This episode of Trawler Talk is brought to you by Outer Reef Yachts, the leading manufacturer of award-winning long-range motor yachts. Outer Reef specializes in building robust blue water yachts that focus on luxury, efficiency, safety, and technological ingenuity. With a model line ranging from 58 to 115ft, Outer Reef Yachts are the perfect model to suit any cruising lifestyle. https://www.outerreefyachts.com
On this episode of Trawler Talk, we discuss navigation tips for boaters when electronic equipment fails with guest Chris Caswell, an experienced boating journalist and author. The podcast is loaded with practical advice for boaters to navigate using traditional methods and basic tools in the absence of functioning electronic equipment.
Caswell shares his insights on navigating without relying on electronic devices, emphasizing the importance of carrying paper charts and basic navigation tools like pencils, sharpener, dividers and parallel rules. He also mentions the “thumb rule,” which advises boaters to keep a safe distance from hazards by not venturing closer than the width of their thumb on the chart.
The conversation continues with the discussion of the “three finger rule.” By holding their hand out at arm’s length, boaters can estimate distance using the height of objects on the chart. For example, if a radio tower is three fingers high and the chart states its height is 100 feet, the boater can calculate they are approximately 1,000 feet away.
Caswell mentions utilizing radio signals for navigation, where aligning the antenna with a radio station’s direction can help boaters determine their position relative to the station.
It then shifts to the importance of a compass. Caswell stresses the necessity of having a magnetic compass onboard, having it professionally adjusted to ensure accuracy, carrying a spare compass and having a deviation card that accounts for any remaining errors in the compass. The deviation card provides instructions on how to correct the compass reading based on different directions.
