Jeff wrote:
Gary wrote:


Interesting point on "proper seaboats and Nav tables". How important
is a proper nav table? I am of the opinion that unless you are
plotting visual/astro fixes, a big nav table is a waste of space. And
who plots fixes these days? The nav table on my 102 footer is just
where we store the charts and sit our coffees. On my 33 footer I just
fold the chart and hold it in my hand or watch the laptop.

Comments?


I've never used the chart table on my boat for charting - it holds the
CD changer and all the other little gadgets. The seat is usually filled
with gear we're too lazy to stow. The saloon table has all the space
needed, plus much better visibility if I wanted to do nav below.

Of course, my boat has a hard top and forward steering, so its
effectively a pilothouse. There's enough room to spread out a chart at
the helm and even do a running fix in good weather. But not many would
bother to do that nowadays. And in fact, I'm probably in the minority
in that I favor paper charts over GPS and computers.

Chart tables are nice only in that they create a separate area for
certain gear away from the main living space. I'm sure that some use it
for actual navigation, but its no longer a necessity.
I find it funny that folks equate a large chart table with an offshore
boat. When I'm offshore I put a couple fizes a day on the chart. It
doesn't half to be laid out all the time. There is nothing to hit!
It's in pilotage waters that they become more critical and I like to
have it on the cockpit seat beside me unless it's raining. (And I do
have a pilothouse)