Rolled Chart Storage
We use both full size NOAA charts and the aftermarket Evergreen Cruising Atlas. The Atlas is handy because it has a spiral binding and one can flip the pages over. It also has courses indicated with one-mile tick marks which are useful for winging-it. For regular travel we use the Atlas as a supplement to the charts as far as Calvert Island, just above Port Hardey, and only on the "beaten track", i.e., Seymore Narrows and Johnstone Strait.Off the beaten track and for anything east or north of Port Hardey we use charts which I keep rolled up. Most people prefer to fold their charts but I don't like dealing with the fold lines. Rolling has some definite disadvantages due to the large size which include stowing them and using them without inflicting damage. For stowing I use plastic pipe, 6-inch diameter to help prevent the permanent roll. It's available at building supply stores like the former "Eagle". I don't know the name for it but it has a very thin wall and I believe is used for sewer lines. It's cheap. End caps are available and I glue one end an press on the other end. I group charts in each tube and the current group I leave out and usually they get "buggered" a bit. With the price of charts being what they are it pays to take care of them. To view them I use my wifes old sewing cut-board which is made of cardboard and folds in four parts. Lay it on the galley counter and it makes a good work surface. For harbors and other tight spots make a Xerox copy, enlarged, of the area. Mark it up with red pen for rocks, etc. and slip it into a plastic holder. Plot your proposed course and use landmarks whenever possible and write on what the compass course should be and compare that with actual.With regard to power failure, it's no idle concern. I was half-way between Cape Scott and Cape St James in the Charlotts when my engine almost didn't start due to low voltage! This was at night, it was blowing 24 to 27, and foggy and rainy. Not a place you'd want to loose your navigation capability. At least the GPS had batteries.Chart selection: From what I've seen of charts for this area there is pratically no chart you can do without. Because of all the rocks and irregular bottom one needs nearly every detail chart there is.