How old is too old for a Pilot Book?

[dunedin]

I prefer the CA; firstly, I get monthly updates, secondly, the dimensions are, to me, better, and, thirdly, the tide data are on a separate book, which means I can calculate tidal curves without having to go between pages that don't want to stay open.

The CA Almanac is nice enough but it is an Almanac, NOT a replacement for a proper Pilot Book. A proper pilot book covers the area in massively more detail, whereas the Almanac covers a huge area at high level only (generally major ports and harbours only).

 

[Lucky Duck]

As does Reeds.

Which suggests they're nowhere near where people in boats are going, surely?

Yours may be different, but I've submitted errors to many publications over the years (Reeds, Imray, etc.) and all have been totally ignored, with the errors reprinted in edition after edition. In Reeds case, they've had the wrong phone number for Lulworth Ranges for at least a decade and have been told many times (twice by me!)

I have been tempted to start an unofficial reeds updates thread here but never got round to so far. For a start anyone expecting to see the Sea Lift in Cowes is going to be rather disappointed.

The updates so far this year seemed incredible sparse given they have around six months to catch up on which made wonder just how much effort goes into it these days.

 

[lustyd]

I’m not even sure they proactively update it, I think updates come from elsewhere. I wouldn’t be surprised if the regular updates are also the same year to year

 

[oldgit]

"But Key Question: How old is too old for a Pilot Book?
I'm planning on mostly sticking near the Medway, but sailing a little father away on a long weekend once or twice a year."


East Coast Rivers . 1957. 9/6d.

 

[mattonthesea]

The CA Almanac is nice enough but it is an Almanac, NOT a replacement for a proper Pilot Book. A proper pilot book covers the area in massively more detail, whereas the Almanac covers a huge area at high level only (generally major ports and harbours only).

Yes I agree. In my typical 'forgetting that others don't know what I'm thinking ' I forgot to give context!

We tend to use up-to-date charts (e or paper), the almanac, and CAptains Mate (or YBW forum). Over the years I have found that Pilot books tend to be either out of date, ridiculously overcautious, or so vague I wonder if the author has actually been there. (CCC one of the exceptions plus Scilly - fabulous).

The Shell pilot some years back still had a picture including a building that had been demolished before the previous edition.
I would have died sailing around the Western Isles according to Martin Lawrence's predictions!
The Atlantic Islands appeared to consist of statements like "someone said that" or other vague comments.

That's not to say that I don't read them though; "take all advice and then make your own decision " is maybe a misquote from The Archers circa 1972

Back to the OP: I don't think it's the age that matters so much as your needs, and the quality of the pilot.