Bahamas Explorer Charts?

[sailorboy1]

I've read many times over the years to get "Explorer Charts" for the Bahamas. Just what is different between the Explorer Charts and others? Do they somehow have secret knowledge?

[CSY Man]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I've read many times over the years to get "Explorer Charts" for the Bahamas. Just what is different between the Explorer Charts and others? Do they somehow have secret knowledge?

They are full of information, easy to use and accurate with depths, shoals, etc.
Can't ask for more than that..

[sailorboy1]

don't other charts have the same?

[Group9]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

don't other charts have the same?

Not really. There have been some spectacular groundings in the Bahamas with people using other charts.

But, you can get them by using Garmin charts of the Bahamas. We do that, but we still carry the spiral bound Explorer Chartbooks, too. The books are handy for route planning, if nothing else, and they are filled with local information.

[bvander]

Explorer chart kits are more than charts, they are charts and cruising guide in one.
As well they are periodically updated with information from trusted cruiser network.
To give you an idea on their value and accuracy both Garmin and C Map have licensed the explorer data to incorporate into their electronic charts. Can you use other charts? Yes, but why would you? Nav aids in Bahamas are rare and depths, currents tricky and Explorer charts are a proven navigation tool.