GPS or digital compass?

camp guy · 03-22-2009, 07:51 PM

Welcome to the Lake ! I'm sure you will enjoy it.

My first comment is that during the Boating Safety Course (which you are required to take) there will be a discussion of navigation aids and how to understand them.

Secondly, before you invest in a GPS or a compass, you need a Lake chart, and, probably, also, some local instruction about the sub-surface geography in the area you plan to do most of your boating.

Both a GPS and a compass are very helpful, but they actually serve two different functions, neither mutually exclusive of the other. Given the chance, buy both, but, if only one or the other is a choice, try to see a GPS in action before you buy one.

My last comment is that local knowledge is always helpful. Too, at night, things look differently than during the day. If this is your first go at the Lake, go slow, stay vigilent, and don't be afraid to ask other boaters what works for them.

jetskier · 03-22-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camp guy

Welcome to the Lake ! I'm sure you will enjoy it.

My first comment is that during the Boating Safety Course (which you are required to take) there will be a discussion of navigation aids and how to understand them.

Secondly, before you invest in a GPS or a compass, you need a Lake chart, and, probably, also, some local instruction about the sub-surface geography in the area you plan to do most of your boating.

Both a GPS and a compass are very helpful, but they actually serve two different functions, neither mutually exclusive of the other. Given the chance, buy both, but, if only one or the other is a choice, try to see a GPS in action before you buy one.

My last comment is that local knowledge is always helpful. Too, at night, things look differently than during the day. If this is your first go at the Lake, go slow, stay vigilent, and don't be afraid to ask other boaters what works for them.

I wanted to make a minor clarification to this posting. It is not legal to operate a jetski after dark.

Jetskier

no-engine · 03-22-2009, 08:11 PM

A chart and compass are the very FIRST pieces of navigation one should have on any body of water. I am over half century in age, and been on navigable waterways almost that long. Compass and chart!

jeffk · 03-22-2009, 09:02 PM

I would point out that charts have dashed navigation paths for most areas that show what side of the buoys you should be on. For example when entering Center Harbor there is a dashed line showing that the black spars are on the left and red on the right. I find this a simple and highly effective way to navigate as long as I know the general direction I am heading in. If not, the compass will orient you.

Another suggestion I would make is to SLOW DOWN. I think the biggest mistake many people make is not simply taking the needed amount of time to properly orient themselves before moving ahead. If uncertain, STOP, and think it through.

Avoid the trickier spots until you are sure how to proceed or scout them out on the jet ski which has no prop to damage. It is really not that hard and there are only a handful of really hard to navigate spots.

Also, to keep from getting completely disoriented, which happens to the best of us, get in the habit of verifying the numbered buoys as you go past. Then you confirm that you are really where you thought you were.

Phantom · 03-23-2009, 06:53 AM

Welcome Lakefr --

I too echo many of the points already stated.

After re-reading your post, I gleened three key points: (1) you are on Bear Island (2) you will be in both a boat and Jet Ski (3) most importantly- they're not yours! With that in mind, a "good" compass & chart is your best first move (quality GPS's can get pricey & are difficult to read and more importanly keep dry on a Jet). Both are best when "mounted" not loose in your hand i.e.. not your craft! I would also suggest that you get the "laminated" version of the chart ....... from experiance..... it's quite tricky trying to grab the paper version and re-fold it to the area you need (even if your stopped) on a jet ski. Finally, after spotting another of your posts on the forum -- you are in a relatively easy area to navigate a lenghty ride in eithor craft. Take the time to study the map, plan your route in your mind and go out and explore. I would suggest you initially venture in the Post Office direction as opposed to FL #3 i.e. less tricky/congestion direction. If you see a neighbor, don't be bashful -- tell him your situation and perhaps he would take you on a guided tour spin (pointing out the "real" hazards). I certainly would if asked. If I have learned anything boating at Winni -- it's that "local knowledge" trumps a chart, compass, depth finder, GPS, radar ..... well you get the point!

Keep in mind -- where you go safely with the Jet .... you may not necessarliy do so with the boat.

Enjoy!!

4Fun · 03-23-2009, 08:21 AM

Jet Skis are the best for "rock hunting" as my 4 year old calls it. We go out with the small Bizer map and find the hazards listed near the bouys. It only draws 5-6" of water so you can certainly see the rocks and avoid them if you are just going 4-5 MPH. The map is easy to use as it has the lines to show you what side to be on. If you are not sure stop and figure it out.

I find it great fun to pick a bouy on the map and find out why it's actually there. Especially fun to see all the outdrive marks on each rock

Then you can navigate some pretty tricky areas in the boat with confidence.

Just watch for the Anchor Marine boat rentals. Several times I have had them come on the worng side of the bouy thinking I must be on the correct side

neckdweller · 03-23-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Fun

Just watch for the Anchor Marine boat rentals. Several times I have had them come on the worng side of the bouy thinking I must be on the correct side

This brings up another point. If you're unsure what direction you should be going, don't just follow the guy in front of you - check the map. It's possible the person you follow may not know where they're going either.

