Charts in the cockpit

[requiem]

The OP asked however about charts in the cockpit and even Folio size charts in a plastic sleeve are too big for this in any breeze. In most small boats without a wheelhouse charts really need to stay below.

What I have seen used to some effect is a large clipboard (think 18"x24", 23"x26", etc). Large binder clips can also help tame any residual flapping.

 

[Poignard]

I was taught not have paper charts in the cockpit but the A3 sized laminated Navicarte chart I referred to earlier tucks under a cockpit cushion when I'm not looking at it. A clipboard with a plastic cover would be handy.

 

[johnalison]

I was taught not have paper charts in the cockpit but the A3 sized laminated Navicarte chart I referred to earlier tucks under a cockpit cushion when I'm not looking at it. A clipboard with a plastic cover would be handy.

As usual, generalisations don't work in all cases. In decent weather the area under our HR sprayhood is perfectly fine for keeping a folio chart handy. Some HRs and many other boats have even better places, with suitable flat areas to lay charts on. This doesn't mean that improvised boards with clips may not even be better in some cases. It's a case of whatever suits your style.