BrianH
Well-Known Member
This was Aquileia in Italy where I didn't work the tide time out correctly - see the tidal range on the wall. Had to wait a full day for the next high tide - the intermediate diurnal was not high enough to float off.
Idiots guide to GPS plotting
- Thread starter steveghoward
- Start date
This was Aquileia in Italy where I didn't work the tide time out correctly - see the tidal range on the wall. Had to wait a full day for the next high tide - the intermediate diurnal was not high enough to float off.
BrianH
Well-Known Member
This is just not true for the northern Adriatic - which is classed as within the Mediterranean Sea. The tidal timetables are generally accurate and predictable (although strong northerly or southerly gales can modify the height) and if you ignore them you can end up as I did above. Yes, they are not much, about a metre or so, but they can spoil your plans if you get it wrong. Or, as I know of an example, wreck your ship if you go aground on a falling tide and an onshore gale arrives before you can lift off.
Want proof? Perfectly accurate tidal timetable for Trieste here: http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/locations/6563.html
tudorsailor
Well-Known Member
No tides??? Try going through the Messina Straights against the tide. It reaches 4kn in places and creates impressive swirling water and whirlpools
Next time I will get this https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/messina-strait-current-2012/id445332230?mt=8
TudorSailor
Next time I will get this https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/messina-strait-current-2012/id445332230?mt=8
TudorSailor
Twister_Ken
Well-Known Member
Fascinating, but as I understand it, the OP is planning to bimble around in the SoF for the summer.
tudorsailor
Well-Known Member
True. Sorry for thread drift (or is it the tide here in North London).
TudorSailor
TudorSailor
BrianH
Well-Known Member
Point taken, but when you write such a generality as: "It's the Med. No tides, not much likelihood of rotten visibility" you have to accept that we internet pedants will be unable to suppress our knee-jerk reactions.
Reptile Smile
Well-Known Member
If you have an Android or iPhone, I wouldn't hesitate to navigate anywhere with Navionics, and paper chart back up. On an Android tablet or iPad is even better.
My preference for this over a netbook is really only because I generally single-hand, and it's nice to have it in the cockpit with me. It's harder to waterproof a netbook, but I can chuck anything else into a cheap and cheerful 'plastic bag' waterproofer.
But either Navionics or OpenCPN is fine. I suppose I find the tidal stuff easier on Navionics but both are great.
NB: my preference for these rather than SeaClear, iNavX, etc, is only because I've never used anything else to compare. I haven't needed to, but they may be equally good or better...
My preference for this over a netbook is really only because I generally single-hand, and it's nice to have it in the cockpit with me. It's harder to waterproof a netbook, but I can chuck anything else into a cheap and cheerful 'plastic bag' waterproofer.
But either Navionics or OpenCPN is fine. I suppose I find the tidal stuff easier on Navionics but both are great.
NB: my preference for these rather than SeaClear, iNavX, etc, is only because I've never used anything else to compare. I haven't needed to, but they may be equally good or better...
steveghoward
Active Member
Thanks to everyone for their contribution.
So, according to most, there appears to be something called a "chart" which is a paper based map thing on which you can work out routes and obtain bearings? Wow, what a great idea, is it new? I don't reckon it will ever replace the old fashioned electronic method of plotting though. . . . . . . . . .
Seriously, looks like the simplistic chart and hand held GPS route is the way to go, although I will explore the OpenCPN/GPS dongle option as well.
Again, many thanks, always impressed by the helpful responses and generous spirit of posters.
Steve "the Bimbler" Howard
So, according to most, there appears to be something called a "chart" which is a paper based map thing on which you can work out routes and obtain bearings? Wow, what a great idea, is it new? I don't reckon it will ever replace the old fashioned electronic method of plotting though. . . . . . . . . .
Seriously, looks like the simplistic chart and hand held GPS route is the way to go, although I will explore the OpenCPN/GPS dongle option as well.
Again, many thanks, always impressed by the helpful responses and generous spirit of posters.
Steve "the Bimbler" Howard
westernman
Well-Known Member
Just buy the set of paper charts for the area - Navicarte ChartKit (about 100 euros in Chandlers but I think you can get online for a lot less), and it comes with a CD which includes software which gives you for free a basic chart plotter. Start with that - you will need the paper charts anyway. And you might find that the chartplotter software does everything you want.
That is what I have down here. Although I have never used the chart plotter software on the boat. Just tried it out at home.
Reptile Smile
Well-Known Member
It's absolute lunacy to suggest that paper charts are in some way simpler. I get the same kind of pride from doing it the old-skool way as everyone else, and it's an important skill to have, but to suggest it's easier is crackers. The danger with GPS is that, if anything, it's *too* easy! and has plenty of traps for the unwary, but I guarantee it's faster for me to look at a phone screen and more accurate than for anyone to plot an EP on a paper chart.
It's also, if you have a smartphone already, substantially cheaper than buying paper charts - even three paper charts cost more than navionics.
I'm not arguing for gps at all costs by any means, and if folks have a preference, that's cool n all, but to claim it's simpler, faster or cheaper is well off the mark.
It's also, if you have a smartphone already, substantially cheaper than buying paper charts - even three paper charts cost more than navionics.
I'm not arguing for gps at all costs by any means, and if folks have a preference, that's cool n all, but to claim it's simpler, faster or cheaper is well off the mark.
theguerns
Well-Known Member
I MADE THIS VIDEO TO HELP MY CLIENTS UNDERSTAND THE EASIEST WAY TO PLOT A POSSITION ON A PAPER CHART USING A HAND HELD GPS I HOPE IT HELPS YOU. CHEERS PETE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exfitlyTr2Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exfitlyTr2Q
Daydream believer
Well-Known Member
Buck Turgidson
Well-Known Member
spotty chart after a few days sailing! Might want to use a pencil next time;-)
tudorsailor
Well-Known Member
If you have a GPS why not take the co-ordinates of where you are and plot them on the chart??????
TS
TS
theguerns
Well-Known Member
by the sound of things you have not sailed in the med much. I spent 2 years there and the weather is one of the most dificult things to get right. we had gales in seconds and fog so thick you couldn't see the bow 9 mts away. we did however find that weatheronline.co.uk was the best site to get the most accurate weather reports from.
