NavList:

   

Reply

Many thanks to Bill Noyce and Arthur Pearson for their suggested
solutions to the non-electronic log problem. I'd still like an
instrument that would record distance run rather than instantaneous
speed, without needing batteries or an LCD. Still, I might have to force
myself to compromise on one or the other feature!

As to Arthur's suggestion:

> For bay crossings in the fog of Maine and Nova Scotia, a simple 30 foot
> chip log allows one to measure speed often enough and accurately enough
> to keep an accurate DR for several hours. Simply tie a bit of wood
> (weighted on one edge to be traditional and to minimize wind drift) on a
> length of light line, drop the chip overboard and time the number of
> seconds it takes for 30 feet of line to run out.  Divide 18 by the
> number of seconds to get nautical miles per hour, so 6 seconds indicates
> 3 knots. I measure speed and plot a DR every 15 minutes. Any inaccuracy
> in speed measurement is less important that whatever allowance one makes
> for current and lee way. This is all I have had on dozens of trips
> Downeast and back in Maine and combined with a good ear and a good nose
> you should be fine (keep the engine off so you can hear surf, gulls,
> barking dogs, etc.).


Heaving a chip log is an attractive alternative but a bit awkward if
single-handed or with a crew that does not share a passion for such
eccentricities. If reduced to that level of technology, why not go one
step further and use a Dutchman's log?


Trevor Kenchington

--
Trevor J. Kenchington PhD                         Gadus@iStar.ca
Gadus Associates,                                 Office(902) 889-9250
R.R.#1, Musquodoboit Harbour,                     Fax   (902) 889-9251
Nova Scotia  B0J 2L0, CANADA                      Home  (902) 889-3555

                     Science Serving the Fisheries
                      http://home.istar.ca/~gadus

   

Reply