Interview with John Champion
Published 2014-06-25.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
As a live aboard boat owner and marine surveyor I spend a great deal more time fixing and maintaining my boat than I do writing. Writing is good for rainy days and helps me document the challenges and benefits of boat life. Hopefully saving readers from making the same mistakes as I made!
Have you ever run aground in a boat?
Sure have. We had just crossed the Pacific from San Diego in our current boat and landed in Bundaberg, Australia without a grounding incident and immediately got stuck in the river on a falling tide. A local bloke came by and said "don't worry about it, anyone who says they never run aground is lying to ya or on their first boat ride."
What is your writing process?
The process begins when I have to do something for real. The experience seems to soak in and when it has been rattling around in my head for a while I just write it out, a fairly painless process usually means a good story; if it is slow or hard to write then I am not ready to do it.
What kind of boats do you spend the most time on?
Cruising boats of all descriptions as I work as a marine surveyor in Langkawi Malaysia. www.championmarinesurveyors.com are production boat specialists; nearly all of the boats I work with have crossed oceans to get here.
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Books by This Author
How to Select, Equip and Maintain a Cruising Boat. The Series.
by John Champion
This book is a compilation of the authors other e books on cruising boats. The material is the same but makes it all available in one volume at a much lower price. Thirty seven different chapters beginning with comparing boats and the various aspects of different designs and builds. The buying process, equipping for a voyage and numerous practical articles; Easy reading with a humorous approach.
Understanding Your Boats Systems and Choices.
by John Champion
Understanding Your Boats Systems and Choices deals in a light hearted, practical way with the choices and options that come with a boat. Windlass selection and installation, water making, water catchment, boats electrical systems, both AC and DC, 12-24v and 110-220v and living with either. Boat comfort in hot climates, shade, fans ventilation and air conditioners are included. Fun and informative.
Refits, More Ways to Make Your Boat Better.
by John Champion
Six chapters including marine refrigeration, hard stand haul out, refitting in Thailand, engine vibration problems, accessing components on board and mistakes made by builders we have to live with. Non technical and easily understood with a few laughs to make this a fun and informative read.
Two Clowns Cross the Pacific in a Small Boat
by John Champion
Tells of a sailing journey from San Diego to Australia in a 40 foot sailing boat. Covers Mexico, French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji. Also has a chapter on various events "that were too much fun," for the crew. Includes useful detail on various formalities required in the respective ports of call.
How to Select and Buy a Cruising Boat at Home or Offshore.
by John Champion
Outlines the selection and purchase of cruising sailing boats with particular detail on purchasing from the USA. Includes checklists for boat inspections, discussion on vessel types, tax, formalities and importation methods. A light hearted but factual read as amusing as it is informative.
The Secret Australian Animals Club
by John Champion
The Secret Australian Animals Club tells of a group of animals living together in a major Australian city park. They include a wombat, peacock, frilled neck lizard and many others. Their names reflect each animals character, Sleepy Head, Fancy Pants and Know It All are the ones mentioned above.