Best Ship Repair & Maintenance Books of 2026

This beginner's guide to solar and 12-volt power is an excellent resource for those who want to learn the basics of off-grid power. The book covers everything from choosing and sizing solar panels and batteries to powering various devices and tools. The author uses simple language to explain complex technical terms, making it easy for beginners to understand. The book is well-organized and provides clear step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. Overall, this book is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning about solar and 12-volt power, and it stands out for its clear and concise explanations.

SELOC Marine Manuals offers the most comprehensive and authoritative information on marine engine maintenance and repair. Their latest publication, Mercruiser - All Gasoline Engines/Drives, 2001 thru 2013, covers all Mercruiser gasoline engines and drives, featuring easy-to-follow, step-by-step, illustrated procedures, hundreds of exploded drawings, photographs, and tables, troubleshooting sections, and accurate specifications and wiring diagrams. What sets this manual apart from others is its skill level rating system and special tool icons for procedures that require OEM or electronic testing tools. This book is a must-have for professional mechanics, DIY boat enthusiasts, instructors, and students.

The Mercury/Mariner Outboards, All Engines 1990-2000 (Seloc Marine Manuals) is a comprehensive guide for maintaining and repairing outboard, inboard, stern-drive, and diesel engines, as well as personal watercraft. The manual provides step-by-step procedures, exploded drawings, photographs, tables, troubleshooting sections, accurate specifications, and wiring diagrams for 2.5-275 Hp, 1 to 4-cylinder and V6, 2-stroke models, including fuel injected units, making it an excellent resource for both professional mechanics and do-it-yourself boat enthusiasts. With over 1000 illustrations, this book is a must-have for anyone in the marine industry.

This comprehensive book, titled “Mercruiser Stern Drives 1964 – 1991 (Seloc Marine Tune-Up and Repair Manuals)”, is a must-have for anyone looking to maintain and repair their marine engines. It covers everything from basic maintenance to engine overhaul with simple-to-follow, step-by-step, illustrated procedures, hundreds of exploded drawings, photographs and tables, and accurate specifications and wiring diagrams. The book is based on actual teardowns done by Seloc's editors/authors in their on-site facility. It is a recognized and used resource by technical trade schools as well as the U.S. military. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for professional mechanics, do-it-yourself boat enthusiasts, instructors, and students alike.

The Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook is an essential guide for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading a boat's electrical systems. The book covers both DC and AC wiring, how to meet ABYC standards, install solar- and wind-power systems, prevent corrosion, and much more. Written by Charlie Wing, a former research scientist at MIT, the book is easy to read and is a definitive technical guide that every boater should have in their library. The book is an invaluable resource for those looking to make effective repairs and modifications that comply with ABYC standards.

SELOC Marine's Volvo-Penta Stern Drives, 1992-02 is a comprehensive and authoritative manual that provides detailed information on outboard, inboard, and stern-drive engines, as well as personal watercraft. The book is designed to serve the needs of professional mechanics, do-it-yourself boat enthusiasts, instructors, and students. It features easy-to-follow, step-by-step procedures, hundreds of exploded drawings, photographs, and tables, troubleshooting sections, accurate specifications, and wiring diagrams. The book covers all Gasoline Engines and Drive Systems, providing skill level ratings on all procedures and special tool icons where applicable. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to repair or maintain their Volvo-Penta Stern Drive.

Celestial Navigation: A Practical Guide to Knowing Where You Are by David Berson is a refreshing and unique approach to mastering the age-old art of celestial navigation. Berson's practical and learnable method of teaching simplifies the math that often deters potential students. The book combines both modern and traditional methods of navigation, making it an essential read for sailors. Berson's informal anecdotes make the book entertaining as well as educational. Overall, Celestial Navigation is a valuable guide for anyone looking to demystify this essential art of navigation.

This Boat Log Book is an excellent tool for tracking your boat trips and maintenance. It comes with 150 pages for recording trip information, including weather, destination, time, course, speed, and navigation notes. The 6" x 9" book is also waterproof, making it perfect for use on boats. The logbook is an excellent way to keep track of your boating adventures and ensure that your boat is properly maintained. This book is highly recommended for anyone who loves boating and wants to keep their boat in top condition.

If you are a sailboat skipper, docking and maneuvering in a tight marina can be a daunting task, especially with high winds and current. However, NauticEd's "Maneuver and Dock Your Sailboat Under Power" offers a concise series of practice exercises that teach real maneuvering techniques to help you master the skill. The book has clear explanations that can help you confidently maneuver your sailboat in any marina in the world under any condition. The book is a must-have for anyone who wants to avoid costly damages and embarrassment.

The second edition of Outboard Engines is a comprehensive guide to engine basics, troubleshooting, care, and repair. The book features full coverage of new four-stroke engines, electronic and direct fuel-injection systems, and oil-mix systems in new clean two-strokes. Written by highly respected marine technician Ed Sherman, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to save time and money on engine maintenance and repairs. The book is a must-have for ship repair and maintenance enthusiasts and professionals alike.