Death to PAPER ! More Nails in the Paper Chart Coffin . . .

[James Baines]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

I see no fundamental difference between paper and electronic charts as both based on the same data - although in my case I simply find it easier to think and visualise in large size. and for me that means paper for the Navigation. For blindly following a course though electronic wins hands down and that's a useful thing to have in the toolbox.

IMO the danger with electronic charts is that a user can fail to understand the basics (as no need to) and can get themselves into situations that they otherwise would not have even tried. Not to say that 99%+ of the time it truly doesn't matter.

back up to the electronics and soggy paper is one of these:-



a stick

If can touch land with it (below or ahead) you are too close. or you point it in the direction you want to go and then follow it.

And also useful for identifying the position of the sun - if you point it upwards at the large yellow ball in the sky, that'll be the sun and if it moves from port to starboard within an hour - you've gone in a circle

can also be used for anti-piracy purposes

Add some string and a fish hook and you can also use it to feed the crew!!!. An amazing invention, can't wait to see it in the shops...

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by James Baines

Add some string and a fish hook and you can also use it to feed the crew!!!. An amazing invention, can't wait to see it in the shops...

Unfortunately as an old traditional navigational tool (at least in Jersey) I can't get a Patent on it Not unless I materially enhance it - and simply making it longer doesn't count

[James Baines]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

Unfortunately as an old traditional navigational tool (at least in Jersey) I can't get a Patent on it Not unless I materially enhance it - and simply making it longer doesn't count

Using a narrow brush, patent it with the yet to be invented Solar Cell Patent and the thing could be used to charge your batteries as well. Just keeps getting better, put me down for a couple...

[SaucySailoress]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

unless I materially enhance it - and simply making it longer doesn't count

Trust me, making it longer would count

[ActiveCaptain]

Originally Posted by S Y Tuppenny

What happens when we run out of oil etc and no electricity and all the electronic charts are faulty? Crash into things and expect someone to come get us I supose and then find someone to sue!

OK, you're right.

If there is a total destruction of civilization as we know it, if economies crumble, electricity can no longer be generated, and governments can no longer provide updates to their electronic charts, we might have to go back to paper charts.

Then again, boating might not be such a high priority any longer.

[doug86]

Originally Posted by S Y Tuppenny

What happens when we run out of oil etc and no electricity [....] Crash into things and expect someone to come get us I supose and then find someone to sue! (

Not to mention, if there is no oil and no electricity, there probably won't be any insurance companies.

.... there will still be lawyers ....

[SaucySailoress]

Originally Posted by ActiveCaptain

OK, you're right.

If there is a total destruction of civilization as we know it, if economies crumble, electricity can no longer be generated, and governments can no longer provide updates to their electronic charts, we might have to go back to paper charts.

Then again, boating might not be such a high priority any longer.

See - if that happens, our priority will be to escape on our boat, dropping in on tropical islands; rather than participating in some Mad Max scrummage. Or would it be more like Terminator?

Whilst I sincerely hope it doesn't happen, I wouldn't be surprised if it did. Either that, or the Brave New World keeps developing - and then we want to sail off anyway. At least we'll have power then. If we're allowed to buy fuel...

[James Baines]

Originally Posted by Saucy Sailoress

Trust me, making it longer would count

Not in Jersey apparently...

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Saucy Sailoress

Trust me, making it longer would count

I might need a hand with that

Especially as I can't remember where I put it last...............

[Don1500]

Originally Posted by Saucy Sailoress

See - if that happens, our priority will be to escape on our boat, dropping in on tropical islands; rather than participating in some Mad Max scrummage. Or would it be more like Terminator?...

Waterworld? Didn't they use a parchment chart?

[doug86]

Originally Posted by Don1500

Waterworld? Didn't they use a parchment chart?

yeah, but there was NO land to bump into.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by James Baines

Add some string and a fish hook and you can also use it to feed the crew!!!. An amazing invention, can't wait to see it in the shops...

I have seen one with only sticks and string but I cannot find it.

[ShaunJ]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Jeff

I keep finding errors on the electronic charts that I use; errors that are not on the paper charts.

How many sailors buy the upgrades for their electronic charts?

I upgraded mine after 4 years.......then sold the unit before I even used it.

ShaunJ

[James Baines]

Originally Posted by Therapy

I have seen one with only sticks and string but I cannot find it.

Where do you install the battery and USB cord?

[windships]

New Electronic charts do not have the shore based details that papercharts have. I have no fear of a GPS systems failure, - and I LOVE DGPS and electronic charts but I still have a stack of latest editions charts on board. I do not correct on weekly Notices to Mariners as I don't have the time. (nor inclination anymore) But when a new edition comes available, I'll buy it. They are great for planning, navigating and just cool to look at. There is a skill in reading them, and a history behind every symbol, behind every line. For example - a bit of trivia - Look on a BA chart and in the hydrographic crest you'll find between 2 and 4 letters.... what do they mean? - They have a purpose and a tradition, as does every mark on these windows to Mariners who went boldy before us. They deserve and get my respect.