We're planning a lengthy trip this summer North beyond Desolation Sound. While I've got all the electronic charts on my laptop, I'm going to want a bunch more hard copies to bring with. Our Hunter 335 sometimes already seems overrun with charts. The stowage under the nav station isn't really enough. Does anyone have some good ideas to keep charts safe and out of the way, yet identifiable and accessible when you need them? Thanks for your help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
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Chart storage
One of my winter projects is to fasten a magazine rack on the cabin bulkhead for chart storage.
One of my winter projects is to fasten a magazine rack on the cabin bulkhead for chart storage.
Charts
We have the "CAPN" in our computer and have all the necessary charts ,and great ones at that a click away. But then again we live aboard a 450 and also enjoy the use of the lap top. The capn is also a great way to chart acourse and hook up to the auto pilot
We have the "CAPN" in our computer and have all the necessary charts ,and great ones at that a click away. But then again we live aboard a 450 and also enjoy the use of the lap top. The capn is also a great way to chart acourse and hook up to the auto pilot
Chart storage.
Feb.8,2001 Dear Gary, You can try these ideas for chart storage: (1) laid flat under the berths (2) rolled in a holder installed above the berth (3) laid flat under the settee cushions (4) make space by cleaning out the chart table of everything you don't need. (5) Rolled, covered in plastic, (I once used pvc pipe with a cap at one end and a screw cap at the other end) and stood upright in a hanging locker. Stored in the watertight pvc pipe they can also be stored in a cockpit locker. You need an index of your charts. I keep it at the back of the log book and it lists the charts by number and name and where they are stored. I made the holder mentioned in (2) above and installed it above the forward berth. It's like a fishing rod holder on steroids. The holes are 4 inches in diameter and it holds four large rolls of charts. We also have some large plastic envelopes that zip closed that we also keep the charts we are going to use on a daily basis in. They keep the charts dry and because they are see through, convenient to use.There are also some excellent chart kits for where you are headed if you can find room for them. Your heading to some of the most beautiful country in the world, so I really hope you enjoy your time up north. Let us know what you saw and did when you get back. Fair winds, Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.net, aboard The Legend, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
Feb.8,2001 Dear Gary, You can try these ideas for chart storage: (1) laid flat under the berths (2) rolled in a holder installed above the berth (3) laid flat under the settee cushions (4) make space by cleaning out the chart table of everything you don't need. (5) Rolled, covered in plastic, (I once used pvc pipe with a cap at one end and a screw cap at the other end) and stood upright in a hanging locker. Stored in the watertight pvc pipe they can also be stored in a cockpit locker. You need an index of your charts. I keep it at the back of the log book and it lists the charts by number and name and where they are stored. I made the holder mentioned in (2) above and installed it above the forward berth. It's like a fishing rod holder on steroids. The holes are 4 inches in diameter and it holds four large rolls of charts. We also have some large plastic envelopes that zip closed that we also keep the charts we are going to use on a daily basis in. They keep the charts dry and because they are see through, convenient to use.There are also some excellent chart kits for where you are headed if you can find room for them. Your heading to some of the most beautiful country in the world, so I really hope you enjoy your time up north. Let us know what you saw and did when you get back. Fair winds, Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.net, aboard The Legend, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
Beware
I'm glad to hear that you are backing up your electronic charts with printed charts. Never, never, never rely on ONLY electronic charts to navigate safely. Computers do break down as do GPS's, batteries, etc. I learned this lesson when my computer decided to lock up as I was using my Nobeltec software and GPS to enter the jetties at Freeport, TX one evening (at dusk). Fortunately we were close enough and already had our bearings down. Since then I have never left port without the relevant printed charts, a compass, working depth sounder and last-but-not-least, my somewhat-trusty computer & GPS. Russ
I'm glad to hear that you are backing up your electronic charts with printed charts. Never, never, never rely on ONLY electronic charts to navigate safely. Computers do break down as do GPS's, batteries, etc. I learned this lesson when my computer decided to lock up as I was using my Nobeltec software and GPS to enter the jetties at Freeport, TX one evening (at dusk). Fortunately we were close enough and already had our bearings down. Since then I have never left port without the relevant printed charts, a compass, working depth sounder and last-but-not-least, my somewhat-trusty computer & GPS. Russ
lost ii
the article was about gps and the wave of the future. the author mentioned his small plane flight to hawaii from san francisco. he backed up his hand held gps with another hand held gps and befor he got to his destination ,both units failed him. computers are nice but you should do it the hard way a good part of the time to be ready for emergencies. john sorry for the second entry
the article was about gps and the wave of the future. the author mentioned his small plane flight to hawaii from san francisco. he backed up his hand held gps with another hand held gps and befor he got to his destination ,both units failed him. computers are nice but you should do it the hard way a good part of the time to be ready for emergencies. john sorry for the second entry
Chart Heresy
I'm ready to confess here that I actually FOLD (!) my charts so that each panel is a usable approximately 9"x12" size. Each chart goes into a plastic sealable envelope (available at business supply stores). We like to navigate from the cockpit and this allows the charts to be readily available and protected from the elements at the same time. On longer trips, we just open and refold the chart to show the area we're in. Even the most-often-used chart is still in good condition, including the folds, after years of use in the hot Florida Keys sun. This allows us to store lots of charts in a small space along with our books. It's not traditional, but it's worked very well for us.
