Navigation in a rib

[two stroke mick]

I am wondering what methods of navigation do you use that does not need a chartplotter.

i.e. but using compass and a hand held GPS unit.

There are no Tough Charts yet for the west of Ireland. I am think of scanning my chart of clew bay and laminating it into A 4 sizes.

You thoughts and obeservation please

Simple method need only apply

[BruceB]

In pre chartplotter days I used to colour copy and shrink to A4 Charts and then laminate two A4's back to back. I used a handheld or boat fixed GPS and these for navigation.
Every time I went somewhere new I made up a set for the area and eventualy built up a fair number of them covering every area I operated in. These are now all in the console and are now used as back up to the plotter.

[Andy Moore]

Forget it. Not practical. Chart plotters and eye-ball navigation are the only practical methods possible on a pitching, rolling, wet, windy and cramped RIB.

IMO of course.

[Erin]

I've got laminated charts, but rarely use them these days. I more or less know my waters now, so it's mainly chartplotter, but if that went down it would be pilotage only. I still carry a chart and compass for real emergency use, but i wouldn't fancy trying it on a rough wet day.

[two stroke mick]

When you copied the charts did you manage to get the lat and lon in the photocopy?

[Limey Linda]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

When you copied the charts did you manage to get the lat and lon in the photocopy?

Mick
Try Google Earth and turn on the grid so you get lat/long. That is how I make my charts for use with a handheld gps.. You can also mark waypoints, hazards and courses.

[codprawn]

I use an Ipaq or Mio with GPS and then scan charts in with ozzi explorer.

They cost about £200 but can also be used with TomTom for car sat nav and also do most things a laptop will. Very versatile. You can also chuck the Ordnance Survey maps on there and Google Earth images etc along with aerial photos so it's better than a chart plotter for close in work.

You can buy a waterproof case for them but I bet people can guess what I use.........

I see you say simple methods only but I do find it simple once it's all set up!!!

[Chris]

Why not a chartplotter?

They are cheap nowdays, I have a Garmin 178C which you still see on ebay for around £200.00, which is about the same as good handheld or 4 sets of tough charts !

[SeaSkills]

Who cares about copyright laws anyway

[codprawn]

I assume if you have bought a proper chart you can then copy/scan it for your own use - if not why not???