http://www.faqs.org/faqs/boats-faq/part1/
For the other parts follow the links....
Contents
1 Pre-introduction 1
2 Introduction 4
3 Sailing Stuff 5
3.1 Addresses of class associations for sailboats . . . . . . . .
.. 5
3.2 How can I get into sailboat racing as a crew member? . .
10
3.3 Is the MacGregor 26 a good boat? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
3.3.1 Does water ballast work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
3.3.2 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 13
3.4 What's a good first sailboat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 14
3.5 How do those rating systems and all that stuff work? . . . .
14
3.6 Who/What is US Sailing, how do I join, should I join? . . .
20
3.7 Where can I find out about collegiate sailing? . . . . . . .
.. 21
1
3.8 What about keels? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 21
3.9 Sailing simulators? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 23
3.10 Chartering and learn-to-sail schools . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 23
3.11 Formula for hull speed based on length, and its limitations .
25
3.12 Sailing in other countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 26
3.13 Sailing in Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 26
4 Powerboating stuff 29
4.1 What is better? An I/O or an outboard? What's cheaper? 29
4.2 Are Doel Fins a good thing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 29
4.3 What is a Hole Shot? Will a Stainless prop add to my high
end speed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 30
4.4 Is VRO a good idea? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 30
4.5 What's a good first powerboat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 30
4.6 Can I put unleaded gas in an old outboard? . . . . . . . .
32
4.7 Are there any powerboat class associations? . . . . . . . .
32
5 General Information 33
5.1 Addresses and numbers for suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
5.1.1 NMEA Specification for inter-electronic communication
38
5.1.2 Anchor Chain And Rode, Other Hardware . . . . . . 39
5.1.3 Navigation and Simulation Software and Equipment 39
5.2 Safe boating courses and organizations . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 40
5.3 Should I get GPS or Loran? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 41
5.4 What other newsgroups discuss boating stuff? . . . . . . .
44
5.5 What's the 800 number for the User Fee Sticker? . . . . . .
44
2
5.6 What's it cost to own a boat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 44
5.7 Who can tell me about boat X? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
5.8 What are the laws about boats...? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 50
5.9 What's a formula for top speed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 53
5.10 Accurate time source for navigation . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 54
5.11 Winter storage for batteries, and their state of charge . .
.. 54
5.12 Online information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 56
5.13 Should we split rec.boats? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 59
5.14 What sextant should I buy to learn with? . . . . . . . . . .
60
5.15 Boat pictures, and ftp sites for boat info . . . . . . . . .
.. . 60
5.16 Propellor selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 61
5.17 Binocular selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 61
5.18 Blue book value of boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 62
5.19 Interfacing NMEA0183 to your computer . . . . . . . . . .
63
6 Bibliography 63
6.1 Magazines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 63
6.2 Nonfiction about sailing trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 67
6.3 Sailboat Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 71
6.4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 72
6.5 Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . 73
6.6 Design, seaworthiness, arts of the sailor, boatbuilding . . .
.. 99
6.7 Films and videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . 104
6.8 Misc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . 105
3
7 List of Contributors 107