What to do With Chart Storage?

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Ships_Cat

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Now that paper charts have gone the way of the Dodo and not needed anymore, except for use by a few traditionalists, I am wondering what to do with the freed up chart storage area in our chart table.

Is an awkward shape, larger than a folded chart but shallow, around 140mm deep. Wifie wants it for storing linen in but I don't want to lose it which I will if I don't think of some own use soon.

Any ideas?

Thanks in anticipation

John
 
On my last boat the area under the lid was partitioned off to give loads of pigeon holes. All sorts of stuff from pencils, mobile phone charging leads, handbearing compass, loose change, pliers etc etc found a home there.

Charts lived in an artist's portfolio under the quarter berth.
 
Actually, I can get 63 packets of HobNobs in mt Biscuit Storage table, together with the impending Grandchilds crayon and colouring set.
 
Hang on, am I the only one worried about this post? Are you really suggesting that we put to sea without charts now?
I know this argument has run a few times on this forum and, as far as I recal the usual result is that paper charts should be carried as a back up at least. My own view is that they should be carried and USED.
Maybe this is just one of them 'troll' things and I've fallen for it? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
No not a troll (but happy with reponses that think it is (for a bit of lightness /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif).

I cannot remember the time I last used a paper chart on my own boat, probably 5 or more years ago. They are only taking up useful (well hopefully useful, as is reason for the thread) space.

They can go and live somewhere right out of the way in some obscure place where nothing else will fit.

John
 
Troll stowage came to mind but was denied!

We have a full Admiralty sized chart table with the usual stowage under and actually very few charts in it as mostly we carry folded Imray ones that conveniently stow in a little bookshelf, designed for pilot books but too small for most of the ones we carry. Under the chart table are a few flat charts that only see the light of day when I tidy (including a Decca Lane chart of Seine Bay /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif) but most of the space is taken by log books, a Casio mini computer with Astro and other programs, a visitors book, lots of harbour info sheets (touristy and nav) and a whole lot of bits and pieces from hand bearing compass to glasses repair kit, via chargers for handheld VHF and a box of ready use nav light and other bulbs. Oh and dozens of pencils, pencil sharpener, rubbers and a collection of pens in all colours. In short it is all a bit of a mess but I wouldn't know where else to put all these 'essentials' otherwise.

Not sure about using it for linen stowage though as what would I use then to pad the TV going along?

Robin
 
Sounds like I'm the only one that still marks the position, taken from the plotter, once an hour on the paper chart, just in case.
 
In a jumble or all tidy and ordered? - if the latter would be interested in how (I use plastic cutlery trays and desk tidy trays in desk drawers at home) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

John
 
Depends on size of boat and your age, judging by the above!

OK, so I'm the dinosaur type, and had withdrawal symptoms lacking a chart table; just had to have a lickle one made from mahogany. It's use? Stowing away all those bits 'n bobs, as already confessed.

I then conceded that folding Leisure charts might be more practical and they stow on a triangular bookshelf, also made to measure but redundant as they don't print triangular books.

Chart folios, stout canvas and with waterproof inners, remain sadly unused under the bed at home, covered in dust and nostalgia but NOT for sale.
 
[ QUOTE ]
In a jumble or all tidy and ordered?

[/ QUOTE ]

Jeanneau thoughtfully provided a small partioned area on one side which keeps most of the small stuff together, otherwise I have a couple of plastic lidded containers which fit nicely under the other side where the lid doesn't open. In between the other things sit in place really by virtue of being so much that they don't move! I forgot to say that under the few flat charts are various flat pieces of gasket materials, cork, brown paper - haven't been needed for over 20 years but might be useful one day!

Robin
 
[ QUOTE ]
I cannot remember the time I last used a paper chart on my own boat, probably 5 or more years ago

[/ QUOTE ]

John, your right, as long as you have the charts on the boat you will never need them.

Murphy and sod will both conspire together to create a situation demanding their use the day they are removed!
 
.... and by the way, I can take the charts off you for a small fee (you can pay for P&P!) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Or a spare GPS when the sun is obscured by clouds, making the sextant useless?

I thought that sun spot activity leads to short interruptions to service when the flare occurred rather than a blanket stoppage.
 
I use a yeoman plotter and enjoy work at the chart table. I find getting the hang of the scale on chart plotters is not easy and they are certainly not as satisfying to use.
Ken
 
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