Books by Barry Pickthall

Most outboard motors will be troublesome at some point in their lives, but armed with the right knowledge a skipper needn't worry.The Reeds Outboard Motor Troubleshooting Handbook is a compact, pocket-sized guide to finding solutions to all of the most common outboard problems, and many of the less common ones too. The perfect format for quick reference on board, this book will help skippers fix troublesome outboards themselves, or enable the skipper to do an emergency patch-up for a more serious problem until they can get back to port.Each topic addresses a particular problem, and gives clear step by step instructions with helpful colour photographs and diagrams showing exactly what to do. Straightforward and accessible, the Reeds Outboard Motor Troubleshooting Handbook should be an essential part of any skipper's DIY toolkit - and perfect for slipping in the pocket.

Motorboating Start to Finish is the perfect book for you if you are new to motorboating and need to learn the basics, or if you are experienced, but wish to broaden your skills and develop your techniques. This easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide takes you through the basic principles, preparing to go to sea, your first voyage and safety at sea. It includes advice on choosing and buying a motorboat, essential equipment, boat handling, tides, weather and navigation, all taken from courses delivered by the UK's biggest sailing school, the UKSA. This book is accessible to all levels, giving those new to motorboating straightforward advice, and showing experienced powerboaters how to take the sport to the next level with professional tips that will help improve speed, skill, safety and enjoyment. It is a complete reference for every level of tender, RIB, fishing boat, motor cruiser or sportsboat driver. This book is packed with hundreds of illustrations and photographs, and is a great way to learn, develop and refresh your powerboating skills.

This easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide takes you through the basic principles, preparing to sail, your first sail, advanced sailing and the basics of racing. It includes advice on choosing a dinghy, essential gear, sailing manoeuvres, tides, wind and weather, all taken from the courses delivered by the UK's biggest sailing school, the UKSA.

This easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide takes you through the basic principles, preparing to sail, your first sail and safety at sea. It includes advice on choosing and buying a yacht, essential equipment, boat handling, tides, weather and navigation, all taken from the courses delivered by the UK's biggest sailing school, the UKSA.

The book provides a fascinating insight into the history of sailing explored through a hundred objects that have been pivotal in the development of sailing and saling boats. From the earliest water-borne craft, through magnificent Viking warships, to the technology that powers some of the most sophisticated modern yachts, the book also covers key developments such as keeps, and navigational aids, including the astrolabe, sextant, and compass. Other more apparently esoteric objects from all around the world are also explored, including the importance of citrus fruit in the prevention of scurvy, scrimshaw made from whalebone, and the meaning of sailor''s tattoos.