A treasure chest of information, ideas, projects, and maintenance hints for the hands-on boat owner, Modern BoatWorks is novel in that it covers a wide variety of topics, including mechanical, electrical, communications, and maintenance information. It is not just another do-it-yourself text, although it includes some DIY projects. Its purpose is to stimulate, inform, and assist boat owners who have an interest in technology and the hands-on aspects of operating, maintaining, and improving their boats. Many of the chapters of this book started out as magazine articles which were intended to explain some of the newer technologies and their benefits. Others are directed toward helping the reader to use the technologies, or, in some cases, be prepared when they let you down.Modern BoatWorks offers details on improvement projects including the correct tools to use and hints to make the job easier and safer. There are also several chapters on the fine art of maintenance and some suggestions for innovative tools and methods to help take the mess and drudgery out of the tasks. Even though not all readers will own a diesel engine, install a hatch, rework an electrical system, or need to customize an instrument panel, they will still find valuable information in every chapter. Modern BoatWorks is a potpourri of practical knowledge that will lead to a better understanding of boats in general - knowledge that can be applied in a wide range of situations, help solve a multitude of problems,and enhance the boating experience. The chapters are grouped by a tenuous commonality, but the book is meant to be browsed at the whim of the reader. Enjoy! And remember, the best things in life are afloat. Illustrated.