20 Must-Read Books for Boaters

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a novice navigator, or simply someone who loves spending time on the water, there’s always room for a good book to accompany your maritime adventures. The world of boating literature is vast and varied, offering a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for enthusiasts of all levels. From practical guides covering essential seamanship skills to captivating tales of seafaring journeys that transport you to distant shores, the selection of books available caters to every aspect of the boating experience. Whether you’re looking to refine your navigation techniques, gain insights into boat maintenance and repair, or simply immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of maritime history and adventure, these 20 books offer a diverse and enriching reading journey for boaters of all stripes.

1. “Chapman Piloting & Seamanship” by Elbert S. Maloney Considered the bible of boating, this comprehensive guide covers everything from navigation rules to boat handling techniques, making it essential reading for any boater.
2. “The Complete Sailor: Learning the Art of Sailing” by David Seidman Ideal for beginners, this book provides a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of sailing, including terminology, rigging, and maneuvering techniques.
3. “The Annapolis Book of Seamanship” by John Rousmaniere Written by a renowned sailing expert, this book offers practical advice on seamanship, safety procedures, and navigation skills, making it a valuable resource for sailors of all levels.
4. “Sailing Alone Around the World” by Joshua Slocum Join Joshua Slocum on his historic solo voyage around the world aboard the Spray, as he recounts his adventures, challenges, and encounters with nature’s forces.
5. “Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea” by Steven Callahan Experience the harrowing true story of Steven Callahan’s survival ordeal after his sailboat sinks in the Atlantic Ocean, leaving him adrift in a life raft for over two months.
6. “The Long Way” by Bernard Moitessier Follow legendary sailor Bernard Moitessier as he participates in the first Golden Globe Race, opting to continue sailing around the world rather than completing the race, in this inspiring tale of adventure and self-discovery.
7. “Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do” by Wallace J. Nichols Delve into the fascinating science behind our connection to water and discover how spending time on the water can positively impact our well-being.
8. “The Boat Galley Cookbook: 800 Everyday Recipes and Essential Tips for Cooking Aboard” by Carolyn Shearlock and Jan Irons For boaters who enjoy cooking onboard, this cookbook offers a wide range of delicious recipes and practical tips for preparing meals in a limited galley space.
9. “The Essentials of Living Aboard a Boat” by Mark Nicholas Thinking about living aboard your boat? This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right boat to managing life onboard, including tips for staying organized and comfortable.
10. “Boatbuilding Manual” by Robert Steward For those interested in building or repairing their own boat, this comprehensive manual provides step-by-step instructions and expert advice on boat construction techniques and materials.
11. “This Old Boat” by Don Casey Learn how to restore and maintain your older boat with Don Casey’s practical advice on boat repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting common problems.
12. “The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier” by Ian Urbina Explore the lawless world of the high seas through Ian Urbina’s riveting investigative journalism, uncovering stories of exploitation, environmental destruction, and human rights abuses on the oceans.
13. “The Curve of Time” by M. Wylie Blanchet Join M. Wylie Blanchet and her children on their adventures exploring the rugged coastline of British Columbia in the 1920s and 1930s, in this timeless memoir of family, nature, and the sea.
14. “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway Experience the classic tale of an aging fisherman’s epic struggle to catch a giant marlin, as Ernest Hemingway masterfully captures the essence of courage, perseverance, and the eternal battle between man and nature.
15. “Two Years Before the Mast” by Richard Henry Dana Jr. Travel back in time to the early 19th century and join Richard Henry Dana Jr. aboard a merchant vessel bound for California, as he vividly recounts his experiences at sea and ashore in this captivating memoir.
16. “Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft” by Thor Heyerdahl Embark on an extraordinary journey across the Pacific Ocean aboard a primitive raft, as Thor Heyerdahl and his crew recreate the ancient voyage of the Kon-Tiki people in this thrilling true story of exploration and adventure.
17. “A World of My Own: The First Ever Non-stop Solo Round the World Voyage” by Robin Knox-Johnston Follow Robin Knox-Johnston’s historic solo circumnavigation of the globe aboard the Suhaili, as he becomes the first person to complete a non-stop voyage around the world, inspiring generations of sailors to come.
18. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge Immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful poem of a mariner’s cursed journey across the seas, as Samuel Taylor Coleridge weaves a tale of supernatural encounters, redemption, and the unfathomable mysteries of the ocean.
19. “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville Dive into the epic saga of Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the legendary white whale, Moby Dick, in this timeless masterpiece that explores themes of obsession, fate, and the power of nature.
20. “The Log from the Sea of Cortez” by John Steinbeck Join Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts as they embark on a scientific expedition to the Gulf of California, documenting their observations and reflections on the wonders of the sea.

Whether you’re seeking practical advice, thrilling adventures, or timeless classics, these 20 books offer something for every boater to enjoy. So, grab a book, set sail, and let the pages transport you to new horizons on the water. Happy reading!