G
Guest
Guest
HAS ANYONE HAD ANY EXPERIEANCE WITH A YEOMAN PLOTTER AS I INTEND TO BUY ONE.
david_bagshaw
Well-known member
ccscott49
Active member
I have one, all plumbed in, but never seem to get round to using it much, but good if you cant plot a point with a pencil and paralel rule. I beleive it will up/down load waypoints and all that stuff aswell. Also the sport one can be used in the cockpit, so I'm told. Bit of a half way house between paper and full electronic, I got given mine, I wouldn't buy one, sorry, don't see the point of it.
Mr Cassandra
Well-known member
Hi i have had one for the last 4 years, they are very good, once you have set up the coordinates and selected the map no s. trouble is the amount of time seting then up you could have plotted your position anyway. would not buy another for the new boat Rate them 5/10 spend you money on something else.All the best Bob t
Bob T
Bob T
NickCharman
Member
I just have started to use one for real at the end of last season.
I bought one because it seemed to me daft to buy an electronic plotter which then means you have to have the charts on two databases - the electronic ones (expensive, they are too!) and the paper ones you have anyway probably, and which you can't do without since you need to keep them for backup purposes. The Yeoman is also only a fraction of the price of a decent electronic chartplotter, and about the same price as some of the charting software for a laptop.
It seems to me that the functions of the Yeoman are to all intents and purpose much the same as a chart plotter, but it is much cheaper. The things I really liked were the instant ability to find your own position on the chart and the relative distances and bearings with fantastic ease, of other objects eg buoys and dangers. As it interfaces with my GPS (but not my radar- no fluxgate compass), it wll also put waypoints on the GPS as fast as an electronic plotter, but I haven't really used that bit yet.
The issue of how to mount it is an interesting one, which you will play with for a bit before you decide. One of the mounting options is upside down on the underside of your chart table top, as it will work "through" ythe thickness of most charttables. The key thing is how to fix the chart in relation to the Yeoman, and I was not that impressed with the litle plastic clips that come with the thing. I think that some steel foldback sprinclips (if stainless can be found, so much the better) will be much better.
Is there any wisdom available from others on this element of their installation and use?
As for the marking and indexing of charts, it does not take long, and before you fix it in your boat, take it home with your charts, and index up the major ones you will use one evening - then it's a done job.
One small drawback is that you cannot use the full size of your chart as the mat is a bit small - but this is a reasonable compromise.
I think I will get to think it is a good bit of kit, and certainly I hear them well liked by other sailors who use them.
Certainly I think it it better value and more practical (unless you own a bouncy motor boat) than an electronic chartplotter - but then that is an old debate, much exercised on this forum in the past.
I bought one because it seemed to me daft to buy an electronic plotter which then means you have to have the charts on two databases - the electronic ones (expensive, they are too!) and the paper ones you have anyway probably, and which you can't do without since you need to keep them for backup purposes. The Yeoman is also only a fraction of the price of a decent electronic chartplotter, and about the same price as some of the charting software for a laptop.
It seems to me that the functions of the Yeoman are to all intents and purpose much the same as a chart plotter, but it is much cheaper. The things I really liked were the instant ability to find your own position on the chart and the relative distances and bearings with fantastic ease, of other objects eg buoys and dangers. As it interfaces with my GPS (but not my radar- no fluxgate compass), it wll also put waypoints on the GPS as fast as an electronic plotter, but I haven't really used that bit yet.
The issue of how to mount it is an interesting one, which you will play with for a bit before you decide. One of the mounting options is upside down on the underside of your chart table top, as it will work "through" ythe thickness of most charttables. The key thing is how to fix the chart in relation to the Yeoman, and I was not that impressed with the litle plastic clips that come with the thing. I think that some steel foldback sprinclips (if stainless can be found, so much the better) will be much better.
Is there any wisdom available from others on this element of their installation and use?
