Chapman Piloting: Seamanship & Small Boat Handling by Elbert S. Maloney is the 1985 57th Edition presentation hardcover, complete with red faux leather binding, gilt page edges, ribbon marker, and matching slipcase.
This substantial boating reference covers navigation, rules of the road, seamanship, equipment, signals, flags, running lights, and other practical information for boat owners, with photographs, diagrams, tables, and color reference material throughout.
Details
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Item: Boating reference book
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Title: Chapman Piloting: Seamanship & Small Boat Handling
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Author: Elbert S. Maloney
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Illustrator: not confirmed from photos
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Publisher: Hearst Marine Books, The Hearst Corporation
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Publication Year: 1985
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Edition and Printing: 57th Edition, first printing
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Format and Binding: Presentation hardcover with red faux leather binding, gilt cover rules and spine lettering, all edges gilt, ribbon marker, and matching slipcase
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Dust Jacket: No dust jacket. Matching slipcase present.
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Pages: 624
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Genre: Boating, seamanship, navigation, marine reference
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Language: English
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ISBN: Presentation ISBN 0-688-06083-8. Standard edition ISBN 0-688-05890-6 is also printed on the copyright page.
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Dimensions: Book approximately 11 x 8.5 x 2 inches. Slipcase approximately 11.5 x 9 x 2 inches.
Condition Grade: Very Good
Positives
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Graded Very Good: This copy shows light signs of handling while remaining sound, clean, and attractive.
- The red presentation binding remains bright, with the double gilt border and gilt spine lettering clearly visible.
- The gilt page edges retain strong color and give the closed book a finished presentation appearance.
- Pages shown are clean, easy to read, and securely held, with photographs, diagrams, tables, and color reference material remaining clear.
- The matching red slipcase is present, and the dark ribbon marker remains attached.
Issues / Wear
- Light rubbing and handling wear are visible along some cover and slipcase edges and corners.
- The gilt page edges show mild variation and surface marks from handling, most noticeable along the fore edge.
- The slipcase shows light corner and edge wear but remains intact and usable.
Condition Grade Key
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Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
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Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
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Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
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Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
The 57th Edition was issued in 1985 as part of the long-running Chapman boating reference series. It brings navigation rules, seamanship, equipment, and boat operation together in one large reference volume.
This edition suits a boat owner, sailor, maritime reader, or someone building a shelf of practical nautical reference books. The diagrams and tables also make it useful as more than a display copy.
This copy is the presentation version rather than the plainer standard binding. The red faux leather covering, gilt page edges, ribbon marker, and matching slipcase give it a noticeably different shelf presence.
It is the sort of reference book made to be opened and consulted, and this copy remains clean and very readable inside.
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40 to 50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
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