
19 5/12/17
With the chart plotter, you can zoom-in to make something that is the size of a dime on a paper chart the
size of a paperback novel or larger. You can see more detail and more importantly any hazards in the
area. Your boats position on the chart plotter is accurate to within 3 meters (about 10-feet).
Check the Chart-Plotter or paper charts frequently to ensure you are where you think you are. If someone
asks “where are you?” you need to be able to point to the chart within a few seconds and show them the
vessels precise position. If you can’t, you are in danger of hitting a rock.
You should have little need of the radar except for the highly unlikely event that you are suddenly enveloped
by fog, which is rare in this area. The fog typically encountered in this area forms in the wee hours of the
morning and usually burns off by mid-day. Never depart a safe location into the fog!! To do so, even with
radar, is contrary to prudent seamanship. FYI, Fog becomes “reduced visibility” when you can see ¼ mile,
about 500 yards, in all directions. It is safe to proceed CAREFULLY in reduced visibility, using your radar
to see beyond the haze, but be sure to look up from the screen about every 10 seconds and use your eyes to
scan the horizon forward, behind and side-to-side. A motor yacht, tanker or freighter traveling at 20 knots
takes only 39 seconds to travel ¼ mile!! You need to see fast moving vessels sooner rather than later so
you can prepare to quickly take evasive action to avoid a collision. The radar must be turned on from the
HOME screen. It can either overlay the chart or be on a split screen.
VHF RADIO
Push and hold the red on/off button until the radio comes on.
You are required to monitor Channel 16 by the USCG (the hailing and distress channel) during
your cruise. After establishing contact on channel 16, switch to working channels 68, 69, or
80. Scan the weather channels for the one with the best reception before sailing in the morning
and prior to anchoring for the evening. This is generally a light wind region but weather changes
can be sudden. Listen for the “inland waters of western Washington” or “Camano Island to Point
Roberts”. Both cover the San Juan Islands. You will also hear “Strait of Juan de Fuca” (south of
the San Juan’s), “Georgia Strait” (north), and Rosario Strait (runs through the eastern part of the
San Juan Islands).
In an emergency, if you don’t have time to talk on the radio, you can send an automated distress call by
pushing and holding the red distress button. This feature is tied in to the GPS and will automatically send
your location with the distress call.
KNOT METER GPS input to the chart plotter provides an alternate and quite accurate indication of SOG
(speed over ground).
DC HELM PANEL Several functions including horn, running lights, anchor light, and windshield
wipers are controller by rocker switches on the panel located on the helm adjacent to the wheel.
NAVIGATION LIGHTS A three position rocker switch with NAV LIGHTS on when the switch is
moved to the top position and ANCHOR LIGHT on when the switchis moved to the bottom position. The
middle position is the OFF position.
HORN Right hand rocker switch operates the electric horn.