Capt. Rob wrote:
Actually, I would say that except for day cruising, it's an essential
thing
to have.


I agree, but playing the other side of the fence, I have a friend with
a old Galaxy 32. He prefers the fold down dinner table for everything
because it's big. Is it essential? I'm certain that it isn't for most
folks. But it's a classic element of interior design and we all enjoy
seeing it below, especially when done well.


RB
35s5
NY

I think that the chart table is not essential. In most yachts it is not
near the helmsman and is of limited use. Frequently it is not big
enough to use charts on or store charts in. It is often located where
you have to sit on someones head to use it at sea.

I think a good boat has a proper chart stowage area where many charts
can be stowed flat, folded once and not get wet. There should be a
stowage area for books (tide tables, list of light, pilots etc). An
offshore boat should have spot where sights can be worked out with lots
of light and a large table. Coastal navigation and pilotage require the
chart to be handy to the helmsman and in a dry spot. Most people come
up with some neat way of doing that like a large waterproof chart bag
and then use the charts in the cockpit. Some rig up neat plexiglass
covers that let you work right on top in grease pencil. I have never
(except for instruction) seen someone using the bog standard quarter
berth chart table when actually navigating. It simply takes to long to
go up top, take a fix, go below, plot it, and then tell the guy driving
what is going on.

I and most people (I think) prefer to have the chart in hand, with a
plan in a note book or on the chart, a handheld compass or GPS and stand
there at the helm and drive/navigate.

In every boat I have ever been on, the chart table just becomes a place
where stuff accumulates (some of it nav related). Most folks store
charts under bunk mattresses and in places like that.

With a laptop, radar or GPS plotter onboard, the space used by a chart
table can be used for something else. Lets see builders create
innovative spots for that kind of kit that keeps it dry and visible from
the helm in all weather and at all times of the day.

Gaz