"Matt O'Toole" wrote in message
news
On Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:19:35 -0500, Wayne.B wrote:

On Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:58:45 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

If I were cruising long distance, I'd be relying on electronic charts
rather than buying paper ones all the time. Some may worry about
relying on electronic equipment. But if an F16 needs reliable software to
stay in the air, then surely we can figure out a reliable system for our
silly little boats.

Matt O.

And those F16s aren't 'at sea' alone for days / weeks / months at a time.
And their software / hardware probably gets a bit more testing than the
consumer stuff you and I buy. And they have a support network of radars /
communications equipment / backups etc that costs more than most of our home
towns. And they have access to a bottomless pit of money for maintenance
personnel and parts. Other than that ... I guess you may have a point.

For me ...belts AND suspenders. I maintained two computers - the main
desktop under the nav table, and a notebook. The notbook is the only one to
connect to the internet other than for updates. Software and charts
installed on both. Two GPS systems. Failry current paper edition charts
that cover all East Coast inlets and chatkits for areas being traveled. I
love my electronc charting but I would not depend on it to be 100%
operational 100% of the time. While my system has never crashed or hung
while underway (5 years), being safe is too easy.