Arild/Joe/Tom/Dick/Harry/Fred and all:
Got to thinking (slow day here) about how I used our ENS stuff
(chartplotter and dedicated laptop [PC or Mac] running either MaxSea or
NavimaQ). Was an interesting exercise and like Joe I realized I had
initially planned routs with so many waypoints it was hard to see the
obstacles due to the wp numbers. One dicey experience in a narrow
twisty entrance convinced me that paper was great and an improvement in
my route planning was a must.
Generally we plan our route a day or two ahead then modify it while
underway. On MaxSea you can change the length of the predictor line
while en-route. A great option that allows you to adjust the line
length for close quarter work vs 10 mile-a-part wps. Circles around
wps to warn of arrival, ETAs, logbooks are all nice ideas but not in my
opinion really necessary. Guess I am still electronically deficient
and prefer a KISS approach to the amount of information I have to deal
with.
Sometimes the AP/Computer drives the boat, sometimes the AP and
sometimes even the Best Mate and yours truly drives the boat. Keeps
everybody tuned up and alert.
Do have a question though -- how many of you electronic pilots find
that your behind the curve during the first week or so of the summer
season? I have to confess that there is always a learning process
taking place -- steeper for a while. Suppose that suggests one should
give up on the bright-work and spend more time away from the dock.
Have fun out there and be safe.
Tom
Aventura KK42204
Microsoft Free and Loving It
Arild/Joe/Tom/Dick/Harry/Fred and all:
Got to thinking (slow day here) about how I used our ENS stuff
(chartplotter and dedicated laptop [PC or Mac] running either MaxSea or
NavimaQ). Was an interesting exercise and like Joe I realized I had
initially planned routs with so many waypoints it was hard to see the
obstacles due to the wp numbers. One dicey experience in a narrow
twisty entrance convinced me that paper was great and an improvement in
my route planning was a must.
Generally we plan our route a day or two ahead then modify it while
underway. On MaxSea you can change the length of the predictor line
while en-route. A great option that allows you to adjust the line
length for close quarter work vs 10 mile-a-part wps. Circles around
wps to warn of arrival, ETAs, logbooks are all nice ideas but not in my
opinion really necessary. Guess I am still electronically deficient
and prefer a KISS approach to the amount of information I have to deal
with.
Sometimes the AP/Computer drives the boat, sometimes the AP and
sometimes even the Best Mate and yours truly drives the boat. Keeps
everybody tuned up and alert.
Do have a question though -- how many of you electronic pilots find
that your behind the curve during the first week or so of the summer
season? I have to confess that there is always a learning process
taking place -- steeper for a while. Suppose that suggests one should
give up on the bright-work and spend more time away from the dock.
Have fun out there and be safe.
Tom
Aventura KK42204
Microsoft Free and Loving It
