Re: [Paddlewise] GPS accuracy

This is all well and good as long as you're in a place like Long Island
Sound, where (a) you can always see land on both sides, (b) the channels and
landmarks are well-documented and unmistakeable, (c) the conditions are
rarely rough, and (d) a quick hail on the VHF will bring help in a matter of
minutes (or just wait and some redneck in a motor boat will run over you)
(BTW, I live on LIS).  It seems to me GPS accuracy is a lot more relevant
when you are beyond the sight of land, or in an area where navigational
markers and charts are not as well developed.
Mark L

> I am a total novice when it comes to kayaking.  However I have many years
> experience cruising Long Island Sound with a Loran receiver.
>
> I think that to much attention is being paid to the ultimate accuracy of
> GPS receivers.
>
> It is very rare for visibility to get below a 1/4 mile and I have never
seen
> less then 1/8 mile.  1/8 mile is about 625 feet MUCH more then  the error
in
> Loran.  In navigating via compass I could ALWAYS see the way point before
> the Loran indicated arrival.  Please remember that you will be lucky to
stay
> within 5 degrees of your rhomb line.  Practice paddling straight!  I find
> that the best tactic is to follow the receivers bearing indication and
keep
> a sharp look out!
>
> The lesson from this is that unless you are trying to find a submerged
> object the accuracy of all present electronic aids is vastly in excess of
> your realistic needs!
>
> Richard Smith



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