May 29, 2009
Are Charts Still a Necessity?
With all of the fancy marine electronics out there these days boaters often ask themselves, is there really a need to use charts anymore? In my opinion, yes there is. While I am as much of a fan of wide screen displays as anyone else is, I believe that there are certain benefits of charts that a GPS can not provide. First, there is a certain margin of error associated with the GPS. Although it is small and errors occur very infrequently, a margin of error does have the ability to impact one’s safety. Next a chart will always be there and ready for use. If there is a question as to whether the GPS is accurate, the boater has the option of pulling out the chart to verify. Charts are very cost effective as well, coming no where near the price of the electronic version. Lastly there is something to be said about making notes on the chart itself. I have been known to mark where my favorite anchorage, marina or fishing spot is. Now don’t get me wrong, before I get underway my GPS is always powered up, but there are times when it is nice to know my charts are on board with me as well.
Posted by ribcraftusa at May 29, 2009 09:56 AM
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