A cruising adventure requires not just skill and experience but also a solid foundation of knowledge. From navigating the intricate waterways to ensuring your vessel's maintenance is up to par, the right reference materials can be invaluable. Here is a list of must-have guides, manuals and references for cruisers and boaters, pulled from the Skipper's Handbook of our print Waterway Guides.

U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners

The U.S. Coast Guard provides timely marine safety information for the correction of all U.S. Government navigation charts and publications from a wide variety of sources, both foreign and domestic via the Local Notice to Mariners. These are divided by district, updated weekly and available as a PDF at Local Notice to Mariners.

Cruising Guides

• ICW Cruising Guide (by Bob423), Robert A. Sherer

• Skipper Bob Cruising Guides, Ted Stehle (editor)

Navigation

A Boater's Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters. Covers equipment requirements, navigation rules and aids to navigation, a sample float plan and safety and survival tips. Can be downloaded as a PDF at www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF.* 

• Navigation Rules: International–Inland. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all vessels over 12 meters [39 feet] carry this book of the national and international rules of the road.

• United States Coast Pilot (1-5), NOAA. Includes piloting information for coasts, bays, creeks and harbors. Also includes tide tables and highlights restricted areas. Updated weekly.

• U.S. Chart No 1. (Chart Symbols). Describes the symbols, abbreviations and terms used on NOAA nautical charts.

• U.S. Aids to Navigation System. Downloadable guide from the U.S. Coast Guard with basic information on the recognition of U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATONS).

Maintenance

• Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual (4th Edition), Nigel Calder
• Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook, Charlie Wing
• Boat Mechanical Systems Handbook, David Gerr

Seamanship

• Anchoring: A Ground Tackler's Apprentice, Rudy and Jill Sechez
• Boater's Pocket Reference, Thomas McEwen
• Chapman Piloting & Seamanship (68th Edition), Charles B. Husick
• Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book (Annual), Robert E. and Linda White
• Heavy Weather Sailing (7th Edition), Peter Bruce
• Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook, Nigel Calder
• Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia, Steve and Linda Dashew
• The Annapolis Book of Seamanship (4th Edition), John Rousmaniere
• The Art of Seamanship, Ralph Naranjo
• World Cruising Essentials, Jimmy Cornell

First Aid & Medical

• Advanced First Aid Afloat (5th Edition), Dr. Peter F. Eastman
• DAN Pocket Guide to First Aid for Scuba Diving, Dan Orr & Bill Clendenden
• First Aid at Sea, Douglas Justin and Colin Berry
• Marine Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide (2nd Edition), Eric Weiss and Michael Jacobs
• On-Board Medical Emergency Handbook: First Aid at Sea, Spike Briggs and Campbell Mackenzie

We've shared our top picks for essential reference materials for cruisers and boaters, but we know the sea of knowledge is vast and varied. What are your go-to guides, manuals, or resources when setting sail? 

Drop your favorites in the comments below and let's navigate the waters of wisdom together.