Chart Tables

P

ponapay

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 May 2001
Messages
394
Location
Scotland
Visit site
Why is it that most yacht reviewers slate boats with chart tables facing any way other than forward?

Are not all sailors spatially aware? Even SWMBO on my boat is happy with an aft facing chart table, she has no problem with advising the helm which way to look for a mark. And THMBO are normally regarded as not spatially aware (hence poor reverse parking!)

I am all for designers making life as comfortable and practicable below as possible and there is one big advantage of rear facing chart tables - you can often see the helmsman and not have to shout to get the message over.

Give the designers the best chance.



<hr width=100% size=1>
 
We face the starboard side, you stand against cockpit steps, can talk to helm, and look out of window.

Brian

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Ditto except I can sit on the main saloon step and sideways, you have a 50% chance of the table being set up that a draughtsman's board - very comfortable. Had to make sure though that there was a fiddle outboard as well as a port tack would send small pencils into the bilge (wooden you see - frames, gaps etc)

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
That's my next plan, to rebuild the step area to allow a seat for chart table, and a secure support for the galley. were plastic, still have magnetic bilges, since we bought the boat we have found over a dozen coins from the States, West Indies and Gib.

Brian

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
That's impressive journeying for your bilge, the most I've ever got in mine is a jellyfish that that 12 mm spanner that slid down under the engine when a rib went through the moorings at 15 kn.

The step/seat is quite handy - its an enlarged step, 12" x 12" approx, effectively a box sitting on the cabin sole, hooked to removal part of the bulkhead that gives access to the engine; lid removes to reveal a stainless steel lined storage area which is where we normally store wine, bread etc. Good bit of design for an oldy.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Spatial awareness is one thing directional ability and ergonomics are another.
Why do some people turn road-maps upside down when heading south?

I can understand my chart whichever way around - but I prefer to be sitting facing the direction of travel. It's just more obvious. My charts are to starboard as is my internal GPS screen. Not ideal but dictated by space. I actually keep my curent charts in a sheet polycarbonate holder which I often use instead on the main hatch underneath the hard sprayhood.

This is my favourite place - I have all the information I need and can see where I am going and won't get sick!

I don't want to stir up the 'charts in the cockpit' debate, but it works for me.

<hr width=100% size=1>I've got wind......................
...............................in my sails!
 
Also facing starboard, but quite a way from the companion - there is an oilskin locker and a quarter berth between the chart table and the companion; You brace yourself against a stainless steel (very non-trad) pole that supports one end of the saloon table. Secondary "deck" chart table on slide under companion hatch - handy.

Found the parallel rulers under the engine, after a good blow, some years back; now have outboard fiddle also...

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?
 
I think you will find that the army teaches its recruits to orientate their map in the direction they are facing as it is easier to recognise landmarks. The Navy always looked at them North-up even when looking at a map rather than a chart. BTW most chart tables on RN ships used to face aft /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
I don't 'slate' outboard or sternward facing chart tables but the fact is that most people, given a choice, prefer a chart table facing forward. Personally I rather like chart tables like the one in the standard Vancouver 32 which is very large and outboard facing and designed to be used standing up. The big problem I have is that I can seldom get my knees comfortably under conventional desks.

My current boat, a Scanmar 33, has an aft facing table and I have no particular problem with orientation when using it. An advantage is that the bulkhead of the heads provides an excellent mounting board for instruments. The disadvantage - and a general one with aft facing tables - is that you have to sit on the foot of the saloon settee which is also the best seaberth in the boat. This can lead to some sharp exchanges during a hard night sail.

<hr width=100% size=1>JJ
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top