Show Notes

In this episode, I touch on a couple of “How Not To Buy A Boat” ideas that I wrote about in my book. (You can find it at the bottom of this post if you don’t already have it.) But I wanted to be sure you have a chance to check out these other two books—which I realize had a big influence on my “cruising career.”

I’m focusing here on books about “what not to waste boat bucks on” and “stuff you don’t need in a boat.” But for even more book recommendations, but sure to check out the previous post.

The Cruising Life: A Commonsense Guide for the Would-Be Voyager, by Jim Trefethen

This is the book that talks about practicing the cruising lifestyle on land. Instead of taking out a loan on a new boat, Jim counsels us to practice a little more frugality, a little more “less is more.”

He also talks about many of the “features” you don’t need on a boat. It’s a little dated in some places (notably electronics)…but then again, that’s an area the captain suggests we place far too much emphasis (and dollars) on, anyway.

The tag line on the front is:

How to set sail within five years and live well and adventurously, even if you don’t have a boat yet

I think that pretty much says it all.

Sensible Cruising: The Thoreau Approach : A Philosophic and Practical Approach to Cruising, by by Don Casey, Lew Hackler and Bobby Basnight

Lots of great advice on how to make cruising simpler…and quotes from Thoreau’s Walden. What’s not to like?!??

This was actually the first book that tipped me off to the idea that, yes, “less is more” in boating, too!

I think you can see the influence of this book, along with The Cruising Life, in my book How Not To Sail.

How Not To Sail: Screwing up is part of cruising. Let me show you how!, by Bradford Rogers

Speaking of which… Yes, I have a book too. And I highly recommend it! (But don’t take my word for it, you can check out the reviews yourself.)

If you’re listening to the podcast, there’s a strong chance you already have this. Still, I’m sure there’s someone in your orbit whose life hasn’t been ruined by cruising yet. So maybe they need a copy, eh? Just sayin’…

Do YOU have a tip on how not to buy a boat? Or a horror story about something you wish you’d have done—or not done—when you bought your boat?

Let me know in the comments below!