We all have our favorite charting sources but it’s good to have other options, in case your batteries die, you drop your phone overboard, or GPS goes out!

Paper charts are the tried-and-true way and everyone should have a basic understanding of how to use them. Even the chart booklets still give you a usable view of your area. NOAA stopped producing paper (RASTER) charts in 2020 and will only update their ENC charts. It’s still a good idea to hang onto those old paper charts/booklets.

Chartplotters have been out for many years and boaters have their favorites (or are stuck with what came with their boat). Those have the ability to update charts from their respective proprietary sites. There are Apps, (such as Navionics) that boaters use on their phone or tablets. Cruising Guides, such was Waggoner, also offer local details.

For planning (and realtime charting with GPS), OpenCPN is a well-known and widely used free program that has an App or can be downloaded onto your pc/laptop. It is opensource, easily customized to your needs and the charts can be downloaded from NOAA for free. Example pasted below…

The dark wet days of winter are a perfect time to plan next season’s cruise!

All Washington State boat registration tags are due June 30th.   Get more details here….

• Renew your boat registration by June 30 or risk being stranded in early July
• Do I have to register my motorized dinghy?

Welcome back and hope you all had a great summer!

Please tell us about your travels…what worked, what didn’t, where to go, what to avoid.   There are lots of new boat owners in our marina that are dreaming of places to go and things to do!  Everyone that has been out this summer has stories to tell.

Did you cruise South Sound or head north to the San Juan’s/Gulf Islands/Desolation Sound?  Was the Canadian fire smoke an issue for you? …and how would you avoid it next year?  Was water difficult to find?  How about cell coverage?  Tips for clearing Customs?  Share your thoughts and helpful internet links that will encourage others to get out and use their boat!

Here is a great article by Andy Cross published in 48°North Magazine…

https://48north.com/cruising/cruising-technique/anchoring-etiquette/

Don’t forget to …

• notify the marina office if you are subletting your slip
• let the office know which car is yours and where you should park while you are gone (maybe leave a key with a neighbor in case it has to be moved)
• make sure your car registration tabs don’t expire while you are away-you could get towed!
• of course, make sure your boat has it’s 2025 registration stickers on it (they are due by June 30th)

Have a great summer!