GPS for Mariners, 2nd Edition: A Guide for the Recreational Boater

At the USCG Auxiliary we use this text as the base of the Public Education course bearing the same name. I'm instructor for that course and haven't found any other resource that can hold a candle to it. It is very detailed and explains concepts in an easy to understand way. My only complaint is not with the author, but with GPS manufacturers. Most GPS receivers and Radar units rely -maybe because of reliability, I don't know- on (few) buttons based User Interface instead of touchscreen. This requires to bury all commands and configurations in a maze of menus that are unlikely to be remembered. The book uses quite a bit of real estate in dealing with the menus of different GPS receivers and chart-plotters that may or may not coincide with what you have. From my perspective GPS manufacturers will be wise to subcontract the User Interface design to developers seasoned in mobile apps. The world of mobile device navigation is improving the usability at a fast pace.Otherwise, the book is well organized and the navigation methodology is sound.NOTE: The space segment page of gps.gov states that the orbit period is "twice a day" and not 24 hours as stated in the book.

Bob Sweet does a good job.

This book helps the mariner to correctly use his GPS for navigating lakes, rivers, and even coastal waters. The first 4 chapters are designed to teach the reader the basics of GPS operation. The rest of the book goes into more detail for using the GPS for navigation on the water. What I liked about this book is that this can also apply to those who are totally unfamiliar with using a GPS. Therefore this book can be used for the person who uses a handheld GPS for multiple purposes, hiking, hunting, fishing lakes and streams, and even driving in unfamiliar areas.

Product arrived as described and on time.

This second edition of the GPS for Mariners is a great improvement over the first edition. There is more usable material in this book and it is much more readable. Examples are excellent. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the GPS and how to use it.

Excellent book, covers all GPS, manual, dead reckoning and visual forms of navigation. I was amazed at the depth of information! Very readable with excellent illustrations and examples

IF YOU ARE A BOATER ,GET THIS BOOK, NOT ONLY FOR INFORMATION BUT TO BE USED FOR REFERENCE , AT A LATER DATE.

Great instructional source for those that want be self sufficient when at sea.

It has a brash american designed cover but do not allow that to put you off. This is a very good book about GPS. Not only does it tell you how to operate the GPS/chartplotter it also tells you how to connect it up using the NMEA0183 protocol. Everything is lucidly explained. If you want to know how to use your GPS/chartplotter properly then get this book because it goes into the nitty gritty detail. For example - proximity waypoints, it explains what they are , where they are used and how to set them up. It shows how radar, depth sounders and AIS link up . It discusses navigation software. The beauty of the book is that the subject matter is chopped up into easily digestible chunks. It is heavily illustrated and the illustrations are heavily annotated. Once you have read this book you will no longer blunder about your GPS but instead you will positively look to make it work for you - in conjunction with your paperchart. The author believes in an integrated belt and braces approach.

I'm a 'novice mariner' and I found GPS for Mariners (2nd Edition;Kindle format) to be an excellent and informative READ. Bob Sweet certainly explains things in an easy & enjoyable way to absorb. Some topics were a 'bit out of my depth' so to speak but I see that as added value - more there should I ever want to venture into more advanced topics (e.g. Chapter 6 - Installing and Networking your GPS system)So, why 3 stars? Well, the book is 5* and the Kindle conversion is 1*. The images are poorly scanned/converted and in the main are useless. I suggest the Kindle Developers read Bob Sweets very own observations on raster v vector charts because, to be honest, the images are Cra..

Excellent book, a must read for any sailor or anyone whom enjoys water sports.

Good