Any book suggestions?

C

Charlie

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exMember
Joined
Dec 6, 2001
RO Number
6922
Messages
569
We've been living aboard since last May. I've learned an aweful lot here at BE. Many times though replies to my questions indicate that you guys have mechanical knowlege that dwarf what I know ...often , I really have no idea what you're talking about. I stumbled on to the "Time Life " books "Boat Maintanance" and lights are coming on.My boat's a 1979 and the book I found was the 1975 edition. Best $8 bucks I've spent in a long time. I actually know where the carburator is on the engine. With color coded illustrations this little book has shown me a step by step way to do all of the routine maintainance from changing transmission fluid { I had no Idea where the dayum transmission was}. to working on the water systems to changing bilge pumps.

Most of the time before this book I didn't know what questions to ask. I'd like to go to the next level. What books can you suggest that are well illustrated, simply written and can teach me to do things like tune up 454 engines, troubleshooting why an engine cut off and won't restart, changing things like starters, raw and fresh water pumps, explaine what exhaust risers are and what maintainance they need.

I know how to do most house related things on the boat but engines and transmissions baffle me and a carburator just seems to work on the principle of PFM.

Any suggestion on "for dummies" type books related to these things will be heeded and appreciated.
 
The Time Life series of books is pretty good in general. They put their writings and pictures in a language that most beginners are able to understand.

The problem on this forum is that some of the members know too much and are too experienced. They have forgetten that some people are just starting. I know from experience in other fields that it is quite difficult to relate from a position of knowledge to someone who is just starting to learn that field.

Be patient. You too one day will be one of the experts.

G
 
Try, boating for idiots, I use it as a reference now & then, and keep the wisecracks to yourselves!
 
Nigel Calder has a book titled "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" It's fairly well detailed regarding the boat's basic systems.
 
Charlie, go find yourself a Seloc manual that covers your engine. Very good manual that has pictures, well defined and is easier to wade through than the OEM service manual. You may see another manual put out by Clymer...leave it on the shelf.
 
Mike, is that a Barnes and Noble type book or somthing more likely found at West or BW?.

Same question to Sandy and Fasteddy.

Gcolton, you're exactly right. I've been boating for 40 years +. I know the ROR, how to handle the boat, and read and use charts etc. I was a helmsman on my destroyer and have spent time on many boats. When I started buying boats, the first few were new and I let the dealer handle the maintainance. On a boat the size and age I now own I couldn't possibly afford to do that. Many answers I get here are so far over my head I don't have to duck. I'm envious of what many people seem to know.
 
Seloc can be found thru West. I would try BoatFix first though, I can't remember if they stock it.
 
Mike, I saw the seloc books in Boatfix. They seem to all be outboard books except for one that deals with Volvo. Remember my engines are 1979 gas inboards. Thanks for the reply.
 
Charlie, you have 1979 Volvo gas inboards..is that correct?
 
Roger that. It would appear that MP is going to be a bit tricky. Call George van Parys at BoatFix 609-625-9424 x 201. If George can't direct you to a manual, there isn't one.
 
You don’t need to buy a book with a limited viewpoint just Google carburetor and an amazing amount of information comes up. Wiki is a good start or look here for other info. everything is on the web today.
 
I found a book on Amazon called "Quick and Easy Boat Maintenance: 1,001 Time-Saving Tips". It's very good "potty" reading. [:I] Lots of pictures and lots of good quick tips, and the price is only about 10 bucks.
 
I don't believe Charlie's in need of 1,001 Time Saving Tips. Charlie wants information covering a set of 1979 Marine Power Gas engines.
 
Bruce, our marina has promised WIFI for a year and we didn't want to get in a long term contract for an air card when we'll eventually get it for free. The line is being pulled next week so hopefully we will have access to the net when we are on the boat. Meantime my only access is when we go to our house 200 miles away. Thanks for the link. It looks great.

Bob, I'll take a look. Thank you.
 
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