Learning Lake Winni

[4Fun]

Originally Posted by Striper295

After the multiple references to Bizer they use Apple products to run the programs.
I was looking at buying an Ipad just for this application, would I need a data plan service for this to function or will the Ipad system communicate with satellites as is to gain GPS positions that communicate with the Bizer program?
I’ve never owned a tablet just a phone so I’m not sure what everyone is doing to operate the Bizer application on an Ipad.

You will need an Ipad with 3G capability for the GPS. You don't need an active data plan however. The regular ipads do not have GPS

[polarisman14]

A GPS like a Garmin is very useful especially if you plan on entertaining guests frequently. At that point it's not just your own life in your hands. Garmin does a great job of canvassing the lake and making continuous improvements to their software. It isn't all-encompassing--having the Bizer map is a great idea as well just to help you keep your bearings and navigate tricky areas.

We were going through what we learned later was the graveyard--planing out at mid-20s cutting a corner of it off accidentally. I was on the front of the boat and started yelling at my friend because I could see boulders right below the surface! We really, really, really lucked out and didn't hit anything whatsoever...But we paid a LOT more attention to all the buoys after that day.

That said, there are a lot of large, uninterrupted areas to cut your teeth on before you start to navigate the trickier areas. I'm a big fan of Sally's Gut and Stonedam Island.

[Striper295]

Originally Posted by 4Fun

You will need an Ipad with 3G capability for the GPS. You don't need an active data plan however. The regular ipads do not have GPS

Thank you very much for this clarification!

[Marine Patrol]

The following is the technique Marine Patrol has used for years. We do use electronics, but they aren't 100% reliable and officers still need to navigate when they are not available. Investing time studying the chart before heading out is very valuable.

The technique that we have found that seems to work best includes several different tasks.

1. Get a chart! Get a compass that you can read at a glance.
2. Memorize the number and location of every navigation light on the lake...forces you to have an image of the lake in your mind and impresses any Winni boater at trivia time! (Where is light #34? Name all the lights that have a double flash!)
3.Always have the chart in front of you while underway. Orient the chart so that the area of the lake your travelling to is at the top of the page. This will require you to constantly "manage" the position of your chart but allows you to anticipate the next buoy, light, island, cove, etc. For this reason I prefer a water proof chart that is not laminated, it allows you to bend/fold it to the size and angle that works best for you. Once you master the lake, the laminated ones are great. You'll want to retire the old one because it will be worn out!
4. While navigating, look for... and find the next reference point that you should encounter according to the chart. If you can't find it, STOP! This should prevent you from getting into trouble. Once you confirm your location, continue. If you still can't locate your precise location...now use your GPS, or return to your last known point.
5. GPS are tremendous tools, but I find the use of GPS and RADAR for beginners doesn't give the person the "back of your hand" knowledge that those who truly know lake navigation desire. Use it to keep yourself out of trouble, bad weather, and darkness.
6. Finally, once your are comfortable with getting around the lake without your chart because you know each buoy/light/hazard, trim up that hardware and explore. What is behind that buoy? How do you pass through that channel? Purchase a boat hook, measure to the bottom of your prop, and mark the handle with the measurement. Give yourself an extra 6 inches for wave action, and measure if you find yourself in shallow water. Shut down and paddle/push out if in trouble.

Nothing substitutes for time at the helm. Don't follow other boaters and don't get caught on the lake after dark. Any Winni navigator will tell you it is a much different lake after dark!

Safe Boating!!

[Striper295]

Originally Posted by Marine Patrol

The following is the technique Marine Patrol has used for years. We do use electronics, but they aren't 100% reliable and officers still need to navigate when they are not available. Investing time studying the chart before heading out is very valuable.

The technique that we have found that seems to work best includes several different tasks.

1. Get a chart! Get a compass that you can read at a glance.
2. Memorize the number and location of every navigation light on the lake...forces you to have an image of the lake in your mind and impresses any Winni boater at trivia time! (Where is light #34? Name all the lights that have a double flash!)
3.Always have the chart in front of you while underway. Orient the chart so that the area of the lake your travelling to is at the top of the page. This will require you to constantly "manage" the position of your chart but allows you to anticipate the next buoy, light, island, cove, etc. For this reason I prefer a water proof chart that is not laminated, it allows you to bend/fold it to the size and angle that works best for you. Once you master the lake, the laminated ones are great. You'll want to retire the old one because it will be worn out!
4. While navigating, look for... and find the next reference point that you should encounter according to the chart. If you can't find it, STOP! This should prevent you from getting into trouble. Once you confirm your location, continue. If you still can't locate your precise location...now use your GPS, or return to your last known point.
5. GPS are tremendous tools, but I find the use of GPS and RADAR for beginners doesn't give the person the "back of your hand" knowledge that those who truly know lake navigation desire. Use it to keep yourself out of trouble, bad weather, and darkness.
6. Finally, once your are comfortable with getting around the lake without your chart because you know each buoy/light/hazard, trim up that hardware and explore. What is behind that buoy? How do you pass through that channel? Purchase a boat hook, measure to the bottom of your prop, and mark the handle with the measurement. Give yourself an extra 6 inches for wave action, and measure if you find yourself in shallow water. Shut down and paddle/push out if in trouble.

Nothing substitutes for time at the helm. Don't follow other boaters and don't get caught on the lake after dark. Any Winni navigator will tell you it is a much different lake after dark!

Safe Boating!!

Thank you for the time and detail of your reply!!

[jeffk]

I remember the color and compass direction combinations by putting them all in alphabetical order

Black
East
North

Red
South
West

However, I find the dashed navigation lines on the maps more useful.

Also, I mostly avoid tight/confusing navigation areas because I don't want to risk having to replace 2 stainless steel props for over $600 (or worse). If I want to explore I putt around on my jet ski.

Also before you go between a red and black marker, make sure they are SOLID color. A neighbor lost his lower unit over that mistake. Ouch. Again, dashed nav lines are helpful at avoiding this problem.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by jeffk

Also before you go between a red and black marker, make sure they are SOLID color. A neighbor lost his lower unit over that mistake. Ouch. Again, dashed nav lines are helpful at avoiding this problem.

Be careful using this rule everywhere... It would get you into trouble in places around 9 Acre and the Forty Islands.