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| How to Handle Those Charts
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February 20, 2002
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Larry Hemmerich, from Santa Barbara, California, sent this question:
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T he web site photo where you are selecting your charts for the day seems to suggest that you have folded or cut the charts. Any advice as to how you manage those big charts ?
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Response
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I fold the charts, and lacking suitable drawers on board, carry them in portfolios. For a number of years we used inexpensive 20" high by 27" wide artists' portfolios made from a heavy paper or thin cardboard, from the art supplies store. The charts were folded into fourths, face out, with the chart number in the lower right-hand corner. I stacked them in numerical order and stored them accordingly.
All the U.S. charts (184xxx ) went in one portfolio. The Canadian charts were separated by series -- 34xx, 35xx, 36xx, 37xx and 39xx -- each in its own portfolio. The contents were listed on a piece of paper and taped to the outsides of the portfolios. We carry hundreds of charts and use them heavily. The portfolios were inexpensive, but they didn't hold up particularly well. By the end of a long cruise the corners and edges were reinforced with gray duct tape.
Last summer some friends introduced us to smaller, much sturdier folders from Eagle Creek Travel Gear. They measure about 15" high by 20" wide, and are made from what looks like a thin cordura nylon, with nylon mesh for breathability. They're designed for packing shirts while traveling. Fitting the charts into these folders requires a third fold, and in some cases I had to use a Sharpie pen to write the chart number in the lower right corners.
Our friends think this is the only way to carry charts, but we haven't had enough experience to say one way or the other. The downside to the Eagle Creek folders is the cost: $30 each. We found some in a luggage store that was closing and got them for less, but it was still a chunk of money. If we don't like them I guess we could use them for shirts when we travel, and give the extras as birthday gifts. Eagle Creek has a toll-free telephone 1-800-874-9925, and a web site www.eaglecreek.com .
I have seen charts carried in much sturdier artists portfolios, but these, like the Eagle Creek folders, are expensive. They have the further disadvantage of being rigid, and won't bend or fold to fit into a tight spot. If you have a suitable stowage area available, however, they would be a good way to go.
For a couple years I tried rolling my charts instead of folding them. I found that when I rolled more than just a few at a time they were unwieldy. If you do roll charts, be sure to roll them face out. They lie flat on the table that way.
--Bob Hale
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