I don't know about the NE, but in the PNW you can get NOAA "Small Craft
Charts". They are small and come folded. 2 of 'em cover puget sound, and a
third if you wanna go inside the locks (lake washington and lake union). I
bet there's SC charts for the places you are going.
> Having formerly been a powerboater, and having done my boating (if you
> want to call something that is almost indistinguishable from driving a
> car, "boating") on Army Corps waterways, the only charts I have are the
> ones they publish in spiralbound book format. These are really handy,
> durable, and manageable.
> Do NOAA charts come in a similar format?
Aftermarket companies reprint NOAA chart in such a format. They all say "not
for navigation" on them, but everyone uses 'em for navigation. Consider
buying an inexpensive GPS and definitely have a compass aboard, even a cheap
one.
> I've looked at some navigation software, and even some chartplotters,
> but it all seems way overpriced. However, because Andrea and I are both
> looking for new teaching jobs somewhere south and coastal, I may be able
> to rationalize the expense – meaning both cartridges for this trip,
> which I’ll probably never use again, and new disks for the area where we
> eventually live. Jeez, I think I just talked myself out of it…
> Anyway, I’d be interested in some reviews and more info on this type of
> equipment.
I'd go with paper charts if you're trying to squeeze it all in a P15.
> For safety’s sake, I really like the idea of having a GPS – even if I’m
> never out of sight of land.
> Is any of this truly better and worthwhile, or is it just another
> too-expensive toy?
I LOVE my gps. Its not a substitute for other navigation skills, but sure
makes you not have to use those skills very often. It sure is nice to mark a
waypoint where the launch ramp is and know how to get back to it.
> Our sailing experience consists, so far, of a few day-rentals at a very
> small local lake (that rented us the skiff the first time even after we
> told them we had NO experience – what an adventure!)
My experience has been that the only certification card you need to rent
most boats is a VISA card :)
> For example, with such limited experience, would we be foolish to
> attempt the 10 mile (?) crossing to Nantucket Island, let alone the
> three mile crossing to Martha’s Vineyard – even if the weather is
> perfectly cooperative?
I don't sail these waters and don't know anything about them, so I'd try to
get local info from people who do. The passage I'm contemplating this year
is across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Port Townsend, WA into Victoria
BC. 28 miles, typically upwind, LOTS of freighter traffic. I might decide
instead to get the by island-hopping the San Juans and Gulf Islands where no
passage will be more than about 10 miles.
> What about sailing in Frenchman’s Bay, Maine; as far as I can tell there
> are no NOAA charts for the north side of MDI…what does that mean?
>
> Are there some of these areas -- Presque Isle in Erie, PA, for example –
> where we won’t even need a chart?
You need charts. The first (or tenth!) time you go aground a mile from shore
(BTDT) you'll wish you had 'em :) If you can't find charts for an area, sail
elsewhere, or be very careful, especially around river outlets. Thats where
I usually go aground... Don't forget tide tables either. I don't know if
there will be significant tidal currents where you'll be sailing, but find
out. A 4-knot potter against a 2 knot current doesn't get anywhere very
quickly!
> Any sort of fees for towing the boat across the border?
> We’re (I’m) planning on saving some money by sleeping on the boat in
> rented slips about 10 or 12 days (though never more than 2 nights in a
> row) of the approximately 24 we will be gone.
> Now, having spent five years in the Navy and twenty years climbing,
> camping, and going on extended unsupported road and mountain-bike tours,
> I can sleep in something as small as a bivvy almost indefinitely, but I
> wonder is ten days, total, on the boat realistic for “normal” people?
> I’m not worried about boredom, but I am worried about “claustrophobia.”
Did you say you're going with your bride? I'd make darned sure she buys off
on this.
> Obviously, we need to find marinas with bathrooms and showers for their
> transient slips – any ECPA members have any ideas?
Cruising guides for the areas should list places with facilities.
> I’m curious about the terrain in the Northeast; I’ve been to CT and Cape
> Cod, and I seem to remember that area as pretty hilly. I imagine N.
> Vermont and Central NH are more so. My tow vehicle is a four cylinder,
> four door car with a transmission oil cooler, and it did a good job
> pulling the boat from Milwaukee home to Cincy, but mostly flat Indiana
> (the bulk of that trip) is maybe no test. I can borrow a
> much-less-economical six cylinder vehicle for the trip Northeast; should
> I?
Naw. A p15 doesn't weigh anything. I tow my P19 behind my 4cylinder over the
Cascades and Rockies every year. I'd prefer a V6 or V8, but its definitely
doable. A find a set of $15 (apiece) clamp-on towing mirrors from JC makes
lane changing a lot less stressful, but my P19 is wider than my tow vehicle.
I think the 15s are a little narrower.