Marshall analyzes in detail all the factors a crusing sailor needs to understand before he can intelligently decide on the makeup of the yacht of his dreams. Whether he is a 'simple-is-best' disciple who wants no electrical system, a bucket for a head, and hand-pumped fresh water or is a gadgeteer who wants power winches, TV, VCR, Satnav, cental heating, and air conditioning, any sailor will find this book a gold mine of information and recommendations on materials, design, fittings, equipment, rig, sails, engines, electrics, everything needed when considering a performance cruiser. " The Contents: The cruising hull; Construction; Sail plans and rigs; Inside the hull; The crusing deck; Anchors - Their uses and storage; A sense of direction; Powering the yacht - The engine and the generator; Pumps, compressors, and the supporting systems; The electrical system; Electronic; The push-button boat; Having a new boat designed for you. Hundreds of b/w illustratiions - drawings & photos.