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From: <Harley1941_at_aol.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 11:55:10 EST
Has anyone tried Tompsons Deck Sealer to waterproof charts and paper? I have 
read about it in backpacking books, but never tried it.

On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key.
Ronnie
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From: <Seakayakerjb_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 17:16:26 EST
I have used the Seattle Sports case referenced, and have not been completely 
satisfied with it--I never seem to get a complete seal on the closures.  I 
still use mine occassionally, but not for anything that I want to make sure stays 
dry (I use it with a waterproof chart and carry some navigational tools in 
the smaller compartment.

I also have a GPS waterproof "bag" just like the one from Voyageur--seems to 
work very well.  But, I've only used it a couple of times--so far no leaks, no 
runs, no errors (operator errors that is).

As for a chart case, I'm currently using one of the heavy duty plastic 
"ziplock" closure ones from SealLine (Cascade Designs)--similar to the electronics 
case mentioned.  It held up through a lot of surf during recent BCU 5 Star 
training, and no leaks.  I do find that I really needed to work the closure to get 
a tight closure, but I like the result.

Is there such a thing as the perfect chart case?

John Browning
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From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 16:21:49 -0800
> Is there such a thing as the perfect chart case?

No. I think, waterproof chart is the solution.  If chart is no larger than
16*22", why not make 8*11" copies of needed areas (8*5.5" seems handier),
and laminate them backs together? Missing margins with distance and location
scales are easy to copy/paste over.
Alex.
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From: Keith Wrage <keith.wrage_at_charter.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 16:18:57 -0600
Granted, my use has been with maps of inland waterways (e.g., Mississippi 
River) but I run color copies of the maps on 8 1/2 x 11" paper, fold them 
in half (each sheet is now 8 1/2 x 5 1/2") trim the margins and laminate in 
10 mil laminating.  I then assemble them in order and add a wire spiral 
binding.  This small 'notebook' fits easily into the small turkey hunter's 
chest pack that I've attached with fastex buckles to the front of my PFD - 
which folds open to form a small shelf of sorts which is useful for working 
with things while in the cockpit.  The little pack also holds snacks, extra 
compass, wax pencil, some emergency equip - I find it extremely handy - 
plus, if my boat and I go separate ways for some reason - everything is 
with me rather than in a knee tube or behind my seat.

Again, not sure if it is practical with large scale marine charts - but 
certainly works for my use.

K
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From: Robert Livingston & Pam Martin <bearboat2_at_comcast.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 22:17:20 -0800
God knows what copyright violations this might entail and I am not too
interested.

Before I went on my last trip, I took my charts and scanned them with my
computer. I then could take the part of the chart, sometimes combining
things from more charts with Photoshop-equivalent software and then printed
them on the National Geographic paper. That paper allows you to make
waterproof charts with the ordinary ink-jet ink that smears so readily on
ordinary paper.

In addition to being waterproof this stuff is fairly strong. You can print
on both sides. And once the images are in the computer you can do lots of
interesting things such as showing the coastline enlarged in some areas and
the other parts of the chart reduced in size elsewhere. Create overlap
charts etc. Typing notes to yourself etc. Basically you are making your own
custom chart.

This works very well. The magic is the National Geographic "Adventure"
paper. It comes in a few sizes, I used 8.5 by 17 which was the largest my
printer could handle. I got the paper from REI though I see you can buy it
on-line from National Geographic Topo Maps area. I was just at their site
buying the Washington State Topo map which has finally come out with a
Macintosh version. It worked basically as advertised.

With these Topo maps which are already digitized you could do some
additional cools stuff such as combining the nautical chart with the Topo
maps so the land and sea information was of maximal quality. Not too hard
with Photoshop. Combine in some satellite picture data etc...

The unfortunate things is that I do most of my paddling in Canada where
digital map information seems less accessible (I would like a National
Geographic British Columbia map for example.) So I scan in the paper
chart(s).
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 10:45:37 -0800
Re:  GPS case:  Aquapac's case works well for me.  Does not leak, and allows
reasonable access to buttons for my simple eTrex.  The closure is clunky and
fussy, but works well.  Sand would wipe out the closure, so you have to be
careful.

Re:  Chart Case:  Those flat ones for the deck do not work for me.  In soupy
conditions, they are likely to get washed off if not securely lashed aboard.
If firmly lashed, it is a hassle to turn them over and re-orient them.  Under
the sprayskirt it is a hassle to get to them ... and maybe not possible in
rough conditions.  Finally, I've owned three of the things, and all leaked at
one point or another.

