Helena Frye
How Boat Things Work: An Illustrated Guide by Charlie Wing is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide to all things boating. With clear diagrams and explanations, this book covers every primary component of a boat's inner workings. It is a useful resource for anyone who works on marine systems, whether you're a new mariner or a lifetime veteran. The book includes detailed explanations of how boat systems are assembled, how they work, and how they can go wrong.
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$15.87
What You'll Learn
Engines, transmissions, bearings, stuffing boxes, propellers
Engines, transmissions, bearings, stuffing boxes, and propellers are all covered in Charlie Wing's book, *How Boat Things Work: An Illustrated Guide*. The book is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand, and detailed guide to all sorts of boating systems. It features intricate two-colour cutaway drawings of eighty different systems and devices, as well as detailed explanations of how they're assembled, how they work, and how they can go wrong.
Wing, who has a Ph.D. in oceanography from MIT, lived aboard a cruising sailboat for six years, during which he obtained his U.S. Coast Guard Captain's license. He has also authored several other books on marine topics, including *Boatowner's Illustrated Handbook of Wiring* and *Get Your Captain's License*.
How Boat Things Work is a perfect teaching tool for anyone who contemplates any onboard do-it-yourself work, according to a review by Cruising World. Another review by Ocean Navigator states that the book is a fascinating read and a resource that no mariner can afford to be without.
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Steering systems, autopilots, windvanes, compasses
The two main categories of self-steering system are the autopilot and the windvane steering gear. Autopilots are electro-mechanical systems that obtain their steering impulse from a compass, whereas windvane gears use wind and water power and obtain their steering impulse from the apparent wind angle. An autopilot can be coupled to almost any windvane steering system.
One method of combining the two systems involves connecting a small push rod autopilot to the counterweight of a servo-pendulum gear, which can then be used to supply the steering impulse in place of the windvane. This allows the autopilot to steer the boat on a compass course with extremely low power consumption.
An example of an autopilot/windvane gear synthesis is the Autohelm and Windpilot Pacific Plus on a remote control, which is ideal when cruising shorthanded.
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Rigging, splicing, line handling, block and tackle, sail controls
Charlie Wing, a former resident of a cruising sailboat and holder of a U.S. Coast Guard Captain's license, wrote *How Boat Things Work: An Illustrated Guide* to fill a gap in the market for a comprehensive, easy-to-understand yet detailed guide to the mechanics of boats. The book is extensively photo-illustrated, with intricate two-colour cutaway drawings of eighty different systems and devices. It covers the primary components of a boat's inner workings, including rigging, splicing, line handling, block and tackle, and sail controls.
Rigging is the system of ropes, wires, and chains used to support a ship's masts and control its sails. Splicing is a technique used to join two ropes together by weaving their strands together. Line handling refers to the skills involved in working with ropes and lines, such as coiling, knotting, and splicing. Block and tackle is a system of pulleys and ropes used to lift heavy loads or apply force to an object. Sail controls are the mechanisms used to adjust the sails, such as the sheets, halyards, and winches.
Wing's book provides detailed explanations of how these systems are assembled, how they work, and how they can go wrong. It is a valuable resource for anyone who works on marine systems, from new mariners to lifetime veterans. The clear diagrams and both general and specific explanations make it an excellent teaching tool.
In addition to the topics requested by the user, *How Boat Things Work: An Illustrated Guide* covers engines, transmissions, bearings, stuffing boxes, propellers, steering systems, autopilots, windvanes, compasses, anchors and windlasses, DC and AC electrical systems, pumps, toilets, seacocks, and freshwater systems.
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Anchors and windlasses
Charlie Wing's *How Boat Things Work: An Illustrated Guide* (2003) is a comprehensive resource for both new and experienced mariners. The book covers the primary components of a boat's inner workings, including anchors and windlasses.
When choosing an anchor, it is important to consider the type of boat, the water depth, and the bottom conditions. There are several types of anchors available, including fluke, plough, and mushroom anchors, each designed for different holding power and ease of setting and retrieval. The size and weight of the anchor should be appropriate for the boat's size and displacement.
Windlasses come in various styles, including horizontal, vertical, and low-profile designs. When selecting a windlass, factors such as the boat's size, the anchor weight, and the anticipated wind and sea conditions should be considered. It is important to ensure that the windlass is properly installed and maintained to avoid malfunctions.
Wing's book provides detailed explanations and illustrations of anchors and windlasses, as well as other essential boat systems, making it a valuable reference for boat owners and enthusiasts.
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DC and AC electrical systems
The electrical system of a boat depends on its size. Smaller boats tend to only run off DC power, with one or two house batteries to power 12V systems. Larger boats, such as yachts or catamarans, will usually have a house electrical system in addition to the DC power system.
Direct current (DC) comes primarily from batteries. In DC circuits on boats, the conductor carrying the positive charge is called “B+,”, and is also referred to as the “plus” or “positive” conductor.
To power larger boats fully, you need AC power. This can be achieved by plugging into shore power directly or using a large enough inverter with your house battery system. You can also use a generator to create AC power, but this is not typically feasible for long-term use.
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Frequently asked questions
The book is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand yet detailed guide to all sorts of boating bits and pieces. It covers every primary component of your boat's inner workings, including engines, transmissions, bearings, steering systems, electrical systems, pumps and toilets.
Charlie Wing, who received his Ph.D. in oceanography from MIT and lived aboard a cruising sailboat for six years, during which he obtained his U.S. Coast Guard Captain's license.
Reviews are positive, with one reader saying: "Anyone who contemplates any onboard do-it-yourself work should have this book at his or her elbow." Another says: "This book reduces a boat to its most rudimentary parts in simple drawings and clear explanations. Fascinating to read, it’s a perfect teaching tool."
