I use chartplotter as a backup.
General Navigation ================== My primary tool is a pair of handheld GPS's (Garmin mapgps 76C, plus a second older model) while I am undersail, as I tend not to be at the helm much. At a glance of my garmin I can see if I am sailing efficiently enough to my destination (SOG & VMG), any obstacles ahead,if my helmsperson (or autopilot) is steering on the compass course I asked, and if I am inclinded, I will figure out if any windshifts occured. I hate to program my handheld, except from my PC, so I will program the two GPS's with all my waypoints and sometimes routes ahead of time. For trips over 3 days in new waters, I actually bring my laptop (to program additional waypoints into GPS) and also because the PC helps me replan the remainder of my trip on an excel spreadsheet, to be sure I am realistic about what distances I can cover each day. Realistic = more sailing, less motoring. I have two backups. A 2nd GPS (goes in the ditch bag) and my Chart plotter (without waypoints as I don't take the Chartplotter home with me and program), and even if I could, I don't spend much time behind the helm to use Chartplotter. Piloting ======== A different strategy here, since I don't like reading the moving map on my handheld GPS. I use my PC to print 2 charts (approach, and mooring/anchoring area) for each harbour I plan to visit, and put it in a two sided plastic sheet. I hand write any important compass bearings / back bearings (magnetic), etc. I also hand write on the map any reservations I might have (docks, dinner, etc.) and the VHF channels / telephone numbers that they monitor. Piloting Navigation - Chartplotter (without any routes preprogrammed) becomes my primary tool when I am piloting in a harbour, except that I refer to the printed map in hand for any approach bearings I prepared. If I lost the chartplotter at this point, I would more likely rely on the paper map then switch to my hand held GPS, as I don't have the patience to read the moving map the handheld GPS presents on it's tiny 3" screen. Logbook ======= I really should write down my position in the logbook every 15 minutes. I promise myself to get better about this, but always my log book has far to few entries to pass muster. After the journey I will fill in non-navigation details about the voyage, so I can go back and read it in the future, and that becomes the primary purpose. When I charter boats in the Carribean, I find I don't need to alter my methods very much, as there are no chartplotters on most boats anyhow, and I already have a backup handheld GPS. One additional thing I do have, is a full paper map set of the sailing area that I leave on the navigation table, with pencil marked routes of where we willl be sailing. It's a backup plus it's easier to show the crew what the plan (or alternates are) vs. looking thru the 3" GPS window or even my laptop computer display. An informed crew is a happy crew. Cheers
General Navigation ================== My primary tool is a pair of handheld GPS's (Garmin mapgps 76C, plus a second older model) while I am undersail, as I tend not to be at the helm much. At a glance of my garmin I can see if I am sailing efficiently enough to my destination (SOG & VMG), any obstacles ahead,if my helmsperson (or autopilot) is steering on the compass course I asked, and if I am inclinded, I will figure out if any windshifts occured. I hate to program my handheld, except from my PC, so I will program the two GPS's with all my waypoints and sometimes routes ahead of time. For trips over 3 days in new waters, I actually bring my laptop (to program additional waypoints into GPS) and also because the PC helps me replan the remainder of my trip on an excel spreadsheet, to be sure I am realistic about what distances I can cover each day. Realistic = more sailing, less motoring. I have two backups. A 2nd GPS (goes in the ditch bag) and my Chart plotter (without waypoints as I don't take the Chartplotter home with me and program), and even if I could, I don't spend much time behind the helm to use Chartplotter. Piloting ======== A different strategy here, since I don't like reading the moving map on my handheld GPS. I use my PC to print 2 charts (approach, and mooring/anchoring area) for each harbour I plan to visit, and put it in a two sided plastic sheet. I hand write any important compass bearings / back bearings (magnetic), etc. I also hand write on the map any reservations I might have (docks, dinner, etc.) and the VHF channels / telephone numbers that they monitor. Piloting Navigation - Chartplotter (without any routes preprogrammed) becomes my primary tool when I am piloting in a harbour, except that I refer to the printed map in hand for any approach bearings I prepared. If I lost the chartplotter at this point, I would more likely rely on the paper map then switch to my hand held GPS, as I don't have the patience to read the moving map the handheld GPS presents on it's tiny 3" screen. Logbook ======= I really should write down my position in the logbook every 15 minutes. I promise myself to get better about this, but always my log book has far to few entries to pass muster. After the journey I will fill in non-navigation details about the voyage, so I can go back and read it in the future, and that becomes the primary purpose. When I charter boats in the Carribean, I find I don't need to alter my methods very much, as there are no chartplotters on most boats anyhow, and I already have a backup handheld GPS. One additional thing I do have, is a full paper map set of the sailing area that I leave on the navigation table, with pencil marked routes of where we willl be sailing. It's a backup plus it's easier to show the crew what the plan (or alternates are) vs. looking thru the 3" GPS window or even my laptop computer display. An informed crew is a happy crew. Cheers
