bouyhunter

I'm usually just a lurker - only post occaisonally - but I must be addicted, - I had an hour and half to kill today between appointments and stopped at a library just to log on....haha.

My question is - does anyone know of a good source online for charts?

I'm looking for charts of Tampa Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico in that area.

I've searched the web and can't find charts anywhere.

Even at my local library I can only find charts of my local area.

Is there a reason I can't get free charts?
I guess I think that if I can get driving directions from my address to any other address for free on mapquest - why can't I get nautical charts??????

I'm not trying to just be a tightwad, - but I may be planning a vacation trip and want to investigate an area before I launch a boat and run the risk of tearing up props, or an outdrive, - or wind up with a hole in the hull - that would kinda ruin the day.

Already looking forward to Miami - I'll be getting married in St. Pete the day before - where's the party at?? - We'll be there (Miami) by Sat. afternoon.

thanks

Tim and Jody

jrocket

There really isnt any "FREE" good up to date charts but have you contacted Boat US or any of the local marinas that your headed for? I use Bluewater Bay (Destin Fl) they have all the intercoastal and gulf charts you need also on there web sight there are some. http://www.bbsc.com/BBSC/BBSC.html
I know they are a sailing club but they are great folks in my book they get a little uptight when I fire up the boat but they always have a slip when Im in town give em a call maybe they can get you some in the mail.
jrocket

CigDaze

bouyhunter,
For all your online charting needs, maptech is the best!
I've included a link which should take you straight to the Tampa Area.

http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepag...latlontype=DMS

Keith

Tim,

I'm might not be correct here, but I believe NOAA has a mandate to contract those charts to commercial entities who then distribute the information. At least that's my understanding after reading and researching the subject. I have found the raw data and charts available at no charge, but unless you have a super computer, their difficult to use at best.

Check this link out and poke around, download some code and charts, you'll see what I mean. It's all free, but you'll understand my comments when you start playing with it. http://www.cbpba.com/links.php?op=viewlink&cid=7 You don't have to register on our site to see the links area. Good luck.

PS I finally just broke down and bought a Navman Color GPS/Plotter for my boat with a C+ Card, and can't say enough about it, worth every penny.

CigDaze

Here's another one:

http://www.marineplanner.com/

You can plan trips and routes byt inputing waypoints, points of interest and it'll calculate distance, time and give step-by-step chart plates.

Naturally, anything above and beyond the basics costs money.

bouyhunter

you guys are great!!!

I didn't think I could find this info anywhere.

THANKS!!!!

I guess maybe I'll start speaking up more when I have a question.

Thanks again.

CigDaze

Glad to be of assistance. Hope it's what you were looking for!

bouyhunter

baja - I'll be in St. pete in Feb - we're getting married down there on the beach near treasure island, - then heading to the miami boat show - I'll keep in touch with ya - hell, I at least owe ya a beer for the maptech link - I already did a "virtual" trip from lake erie to the Atlantic.

Thanks again.

Bouy

CigDaze

Anytime, my friend!
Have a wonderful wedding, I'm sure it'll be great!
See You around!