The Bitter End

Tools of the Modern Mariner

By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill

In any profession, having the right tools for the job makes everything turn out oh-so-much better. Whether you’re a professional mariner or the boating version of a weekend warrior, there are a few tools to have in your arsenal. In days of old, such tools were the compass, sextant, a good set of charts, and a sounding lead. In today’s world, these have been replaced, to some degree by Global Positioning Systems (GPS), depth sounders and VHF Radios. We also have phone apps available to us now – some are free and others are available for a small fee.

Charts are one tool you should always have aboard. Electronic, paper, or even better, both. Your GPS start-up screen warns you that having a good, current chart, in the advent of failure, is critical. But we get complacent; we either lose a chart and fail to put a new one back in the boat bag, or we boat only in areas we know.

So, I am going to start with a great product you can have in your pocket called Navionics. It’s an app for either android or iPhone, though there is a fee for it. It uses a standard chart layout and GPS to show where you are on said chart. Some of the more robust features allow you to set a route, gives your track lines and shows depths. I’ve had times when my regular Garmin GPS failed, and I’ve navigated at night and in fog using Navionics. It’s surprisingly accurate. Just go to your app store and select what fits your budget or need – there are several out there. But remember, these are subject to fail too, due to your phone going dead or being dropped, and still isn’t a replacement for having current paper charts onboard.

For those operating near shore, off shore, or on major shipping routes, consider an app that detects Automatic Identification System (AIS) – a signal that larger commercial and pleasure craft use. Just search “boat/ship finders.” Once again, these apps come in several flavors and vary from the free to paid. I started out using free versions of ship finder and marine traffic. Both worked very well, though there was a small delay in the refresh rate. Since I work in the marine business, I don’t mind paying for an app if it makes my job safer or easier. I’ve recently started using Boat Beacon. It’s also a paid app but gives me collision alarms, as well as letting me broadcast my AIS signal so I can be seen. I’m in shipping channels two hundred-plus days a year and I love being able to see where the big guys are, especially if I have a river channel crossing in adverse weather or at night.

Those of us who grew up here or have lived here for years sometimes take the tide change as a given. However, boaters new to the area should be aware that our coast has a huge tidal range. Average high tides run six to eight feet and big tides (during a new or full moon, or when we have strong winds) can run more than 10 feet. The other side of the coin is low tide, which, as I write,

Screenshots of two apps Gator uses - Navionics (top) and Boat Beacon (bottom). Images provided by Captain J. Gary Hill

is -1.1 feet. A tide chart is one tool you don’t want to be without; you can pick them up at most any marina or boating supply store. I also rely on an app called GPS Real Tide, made by FlytoMap. With several features, such as touch GPS to locate what the tides will be at your location, you can also check locations for that day along your planned route. Remember, the tides can vary by as much as 45 minutes or more from the ocean's edge to further inland.

A special pet peeve of mine is some boaters' knot tying abilities. There’s a saying I’ve repeated for years, “If you can’t tie a knot, tie a lot.” Knot tying goes back to some of the most basic boating skills one should have mastered early on, though sadly knot so much. Once again, hit your app store to find a knot tying app that works for you. My favorite is Knots3D – it’s animated and will show you how to properly tie a variety of useful knots. It also allows you to adjust the display speed so you can follow along at your own pace.

Weather apps, route planners and even a simple things notes app on your phone to create a pre-departure checklist, can all make your trip easier and safer. Be properly armed for your next boating adventure. Remember that for the price of a couple cases of adult beverages you can make boating safer for you and your family and friends, and these investments keep giving back every trip – unlike those beverages! With the tools available today, the modern mariner is better prepared to set sail than ever before.

'Til our wakes cross again, peace and love, and shrimp and grits. I'll see you on the water!