Dag Pike's Cruising Under Power

The aim of this book is to enable novices to

cruise safely and enjoyably. It will cover the preparations needed before

undertaking a cruise, operating the boat under different and sometimes

challenging conditions, how to cope when things go wrong, how to conform to the

rules and regulations, and how to navigate. It conveys the advice and

information just as the cruiser will encounter it on passage - from setting off

to arriving at their destination (rather than compartmentalised into

navigation/weather/engine etc).



Topics include: Preparing to cruise (weather forecasts, route planning, checklists); Leaving harbour (harbour entrances, radio contact, setting courses and speeds,

crew briefing, food and drink); Assessing

weather and sea conditions (fine tuning plans); Watch

keeping under way (visual and electronic navigation, coping with alarms); Entering

harbour (planning ahead, radio channels, finding an anchorage, speeds); Cruising

at night and in fog (lights, radar, shipping lanes, stopping distance); Adventurous

cruising (navigating inshore, beach landing, hidden dangers); Fuel

management and economy (economical speeds, boat trim, reserves); Comfort

on board (cooking and sleeping at sea, security); When

things go wrong (potential problems, safety equipment, coping with fire,

leaks, grounding, engine problems, calling for help); Rules

and regulations (collision regulations, traffic lanes, going foreign,

qualifications).



Aimed at owners of powerboats and motor cruisers between 25

and 65ft, the book will be entirely practical, with checklists, sidebars and

box-outs and many diagrams and photos.