Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

[Mark42]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I didn't realize so many members used navigation equipment. some of you guys have some pretty hi tech stuff! Makes me envious.

 

[Flying Sushi]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I used use paper chart a lot?.. back in no GPS for sport boat days? Ever since I got a GPS/Chart plotter for our boat the paper chart never came out from storage bin. If we need to get a familiar with area we look the chart in laptop so we can zoom in and out.
GPS/Chart plotter made our evening/night boating to the different level. We go out on dinner to the town and restaurant on boat and not wary about getting back before dark.
Boating under clear sky with bright stars can be very relaxing?

 

[gene8084]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I didn't realize so many members used navigation equipment. some of you guys have some pretty hi tech stuff! Makes me envious.

I boat on the CT River and I have a chart, but wow, the variation of depth is off the charts! The channel wiggles it's way 30 miles up the river to where I launch. There aren't enough navigation markers on the water so you spend a lot of time staring at the chart to make sure you don't end up in 2 feet of water...or you follow the bigger boats.

So, I broke down, bought a used Garmin 172C (w/warranty) and a map chip for Long Island Sound and the CT River, and now I can relax and enjoy the ride.

Still carry my chart.​

 

[nlain]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I have paper charts of the waters I normally boat in but rarely use them, I do have gps that I run now, use to runs these waters without anything, that is after a few trips out with the paper charts and depth finder. I have purchased some hotspots charts of the local waters recently. If I go to new water I will usually get the free NOAA charts and look at them, they also have a chartbook you can print on a normal size printer.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I use a Raymarine c-80 chartplotter, radar, with sirius satellite weather and an rl70c as a back up. Even with all this I still always have current paper charts on board.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

The only paper charts for my area are published by Canadian Hydrographic Services and are too large to be practical for a small boat. I rely on my Garmin chartplotting GPS.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

Do I use a what? What is all these fancy gizmo's?


Nope, I use a light throttle in unknown waters, and follow the fishfinder or use google maps to find the holes in waters that I do know. To be honest though, most of the lakes I cruise are teeny tiny, most of which are reservoirs that vary in depth considerably throughout the year making a chart or chartplotter absolutely useless. If I spent a lot of time out deep, for sure I would spend the money on such devices and paper.

Ian

 

[bekosh]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

Here's another nice online tool that I use. NOAA charts overlaid on the Google satilite images. You can adjust the transparency to see both the chart and the images.
http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

We boat in Georgian bay (canada) and I couldn't imagine going anywhere without my charts. There is way to much opportunity to hit rocks (we're in the canadian shield) and be in big trouble.

It always amazes me how people think charts are not needed around here because for sure you won't boat for long up here without seeing somebody in trouble including sail boats hitting bottom with their deep keels.

Up to them I guess.

 

[mooregm5]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I always have them on board when going away from my usual corner of the lake (Oneida Lake, NY).

The shoals are marked on my lake, but in a good chop you usually see them far too late. Knowing what to expect is very helpful. As far as distances, I use a gps and/or computer. Someday I'll get a gps/chart plotter...

 

[skyhigh4by]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I live in Lund BC Canada (gateway to desolation sound) Around here if you boat without charts or navigational equipment your just asking for trouble. There are so many little islands, inlets, sounds, and rocks that are lurking just beneath the surface waiting to tear a leg off.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

Chart are like roadmaps. You need them in unfamiliar waters...or even familiar waters that have bottom changes on a regular basis...

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I know my lake so well i don't need them. I do have navigational equipment that i don't use. :redface:

 

[david_r]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

Someday I'll get a gps/chart plotter...

i would get one now and by the time you get ready to use it , "someday" , you may be able to operate it.

i got one last december and still dont know how to use all the little gizzmos.......... of course i gave myself a crash course and only read enough of the book to make it work for me. i have learned a little more by using it, but its one of those things you really have to study on to learn all the hidden goodies.

the bad part is i paid better than $300 for the first one i bought, lowrance. then my wife finds a megellan ,at least i think it is, at a gargae sale for $10....... she uses the one she bought when she goes metal detecting around old homesteads out in the woods.

it doesnt have near as many functions but it works just fine...... she asked if she did ok when she showed it to me and i told her if it works you got a bargain. it was only one of the under $100 ones but they still had the original package and it looked brand new.

as far as charts.... yes i use them on unfamiliar lakes and sometimes i use them along with my gps on the lake i fish regularly.

 

[Twenty7]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I have them aboard but only use them when I get into unfamiliar waters. A GPS for my boat made it to my Christmas wish list!!

 

[captharv]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I have sharting GPS aboard. However, theproper chart for the area is out and available.
I trailer all over Florida, and want to have an advantage in knowing what to expect.

 

[skargo]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I had to laugh at "sharting"

 

[DianneB]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I boat Lake of the Woods in NW Ontario, a very large and complex lake with MANY hazards and very easy to get lost on. I wouldn't DREAM of going out without my chartplotter! There is something unnerving about seeing a seagull "standing on the water" 100 yards from shore with no visible signs of rocks and no buoys LOL! I carry 8.5x11" paper prints from the sections of the map for the areas I plan to visit.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

About the only lake I go to that they have any type of chart for is Lake Powell and they are wonderful to have so I have them all, I have considered getting a plotter but I just can't justify the cost for one lake that we go to 2 times a year if we are lucky.

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: Do you use Charts of the waters you boat on?

I use Navionics Lakes West for the lakes in the So. Western parts of the country. I like it on the ipad b/c it's got a larger screen than the iphone.