Compasses And Navigation Tools Review

Summary

Perhaps you are the kind of person who would get lost in an empty parking lot. Your friends consider you to be a bit “directionally challenged.” Navigating a car through well-marked city streets is hard enough; you can’t imagine navigating a boat through open waters. Thanks to the advances in modern technology (and some not so modern technology), you do not need to fear marine navigation.

The most basic navigation tool available to the aquatic explorer is a compass. At the risk of oversimplification, compasses fall into two basic categories: base plate and lensatic. The base plate compass was invented in the early 1900’s by the Kjellstrom brothers. This kind of compass has a series of parallel lines under the magnetically aligned compass needle. The compass needle is usually two-toned with red designating magnetic North. This sort of compass is very useful for navigating via maps. The lensatic compass is primarily used for land-based navigation. This sort of compass is most useful in areas with distinct landmarks by which to navigate. The best navigational compasses have fluid-filled bodies. Since GPS technology is more accurate and user-friendly, you should probably keep a compass as a backup means of navigation.

Navigating the open waters requires the use of navigation charts and maps. The most accurate and user-friendly charts and maps are electronic. When combined with GPS or radar, electronic maps render the most precise, up-to-date positioning information available. While the electronic versions are convenient and quick, you should also keep paper copies of the charts that you are using in the event of an emergency. Nautical maps and charts are drawn in various scales and ratios. If you plan to do a lot of open-water boating then you should acquire sailing charts. No matter what kind of boating you do, you will need to keep a stash of general, coastal charts including coastal features and inland waterways (e.g. bays and harbors). These charts provide valuable information about land features, cautions and fathoms.

Mariners these days rely heavily on electronic navigation devices. These devices are the most efficient navigation tools available. Many devices bundle charts/maps, radar and GPS in one comprehensive navigational tool. You can see your position (and your line of progress) in real time on a comprehensive nautical chart as well as relative distance to other objects from your current location. If you operate a boat in unfamiliar waters, an electronic marine navigation device is a necessity.

Pros

• GPS-enhanced navigation device: Accurate, easy-to-use.
• A standard water-filled compass in case of an emergency- Accurate with practice.
• Charts and maps along with the requisite paraphernalia (e.g. standard compass, pencil, and a calculator): especially coastal and inland waterways. Great for an emergency.

Cons

• The electronic navigation device may fail due to hardware or software problems.
• The paper based charts and hand-held compass are more time consuming to use than their electronic counterparts and have a higher margin of human error.

Featured Manufacturers

Garmin, Raymarine, and Lowrance

Conclusion

As an avid boater, you should invest the time and money necessary to acquire navigational tools. Utilize the advanced GPS-enhanced technology as often as possible and be sure to familiarize yourself with your compasses and navigation tools before heading out to your favorite aquatic destination.