Re: Navigation
I have been following this navigation thread with great interest and will
post our experience and plans as we transition from classical to electronic
based navigation within the next several days. One small point that we have
found helpful is outlined below.
Commercial vessel traffic is one of our concerns in the Pacific Northwest.
We monitor the applicable USCG or Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Traffic VHF
channel for the area in which we are cruising. Hearing their periodic
position and speed reports along with the size and type of vessel (and type
of tow) really helps in staying clear of the commercial traffic. Also we
have found that visibility reports passed by the commercial vessels are a
more reliable source of information than one obtains from typical
recreational craft.
We use a separate transceiver for Vessel Traffic monitoring so we can
maintain our normal full time watch on VHF channel 16.
Regards,
George Brooks
LaConner, WA
Nereid V (45' CHB double cabin)
N7HPE
gbrooks@ncia.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Arild Jensen elnav@ils.net
To: Trawler World List trawler-world-list@samurai.com
Date: Friday, January 01, 1999 9:33 AM
Subject: Navigation
One topic which I have not seen much discussion on is the matter of
navigation.
Yet several list members refer to their trips along the west coast to
Alaska etc.
---------------------------------------------------snip---------------------
At 12:18 PM 1/2/99 -0800, "Geo. Brooks" wrote:
Commercial vessel traffic is one of our concerns in the Pacific Northwest.
We monitor the applicable USCG or Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Traffic VHF
channel for the area in which we are cruising.
We use a separate transceiver for Vessel Traffic monitoring so we can
maintain our normal full time watch on VHF channel 16.
Regards,
George Brooks
Arild replies:
Sounds like a wise move; better than using th scan feature some radios have.
Passagemaker Magazine recently had a full page ad for a YEOMAN plotter. I
acquired one several years ago and to my mind this is one of the best and
most under rated products on the market.
Pardon me if I sound like a commercial - I have no financial interst in or
derive any benefit from promoting this product but I happen to think it is
the greatest electronic nav aid since sliced bread and coffee in spill
proof cups. I also happen to think this system is far better than most
of the fancy computer based nav packages currently on the market. I can
speak with some authority on that since I have nearly every one of the
software packeges or at least had the chance to evaluate it.
The YEOMAN chart plotter plots positions on real paper charts, it allows
you to project a DR calculation as well as plot yourt current position
based either on GPS or Loran. The track plot is pencil marks on a paper
chart so when the electronics die you simply continue your DR plot from
last known position. The size of the digitizer tablet is such it will fit
most chart tables.
It is not suited to high speed craft. I have trouble manipulating the puck
accurately in small boats running over fifteen knots. It bounces too much.
But at displacement speeds its a dream.
Check out the ad and if you have more questions please email me privately.
Arild elnav@ils.net