Charts & Chart Catalogs Review

Summary

Most boaters think that they don’t need boating charts and chart catalogs. This is a big mistake, no matter how big the body of water that you’re boating in is; it is always helpful to have a chart just in case. Chart books are inexpensive, and fairly easy to use. You just compare what you are seeing on the map, with what you should be seeing around you.

If you have these maps the chances of getting lost can be greatly reduced. Also, these charts will allow you to explore areas that you did not know about previously.

Pros

• There are many benefits to having chart books. Fishing and specialized charts are available for a variety of purposes. These can show you the best fishing spots, and help you reel in more fish than you normally would.
• There are charts for every part of the world. If you plan to travel abroad in Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, or even Antarctica there are charts for you. There are even very large area charts that help you on longer journeys over hundreds of miles.
• Charts are also helpful in that they show you the depths of the water, and any obstructions that could be in the way.
• There are also NOAA charts that are available that show the conditions of the ocean and the atmosphere. Some NOAA charts that are available are NOAA Atlantic, NOAA Great Lakes, NOAA Gulf Coast, NOAA Pacific, and NOAA Alaska. These maps are very helpful for determining the weather and are readily available online.

Cons

• If you don’t know how to read the chart, or if it is outdated, the information on it is useless. You must be able to read the map, and know what all of the symbols mean. This is essential to being able to navigate the body of water you are on.
• Whether you are boating in Australia, Oceana, Canada, South America, or your own backyard in North and Central America charts can be helpful, but only if you utilize them in the proper way.

Featured Manufacturers

Garmin, Navionics, Raymarine, Simrad

Conclusion

Even if you are just going out on a small body of water for a few hours, or you are boating somewhere that you are extremely familiar with, charts can keep you from getting lost or running into a difficult obstruction.

Certain charts can even help you with your fishing, or with predicting the weather. When you have a chart, it is much more difficult to lose your way, and you will always have a guideline to follow if you do get lost. These charts are easy to read and inexpensive, they have very few drawbacks, and they are essential for a boater of any level.