Colin Jones investigates six of the best chart table gadgets...

A good chart tool should be two things: robust and petite. With most boats having only limited flat surfaces and tight storage spaces, conveniently sized accessories matter. And given that the chart table is often subject to dampness and prone to being banged about, any gadgets that litter its surface need to be as resilient as possible. Here are six products that particularly deserve your attention.

1. Toughprint Waterproof Paper

This is the real McCoy. It is 100 per cent waterproof, and is
not one of these ‘water-resistant’ products, impersonating
something better. Many of us plan trips at home, but
navigate from an open console, where our passage notes
are at risk from wind, weather and clumsy crew. A pack of
A4 Toughprints is a good answer.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Versatility is key. I bought mine to
take enlarged photocopies of chart segments, onto which
I write my own guidance notes and updates as I go along.
The paper is crumple-proof, double-sided and can be
wiped clean. If you need to put notices on your boat, it is
also more cost-effective than laminating.
I LIKE: The ability to use the paper in the offi ce printer
or photocopier is great, and I am also impressed by its
faithful rendering of colours. It slices easily into A5 (or
smaller) and it does not go yellow with age. I bought a
box of packs (each of 25 sheets) ten years ago and am
still using them for everything, from mountain biking
to lightweight photographs.
I DO NOT LIKE: It does not seem to be generally
available ‘off-the-shelf’ and it now costs quite a hefty
£15.94 a packet.
SOURCE: Memory Map - 08448 110950
www.memory-map.co.uk

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