[PUP] chart lists

[Dave Cooper]

Scott, as you travel further form the US/Canada you'll find that the chart
situation is less and less reliable.
There is a temptation because you have a chip with a chart displayed on the
screen that it must be reasonably accurate. We see lots of broken boats who
also had this same feeling.

We have paper charts, C-map on the Raymarine and Navionics on the tender.
None are accurate and each is different. In addition the world chart that is
part of the Coastal Explorer is some cases is more accurate than the other
three!!

When we recently went softly at 1-2 kts aground in a large lagoon, Laguna
Grande, none of the chart's showed anything in this whole area. We had used
the tender to scope it our before transiting. Even so we missed a pinnacle
that has 2-3' over it and was about 20 odd feet in size in the middle of
40-50 ft of water. The water clarity wasn't good from runoff the day before.
No damage done other than some bottom paint removed from our keel.

Purchasing charts to try to have the latest ones is a waste of money, IMHO.
As the new ones look just like the old ones and have the same source date of
1700 something unless you get the newer ones made from data in the 1800's.

As Bob A said Columbus made it and used common sense and good seamanship.
Having a good watch, watching the depth, using any and all aids will get you
thru most places.

There are many cruising guides that help in some places along with other
cruise info. A call on the radio to one of the many nets will also get you
into some uncharted waters. Quite often a local will help you thru the reef
pass that doesn't seem obvious.

BTW, in case you missed my warning's of the past: Never, never, never ever
enter a harbor or anchorage at night in Central American, South America or
the Caribbean. You have no idea of where you are, the locals may have fish
pots or even nets strung completely across the entrance and a hundred other
issues. Having charts on a screen, radar and your night vision unit will
falsely empower you to have a go. Don't do it! Resist the urge, time your
arrival for a daylight entry and if this doesn't work spend the night at
sea. Failure to follow this rule is a good way to lose your vessel.

We recently stood out to sea for 6 hours before going into Puerto La Cruz at
daybreak even tho I've been there many times. To much risk, IMHO.

So save your money and if you need to spend it do so with the local kids,
school or clinic. I'm sure they'll appreciate "Santa's" visit ;-)

As always YMMV....

Dave & Nancy
Swan Song
Roughwater 58