My solution?  Cut up the chart (I hear the gasps) into folio size (11 x 17
inches) and laminate the chunks.  Put the section(s) you need on deck, under
the bungies.  They stay on better than you would think -- in ten years of
using this method, I have only lost one or two (they sink).  Keep an overall
small-scale chart for orientation and planning, and your other cut-up charts,
in a 3 inch D x 16 inch long flyrod screw-cap case bungied under the deck, in
the knee-tube position.  In calm water, you can shuffle charts in and out of
the fly rod case and reorganize for the next stretch of water.  And, in camp,
all the charts are in one well-protected bundle, handy for planning and
haranguing.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: Nick Schade <nick_at_guillemot-kayaks.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 17:06:19 -0500
I really like the waterproof charts currently available from multiple 
sources. They eliminate the need for a chart case and are cheaper than 
laminating, you don't need to chop up the chart, and you can always 
fold it to get the section of interest. They also seem to stay in place 
under the deck lines.

On Nov 17, 2003, at 1:45 PM, Dave Kruger wrote:
>
> Re:  Chart Case:  Those flat ones for the deck do not work for me.  In 
> soupy
> conditions, they are likely to get washed off if not securely lashed 
> aboard.
> If firmly lashed, it is a hassle to turn them over and re-orient them. 
>  Under
> the sprayskirt it is a hassle to get to them ... and maybe not 
> possible in
> rough conditions.  Finally, I've owned three of the things, and all 
> leaked at
> one point or another.
>
> My solution?  Cut up the chart (I hear the gasps) into folio size (11 
> x 17
> inches) and laminate the chunks.  :snip:
>
Nick Schade

Guillemot Kayaks
824 Thompson St
Glastonbury, CT 06033
USA
Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/
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From: <Seakayakerjb_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 16:16:22 EST
In a message dated 11/17/2003 12:48:11 PM Central Standard Time, 
kdruger_at_pacifier.com writes:

> Cut up the chart (I hear the gasps) into folio size (11 x 17
>  inches) and laminate the chunks

During my recent 5 Star (BCU) training, my instructor suggested laminating 
charts back to back and in such a way so as to leave an adequate border on one 
edge to punch a hole for tethering to deck.

Sounds like a plan to me.

John Browning
Milwaukee, WI
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From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 18:25:08 -0800
> During my recent 5 Star (BCU) training, my instructor suggested laminating
> charts back to back and in such a way so as to leave an adequate border on
one
> edge to punch a hole for tethering to deck.

I should have patented this idea before suggesting it here last week :-)...
But I have kept one detail to myself (not worth patenting, I think :-) - not
only to leave a border, but to leave 2 of them, so you can punch 2 holes on
both upper and lower border.  This will prevent it from annoying dangling
but will allow flipping over.  I also think 8*11" is the maximum size
(considering that you have 2-side chart).  Larger sheets will be
inconvenient on the deck.
Alex.
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From: Chuck Holst <cholst_at_bitstream.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 10:14:29 -0600
I like the National Geographic paper. I gave it a thorough test on a 
weekend trip in the Apostle Islands by printing four maps, single-sided 
only, and carrying them in a stack under the bungees on my foredeck. I let 
them get thoroughly wet, shuffled them occasionally, and deliberately 
scratched one wet map with my fingernail. The paper held up well, with no 
obvious effect from the scratch test, and the maps remained readable. 
However, there was some bleed-through and some transfer of ink between 
maps, so I do not recommend printing both sides.

Chuck Holst
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From: Keith Wrage <keith.wrage_at_charter.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 10:40:47 -0600
An alternative all-weather paper brand is Rite-in-the-Rain - 
http://www.riteintherain.com/

Available at many places - comes in several sizes including things like 
small spiral notebooks..

Write on it with a pencil or laser/photocopy output and the stuff last 
forever regardless of conditions.  They also sell special colored pens that 
are weather proof - never used them as pencils ALWAYS work....

All the normal disclaimers apply....

K
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From: Hal <hal11_at_adelphia.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:02:06 -0500
Another alternative that works for me is to use a color laser copier and
copy charts on acetate sheets.  I have done them at the office and at Kinko.
With great results. They stick nicely to the deck under my bungie and are
100% resistant to salt water.

Hal
"Power your boat with carbohydrates, not hydrocarbons."
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From: <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 15:21:04 EST
In a message dated 11/18/2003 12:57:08 PM Central Standard Time, 
Harley1941_at_aol.com writes:


> Has anyone tried Tompsons Deck Sealer to waterproof charts and paper? I 
> have 
> read about it in backpacking books, but never tried it.
> 

Yes.It works...eh...ok. I still like chart cases and to use water sealer with 
a case usually is just fine. Lately, I've taken to printing topo's and 
laminating them. I like charts, but for some areas the topo's are better.

Rob G
and the G is for GASP when he learned Dave cuts up his charts!
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From: James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] GPS/Chart Cases
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 12:43:33 -0800
On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 11:55:10 EST, Harley1941_at_aol.com said:
Has anyone tried Tompsons Deck Sealer to waterproof charts and paper? I
have read about it in backpacking books, but never tried it.


I use it on all my topos and it seems to work well.  I have never had any
of them fall in the water or get really soaked, so it may be that they
wouldn't survive those experiences.

Jim Tibensky
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