Comments on: Kanoottikompassi http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/ Tilting At Waves Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:23:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Andy Mitchell http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/comment-page-1/#comment-4705 Andy Mitchell Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:04:07 +0000 http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/#comment-4705 gps, compass backup: funny you mention that (GPS failing on water). In the last several weeks I've had it happen twice - once on one of my OTS (out to sea) paddles. I was 10 miles off shore - and it just quit (10 miles is barely out of sight of land - FL - no elevation) (when I got back - I took out, and put back in - the memory card - it worked). The 2nd failure was yesterday - was doing a long, hot paddle. Early afternoon - the gps - in an Aquapac, overheated and a blotch appeared on the display. I immediately removed it from the bag (very hot), put it underdeck for a while, and tried it again, to my great relief it worked - with seemingly no ill effects (I kept a wet towel wrapped around edges of the aquapac rest of day - seemed to work). Also, though, not failure, if the batteries give out in an inopportune time (eg: heavy weather, thunderstorm, etc), a VERY handy backup is necessary. SO, anyway, I would agree, a deck mounted compass is the better way to go. That said, (DAISNAID) I carry a backup gps and compass. gps, compass backup:
funny you mention that (GPS failing on water).
In the last several weeks I’ve had it happen twice – once on one of my OTS (out to sea) paddles. I was 10 miles off shore – and it just quit (10 miles is barely out of sight of land – FL – no elevation) (when I got back – I took out, and put back in – the memory card – it worked).
The 2nd failure was yesterday – was doing a long, hot paddle. Early afternoon – the gps – in an Aquapac, overheated and a blotch appeared on the display. I immediately removed it from the bag (very hot), put it underdeck for a while, and tried it again, to my great relief it worked – with seemingly no ill effects (I kept a wet towel wrapped around edges of the aquapac rest of day – seemed to work).
Also, though, not failure, if the batteries give out in an inopportune time (eg: heavy weather, thunderstorm, etc), a VERY handy backup is necessary.
SO, anyway, I would agree, a deck mounted compass is the better way to go.
That said, (DAISNAID) I carry a backup gps and compass.

]]> By: derrick http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/comment-page-1/#comment-4704 derrick Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:44:23 +0000 http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/#comment-4704 Hi all, Andy, I really want to be like you on that. Navigation is my weak point. I understand it and feel fine with a compass and a chart. On the other hand I'm not "into" navigation. So I use a GPS myself. Thing is, I've had too many experiences with GPS units dying on the water.. Having the deck compass for me is just life insurance. Over time I've collected a bunch of small hand held compasses and even one large pistol grip model. In the times I've used them on the water I've always found them to be too much work. In strong conditions, big waves or wind I don't like the thought of taking a hand off the paddle to mess with a compass. I also just like to have it there on my deck so I can hold a bearing. If someone would make a GPS that never failed, or lost a signal I think we would all give up on compasses. Hi all,

Andy, I really want to be like you on that. Navigation is my weak point. I understand it and feel fine with a compass and a chart. On the other hand I’m not “into” navigation. So I use a GPS myself. Thing is, I’ve had too many experiences with GPS units dying on the water.. Having the deck compass for me is just life insurance. Over time I’ve collected a bunch of small hand held compasses and even one large pistol grip model. In the times I’ve used them on the water I’ve always found them to be too much work. In strong conditions, big waves or wind I don’t like the thought of taking a hand off the paddle to mess with a compass. I also just like to have it there on my deck so I can hold a bearing. If someone would make a GPS that never failed, or lost a signal I think we would all give up on compasses.

]]> By: Andy Mitchell http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/comment-page-1/#comment-4701 Andy Mitchell Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:27:36 +0000 http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/#comment-4701 I wish I could trade my Explorer compass recess for your Rockpool no-recess. I'm afraid I'm 100% gps navigating now (of course, always carrying one or two el-cheapo handhelds in my 'safety-pack'). (Before you call me a - (hey, is there an antonym for luddite?) - I still do math in my head - no calculator on my backpocket, phone, - oh, wait a minute, there is one on my gps - hmm) - Andy I wish I could trade my Explorer compass recess for your Rockpool no-recess.
I’m afraid I’m 100% gps navigating now (of course, always carrying one or two el-cheapo handhelds in my ‘safety-pack’).
(Before you call me a – (hey, is there an antonym for luddite?) – I still do math in my head – no calculator on my backpocket, phone, – oh, wait a minute, there is one on my gps – hmm) – Andy

]]> By: silbs6521 http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/comment-page-1/#comment-4694 silbs6521 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:42:19 +0000 http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/#comment-4694 Lots of us kayakers here in the states are still not free from Britain, thanks to Nigel. Lots of us kayakers here in the states are still not free from Britain, thanks to Nigel.

]]> By: Thomas http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/comment-page-1/#comment-4689 Thomas Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:46:17 +0000 http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2008/07/04/kanoottikompassi/#comment-4689 Next you'll be building SOF ! ; ) Next you’ll be building SOF
! ; )

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