Where and how to store large paper Charts

B

baz

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 19, 2009
Messages
6,085
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
At this time I have a number of Charts and have them rolled up and place them in the side of the V-berth behind the padded bumper. They take up a lot of space in this location that I would like to use for other night time items etc.

When taking the USCG class a year or two back the instructor providing Navigation details said he simply folds his charts up and stuffs them... ! I don't like the idea of folding charts so I'm trying to figure out an alternative solution.

I am contemplating constructing two wood pieces (15" x 4") with each having three 3.5" diameter holes. Then I will find a place on the cabin headliner to install these placing them 24" apart and then slide my rolled up charts into the 3 holes so they are orientated bow-to-stern. One cabin roof headliner location that seems to be suitable is the area above the wooden cave lid and situated so the cave lid does not collide with the charts when the lid is opened fully. Haven't quite figured this out yet mind you.

What do others do for storing their rolled up charts ?
 
I have also struggled with charts.. rolled or folded.. until I came across this youtube video. I now fold all my charts using the method shown, and have found the folded charts easy to use while out on the water, or when planning the next cruise.

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR0brOhSB1s

Norm on Blue Socks
 
Thanks Norm... Very useful... and that is a neat/cunning way to fold the charts. I will try that and see how it goes. Mind you, there's still the chore of where to and how to store them, but as they're folded they will be much easier to deal with. 🙂

Watching the video and how those charts are folded means you end up with each chart being 18" x 10" approximately assuming the full spread out chart size is 36" x 51".
 
We haven't taken possession of our tug yet, but have considered the same question. Like you, I'm reluctant to fold the charts, but think that the folding video might be a good idea. I was considering putting eye screws on the underside of the chart table above the cave (we're buying a 2010 R25) and attaching a series of some sort of bungee cords, or some other stretchable strapping to hold them to the underside. I've also considered a series of teak strips on the underside as well, so that there's a slot area about 1/4" deep (or whatever might be necessary) that encompasses nearly the entire underside of the chart table to hold the folded charts. I'll update you on what I do once we take possession of her later this month. I'll probably sit inside the cabin and brood over such ideas for the first few days we have her. 😉
Doug
 
Nice folding method on YouTube. I have the Maptech books and I can fit two very nicely in the space behind the cave hatch lid. This also avoids the annoying problem of things falling into that gap and playing the game of having to retrieve them with a hanger. I have also considered building a hanging shelf to the underside of the cave lid.
 
When we first took our CD22 to Alaska we realized we would need quite a pile of paper charts. Back then the GPS position was still deliberately made inaccurate, and chartplotters didn't have fully detailed chart images. Chart booklets with any detail did not exist for anywhere north of Nanaimo. So we bought a ton of paper charts - more than 100 (for AK we got B&W photocopies from Armchair Sailor).

We had already tried keeping charts rolled in tubes. It was a fiasco - took a lot of space, and they would not stay flat when used. So we folded most in thirds, after trimming unnecessary edges. They would then fit in very large ziplocs, maybe 22" wide and 30-some inches tall. These we stored under the v-berth cushions. To make it practical to locate retrieve and re-stow the ones we needed out for a day, we sequenced them in the order we might likely use them (often quite different from sequencing them by chart number). Then we made a list in that same order - a table of contents. It worked very well. We still carry them, in those same ziplocs.

If anyone would like a copy of our lists for BC and the San Juan's, or SE Alaska, shoot me your email.
 
I have always used the large MapTech type chart books. Without having a proper chart table, the map books are much easier to handle and use, and much more durable than paper charts. I have always found a side pocket on my various boats in which to stow the chart books. On my R21-EC I use the side pocket along the bunk next to my feet at the helm.

Someday when I win the lotto, and get a larger boat with a proper chart table, then I will use the large paper charts.
 
I have my solution... 😀

I considered all the various locations mentioned here and just couldn't make up my mind what to do. I certainly liked the folding video approach so I started to hunt around in the boat for a suitable place for the folded charts. I wanted them in a place that was concealed (from unwanted prying eyes as they are expensive), easily accessible and where they would remain flattened.

After casting my eyes about I happened to fold the port side navigator seat to the position facing the dinette table... and low and behold the answer simply stared at me.

On our R-25 model Ranger Tugs had elected to add a new 2" cushion to the Navigator seat to position the Navigator a tad higher up. As I stared at this 2" thick cushion I saw that its fabric was held onto the inner foam with Velcro, and at first I thought it was a zipper. I unlatched the Velcro and presto, I found the ideal place for the folded charts. The dimension were ideal, placing the charts inside the cushion's material meant the chart would be flattened and the access to the charts couldn't have been simpler. It was just too good to be true... but it was true as my photos below indicate.

Here's the cushion pulled away from the rest of the seat and with a few folded charts already inserted partially to show that they will indeed simply slip under the cushions material.
1.jpg


Here's the cushion reattached to the seat in its vertical position with access to the charts when partially slipped out for reading the chart titles needed.
2.jpg


Here's the seat cushion reattached and with charts nicely concealed under the cushion material.
3.jpg


So, with this solution I can access the needed charts prior to setting off and will not have to disturb the Navigator... and even if I do need access to charts while underway I can tell the Navigator all will be found under their warm seat... :lol:
 
Just make sure you don't spill any beverage on the seat or all the charts could be ruined. In my previous open helmed boats I kept my maps in a plastic map case that had a Ziploc zipper and was water proof.
 
Rick... Righty-O... will do. 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top