Our most frequently asked question: "What's the one book you'd recommend for a boater?" Our answer every time: "Chapman's."

Whether you're a new boater just getting started or an old salt needing a little refresher, this is your dependable one-volume reference. When we need material for our "Boating/PWC Basics" course, this is where we go.

The book is continuously updated and fresh, with new information on topics like GPS and how to use it and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for your marine radio. It continues to present essential and complete information on preparing to get underway, operating and navigating your boat, the practice of good seamanship, docking or mooring your boat, and how to put it away for the winter (which some of us have to do!).

Chapman's has been a fixture in our library (and on our boats) since the 50th edition in 1972. And even though we pay a little more for it now than the $8.95 price in 1972, you'll still find it a great value at Amazon's price shown above.

Our advice: Don't leave home (or the dock) without it.

I know the cost is high, but you cannot go without this book. Go and look at it in the library if you need to in order to be convinced, but save yourself the time and just buy it.

I was taught sailing at the old age of 19 by one of my 12 year-old YMCA campers. Since my first 5 minutes on the water I have been hooked.

Since then, I have sailed, raced, motored and flated thousand of miles on all types of boats and in all kinds of conditions. My advice, buy this book and read it. Then read it again.

It is not the kind of book you can sit down and read straight through. You need to have it handy so when you are wondering about something, you can get right to it and learn. Just try not to do it when you are wondering if you have the right of way...

I just started in the world of boating and really was quite clueless to the whole terminology used. I have since read about 3 books and find that I use Chapman's the most. The others were good to get my feet wet, but Chapman's is the one I actually use consistenly. Easy to understand and really the only reference / learning book I have found that covers every aspect of boating I needed to learn. Excellent purchase and I would suggest it to anyone who is just starting out. Can't imagine learning all this without it...

I grew up with Chapman's and I still have it close at hand...the latest edition is exceptional. If you only have one boating book, this is the one you need.

I was talking with a cruise ship captain in Key West, and he brought up Chapman's guide to piloting. We were discussing rules of the road, ie, under sail has right of way over ships under power. Being the captain of a large cruise ship, he said, "Ask yourself, is it easier for a sailboat to come about to avoid a collision or is it easier for a large ocean liner to stop before he hits you?" Therein lies the true wisdom of rules of the road: the bigger vessel will win every time. If your boat is easier to handle and can get out of the way sooner, be polite and make the first move long before it becomes an issue. Although Chapman's is the authority on rules of the road, common sense should prevail when rules come in conflict.

The quality of presentation of topics of interest to boaters is excellent. Good illustrations and clear explantions typify this latest edition. The sections on boat handling and navigation alone are well worth the price.