Catamarans
Tomorrow’s Superyachts
by Gregor Tarjan
R820.00
Publisher: Sheridan House
Today’s super catamarans are showstoppers in every sense of the word. One keeps wondering how there can be any room for improvement; how the lines can possibly be more elegant, the build more beautiful, functional and luxurious. In other words, what else can tomorrow’s super cats offer? This book, written by one of the world’s leading authorities on multihulls, gives us a comprehensive look at the vessels at the top end of today’s luxury sailing lifestyle, and then allows us a fascinating peep into the future. He is aided and abetted by Billy Black and some incredible photographs; so in effect, the book is something of a reference book that can double as a coffee table book. Tarjan explains what to look for when buying such a craft or chartering, compares mono and multihulls, presents interviews with leading designers, offers advice on building, sailing and owning these luxury vessels, and ends with that look into the future. Reading the text and looking at the pics, I was reminded of the advice given to a potential buyer in a luxury car showroom: “If you have to ask the price, you can’t afford the car!” The same applies here. For the handful who are able to afford one of these catamarans – there is nothing under 65ft – there is a great deal of information, and a read will leave them well equipped to spend a sizeable fortune wisely. For the rest of us, well, drool, and dream on.

Boat Mechanical Systems Handbook
R600.00
by Dave Gerr
Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical
The subtitle and blurbs on the front of this hard cover book are almost substantial enough to brief any potential buyer about the scope of its contents, without having to go to the trouble of reading a book review. ‘How to Design, Install, and Evaluate Mechanical Systems in Boats’ it reads, followed by a further breakdown of what to expect: Drive Train; Engine Exhaust; Fuel Systems; Rudders and Steering; Anchors and Anchor Handling; Bilge and Fire Systems; Ventilation. The author, who also wrote ‘The Elements of Boat Strength’ does, indeed, fulfill every promise on the cover, and indeed, a whole lot more, and the result is a comprehensive guide for anyone designing or installing mechanical systems on a boat, or evaluating them. Loaded with graphs, sketches, formulas, and many tables with conversion figures and calculations, the guide may at times be a bit too much for the average DIY man; but a serious boat builder or owner, or a marine professional, will find it invaluable.

RYA Pocket Guide to Sea Fishing Rigs
R120.00
by Jim O’Donnell
Publisher: Royal Yachting Association
There is no doubt that many fishermen would be happy to have this water-proofed, pocket-sized, plastic, flip-over page guide on their bookshelves or, in certain instances, near their tackle box. But if your idea of fishing is offshore locally from a ski boat or yacht, or from the rocks or beaches found along most of our coast line, then your rigs will perhaps need to be a bit more robust than most of those described. The rigs have names such as Bubble Float, Portland Float, Rotten Bottom Rig, Flatfish Rig Trace, Uptide Rig, Pennel Rig Snood, and Running Ledger Rig. So you get the drift. The names tend to suggest it is a rather gentle sport. Most of it was wasted on me. My limited fishing terminology is rather different, and my methods are a bit cruder – which perhaps accounts for my lack of success. The targets in the main are bass, garfish, mackerel, pollack, bream, cod, dogfish, flatfish, rays, whiting, wrasse, and of course, among that lot are some potentially very large fish - but the only additional advice is to simply use a larger hook and heavier line for those. So, take in the tips (the colour diagrams are good), find a suitable stretch of water and, well – stywe lyne!