Chart tips for Dead Reconing Writing device that erases without smudging

[Royal Flush]

I'm graduating my Coastal Navigation class tonight and I'm ready to wear out my local paper nautical charts.

I've noticed the paper charts that I have really hold the graphite and erasing really only reduces the problem. I have not tried erasable ink pens. I'm curious as to what's proven and less annoying?

 

[Tim R.]

Make sure you are using No. 2 lead and not pressing too hard. The proper eraser makes a difference too. I forget which one I use and it is on the boat. Waterproof charts hold up a little better.

 

[sailingdog]

I would recommend using 2H or HB lead rather than 2B, since 2B is too soft and harder to erase. Also, get a good eraser, like the Mars Staedler ones that look like this:

 

[norsksailor]

My waterproof charts say NOT to use an ordinary eraser...but to use a damp cloth or finger.

Mmmm...spit covered charts. Lovely.

 

[Ross]

I found that a Bic pen on my coated charts would make removable marks where a pencil embossed the paper. Similar eraser is made by Pentel.

 

[sailingdog]

Norsk—

The OP specifically mentioned paper charts... not waterproof chart books.

BTW, as a general rule, the softer the lead, the harder it is to erase, and the darker the lines will be.... the harder the lead, the lighter the line... 2H or HB are a good compromise... 2H keeps a point far better than 2B does as well.

 

[Ross]

Here is a heresy for you. I just tried some matte finish scotch tape on my coated chart book page wrote on it with a no. 2 pencil it erased clean and the tape pulled off clean.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Post-it tabs

While not the schoolhouse solution, I have found that using post-it tabs with course and time on them to be a great alternative to the standard DR markings.
I use the smallest (1"x1/2") tabs, color one of the corners where the sticky stuff is and put the corner where my DR calculations or GPS indicate I am. I put the pertinent info on the tab.
When I get lazy or am in an area I know well I just use one tap and keep updating it. Works great for the neophyte crew as they don't understand the whole DR thing anyway but can grasp that the corner is the last place I know we where and the time is when.
They don't work too well in wet weather however.

 

[sailingdog]

Instead of the smallest postit tabs, I use these:

While not the schoolhouse solution, I have found that using post-it tabs with course and time on them to be a great alternative to the standard DR markings.
I use the smallest (1"x1/2") tabs, color one of the corners where the sticky stuff is and put the corner where my DR calculations or GPS indicate I am. I put the pertinent info on the tab.
When I get lazy or am in an area I know well I just use one tap and keep updating it. Works great for the neophyte crew as they don't understand the whole DR thing anyway but can grasp that the corner is the last place I know we where and the time is when.
They don't work too well in wet weather however.

 

[RichH]

Strange as it may seem ... dont sharpen your pencils. Grinding the pencil tip will put a sharp point will tend to 'emboss' and scratch the paper. Instead, 'roll' the pencil between your fingertips as you draw. This will keep a constant 'ball point' shape to the pencil lead end which makes it easier to erase. This is an old time 'draftsmans trick' that I learned years ago back when drafting was a fine 'art'.

I like HB pencils for charts.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Good ideas, all, in reply to the original question

and some handy add-ons, too.

Basic reply to the original question: How come they didn't teach you the answer to that in the class?

 

[Royal Flush]

Re: Good ideas, all, in reply to the original question

Guess I was the over achiever with stars in my eyes. I was concurrently planning short little cruises on the Chesapeake Bay and acquiring the slightly cheaper paper Charts as we went along.

Thank you to Everyone who chipped in with the suggestions.

 

[David in Sandusky]

When we were charting in the Navy, we used pencil on standard charts, which are made of high quality paper. I've never had a problem with this approach. If we have traveled the same course multiple times (like the approach to our home port), then familiarity and a GPS probably make the chart redundant.

 

[Ross]

If you print your charts from here: http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/BookletChart/

You can afford to use the charts one time and archive them. A good chart book is still very handy.

 

[sailingdog]

One thing I've seen done is using a vellum or acetate overlay on the chart... and marking on that... the marks are usually pretty easily removed. With Acetate, the chart is clearer and easier to see, but you need to use grease pencils..