As for the marking and indexing of charts, it does not take long, and before you fix it in your boat, take it home with your charts, and index up the major ones you will use one evening - then it's a done job.
One small drawback is that you cannot use the full size of your chart as the mat is a bit small - but this is a reasonable compromise.
I think I will get to think it is a good bit of kit, and certainly I hear them well liked by other sailors who use them.
Certainly I think it it better value and more practical (unless you own a bouncy motor boat) than an electronic chartplotter - but then that is an old debate, much exercised on this forum in the past.
G
Guest
Guest
Coming from the big ship world, I looked closely at the various stand-alone plotters and PC based systems before buying a Yeoman. My choice was based on three main factors. Firstly, compared with professional charting systems, even a 14 inch laptop screen provides only a small chart window. Conversely, I can view rapidly both wide area and fine detail on a paper chart. Secondly, I can use all available fixing and pilotage methods at the same time, this includes rapid plotting of visual fixes and radar ranges. Perhaps most importantly from a safety perspective, I am able to keep my paper charts updated from every weekly Notice to Mariners. Perhaps these views are driven rather heavily by my navigation roots. However, I don't anticipate changing from my Yeoman in the near future as it gives me all the benefits of full integration with GPS, Radar and Autohelm with the fundamental advantages of paper charts.
rwh
New member
IMHO, the Yeoman is a fantastic navigation and plotting tool and at a small expense, when compared to the electronic alternatives. It is easy to learn and simple to use.
It requires a little bit of set-up time, time you should preferably make available before you leave the dock. Once done, you can plot your position etc. any time, day or NIGHT.
About a year ago, I found myself travelling in unfamiliar waters. Arrived late in the anchorage, anchor would not hold. After several attempts, decided to move on since I did not fancy the thought of having to get up every hour to check on my anchor. By the time I left, it was pitch-black dark and I had some 5 NM to go. Plotted my position every few minutes to make sure I was where I wanted to be. Located buoys and channel markers and all with ease, on paper and by double-checking on deck, as best as possible in the darkness. After some initial hesitation and nervousness, I began to trust my Yeoman, interfaced to the GPS, of course, and made it to the new anchorage safe and sound. FWIW, I am a sailor cruising on the other side of the pond. Cheers and Happy New Year! Ronald
It requires a little bit of set-up time, time you should preferably make available before you leave the dock. Once done, you can plot your position etc. any time, day or NIGHT.
About a year ago, I found myself travelling in unfamiliar waters. Arrived late in the anchorage, anchor would not hold. After several attempts, decided to move on since I did not fancy the thought of having to get up every hour to check on my anchor. By the time I left, it was pitch-black dark and I had some 5 NM to go. Plotted my position every few minutes to make sure I was where I wanted to be. Located buoys and channel markers and all with ease, on paper and by double-checking on deck, as best as possible in the darkness. After some initial hesitation and nervousness, I began to trust my Yeoman, interfaced to the GPS, of course, and made it to the new anchorage safe and sound. FWIW, I am a sailor cruising on the other side of the pond. Cheers and Happy New Year! Ronald
roger
New member
I think my Yeoman sport is wonderful.
I can plot my position when tucked up in my bunk in about 10 seconds in bouncy weather. My crew can also check positions no matter how inexperienced they are.
They are very little use in small scale coastal sailing e.g. Inshore in Scandinavian waters because you are changing charts very frequently and need to eyeball constantly.
As with every other navigational aid you look at the position it gives with a jaundiced eye, compare it with what it said last time and what you can see out of the window.
They are no better than the charts and the chart datums though. I used 2000 charts in August 2001 when trying to enter Lauwersoog at midnight. This was a mistake. The channel had moved and we very nearly hit an unlit buoy.
Stupidity brings it's own rewards with or without a Yeoman.
I can plot my position when tucked up in my bunk in about 10 seconds in bouncy weather. My crew can also check positions no matter how inexperienced they are.
