Re: [Paddlewise] GPS

I am much more of a sailor than a kayaker so I have a slightly 
different take on navigation.

I last crossed an ocean before GPS receivers were common. The 
Transat system was available and only a little expensive. :-)

The old navigator who taught me most of my skills always said,
"Keep your plot up to date and NEVER pass up a line of position."
I never saw him on deck without a hand bearing compass as he would grab 
a bearing on anything that he could see. He shot the stars, moon and
sun,
multiple times a day and used every electronic device available.
He also advocated not trusting any one source of information. There
are inaccuracies and mistakes in everything so check and recheck and
always assume dangerous and prove safe. Heck, he even used a lead line
and sounding pole.

Today GPS is so cheap that I doubt that I would ever go to sea without
it.
Paper charts are rather expensive but I also won't go out without at
least charts to cover where I expect to be and where I might end up if
something unexpected happens.

michael (Never pass up a line of position)

Rcgibbert_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> In a message dated 8/27/2004 10:12:26 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> kdruger_at_pacifier.com writes:
> 
> > For many years I was also a GPS Luddite.  And, I rarely use mine for
> > navigation except when there is a particular point or feature whose location
> > might become crucial to avoid (or head for) when visibility becomes iffy.
> > But, some of the fun I have had has been to download the track I followed
> > onto a charting program (Navtec's Visual Series) and check out where I went,
> > and how far.
> >
> > Even the simplest GPS will do those two things well.  But, no GPS I have
> > seen
> > can provide the full-view image of a paper chart ... or the detail ... all
> > in
> > one fail-safe item.
> >
> >
> Jim you have more company than you think. I like plain ol' charts and
> compass. I even took a clue from Mr Kruger this year and started laminating my charts
> and skipping the chart case thing. But, I don't cut the original up. I fold
> them carefully and copy them at Kinko's. I do own a GPS, but if it's along its
> in the hatch.
> 
> Rob G
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************