PC Plotter Software Is Only Good For:

[OGITD]

Open, unrestricted, moderate to calm waters during daylight, and/or sailing with Crew.
(Or shore-side training and passage planning.)

But! …. If you are sailing as a ‘Billy-no-mates’, in the dark (not dusk), in restricted waters, in rough weather, taking spray in the cockpit, wearing spec’s, you definitely need a dedicated, waterproof, marine chartplotter located in plain sight under your sprayhood.

 

[Croak]

Open, unrestricted, moderate to calm waters during daylight, and/or sailing with Crew.
(Or shore-side training and passage planning.)

But! …. If you are sailing as a ‘Billy-no-mates’, in the dark (not dusk), in restricted waters, in rough weather, taking spray in the cockpit, wearing spec’s, you definitely need a dedicated, waterproof, marine chartplotter located in plain sight under your sprayhood.

Unless you have a wheelhouse or similar.

 

[rib]

u must be getting on a bit eh

 

[Croak]

Older and wiser.

 

[OGITD]

Yep!

Unless you have a wheelhouse or similar.

I’ll have to concede that one!

 

[prv]

Or, presumably, a waterproof display in the cockpit with either touchscreen facilities or a separate waterproof mouse and keyboard (there are various combined industrial units that would be suitable). After all, a dedicated plotter is merely a computer in a waterproof box.

Personally, though, I'm with you and will stick with a plotter (when I use either) unless and until the capabilities of PC stuff gets way out ahead.

Pete

 

[bromleybysea]

It depends....

I agree that there is no adequate substitute to a dedicated plotter in the cockpit in some circumstances, but if, like me you don't have the space (or funds) for a large screen, may already have a collection of expensive electronic charts, then a PC-based plotter at the chart table is also a very nice thing to have. My Lowrance only has a 5" screen, fine for cockpit use but useless for planning. My PC Plotter software running on an old Thinkpad below is great for planning, gives a much bettter view of the chart and displays AIS, tidal currents and heights etc. Intelligent use of the power settings reduces power consumption to an acceptable level. I'm glad I have both. I also have paper charts!

 

[RobbieW]

I've no doubt that at night, in restricted waters and rough weather you have some written pilotage to get you through. Just as we used to before the advent of GPS, electronics etc etc

That pilotage can come from whatever source you use for navigation. Agreed a plotter in the cockpit makes things much easier, I also think it makes us slack.

 

[PeteCooper]

But! …. If you are sailing as a ‘Billy-no-mates’, in the dark (not dusk), in restricted waters, in rough weather, taking spray in the cockpit, wearing spec’s, you DEFINITELY NEED a dedicated, waterproof, marine chartplotter located in plain sight under your sprayhood.

So how did we manage before the advent of the modern chartplotter?

 

[[70521]]

Open, unrestricted, moderate to calm waters during daylight, and/or sailing with Crew.
(Or shore-side training and passage planning.)

But! …. If you are sailing as a ‘Billy-no-mates’, in the dark (not dusk), in restricted waters, in rough weather, taking spray in the cockpit, wearing spec’s, you definitely need a dedicated, waterproof, marine chartplotter located in plain sight under your sprayhood.

I am glad that others are coming round to my point of view

 

[temptress]

Open, unrestricted, moderate to calm waters during daylight, and/or sailing with Crew.
(Or shore-side training and passage planning.)

But! …. If you are sailing as a ‘Billy-no-mates’, in the dark (not dusk), in restricted waters, in rough weather, taking spray in the cockpit, wearing spec’s, you definitely need a dedicated, waterproof, marine chartplotter located in plain sight under your sprayhood.

Rubbish! What a load of ****.

When I started sailing offshore I was taught to NEVER bring the chart on deck. It could get wet or lost over board or something and then what? It's a rule i still follow today although I use a PC at the chart table and make notes using 'paper with writing on technology' for use on deck.

 

[OGITD]

I’ve Not Been Called ‘Slack’ In A Lo – ng Time

I've no doubt that at night, in restricted waters and rough weather you have some written pilotage to get you through. Just as we used to before the advent of GPS, electronics etc etc
That pilotage can come from whatever source you use for navigation. Agreed a plotter in the cockpit makes things much easier, I also think it makes us slack.

But thanks anyway....as you are right!

So how did we manage before the advent of the modern chartplotter?

It's what Robbie said!

Rubbish! What a load of ****.

When I started sailing offshore I was taught to NEVER bring the chart on deck. It could get wet or lost over board or something and then what? It's a rule i still follow today although I use a PC at the chart table and make notes using 'paper with writing on technology' for use on deck.

Well! ..... mine are laminated!
But! .... I’ve had a moment (recently-ish) where I couldn’t have (very easily) gone below, leave the helm, or see anything (new boxers please!), taking spray in the cockpit, pitching quite violently, outside the channel, close-ish to rocks & pot-buoys, with no plan ‘B’ as I didn’t think I needed one......then all of a sudden ... I did!
Man! …. I would of given anything to of had visibility/use of a waterproof/marine chartplotter at that moment in time.