Charts for Lake Powell

Mike_J · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2017 3:18 pm Post subject: Charts for Lake Powell

My 4 year old Lowrance HDS8 does not have charting for Lake Powell (I think only Canada...) and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for charting that can be installed in the chartplotter. I have found a couple of apps for iOS, Android and Windows 10, but am wondering what I can easily get on my HDS8.

Casey · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 5:31 am Post subject:

Mike,

I am faced with a similar situation (our old Humminbird plotter/sounder just isn't up to the task of current charting). It has become the secondary nav unit (used mostly as a 'sounder). We now rely on the iPad3 and a variety of really good 'apps.

Several years ago (aboard CD Naknek) I spent about $1500 for "current charting" for Naknek's Raymarine system. It was a joy to find the same charting available for the iPad at about 10% of the earlier costs!

The march of technology continues to amaze me.

Best,
Casey

Pat Anderson · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:37 am Post subject:

Raymarine' Western Lakes chip has Powell for about $200, but take Casey's advice. Get Navionics for you iPad and download Powell or whatever. Also you should have the Stan Jones Lake Powell Map, really all you need, and then follow the channel markers!

Mike_J · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:00 am Post subject:

Thanks Pat and Casey, I think the Navionics app on my phone and tablet will do the trick. I will use the Lowrance for depth sounding and other info.

potter water · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:37 am Post subject:

I've been using Navionics on my tablet now for 3 seasons for LP. It is accurate and has more than enough goodies for reliable and safe navigation. I'm now using my old small purpose built chart plotter as a compass and speedometer. I don't have the heart to get rid of it. I also have Navionics installed on my cellphone for backup to the tablet. My tablet is an 8 inch and is big enough to see what I need to see.

Hunkydory · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:00 pm Post subject:

Our Ipad3 with navionics has become our primary navigational aid for not just lake Powell, but SE Alaska & most everywhere else. The two older Garmns & older IPad are used for back up & to give varying chart views in closeup & overall detail. The IPad with Navionics is fast & extremely easy to use the menu.

Jay

Discovery · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 11:54 am Post subject:

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Mapping/
Lake Insight, should work for Lake Powell on the HDS-8

Phil Barnes · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2017 12:05 am Post subject: Charts for Lake Powell

Pat is right about Lake Powell. Get the map with the channel markers on it. And stay in the middle of the channel. Do not short cut even if it "looks deep". A good map and a good depth finder are essential for Powell. The bottom is different every day as the lake level changes daily. We have been there with a one foot change over night. A couple of years ago I ran up on a rock spire on the inside of a corner in a side channel, in a 17 foot bass boat at trolling speed. The stern was in 60 feet of water, the bow was gently beached on a rock shelf. I reversed slowly and we were off and good to go. Stay in the center of the channel. Watch for color changes in the water. Go slow if in question. It is a beautiful if not magical place. Charts are a good supplement to a map and a depth finder, but don't rely on charts like we do in the PNW! There are rocks that are high and dry sometimes and one foot below the water line as the level changes. Have a great trip to Powell! It is beautiful. I have spent some time exploring there and never had a problem. Slow is good unless in the main channel and following the markers, then you can make good time with some certainty. The center of most side channels is fine. The edges can yield surprises. As you look at those rock spires think of what they might look like if just under the water surface! Enjoy Powell, it is a treasure.

Phil Barnes · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2017 12:06 am Post subject: Charts for Lake Powell

Pat is right about Lake Powell. Get the map with the channel markers on it. And stay in the middle of the channel. Do not short cut even if it "looks deep". A good map and a good depth finder are essential for Powell. The bottom is different every day as the lake level changes daily. We have been there with a one foot change over night. A couple of years ago I ran up on a rock spire on the inside of a corner in a side channel, in a 17 foot bass boat at trolling speed. The stern was in 60 feet of water, the bow was gently beached on a rock shelf. I reversed slowly and we were off and good to go. Stay in the center of the channel. Watch for color changes in the water. Go slow if in question. It is a beautiful if not magical place. Charts are a good supplement to a map and a depth finder, but don't rely on charts like we do in the PNW! There are rocks that are high and dry sometimes and one foot below the water line as the level changes. Have a great trip to Powell! It is beautiful. I have spent some time exploring there and never had a problem. Slow is good unless in the main channel and following the markers, then you can make good time with some certainty. The center of most side channels is fine. The edges can yield surprises. As you look at those rock spires think of what they might look like if just under the water surface! Enjoy Powell, it is a treasure.

Mike_J · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2017 12:56 am Post subject:

Heading off next week and should be launching Friday for at least a week of cruising!

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:43 pm Post subject:

Enjoy, Mike! This is one of the most magical places on Earth! We have been there four times, and will almost certainly go back again. You cannot see it all in a lifetime!

Casey · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2017 5:45 am Post subject:

Do you know if anyone has developed a nav app where you can key-in the lake level and thus depict a more accurate view of the lake?

Best,
C&M

Marco Flamingo · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 1:31 pm Post subject:

Too late for Mike J, but we found a National Geographic map to be a nice addition.

https://www.amazon.com/Glen-Canyon-National-Recreation-Area/dp/156695343X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489170177&sr=8-1&keywords=national+geographic+map+lake+powell

It is printed on some type of plastic paper that really holds up well, even when it gets sit on, wet, folded wrong, etc. We used a fine tipped permanent marker to keep track of our travels, anchorages, hikes, and notes. A nice quick reference souvenir and it looks like it will last several trips.

For "charts," I used only those on my HDS 5. That, reasonable speeds, and keeping both eyes open worked just fine.

Mark

hardee · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 1:40 pm Post subject:

Mark, was it the "Glen Canyon" map you used?

Thanks,

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Mike_J · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 3:47 pm Post subject:

I think that we have the national geographic map. Thanks!