Vintage 1954 Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling by Charles F. Chapman | Illustrated Boating Navigation Manual

Dive into maritime history with this 1954 edition of Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling by Charles F. Chapman—a definitive, fully illustrated treatise on motor boating originally used by the U.S. Power Squadrons, Coast Guard, and yacht clubs.

Ready to guide you through safe navigation and expert boat handling, it’s a classic that belongs on any enthusiast’s shelf.

Quick Specs

∙ Item Type: Vintage hardcover book
∙ Size: 12″ × 9″ × 0.6″
∙ Material: Cloth-bound boards, paper pages
∙ Color: Royal blue cover, gilt lettering
∙ Origin or Maker: Published by Motor Boating (Hearst Corp.), New York
∙ Year or Era: 1954 (First American edition)
∙ Genre: Nautical / Boating Manual

Condition
∙ Boards show light edge wear and bumped corners
∙ Text block gilt edges lightly rubbed; pages clean and unmarked
∙ Previous owner’s name penned in pencil on front board (see photo)
∙ No dust jacket; sold as-is—see all photos for detail

About the Author / Maker: Charles F. Chapman, M.E

Charles F. Chapman, M.E., long-time editor of Motor Boating, was a leading authority on small craft seamanship and navigation throughout the mid-20th century.

Anchor your collection with this indispensable guide to every yachtsman’s craft.

Disclaimer:

• The vintage books I share have been previously owned and loved. They may show some wear typical of their age—please use the photos as your guide. 
• Colors may vary slightly by monitor.
• Feel free to ask any questions or request more images.

About Reading Vintage:
At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including rare nonfiction, nautical guides, and midcentury manuals.