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**Ex-Calif** · 15-05-2007, 22:28

I did a quick search on this forum and I don't think this has been asked recently or before.

Seeing as how I can't be on-line 24 X 7 paper has it's uses. It would be very interesting to me to find out what kind of magazines people are subscribing to. I am a "coastal cruiser" for now with a pretty small boat.

I am interested in general seamanship and sail handling, cruising tips and advice, interesting articles on used boats and light/general maintenance.

I am probably not interested in magazines that flog new mega yachts with glitzy ads. Not interested in how to cut down trees and make my own laminates or make rope from hemp. Not interested in power boats. Not interested in 50+ foot square riggers. Not really interested in regattas and racing.

So with that in mind what kinds of magazines do you subscribe to and why?

**Ex-Calif** · 16-05-2007, 16:50

Oops - I just found the magazine poll in the polls forum. Good place to start.

hellosailor · 16-05-2007, 20:00

Dan, some of the stuff in the mags goes in cycles. There are routine articles every year about sail trim, or layup, winterizing, rewiring, etc. And while there's often a new nugget from each author, you can also buy a lot of good books for a basic sailing library that can bring you up to speed fast.

Offhand?
The 12V Bible (or) The 12V Doctor, or another similar book on 12v systems.
"The Best of Sail" if it is still in print, huge anthology of Sail Magazine on sail trim.
If you're into racing, there are a few good classics for that.
Some of John Rousmanierre's books (I'm sure I've mangled the spelling) on heavy weather, yacht characteristics, seamanship. And some other classics on those lines.
I think Don Street's two volumes "Offshore Cruising Yacht" (and I've probably mangled that title too) are still in print, or available used.

There's a LOT of good stuff out there, and before the internet and used book sellers it was awfully hard to find. The mags are good for updates and cruising articles, the specialty and niche mags even better in their areas, but if you want reading material...there's more meat in the books.

**Ex-Calif** · 16-05-2007, 22:34

Thanks a ton, hellosailor!

Periodicals are good for carrying around and I plan to get a couple or 3 subscriptions.

Books are more of a dilemma. I love books and although there are a ton of good ones, there are more bad ones than good ones. I've bought a couple of lemons already. They are also expensive and take up a lot of space.

I have managed to acquire a couple of good ones though, and will investigate your recommendations. Especially the "Offshore Cruising Yacht" one. That sounds intriguing.

Once again thanks!

seafox · 23-06-2007, 02:36

Books are better than mags. They last longer and are usually better researched.
I get some good cheap ones on www.trademe.co.nz
Usually for the same price as a mag.

Have picked up Heavy weather sailing for $8, Lyn and Larry Pardy for same price, 12 volt book for $5, Kay Cottie for $5 etc etc....