Practical Navigation for the Modern Boat Owner

The modern sailor is an electronic navigator. New boats come stacked with GPS, chartplotters and radar, on a bewildering array of screens and displays. With this book learn how to navigate using all of these electrical devices. Practical Navigation leads you through all the aspects of boat navigation in a logical order, using a combination of modern and traditional methods. This practical approach ensures that, although modern electronic methods remain at the forefront, readers will never lack in knowledge to navigate their boat safely in any circumstance. Topics covered include GPS, the shape of the Earth, finding your position, passage planning, radar and personal computers.

Praise for Practical Navigation for the Modern Boat Owner

"A useful companion for the modern sailor who wants to navigate their way through the seas."
— Boat Mart

"Pat Manley gives the reader a detailed overview of all the systems currently in use, from GPS to AIS, and describes how each system works, how to use it and how to get the best out of it. However, the author highlights the danger of over-reliance on such electronic tools and points out some of their shortcomings. He also stresses the importance of having at least some knowledge of traditional navigation."
— Noonsite

About the Author

Pat Manley was a keen sailor, and must have had one of the most "self-equipped" boats afloat. He was a technical contributor to Practical Boat Owner magazine, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.