Navigation Charts

[MJH]

In Beth Leonard's book, The Voyager's Handbook, she says "Over the course of a circumnavigation, any charting solution can easily exceed $10,000."

Thats a chunk of change before even starting on the boat. As I look at a few chart prices on the Internet and extrapolate on what I would need, I understand her message.

I would like to hear from those who have circumnavigated on what solution they found to allow them to complete their voyage.

Thank you.

[Tupaia]

OpenCPN and a PC (or laptop) there is a huge array of charts available free or very cheap "O Charts", SAS Planet, GoogleEarth, CM93, a lot of the far flung islands have not been charted since the 1700's so look out of the window and don't be overly reliant on electronics.


A dedicated chart plotter is the most expensive option for RTW and is restrictive in its proprietary nature.

[Cari Laut]

Also worth noting, NOAA now allows you to print your own charts. Any size, and any scale. Granted, NOAA charts are only domestic, but it’s still great to have the ability to make your own charts.

https://devgis.charttools.noaa.gov/pod/

[Benz]

Charts can be found cheaply at many marine consignment and second-hand stores; large-format photocopies can be made at print shops if you can borrow charts from others; charts can be traded for along the way, and borrowed to mail back to their owners later. I have done all these things.

[nmccubbin]

I haven't circumnavigated, but have cruised about 50,000 miles over a large area.
Last 40,000 miles done on all electronic (since 2008)
Beth's estimated prices for paper charts are probably way low today.
On the other hand digital charts for PC or MAC systems are relatively cheap.
Best have two or more PC's with a couple of different navigation software (OpenCPN plus one) and forget paper

[El Pinguino]

I can't imagine not having a bit of paper on the chart table , if only a planning chart of the South Pacific frinstance https://www.boatbooks-aust.com.au/pr...pacific-ocean/ which gives you the 'big picture' like no electronics can.
That price is Australian dollars. Converting that to US and buying - say - ten ocean charts for your circumnav you will have spent US$500 without much effort.
For coastal work I'm quite happy these days just using digital.
My primary chart source these days is i-Sailor on a big iPad. Excellent cartography.
I'm also running openCPN on a macbook and the old burgle brand CMap on an equally ancient PC.