I have some paper charts that would be very difficult and expensive to replace. I want to use these on my boat but feel that they should be waterproofed someway because accidents always happen. I've heard that this can be done. The are large charts so laminating is not feasible. Any suggestions???
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Jim Cook
Clear contact paper
I have used cheap clear contact paper from Wally-World for several projects. It is not as durable as lamination, but it is cheap and leaves the paper very flexible. Practice using it with larger projects to prevent bubbles and creases. It would probably help to have someone else help hold the other corners (and maybe someone to hold the chart, or tape the chart down to a flat surface).
I have used cheap clear contact paper from Wally-World for several projects. It is not as durable as lamination, but it is cheap and leaves the paper very flexible. Practice using it with larger projects to prevent bubbles and creases. It would probably help to have someone else help hold the other corners (and maybe someone to hold the chart, or tape the chart down to a flat surface).
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Rick Webb
Office Depot or Office Max
I have had free charts that were printed on cheap thin paper and my predeparture checklist and other such things. They charge by the foot so plann ahead to minimize the expense.
I have had free charts that were printed on cheap thin paper and my predeparture checklist and other such things. They charge by the foot so plann ahead to minimize the expense.
Map/Chart Covers
Ralph: They make map/chart covers. They are basically large plastic bags. You can find them at most boating outlets. They allow you to have as much or little of the map displayed.
Ralph: They make map/chart covers. They are basically large plastic bags. You can find them at most boating outlets. They allow you to have as much or little of the map displayed.
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Bob Camarena
Backpacking Store?
Several years ago I bought a bottle of a waterproofing compound made for waterproofing topographical maps. Check out your local backpacking store.
Several years ago I bought a bottle of a waterproofing compound made for waterproofing topographical maps. Check out your local backpacking store.
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Geof Tillotson
Plexiglas sandwich anyone?
I currently use a plexiglas sandwich that is hinged with clear packing tape and closed up on all the other sides with clear vinyl tubing (like one of those high school report covers) to keep my charts handy and dry. It isn't a perfect solution, but it is inexpensive and keeps the chart rigid for my use. Let me try to explain what I did. I took a sheet of thin plexiglas - 18x36 and cut it into two sheets 18x16. I then bound the "top" hinge together with clear packing tape and have made slide on caps for the other three sides out of clear vinyl tubing - I think it's about 1/2 inch or so OD. The tricky part is you have to slice the vinyl tubing through one of the walls so that you can slide it over the edges of the plexiglas to seal it up. I accomplish this in my work shop using a sandwich of wood where the tubing is the middle. I place my chart in the sandwich, unfortunatley I have to fold it, but I don't mind that, and then slide on the tubing. I then have a flat 16x18 view of my chart, on both sides, that I can use in my lap. When I'm not using it it can go under the cushions in the cockpit out of the way. I was out last Sunday in the rain in a new area for me and I had the chart on my lap the entire time, and no water seemed to seep (sp?) into it. I don't think it will keep the chart forever, but it does make it handy to use. Some other observations: 1 - You get both sides of the chart to use - so I always fold it in such a way so all I have to do is flip it over to see the next leg. Though you may have to transfer the scale to somewhere that is visible. 2 - The plexiglass is soft enough so my dividers work on it - it get's marked up, but I'm careful. Unfortunately the divided rule bumps into the vinyl tubing, alas. 3 - I can use a fine permanent marker, like a sharpie, to draw my rhumb line on the plastic, it comes off with alcohol. 4 - I can make my notes with the marker on the plastic - I'm not always looking for that scrap of paper 5 - It's CHEAP!! At the local Home Dept I bought all the makings for $10 - $15 dollars. You are also not limited to the size I chose, that's just the size I wanted to make. 6 - The chart stays newer longer, except for the folds, which I do anyway, the chart does not get marked up, soft, torn etc. from constant handling. And the final benefit that I didn't realize up front is that I use it as a lap desk when I make my log entries and am writing on the boat, or doing fine work. I can do this wherever I'm comforable, I'm not limited to the nav station or the table. It's nice to sit on deck in the late afternoon/early morning and be able to work. ANd, I almost forgot - the kids use it for playing cards and writing too. Hope this is helpful - I can grab a photo sometime if folks are interested. Geof s/v Day-O
I currently use a plexiglas sandwich that is hinged with clear packing tape and closed up on all the other sides with clear vinyl tubing (like one of those high school report covers) to keep my charts handy and dry. It isn't a perfect solution, but it is inexpensive and keeps the chart rigid for my use. Let me try to explain what I did. I took a sheet of thin plexiglas - 18x36 and cut it into two sheets 18x16. I then bound the "top" hinge together with clear packing tape and have made slide on caps for the other three sides out of clear vinyl tubing - I think it's about 1/2 inch or so OD. The tricky part is you have to slice the vinyl tubing through one of the walls so that you can slide it over the edges of the plexiglas to seal it up. I accomplish this in my work shop using a sandwich of wood where the tubing is the middle. I place my chart in the sandwich, unfortunatley I have to fold it, but I don't mind that, and then slide on the tubing. I then have a flat 16x18 view of my chart, on both sides, that I can use in my lap. When I'm not using it it can go under the cushions in the cockpit out of the way. I was out last Sunday in the rain in a new area for me and I had the chart on my lap the entire time, and no water seemed to seep (sp?) into it. I don't think it will keep the chart forever, but it does make it handy to use. Some other observations: 1 - You get both sides of the chart to use - so I always fold it in such a way so all I have to do is flip it over to see the next leg. Though you may have to transfer the scale to somewhere that is visible. 2 - The plexiglass is soft enough so my dividers work on it - it get's marked up, but I'm careful. Unfortunately the divided rule bumps into the vinyl tubing, alas. 3 - I can use a fine permanent marker, like a sharpie, to draw my rhumb line on the plastic, it comes off with alcohol. 4 - I can make my notes with the marker on the plastic - I'm not always looking for that scrap of paper 5 - It's CHEAP!! At the local Home Dept I bought all the makings for $10 - $15 dollars. You are also not limited to the size I chose, that's just the size I wanted to make. 6 - The chart stays newer longer, except for the folds, which I do anyway, the chart does not get marked up, soft, torn etc. from constant handling. And the final benefit that I didn't realize up front is that I use it as a lap desk when I make my log entries and am writing on the boat, or doing fine work. I can do this wherever I'm comforable, I'm not limited to the nav station or the table. It's nice to sit on deck in the late afternoon/early morning and be able to work. ANd, I almost forgot - the kids use it for playing cards and writing too. Hope this is helpful - I can grab a photo sometime if folks are interested. Geof s/v Day-O
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Thomas Wanderer
copy sections
I would go to a copy center and copy it in sections. That way you could laminate them and they would be easier to use.
I would go to a copy center and copy it in sections. That way you could laminate them and they would be easier to use.
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