They are very little use in small scale coastal sailing e.g. Inshore in Scandinavian waters because you are changing charts very frequently and need to eyeball constantly.
As with every other navigational aid you look at the position it gives with a jaundiced eye, compare it with what it said last time and what you can see out of the window.
They are no better than the charts and the chart datums though. I used 2000 charts in August 2001 when trying to enter Lauwersoog at midnight. This was a mistake. The channel had moved and we very nearly hit an unlit buoy.
Stupidity brings it's own rewards with or without a Yeoman.
Footpad
New member
I'm not sure what some resondents mean by the problem with setting up? With a new chart it may be neccesary to mark three known datum points if it is not one of the new dedicated admiralty charts. Once that is done the Yeoman will remember your chart and all you have to do to set up a new one is enter the chart number and click on each of the three datum points to register the chart - it couldn't be simpler. Used mine for four years interfaced with GPS - its wonderful, even my wife enjoys plotting our position or giving me new courses to steer.
Aja
Well-known member
Linked to GPS I have never had any problems with this piece of equipment. Plastic clips are fiddly, but not impossible to use. Like the idea of seeing a hlaf sized chart in front of me as this gives an indication of scale, something that is not readily available with chart plotters.
Dont expect not to hit rocks/buoys/other boats by navigating with this.
Dont expect not to hit rocks/buoys/other boats by navigating with this.
PhilipStapleton
New member
Make sure it fits on the chart table and you can get to the edges of the chart with the puck - mine doesn't, so it lives in the bilges somewhere!
(It's the Autohelm-badged version and connects to the GPS etc., if you want to make me an offer!)
(It's the Autohelm-badged version and connects to the GPS etc., if you want to make me an offer!)
roger
New member
Setting up isn't as simple as all that. First you have to survey the chart and find the three points - in a particular orientation. Next you record the lat and long of each. Then you enter these into the yeoman via up/down pushes on the buttons. Next you "show" the Yeoman where the points are and write an index number on the chart. It's ok for one but even then its quite easy to make a mistake. (my favourite is forgetting to input E instead of the default W. If you make a mistake you can spend a few minutes finding and correcting it. Now multiply this by 5 say for teh number of charts you use in a day in an inshore situation. I think there are 5 to use between Brighton and Dover.(new small scale folio ones.) The whole of this is much better done in harbour than out in a rough sea.
I love the gadget but do find sorting out a whole series of charts rather a chore. Crossing the channel though is a doddle Yeoman wise.
I love the gadget but do find sorting out a whole series of charts rather a chore. Crossing the channel though is a doddle Yeoman wise.
Footpad
New member
Yes but you only have to do this once per chart and it then remembers all that stuff. You can do it at home in front of the fire on a non moving table. I suppose the fiddly bit is a little like real navigation rather than just looking for the "you are here" label on a plotter - thats why I like it - I can kid myself its still the real thing. Its a man's life I tell ee and all that!
roger
New member
In inshore waters in Scandinavia the charts are only 8 miles wide so you are changing charts constantly. You often cant spare the time to get below to do the setting up. Frankly you are much better occupied being on deck and looking out.
The only time I had to resort to the yeoman for rel was in misty rain with 100 metres vis. and the rain fogged up our specs very quickly. There was also anxiety about chart datums etc. because the margin for error was small. If I'd realised the conditions were going to deteriorate I wouldnt have left the quay.
I havent yet sorted out an on deck stion for the Yeoman (sport) but it's a very good idea for when you need an additional check in a close pilotage situation.
The only time I had to resort to the yeoman for rel was in misty rain with 100 metres vis. and the rain fogged up our specs very quickly. There was also anxiety about chart datums etc. because the margin for error was small. If I'd realised the conditions were going to deteriorate I wouldnt have left the quay.
I havent yet sorted out an on deck stion for the Yeoman (sport) but it's a very good idea for when you need an additional check in a close pilotage situation.