Plotting a longer course electronically

[SailMaster]

While messing with GPSNavX, (I am a Mac guy) I wanted to plot a longer course for a passage than normal, however this software does not bring the various charts together as one or a combined chart for plotting purposes.

What do some of you use when plotting longer courses?

 

[Jackdaw]

How far??

Use the paper charts and go rhumb line. Or better yet use a weather router to factor in boat performance and expected brrrze.

 

[dlochner]

How long a course do you want to plot? Are the charts available? I use MacENC and don't have the issue that you have. Have you posted in the macsailing.net forums, these forums are for Mac ENC and GPSNavX programs.

 

[uncledom]

Use Active Captain in a browser, you can not only plot your course but plan fuel, water and POI stops.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

That's why I carry paper charts

 

[SailMaster]

We are trying to avoid doing paper charts. Nonstop from St Augustine to Savannah. I have not heard of a weather router.

 

[dlochner]

A weather router helps with planning weather windows. Chris Parker is highly regarded. https://www.mwxc.com

Are you using Raster or ENC charts? The software should move seamlessly between larger and smaller scale charts.

When I plan longer routes I plot first on the large scale charts, knowing that the waypoints won't be exactly where I want them. Then I move smaller scale charts with more detail and fine tune the waypoint locations. Finally build a route using the waypoints.

MacENC can add GRIB files so you can see the wind conditions over the intended course. Not sure about the NavX version.

 

[uncledom]

Weather routers are essential for long trips especially during certain months when storms are more frequent depending on where you're going from/to. If your planning on leaving the shelter of a near safe harbor for more than a two or three day trip, you should consider getting advice from a router. Just MHO.

 

[jssailem]

Electronic charts are great. They give you great flexability and speed. That said a series of paper charts with the detail of your route are priceless when you batteries are out of juice. There was a state of art multi million dollar race boat that hit a reef last year, middle of the ocean, in their quest to be first in an around the world. Made a big error using an electronic map.

Get charts. Spread them on the dining room table. Plot your route. Talk it over with friends and family. Read the fine print warnings about bridge heights, crossing cables, shoals, rocks, and compass warnings. By the time you complete the routing with a beer and friends you will have stored a bulk of the info in your head. Then when your looking at the iphone, ipad, chart plotter electronic systems you'll recall the info you studied and remember the danger if you drift too close to the head of that island you are approaching.
Have fun. Be safe. Have fun.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Two chart books will cover St Augustine to Savannah.

I've done the entire coast twice now, Texas to Annapolis. Non way I'd not have paper aboard.
A charts are available for free, as a booklet you can print at home and stick into a three ring binders

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/BookletChart.html

 

[Terry Cox]

Paper charts onboard as a backup. All navigation, since 2004, done on a Garmin 178C plotter/sounder. Usually build routes the night before, run them to make sure of a clear way. Always trusted to be dead on accurate. Proven many times over the years since.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-GPSMAP-178C-Bundle-with-Transducer-in-Working-Condition-/182340997277

 

[NotCook]

Use Active Captain in a browser, you can not only plot your course but plan fuel, water and POI stops.

Probably not much of a consideration on a "passage"! We didn't find ANY marinas between Norfolk and Tortola, except if we wanted to take a detour to Bermuda...