Solent Charts

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bedouin

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For years I have relied on the Admiralty Solent Folio - getting a new set every few years. Now they have ceased publication what charts do we need to replace it?

A long time ago I had the Stanford equivalent but I think that has not been available for some time - has anyone tried the Imray equivalent?

(NB I do have a chart plotter but don't find it useful for studying the approaches to a marina etc).
 
Have a look at NV Charts they are a German company and the charts are in an 'atlas' format, i.e. a book, I really like them. They also have a digital download included in the price.
 
Sandy said:
Have a look at NV Charts they are a German company and the charts are in an 'atlas' format, i.e. a book, I really like them. They also have a digital download included in the price.
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+1 for NV charts! I was very impressed with mine as they offer a lot of different scales in one "book" and are very well laid out. They also have things like VHF channels and other useful, relevant information on the chart itself, rather than just a note to refer to another publication.
The free app version that you also get with the charts is indeed very good and can do things like overlaying the tidal streams.
It's a shame they don't do one for the Bristol Channel though

I've also found the Cruising Association almanac very good for its chartlets though, they are more detailed than those in Reeds and a year old edition is cheap as anything if you don't mind it being a little out of date...
 
I’ve got the Imray folio, also to compliment my plotter. I find them perfectly satisfactory. We mostly use them for talking about the next day’s trip, rather than actual nav. The chartplotter is 100% for that, though I’d never cast off without paper charts.
 
watching this post closely I would say Imray C15 the Solent, the one I have has done me for the last 25 years.
Maybe it’s time I renewed.
 
lustyd said:
Just buy a copy of the Admiralty folio. Until they actually cease production this is the best course. The announcement simply said they are preparing to plan to stop selling them, nothing about having stopped. Vote with your wallet. Force4 have them in stock and I'm sure can order more given new editions were released in October 2021

Admiralty Folio - SC5600 - Solent & Approaches | Force 4 Chandlery
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Unfortunately your link shows low stock in one store and out of stock everywhere else.

Had I been on the ball I would have bought a new set while they were still available
 
bedouin said:
Unfortunately your link shows low stock in one store and out of stock everywhere else.

Had I been on the ball I would have bought a new set while they were still available
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Can't tell if you're joking. They are still available, as demonstrated by the stock I linked to. The Admiralty have not announced that they have ceased production. Stock is low on many items right now, a perception that it might not be replenished only serves to make that worse. As I said, they released new editions of many of the folios in October to ensure there were up to date versions for this season.

If you want one then buy one!
 
lustyd said:
Can't tell if you're joking. They are still available, as demonstrated by the stock I linked to. The Admiralty have not announced that they have ceased production. Stock is low on many items right now, a perception that it might not be replenished only serves to make that worse. As I said, they released new editions of many of the folios in October to ensure there were up to date versions for this season.

If you want one then buy one!
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No not joking - when I follow your link it comes up as unavailable to order but "available in selected stores".

Selected stores says low stock in Poole and none anywhere else - and I have no plans to anywhere near Poole

I have also searched a bit on line and can't find it in stock anywhere.

I have a feeling I will go for the NV charts - not a brand I was familiar with - and I have never really liked the colouring on the Imray charts that seem the alternative.
 
bedouin said:
No not joking - when I follow your link it comes up as unavailable to order but "available in selected stores".

Selected stores says low stock in Poole and none anywhere else - and I have no plans to anywhere near Poole

I have also searched a bit on line and can't find it in stock anywhere.

I have a feeling I will go for the NV charts - not a brand I was familiar with - and I have never really liked the colouring on the Imray charts that seem the alternative.
Click to expand...

I have NV charts on my PC plotter - and if they are anything to go by - they use Admiralty + their own Hydro info to produce good charts.
 
bedouin said:
No not joking - when I follow your link it comes up as unavailable to order but "available in selected stores".

Selected stores says low stock in Poole and none anywhere else - and I have no plans to anywhere near Poole

I have also searched a bit on line and can't find it in stock anywhere.
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Lol it's in stock in Poole Force 4, phone them!
 
And add Lymington Bank buoy and the breakwaters n Lymington, I am sure there are more.

Now you mention it, maybe I should keep to the old one, makes me feel I am going somewhere new ?

Although after the last few years I could probably accurately remove the Cowes chain ferry
 
onesea said:
And add Lymington Bank buoy and the breakwaters n Lymington, I am sure there are more.

Now you mention it, maybe I should keep to the old one, makes me feel I am going somewhere new ?

Although after the last few years I could probably accurately remove the Cowes chain ferry
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There are big electric signs around E and W Cowes to tell you when the chain ferry is working. Currently it says ‘working normally’ which is not helpful. We are no longer sure what is normal.
 
As Imray draw to a close, I wasn't sure if I should refresh my Solent pack before they are gone forever. My well thumbed set is dated 2022, the latest 2024 with a 30% RYA discount bringing them down to £42 plus P&P.

Will Imray bring out another release before stopping as the current 2024 set has a Feb 2025 correction notice so I guess the cycle would be 2026, after their stop date?

I use the paper charts regularly when planning a day out.
 
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