10 Best Boating Books for All Water Enthusiasts

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Besides the comfort of a cozy blanket, it turns out a boat is the perfect place to read your favorite novel. In fact, our waters have been a great source of inspiration in storytelling. It should come as no surprise that some of the best books are about voyages or take place on the water or near it. 

If you’re a bookworm, a boat enthusiast, or both, then our list of ten best boating books for all water enthusiasts is for you. These books will fuel your love for all things nautical.  

Quick list:

1. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
2. Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum
3. The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier
4. Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft by Thor Heyerdahl
5. Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr.
6. The Boat Galley Cookbook by Carolyn Shearlock and Jan Irons
7. Chapman Piloting & Seamanship by Charles B. Husick
8. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
9. Selkirk’s Island by Diana Souhami
10. The Odyssey by Homer

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1. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Image Source: Amazon

This timeless classic follows the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago as he embarks on a relentless battle with a massive marlin in the Gulf Stream. Hemingway’s masterful prose captures the essence of perseverance, courage, and the deep connection between man and the sea.

 

2. Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum

Image Source: Amazon

Embark on an incredible adventure with Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail solo around the world. In this captivating memoir, he recounts his epic three-year journey, sharing tales of storms, encounters with pirates, and the sheer determination required to complete such a daring feat.

 

3. The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier

Image Source: Amazon

Follow Bernard Moitessier’s awe-inspiring voyage in the 1968 Golden Globe Race, where he chose to abandon the race when close to winning to continue sailing around the world. His profound love for the sea and introspective reflections make this book a must-read for any boating enthusiast. 

Pro tip: If you’re reading the book, then who’s at the helm? Take a break from being the captain. Book a boat with a captain instead and enjoy a day with no responsibilities. 

 

4. Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft by Thor Heyerdahl

Image Source: Amazon

Join Thor Heyerdahl and his crew as they construct a primitive raft and set sail across the Pacific Ocean to prove that ancient South Americans could have settled in Polynesia. This true story of determination and adventure will leave you in awe of human ingenuity.

 

5. Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr.

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Travel back in time to the early 19th century with Richard Henry Dana Jr. as he documents his voyage as a common sailor from Boston to California. This riveting account sheds light on the harsh realities of life at sea during the age of sail.

 

6. The Boat Galley Cookbook by Carolyn Shearlock and Jan Irons 

Image Source: Amazon

For those who love to combine their passion for boating with delicious meals, this cookbook is a gem. Packed with practical tips, galley management techniques, and scrumptious recipes, this book is a must-have companion for any boat chef.

READ MORE: 10 Fun Boating Accessories for 2023

 

7. Chapman Piloting & Seamanship by Charles B. Husick

Image Source: Amazon

Considered the ultimate reference guide for boaters, this comprehensive book covers everything from navigation and seamanship to safety procedures and boat handling. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice, this book is an invaluable resource.

 

8. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Image Source: Amazon

Journey into the depths of the ocean with Captain Nemo and his remarkable submarine, the Nautilus. Jules Verne’s timeless classic takes readers on an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves, encountering exotic marine life and exploring the wonders of the deep sea.

 

9. Selkirk’s Island by Diana Souhami 

Image Source: Amazon

Dive into the extraordinary true story of Alexander Selkirk, the real-life castaway who inspired Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe.” This gripping tale follows Selkirk’s survival on a remote island in the Pacific and his eventual rescue, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

 

10. The Odyssey by Homer 

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A true epic, “The Odyssey” narrates the adventurous journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. This ancient Greek masterpiece explores the trials and tribulations faced by the hero as he navigates the treacherous seas and encounters mythical creatures, making it a must-read for any boating enthusiast.

Books, like boats, have the power to transport us to far-off destinations, inspire us to explore the open waters, and deepen our understanding of the world. Next time you’re planning your boat day, consider bringing one of these books aboard for unbound exploration. 

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