Capt.American wrote:
Edgar wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...

How do you all keep your charts? How old a chart would you consider
using when visiting a relatively unfmiliar... or completely
unfamiliar... area?
I would not use an old chart at all in an unfamiliar area. Sandbanks move,
buoys are shifted, wrecks appear, lights change characteristics, etc etc.
Forget old charts for navigation. Frame them and hang them on the wall if
you like. But on your boat have new charts or ones that have been regularly
updated from 'Notices to Mariners' (or your local equivlent) either by
yourself or by returning your charts to a chart agent for correction up to
date.
Apart from being a danger to yourself and others your insurance may be
deemed invalid on grounds that you were negligent if you knowingly go to sea
with out-of-date charts.

Greetings Edgar;

What about charts of islands like King's or Palymyra that have not
been updated in over 100 years? They would be better then nothing
right? I have over 100 charts aboard my boat and some date back to the
mid 40's. Also for ocean passages I do not see much changing in mid
Pacific or Atlantic. I would agree in a port with major traffic, an up
to date chart is the one to use. I'd never ask a sailor to turn his
charts into wall paper.

I have a 1867 Boston Harbor chart framed on the wall - there are more
than a few differences. In particular, we now have a major airport in
the middle of the harbor! There are lots of details I find
fascinating. For instance, the major hazard in the harbor is a bar,
actually a set of rocks, called "Lower Middle," but there is no "upper
middle." In fact, the old chart shows "Upper Middle" in an area that
has long been filled in. On the other hand, its interesting that
numerous navaids are still in the same location that there were in 140
years ago.