Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

Chapter 11: Nautical Road Maps: Marine Charts
Charts used to be dirt cheap, but when the government figured out that they were operating
at a loss, they started charging more. They’re about $16 each at present.
The Profit Motive—Commercial Charts
When NOAA raised prices, they opened the door for privately produced commercial
charts, allowing competitive pricing. Now there are private charts based on the NOAA
charts that are actually better than the originals because they include two charts on one
piece of paper—one on the front, one on the back.
Some add lots of specialized information especially for recreational boaters and anglers.
And some of the private versions are printed on waterproof paper and include neat stuff
such as the location of a good fishing reef, which the government charts don’t.
This chart section from International Sailing Supply indicates boat ramps and other data of use to
recreational boaters, usually not found on government charts.
(Photo credit: International Sailing Supply)
International Sailing Supply (320 Cross Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, 941-639-7626;
www.waterproofcharts.com) is a great source, and their charts are printed on a paper so
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