on docking, rafting up, and anchoring

• Options and guidance on how and where to store your boat

From the Inside Flap

Your comprehensive guide to captaining your own boat

Whether you're a nautical novice or an experienced boater, this friendly guide explains everything you need to know about owning and operating a power boat. From the basics of safe seamanship and docking and mooring techniques to necessary equipment, routine maintenance, and hosting guests, you'll discover how to get the most out of this exciting sport.

• Power up to be a boater— determine what type of boat is right for you, set your boat budget, and get trained and licensed

• Gear up for safety and fun — select quality safety gear, secure and protect your boat, and make a splash with watersports activities

• Handle your boat like a pro — tow your boat, maintain your trailer, launch and load your boat, and drive properly and safely

• Be a responsible boater — know boating rules and regulations, read boat lights, and understand navigation markers

• Keep your boat shipshape — perform maintenance and minor repairs (and know when to call a mechanic), and get your boat ready for winter and spring

Open the book and find:

• Eight pages of color photos featuring different types of power boats available

• Details on all types of power boats, from fishing to sport

• Info on boating exams and safety courses

• Step-by-step instructions with illustrations for operating your boat

• Anecdotes from the author to help you avoid mistakes

• Checklists for buying new and used boats

• Tips on docking, rafting up, and anchoring

• Options and guidance on how and where to store your boat

Edition details

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0470409568
• ISBN 13: 9780470409565
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 392