I'm ready to confess here that I actually FOLD (!) my charts so that each panel is a usable approximately 9"x12" size. Each chart goes into a plastic sealable envelope (available at business supply stores). We like to navigate from the cockpit and this allows the charts to be readily available and protected from the elements at the same time. On longer trips, we just open and refold the chart to show the area we're in. Even the most-often-used chart is still in good condition, including the folds, after years of use in the hot Florida Keys sun. This allows us to store lots of charts in a small space along with our books. It's not traditional, but it's worked very well for us.
Chart Kits
I know when actually in the boat, navigating real-time, in unknown waters, I want something really accurate & accessible. I use the (ciba?) Chart kit. you might need more than one version to get Desolation sound. But the knowledge that it is all there (in a spiral book) makes it invaluable for accessing all charts in a matter of seconds. The compact size is nice too. Mine fits necely under the chart table when not in use. For general pre-trip planning, I use the laptop (GPS coords are a snap!) I also have rolled up NOAA charts at home. Maybe I'll wallpaper my bathroom with them...
I know when actually in the boat, navigating real-time, in unknown waters, I want something really accurate & accessible. I use the (ciba?) Chart kit. you might need more than one version to get Desolation sound. But the knowledge that it is all there (in a spiral book) makes it invaluable for accessing all charts in a matter of seconds. The compact size is nice too. Mine fits necely under the chart table when not in use. For general pre-trip planning, I use the laptop (GPS coords are a snap!) I also have rolled up NOAA charts at home. Maybe I'll wallpaper my bathroom with them...
Chart Storage/Usage
I agree with Robert; fold the charts. Easier to use and store. I like his idea with the plastic envelopes. Stows under seats. Rolled up takes up too much room and you still can't use the whole chart on any nav. table short of a destroyer's. Folded, you open to the section you are navigating in, refold and open the next section as you go. I believe that most of us probably use the charts in the cockpit. Use of the plastic envelopes will allow them to be used in the rain without getting ruined. It will also allow the marking of courses, bearings, etc. using a non-permanent marker on the outside of the envelope. Pat
I agree with Robert; fold the charts. Easier to use and store. I like his idea with the plastic envelopes. Stows under seats. Rolled up takes up too much room and you still can't use the whole chart on any nav. table short of a destroyer's. Folded, you open to the section you are navigating in, refold and open the next section as you go. I believe that most of us probably use the charts in the cockpit. Use of the plastic envelopes will allow them to be used in the rain without getting ruined. It will also allow the marking of courses, bearings, etc. using a non-permanent marker on the outside of the envelope. Pat
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.
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.
Thin Wall Conduit
I think you can get some Thin-wall plastic conduit, at least I remember seeing something like it. Not as thick as PVC or DWV.Try place like Lowes or electrical supply house.
I think you can get some Thin-wall plastic conduit, at least I remember seeing something like it. Not as thick as PVC or DWV.Try place like Lowes or electrical supply house.
Folded is easy...
I fold mine too, then put them in plastic protector that has holes in it for 3 ring note book type binder.Easy to get out and keep stored too. Number them and keep an index in front for easy ref.
I fold mine too, then put them in plastic protector that has holes in it for 3 ring note book type binder.Easy to get out and keep stored too. Number them and keep an index in front for easy ref.
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