Downloadable Charts?

MintBrite · 12-30-2002, 09:57 AM

I was just wondering what most of you use for charts on your computers? I have spent the better part of my online time lately trying to find a decent one. I know there must be something out there comparable to what we all buy in paper form. I had a guy in at work a few weeks back show us one on his lapptop, he said it was downloaded off the net for free and it looked like it gave the detail I've been looking for. The one with the depths and all the Lon./Lat. grids in it. You think I would have been smart enough to write down the address [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] Well the ones that I have found to download all want to be opened in plotting software that I don't have. Will I need to buy software in order to play? or is there really such a site that lets you have this stuff for free. If your wondering why I don't have plotting software? I have a handheld Garmin Map76 that does give some detail, just not enough of what I'm looking for. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

corrirod · 12-30-2002, 01:13 PM

Here's a link to one that I've used. Haven't played with it much so not sure what capabilities it has. Hope it helps.

Sea Tow Charts

wak'm&stak'm · 12-30-2002, 04:32 PM

I have been amazed with the detail on the Garmin Blue water CD, it interfaces with my GPS and is so detailed that you can voom in and see the individual slips in South Beach Marina.
It even shows the individual piling scatter thru out the bay and the detail continues far off shore.

Alligator · 12-30-2002, 05:15 PM

Corrirod,

I've been looking for charting on the web and this sight work great.

I have been entering CR red bouy coordinates for building a nav route for Hammond to big blue. This is great.

Question: As you leave Hammond there is a bouy "2", but there is also a bouy "2" as you enter the ocean. Both are marked R for red. Is the R "2" at the Hammond port a different type of bouy?

Les

MintBrite · 12-30-2002, 08:27 PM

Wow! Great stuff Corrirod, THANKS, :grin: I think this is what that tech had on his laptop. Hey Wak'm what's this Blue water CD? is it compatable with all Garmin GPS's?

Mark Mc · 12-30-2002, 08:29 PM

Hi Les, the chart that shows the ocean & the entrance to the Columbia is an "approach" chart; it shows sea buoys, approach buoys, and the beginning of channel buoys & lights. So the G 1 and R 2 in the ocean are approach buoys. The R 2 at Hammond is a "harbor" buoy; these are not normally shown on approach charts. The color & numbering scheme is still the same though (red / even # buoy stays on your starboard when entering from seaward). Also, the R 2 harbor buoy shows a triangle on the chart, which means it is a day marker (usually does not have a light). Hope that helps....Mark Mc

Alligator · 12-30-2002, 08:41 PM

Thanks for the info Mark.

WP · 12-31-2002, 02:23 AM

Rod,
That is a GREAT chart site! Thanks for sharing. I can now have small general charts for many things on the coast...and on the Columbia too! Thanks heaven for laminators.
WP