4Fun · 03-23-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neckdweller

This brings up another point. If you're unsure what direction you should be going, don't just follow the guy in front of you - check the map. It's possible the person you follow may not know where they're going either.

Good point. 15 years ago my father followed a lobster boat and ran aground off Seabrook. He only did $27K worth of damage

Saw two people hit rocks in the graveyard last year while "rock hunting" on my Jet Ski. Fortunatly, I did not influence there direction. They were going to hit somthing with or without me there.....

Treerider · 04-09-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetskier

I wanted to make a minor clarification to this posting. It is not legal to operate a jetski after dark.

Jetskier

I believe the original request mentioned both Jetski AND Boat....

03-22-2009, 07:51 PM	#1
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,181 Thanks: 299 Thanked 525 Times in 293 Posts	GPS or digital compass Welcome to the Lake ! I'm sure you will enjoy it. My first comment is that during the Boating Safety Course (which you are required to take) there will be a discussion of navigation aids and how to understand them. Secondly, before you invest in a GPS or a compass, you need a Lake chart, and, probably, also, some local instruction about the sub-surface geography in the area you plan to do most of your boating. Both a GPS and a compass are very helpful, but they actually serve two different functions, neither mutually exclusive of the other. Given the chance, buy both, but, if only one or the other is a choice, try to see a GPS in action before you buy one. My last comment is that local knowledge is always helpful. Too, at night, things look differently than during the day. If this is your first go at the Lake, go slow, stay vigilent, and don't be afraid to ask other boaters what works for them.

03-23-2009, 06:53 AM	#5
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Welcome Lakefr -- I too echo many of the points already stated. After re-reading your post, I gleened three key points: (1) you are on Bear Island (2) you will be in both a boat and Jet Ski (3) most importantly- they're not yours! With that in mind, a "good" compass & chart is your best first move (quality GPS's can get pricey & are difficult to read and more importanly keep dry on a Jet). Both are best when "mounted" not loose in your hand i.e.. not your craft! I would also suggest that you get the "laminated" version of the chart ....... from experiance..... it's quite tricky trying to grab the paper version and re-fold it to the area you need (even if your stopped) on a jet ski. Finally, after spotting another of your posts on the forum -- you are in a relatively easy area to navigate a lenghty ride in eithor craft. Take the time to study the map, plan your route in your mind and go out and explore. I would suggest you initially venture in the Post Office direction as opposed to FL #3 i.e. less tricky/congestion direction. If you see a neighbor, don't be bashful -- tell him your situation and perhaps he would take you on a guided tour spin (pointing out the "real" hazards). I certainly would if asked. If I have learned anything boating at Winni -- it's that "local knowledge" trumps a chart, compass, depth finder, GPS, radar ..... well you get the point! Keep in mind -- where you go safely with the Jet .... you may not necessarliy do so with the boat. Enjoy!! __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

03-22-2009, 08:11 PM	#3
no-engine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West side Winnipesaukee, Lakes Region Posts: 516 Thanks: 20 Thanked 52 Times in 40 Posts	A chart and compass are the very FIRST pieces of navigation one should have on any body of water. I am over half century in age, and been on navigable waterways almost that long. Compass and chart!

03-22-2009, 09:02 PM	#4
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,166 Thanks: 205 Thanked 432 Times in 249 Posts	I would point out that charts have dashed navigation paths for most areas that show what side of the buoys you should be on. For example when entering Center Harbor there is a dashed line showing that the black spars are on the left and red on the right. I find this a simple and highly effective way to navigate as long as I know the general direction I am heading in. If not, the compass will orient you. Another suggestion I would make is to SLOW DOWN. I think the biggest mistake many people make is not simply taking the needed amount of time to properly orient themselves before moving ahead. If uncertain, STOP, and think it through. Avoid the trickier spots until you are sure how to proceed or scout them out on the jet ski which has no prop to damage. It is really not that hard and there are only a handful of really hard to navigate spots. Also, to keep from getting completely disoriented, which happens to the best of us, get in the habit of verifying the numbered buoys as you go past. Then you confirm that you are really where you thought you were.

03-23-2009, 08:21 AM	#6
4Fun Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 283 Thanks: 1 Thanked 66 Times in 38 Posts	Jet Skis are the best for "rock hunting" as my 4 year old calls it. We go out with the small Bizer map and find the hazards listed near the bouys. It only draws 5-6" of water so you can certainly see the rocks and avoid them if you are just going 4-5 MPH. The map is easy to use as it has the lines to show you what side to be on. If you are not sure stop and figure it out. I find it great fun to pick a bouy on the map and find out why it's actually there. Especially fun to see all the outdrive marks on each rock Then you can navigate some pretty tricky areas in the boat with confidence. Just watch for the Anchor Marine boat rentals. Several times I have had them come on the worng side of the bouy thinking I must be on the correct side