Charts

[Gumpy]

As part of our holiday this year we are off from the Thames to the Medway for a week or so then possibly across the estury to the Blackwater. We have maptech marine charts on the laptop but we should carry paper charts as well, what charts do the panel recomend.

Julian

 

[byron]

Paper charts (my opinion) should always be carried. Which ones you use is largely a matter of choice. Most people seem quite happy with Imray.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Imray C1/C2. Watch out for the wind farm and its Medway VTS now

 

[pheran]

[ QUOTE ]
Paper charts (my opinion) should always be carried

[/ QUOTE ] I couldn't agree more. Indeed, I would feel most uncomfortable without the relevant paper charts on board. For years I have used the Yeoman-type plotter which to me seems an admirable compromise, and coupled to a GPS, a sensible combination of the traditional with the convenience of modern technology. Can't understand why everyone doesn't have one.

 

[Gumpy]

I was torn between Imray and Admiralty SC5606 which is what is on the laptop.
Its a reserve for the reserve system ie I have two laptops and two GPS of course none of which will work in the event of a power faiure.


Julian

 

[ianc1200]

Julian

I used the Admiralty Portfolio for the Thames Estuary, covers from Aldeburgh to the North Foreland, about ten charts in a plastic wallet. I also did use the book "East Coast Rivers", but like many feel the "East Coast Pilot, Lowestoft to Ramsgate" a better guide. (These books are useful for finding facilities, telephone numbers of marinas and mooring wardens etc). Be aware the pontoon at Queenborough is unusable for forseeable future.
IanC

 

[Gumpy]

I have the East Coast Pilot that seems good for entrances and facilities.
Mainly looking for backup as and when the laptops fail......Which considering my job they better not /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[trev]

I recommend the Admiralty small craft portfolios. They come in a handy wallet and are of a scale which makes them easier to read than some.

 

[Dave_Seager]

I too would recommend the Admiralty portfolios. However, you will need two of them if your cruise includes the Blackwater.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

I like the Admiralty portfolios but find the need for two to cover the Estuary a bit mean.

 

[ianc1200]

Must of changed then, since my small craft portfolio covered Medway/North Foreland and all Essex/Suffolk rivers.

Should have said although I have this lot, and a back up GPS, in reality all navigation has been done using a C70 Raymarine chartplotter, and the only real charts on paper used in anger is the downloads of the latest Deben and Ore entrances!

IanC

 

[KCS]

[ QUOTE ]
Paper charts (my opinion) should always be carried.

[/ QUOTE ]

Indeed they should Electronic Charts are only classed as navigational aids and shouldn't be counted on 100%. A good seaman will have back up coverage of paper charts.

What charts to use? That depends on the user really. I personally prefer Admiralty charts over Imray. The reason being there is far better detailed charts from the Admiralty than Imray. Imray don't put all the information you find on the Admiralty charts.

Imray's packs are no way near as good as the Admiralty. The only good thing I find with Imray is the fact they can reduce the amount of paper charts by covering a much bigger area and having port plans on them.

The Admiralty packs are good value for money considering what you actually get in most of them. The amount of chartlets vary from 13 - 20 odd. If you were to buy the same area in single charts in the same detail you spend far more than that even at £15 a pop.

 

[Gumpy]

Admiralty Charts it is then.
The advantage is that they are the same as the Electronic ones.
However as a new edition is due out in about a week I am going to wait until then before ordering them.

J