For many of us boaters who spend time on our familiar home waters, we simply get in the boat and go where we want to; across the bay to a favorite island to spend the day, down the river to a quiet cove, or cruise the intracoastal waterway to explore the backcountry.   And most of us do it without having to look at a chart, primarily because we've traveled that path so many times before.

 

But what if you've decided to take a jaunt in some unfamiliar waters?  How do you know the areas to avoid...or as many of us in the southeast have experienced the past couple years --- what if the lake level has dropped 15 feet?  Underwater obstructions and mid-lake humps that used to be well below the surface are now within easy reach of your outdrive.   Or what if you are launching at a new ramp and want to safely navigate out to the main channel or breakwater?   That's when understanding how to use a chart comes in really handy.   Knowing where the safe water channel is can make the difference between a fun day on the water, or being towed back to the marina and a substantial dent in your wallet at the mechanic's shop.

 

This week's boating school segment provides some insight and instruction on how to figure your location using a nautical chart.   And there are those who will say, "I've got a high-dollar electronic chartplotter that will get me from Point A to Point B."  And they are right.  But what happens if the electrical 'gremlins' show up?   And inevitably they will.  Electronics are an excellent navigational tool, and I rely on mine heavily.  But, having a basic understanding of how to get around using paper charts will always be an asset.  

 

 

Watch this video clip from "The Better Half of Boating" to get a good start on the basics of charting.