I must be on someone's short mailing list for DVD's, videos
and boating books because I've got quite a collection on my shelf. However, The
Boater's Pocket Reference is by
far the best resource book I've ever come across for boaters. How author Thomas
McEwen packs so much information into a three by five-inch book is beyond me.
Knowledge is power
and I felt like I had the boating world in my hands when I first picked up this
wallet-sized book that has over 750 pages of illustrations, charts and more
information than should legally be able to fit in the palm of my hand.
When it comes to boating, even the most seasoned skippers
don't have all the answers. Basically if you don't have questions then you're
not trying hard enough. How do you tie a Highwayman's Hitch? What sound signals
do you need to know when your visibility is restricted? What items should be in
your basic electrical toolkit? Still
think you know all the answers? I know I don't and that's why this book has
become a regular fixture on my desk and goes with me on my boat. McEwen took
his years of experience as an avid boater and member of the Boulder Valley
Power and Sail Squadron in Colorado
to research and answer the questions he had asked himself. In preparation of
this book, McEwen spent years reading books and attending seminars and classes
about boating.
At the risk of sounding like an infomercial, what do you
think a valuable book like this should cost? Anchor Cove Publishing set the
price at $14.95, which I feel is more than reasonable. For me the pre-departure
checklist and systems check is worth $15 alone because I like having this
information readily available when I need it.
I ranked this book very high because I believe you get a lot
of value with this product. Check it out for yourself and I think you'll agree
with my evaluation.
www.AnchorCovePublishing.com
