On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 02:16:03 GMT, "Capt.Mooron"
wrote:

Next thing you know Frank.... you'll be sailing a totally automated,
electronic miracle.... then the power will fail.

statistically possible, but not necessarily probable.

I agree it's cool stuff... next year's models will be even cooler. It's
almost required on a power boat, due to the inherent incompetence portrayed
by a large number of their ilk. Seriously... I am dedicated to removing all
but the most basic electronic systems aboard.

So you don't use GPS or autopilot, or the two integrated with
electronic charts? Certainly, they are not necessary for offshore,
but in some areas of coastal cruising they are a delightful. If you
sail in an area where every approach is a potential grounding, having
electronic help in the form of established waypoints and up to date
notice to mariners would be considered a good thing, wouldn't it.?

I chartered a week in the Sea of Abaco a few years ago and don't know
how they could charter the area before the electronic aids. Everybody
would stay fetched up on sand bars all the time.

There is no way you will convince me that a cluster of digital instruments
is either required nor denotes a better standard of sailing/navigation. If
such was the case... Bobsprit would surely hold court.

I made the transition from RDF to ADF to Loran to GPS. Never felt
like I was losing anything during the progression. With regard to
Bobsprit, of course, I've never had an entertainment center aboard any
boat I've owned or chartered

Stick to the Basics....

Learn the basics thoroughly, but take advantage of technology
improvements.

CM


"Frank Boettcher" wrote in message
.. .
On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 18:19:18 GMT, "Capt.Mooron"
wrote:

Electronic Charts???? Fricken Power Boater!!!

The first time I saw them was on a sailing vessel. I was amazed. Guy
started with the Gulf of Mexico and just kept punching the drill down
button until he got to the farewell buoy for the Gulfport small craft
harbor.

You're starting to sound like Bobsprit!!!

No maybe you are. It may take a large hook retractor to get that
thing out of my mouth.

Frank

CM

"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message news Lots of you must be using a laptop for a chart display.
Particularly now that electronic charts are free.

What software are you running on your laptop?

Here is what I'm using.
Nobeltec, Winlink, Waypoint+, iTunes

Things I'm looking at:
http://www.hffax.de/index.html
http://www.waypoint.org/