A few books of note... On cruising.

Someone wrote the other day and asked...

"What is the best book to read about this thing called cruising... "

Off hand, I have a big issue with the whole "I must have the best" approach to boats, cruising, and suchlike. "Best" is more of an advertising term and it is about as valid a concept as an "honest" politician...

There are, however, no shortage of good and great books about cruising, boats, and suchlike (sadly, the same cannot be said where politicians are concerned).

Now, as to which books I'd recommend for someone wanting to live-aboard and cruise...

"Voyaging on A Small Income" certainly comes to mind.

That said, I often hesitate to recommend it to folks as it makes such a good case for junk rigs and the Benford Dories that people start thinking that the only way to cruise is with a Benford junk-rigged dory. While I'm a huge fan of the junk rig, it is not the only way to go and it becomes something of a distraction for the cruising information that is really excellent within.

A quick note for folks who'd never dream of cruising on a "small" income. All of the information contained makes all sorts of sense whatever your income bracket...

Lin and Larry with their "Cost Conscious Cruiser" is another must read... Truth is, you could say that about anything the dynamic duo have written over the years.

The Pardey's have a mantra of "Go simple, go small, go now", and it makes a whole lot of sense and has a much better ring to it than the more common boat mantra of "Go complicated, go real big and expensive, go when I get an insurmountable number of tasks sorted out".

"Cost Conscious Cruiser" gives a great view of what cruising can be and it's not just about saving pennies and going simple but has a lot to do with the social fabric of cruising as well...

"Sea-Steading" I've mentioned before on the blog and it really seems to piss folks off... I'm pretty sure that's a good thing.

FitzGerald seems to be homesteading in Hawaii these days and growing yams while planning to build a big Wharramesque cat. Not sure what that has to do with anything but I do really like yams...

"Sea-Steading" is a good book, it covers a lot of ground, and kicks no small amount of ass in the process...

What's not to like?


Listening to the  Bonzo Dog Band

So it goes...