Vintage Boating Manual — Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling (1965–66 Edition) by Charles F. Chapman (Motor Boating) | Nautical Reference Book

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A classic, no-nonsense boating reference that looks as good on a shelf as it reads at the dock. Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling is an illustrated course covering rules, signals, navigation basics, and practical small-boat operation—packed with charts, tables, and real-world examples.

This copy includes a Motor Boating letter/insert shown in photos, adding a neat bit of period ephemera.

Photo-verified condition, packaged protectively, and ships in 1 business day.

Quick Specs

  • Item Type: Hardcover reference book / nautical manual
  • Title: Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling
  • Author: Charles F. Chapman, M.E.
  • Edition: 1965–66 Edition (as shown on title page)
  • Publisher: Motor Boating (New York, NY) (as shown)
  • Size: 12 × 9 × 1.5 in
  • Pages: 504
  • Color: Deep navy blue cloth boards with silver lettering
  • Illustrations: Illustrated throughout (photos, diagrams, tables)

What’s Inside (high-level)

  • Rules and practical piloting guidance (charts/tables shown)
  • Passing/whistle signals + comparisons of rules
  • Seamanship sections (example: “Surf Seamanship” spread shown)
  • Signal code material and reference tables 

Condition Grade: Very Good

Notes: Clean, solid hardcover with light shelf wear and gentle rubbing. Interior pages appear bright and readable; some age-toning to page edges. Light spotting/staining visible on the included Motor Boating letter/insert and a faint stain near the title page margin (see photos). No dust jacket shown.

  • See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)

∙Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
∙Packed with our protective packaging standard
∙Ships in 1 business day
∙Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)

Disclaimer  

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.

Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

Shipping & Handling

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