Part 1: Getting Started in Boating

1 Welcome to the Wet and Wonderful World of Boating! Which boat is the one for you?

2 Power to the People-Marine Engines The ins and outs of outboards, inboards, and stern drives.

3 Picking a Proper Prop Propeller pitch, diameter, and performance.

4 It Follows You Anywhere-Trailering Your Boat The right trailer for your boat--and how to tow it.

Part 2: The Basics of Operation

5 Getting Underway for the First Time Leaving the dock, fueling up, and trimming your boat.

6 The Art and Science of Docking Handling your boat in close quarters.

7 People Management Aboard Keeping your crew happy and healthy.

8 Anchors Aweigh! Making Your Boat Stay Put Selecting and using the proper anchor for your boat.

9 Nautical Knots Learning a few old favorites very well.

10 Paddle Power: Canoes, Kayaks, and Rowboats Be your own motor in these lightweight rigs.

Part 3: Getting From Point A to Point B: Marine Navigation

11 Nautical Road Maps: Marine Charts Where to find 'em and how to use 'em.

12 Rules of the Marine Road Learn these and you'll never have traffic problems.

13 Tools and Tricks of Navigation Understanding the compass and electronic navigation.

14 Nautical Radio Gear and Procedures and Your First Longer Cruise Marine communications and dead reckoning on your first voyage.

Part 4: Nature's Triple Play: Wind, Weather, and Tides

15 Weather You Like It Or Not Choosing and using forecasts and learning nature's weather predictors.

16 Mastering the Tides Play the tides by the day and by the season.

Part 5: Staying Safe Afloat

17 Gearing Up for Safety The right gear for safety afloat.

18 The Best Defense Is Common Sense Think twice, act once--and always file a float plan.

19 Common Emergencies (If There Are Such Things) Dealing with those rare tense moments afloat.

Part 6: Boating Maintenance

20 The Well-Equipped Nautical Toolbox These can save you big money and keep your boat running smoothly.

21 Keeping Your Boat Shipshape A clean boat runs better--really!

22 Keeping Your Engine Happy Motor maintenance and making common repairs afloat.

Part 7: Sailing, Sailing

23 How to Tell the Main From the Jib: A Sailor's Vocabulary Learning the language of sail-power.

24 Types of Sailboats Sailboards to sailing yachts, and the sails that move them.

25 The Mechanics of Sailing Why sailboats sail, and how to make your first trip.

26 Handling Your Sailboat Maneuvering under sail, plus how to deal with tough conditions.

Appendix A: Glossary Learning the language of boating.

Appendix B: Resources Where to look for more information.

Index