Wizardry or Gremlins?

by John Curnow on 30 Jan 2017 You only have to look at the way Nav Desks are laid out now to see just how crucial electronics are to the whole equation. Indeed, if you actually want to get the paper out, you invariably end up taking over the far larger dining table, so you can get that all important helicopter view of exactly where you are. For apart from linking in to the 65” LCD you have on board, it really is the best way to get the big picture.

And that is the very thing. It is the stuff of wizardry that we are so blessed to have now, and yes, occasionally the gremlins to do get in. Every now and then they seem to have a wee party in some cosy den at the back of your network of cables, too.

The latest generation does away with a lot of bulky items and places so much of it in your hand, literally. The iPad has been a boon and with the right Apps, it’s terrific graphics, long battery life, and ease of use, make it a go to item. Who would have thought that the 12V socket in the cockpit table would be so, so useful when they first started appearing over a decade ago, well before the little screen wonder…

During a recent delivery, the owner had hired some extra help, and he had an iPad loaded with the top 100 movies of all time for the off watch, and Navionics Boating HD for on watch. After downloading the App you then make in-app purchases for the areas you want, and the modules you want. Note that it uses true bearings not magnetic, but it is so easy to use and see at all times of the day, especially when compared with most of the small screen plotters.

It is more intuitive as well, and then updates off the web and ingests comments and notes form other sailors too. Quite invaluable for close coastal work, I think, and a terrific back up for the charts. It had a Lifeproof Nuud cover, with a screen cover that turns into a stand, and this was almost as ingenious as the unit itself!

Of course, the paper will still be under the master bunk, or in the tube you have as the filing cabinet, leaving only the ones you need right now out and ready for access, especially before the big light gets switched off.

So this set of miscellaneous ramblings did have a point. It cannot be a definitive guide to electronics, or navigation for that matter. Perhaps it is more of an aide memoire, or set of prompts for you to do your research from, as you solve the communications and electronic collision avoidance question for yourself, and invariably work to your nominated budget.

So yes, the iPad’s portability makes it super-easy to use, because you’ll go to it just about all the time. You do have to zoom in, and the smallish screen may not be the best for everyone, but you do have paper for the detail. It replaces a laptop too, which assists with comms, and you can have an external keyboard to make it all that much easier again. You could also say that it is less susceptible to damage as well, especially in an appropriate cover.

I have seen many a cruising boat with a chartplotter, and then right next door to it is a stand for the iPad. One is on, and the other, more fixed variety is off. Of course, if you have one of the large, multi-function screens, then it is a different discussion all together!

In terms of comms, mobile or cell coverage is pretty amazing in a lot of areas, and a boat wired as a hotspot with an aerial mounted up the mast is pretty formidable. Then there is sat phone and HF for more exotic locations. Costs vary, as do speeds, and you can even choose just to stick to talking on the radio, and then doing more elaborate photo essays once you are in port.

Naturally, taking in weather information is critical, and the web has so many cool, clickable forecast models that you may want to access it at sea. You can get your GRIB files for PredictWind and the like off the radio too, but the real point comes down to passage planning, for you can always take the data with you before you leave, should it only be a relatively short hop you’re undertaking.

Now collision avoidance could be the subject of a few thousand words on its very own. We’ll simply state here, that a good watch system is the cornerstone of any passage. I prefer to do it in pairs if possible, and limit to just three hours. Everyone can make their own choices, but having company and making a cup of tea, and cutting off two slices of fruit cake, whilst someone else is looking out up top, just gives me a nice feeling.

Today, radar is more prevalent than ever, and AIS is nothing if not insanely brilliant. The transceiver version should be mandatory, and they are way cheaper than in the early days. The fact that both of these can have proximity alarms and so forth set, also seems very sensible. Knowing how to turn them off, or adjust them, is equally as important!

Ultimately, so many cruising associations, clubs and the like have terrific lectures from very qualified people on all of these subjects, so I would urge you to partake in those to help you make the best choices for your type of cruising and the locations you want to go.

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