Best Plotting Tools for Navigation on Marine Charts
Navigate with precision using dedicated plotting tools designed for nautical charts. This guide highlights five top picks, detailing how each tool supports accurate bearings, distances, and course plotting when GPS is limited or unavailable. Whether you are in training, preparing for a boating exam, or charting coastal routes, these instruments help ensure safe, methodical navigation. Compare features, construction, and usability to choose the right set for your experience level and voyage needs.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariners Chart Plotting Tool Kit | Mariners Learning System | Complete set for precise plotting when GPS is unavailable | 12″ parallel ruler, dividers, pencils, eraser, sharpener, notepad, calculator, magnifier |
| Parallel Ruler With Clear Markings | Toyosport | Accurate course plotting with crisp markings | 12-inch parallel ruler, brass pivots |
| Liquidraw Portland Course Plotter | Liquidraw | Single-tool navigation plotting with protractor | Portland-style plotter, marine protractor |
| Weems & Plath Universal Plotting Sheet | WEEMS & PLATH | Tracing and plotting on marine charts | Plotting sheet |
| Saysurey Parallel Ruler | Saysurey | Durable, clear-scale parallel ruler for bearings | 12-inch parallel ruler with brushed aluminum arms |
Mariners Chart Plotting Tool Kit
The Mariners Chart Plotting Tool Kit provides a traditional set of nautical plotting instruments to draft routes when electronic systems are limited. The kit includes a premium 12″ parallel ruler, dividers, two pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, a notepad, a calculator, and a magnifier. It’s designed to support sailing and boating exam preparation as well as practical plotting on nautical charts, ensuring sailors can compute bearings and distances with reliable, physical tools.
Parallel Ruler With Clear Markings
This 12-inch parallel ruler emphasizes accurate navigation plotting with clear inch and degree markings. Constructed from sturdy plastic, it is designed for durability and light weight, making it suitable for deck use or classroom study. Dual handles and brass pivots enable smooth parallel motion, facilitating the transfer of bearings and angles across charts and reducing alignment errors during practice or real-time plotting.
Liquidraw Portland Course Plotter
The Liquidraw Portland Course Plotter is an all-in-one navigation tool ideal for accurate chart work. It combines a Portland-style course plotter with a marine protractor, delivering straightforward plotting of bearings and distances. Made from strong clear acrylic, the tool features bold markings in contrasting colors for easy readability on nautical charts, making it suitable for coastal cruising, training, and voyage planning.
Weems & Plath Universal Plotting Sheet
The Weems & Plath Universal Plotting Sheet provides a traditional surface for tracing and plotting marine navigation routes. While a simple accessory, plotting sheets are essential for drafting course lines, distances, and waypoints on nautical charts. This sheet complements other plotting tools by offering a reusable, low-friction surface for planning and documentation during study or field work.
Saysurey Parallel Ruler
The Saysurey Parallel Ruler offers 12 inches of plotting capacity with clear scales and brushed aluminum arms for durability. It combines classic parallel movement with easy-to-read marks, enabling precise bearing plotting and spacing on marine charts. Its sturdy construction makes it a reliable option for frequent use in boats or classrooms and supports accurate navigation planning across various environments.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations for plotting tools on navigation charts include accuracy, durability, and ease of use. Consider the following perspectives when choosing a set or individual instruments:
- Accuracy and readability: Look for clear degree and bearing markings, high-contrast scales, and sturdy pivots. Brass pivots and precise engravings help reduce user error during plotting.
- Material and durability: Acrylic or plastic rulers are lightweight and affordable, while brass arms or aluminum components increase longevity in marine environments.
- Completeness: A full plotting kit with parallel rulers, dividers, protractors, pencils, notepads, and a plotting sheet supports both training and field use. A compact single-tool option can be convenient for casual plotting.
- Portability: For boat use, prioritize tools that resist moisture and offer compact storage. Lightweight sets reduce fatigue during long planning sessions.
- Compatibility with training or exams: If preparing for certification, choose tools commonly used in courses or referenced in study materials to ensure familiarity with plotting methods.
- Maintenance and replacement parts: Consider availability of replacement pencils, erasers, and blades, plus ease of cleaning and storage to keep tools accurate over time.
Compared with electronic plotting tools, traditional plotting instruments offer tangibility and reliability when power sources are unavailable. For comprehensive navigation readiness, a combination of a parallel ruler, dividers, a protractor, and a plotting sheet can provide robust plotting capabilities across varied conditions and chart types.