Chartplotters - is it just me...

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Easy! Just put the autopilot on 'Track', then sit back and admire the view!

(That ought to get some remarks!)

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The good ship Stargazer does not have a plotter, and is unlikely to for some time, because:

a) I want to be comfortable with chart'n'pencil stuff before adding more gizmos

b) We don't have the loadsamoney necesary to go down the plotter route at present.

I'm sure they will feature at some point, if only because simple fixed GPS sets seem to be becoming obsolete....
 
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[quote
Easy! Just put the autopilot on 'Track', then sit back and admire the view!

(That ought to get some remarks!)

[/ QUOTE ]

The good ship Stargazer does not have a plotter, and is unlikely to for some time, because:

a) I want to be comfortable with chart'n'pencil stuff before adding more gizmos

b) We don't have the loadsamoney necesary to go down the plotter route at present.

I'm sure they will feature at some point, if only because simple fixed GPS sets seem to be becoming obsolete....

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Considering that budget plotters are offering far more than sophisticated stuff only a few years ago ... and price is ever better as well ....fixed GPS data stuff is really "what's point anymore ?" The plotter can do data only or charts stuff ... so covering both disciplines ... and again price is low enough now to interest many even on a budget ... Me - mudt be the tightest boat owner out - I trumped up the cost of a lowrance and very very pleased I am as well ... Consider that it didn't cost that much more than the age old Magellan and Garmin models I bought back in first days of GPS ....
 
personally I am comfortable with the pencil/chart/compass bit but am able to relax in areas others rarely frequent with a plotter (er well actually have 4 onboard but they are all relatively smal screens honest.........)

some people are never going to trust a chart plotter - I wouldn't try and convince them otherwise

some aren't able to relate to the information being presented very well - my fishing partner was a mariner most of his life but quit with decca and can't stand the plotter preferring a small photcopied scrap of chart and a view out the window.

if the challenge of navigation is a significant part of your boating then having a HH gps for when it really matters (but that you never actually need to use...) is going to suit you fine and a helm based plotter will be an abomination. All fine by me - everyone to their own enjoyment.
 
In fairness, when our friends had to make an approach to an unfamiliar Baltic harbour in a sudden fog, the chartplotter (and radar) more than earned it's keep. I guess in those circumstances I'd have been delighted to have one, computer-game feeling or not...
 
well said sir

equally I really enjoy messing around with paper, pencil and tidal charts when setting out for the CIs and surrounds - it's a great exercise and fun - but am equally happy to use the screens when onboard and underway!
 
I have PC planning software, chartplotter, 2 GPS recievers, radar, mark 1 eyeball, and a full set of charts. I still update my position on a paper chart every hour and find it very useful to do so. Sometimes after having an ideal time of departure, tidal calcs, ETA and all that stuff at the press of a button I still check it manually just to keep my hand in and make sure. I still think any electronic aid is good but they are all just that. AIDS to navigation. You should still keep a plot of position and be able to continue by DR if all the electric-ery fails. Lest we forget.....
 
Yes, that is so true, I like to be able to look at the plotter at the wheel to aid pilotage, saves the trips backward and forward to the chart table. But its nice to know that I have the chart on the table with all the plots on and the 'big picture' of what has been happening during the passage, to review later when all the electronics are switched off.

I also agree with Guapa, using a Yeoman makes life so easy, its such a good mix of both worlds.
 
Tcht!!!! How could you ever suggest such a thing?
No names, but I got on a blokes boat last year and said.... Have you got a pencil? No I don't think I have one......... I didn't say any more /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Yeah!

SWMBO is told in no uncertain terms that there are "her" pencils for writing up the log, jotting down forecasts, etc., and "my" pencils for chartwork.

Pernickity....moi?
 
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I still think any electronic aid is good but they are all just that. AIDS to navigation.

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Pah!! Can't believe you use paper charts, surely these are just "AIDS to navigation"? Me I use the sun, the moon, the tide and the wind to plot my course. Using just a piece of chalk and a piece of parchment (home made of course). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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Yes, that is so true, I like to be able to look at the plotter at the wheel to aid pilotage, saves the trips backward and forward to the chart table. But its nice to know that I have the chart on the table with all the plots on and the 'big picture' of what has been happening during the passage, to review later when all the electronics are switched off.

I also agree with Guapa, using a Yeoman makes life so easy, its such a good mix of both worlds.

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/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif So take me through a typical trip .... Emsworth to Folly Inn ? Plotted position on charts ? Duly entered details "Log-reading, lat-long, passing buoys, lines gone F&A, First line ashore......" etc. etc. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now I agree that serious passage making ... cross-channel etc. ... going out of sight of "known" land etc. doing the job "properly" is best policy ... but honest - do you really do plotting of position etc. when cruising solent or near usual waters ?

Me I keep a narrative Page a Day Diary ... suits inshore stuff much better ... as to charts ... I have them - but being again a Close-inshore boater basically staying in known waters usually ... they stay in their chart tube with all the rest of the gear ... Capt. Davis Rules, dividers, pencils etc.

Forgive me saying this ... but aren't some replies really staying inline with whats expected to do ... not actually what really happens ....(I don't mean you Galadriel - we know each other ..... your post just prompted me to question others ....)

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
Let's see. Leave Emsworth heading roughly south, missing channel markers, terra firma, 49ers, HISC clubhouse, to West Pole, turn right to head roughly west, missing forts, wightlink, mother, mother bank etc, until Cowes approximately due south, turn left missing RYS launch, Red Tunnel steamers, jetfoils, chain link ferries until assailed by the smell of stale beer form the left bank. Park on pontoon, mine's a Red Bull and Chartreuse.

Sound about right?
 
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Let's see. Leave Emsworth heading roughly south, missing channel markers, terra firma, 49ers, HISC clubhouse, to West Pole, turn right to head roughly west, missing forts, wightlink, mother, mother bank etc, until Cowes approximately due south, turn left missing RYS launch, Red Tunnel steamers, jetfoils, chain link ferries until assailed by the smell of stale beer form the left bank. Park on pontoon, mine's a Red Bull and Chartreuse.

Sound about right?

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What are you doing at Emsworth .... you're a Soton Water boater ... you just head due souf !! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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So take me through a typical trip .... Emsworth to Folly Inn ? Plotted position on charts ? Duly entered details "Log-reading, lat-long, passing buoys, lines gone F&A, First line ashore......" etc. etc.


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Nigel, /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif ( /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Bu99er off, you know what I mean, having a sail around in the Solent IS different to crossing the channel. Going Emsworth to Folly or Yarmouth etc, I might just pop a couple of plots onto the chart when I go below to put the kettle on fer 'inst but I also doubt I look at the plotter, only perhaps to confirm SOG.

Having said this, to do the job properly in a seaman like fashion, there is no reason why you shouldn't plot and record the trip properly. After all Emsworth to Yarmouth is nearly the same distance as halfway between the Chi Bar Beacon and Cherbourg.
 
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Let's see. Leave Emsworth heading roughly south, missing channel markers, terra firma, 49ers, HISC clubhouse, to West Pole, turn right to head roughly west, missing forts, wightlink, mother, mother bank etc, until Cowes approximately due south, turn left missing RYS launch, Red Tunnel steamers, jetfoils, chain link ferries until assailed by the smell of stale beer form the left bank. Park on pontoon, mine's a Red Bull and Chartreuse.


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Its obvious from this you rarely make the trip, I mean no mention of avoiding Sun Sail fleets anywhere!
 
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