Re: [Paddlewise] Puget Sound Tide Tables

Terry Reid wrote:
> 
> I have found the "Current Master" software for windows is the most
> convienent source of tide and current information.  You need the current
> maps from Island Canoe, but the combination of the two sources can't be
> beat.

Another choice is Tides and Currents (TnC), from Nobeltec
(http://www.tides.com/), which will print out displays of current and/or tide
info for all the NOAA and CHS stations, available in West and East coast of
North America versions, good from 1900 to 2100.  Washburne's tables/charts (if
memory serves) generalize the NOAA data to show current arrows over a broader
area than the exact locations of the stations, and include some gyres
established through local knowledge, so they may be better for the San Juans.

However, I've used TnC **extensively** the last five years and have yet to see
a significant discrepancy down here on the Columbia.  For my paddling area, it
marries well with another Nobeltec product, Chartview Planner (CP), to make
useful plots **of navigational quality,** which incorporate current arrows
(indicating magnitude) and tide bar graphs on the chart.  Finally, CP/TnC will
do an animation of any piece of the tidal cycle (or, a couple days of cycles,
if you wish) so you can see the dynamics of currents or tides displayed.

I've also used TnC a lot to plan out jaunts to Vancouver Island and the
Charlottes, picking either maximum or minimum windows for tidal action, as it
suited my interest.  If you want a really low tide for viewing intertidal life
from the cockpit, for instance, it pays to pick a spring tide window for a
multiday tour in the Charlottes instead of a neap window.  OTOH, if you are a
current chicken (like me), you would pick a neap window for negotiating passes
where the currents can really whip up! (Hagen would pick a spring window,
right, Dan?)

Usual disclaimer re:  no commercial interest in CP or TnC -- just a very
satisfied customer.  Best gift for my big five-o birthday.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************