I assume that Dave, is refering to both paper charts and digital charts. Since both are subject to the same errors, and the digital chart base is taken off the same data base that the paper chart is. This is always a precaution. But I have found that both the US and Canadian charts today are excellent. Many chip cartographers have even gone to the use of more accurate private databases; such as the "Lewis" explorer charts of the Abbacos.
Thanks for the offer Pat. I think it is a great idea. But for example I have a Garmin and a Lowrance--and might be compatable with the Raymarinae navionics. If the chip format (SD) is the same as the Lowrance, then it would work--but if it is CF card, then not. So one would have to be sure that the format and card type is the same.
Marco442 makes an excellent point--which is part of this and other discussions of the Canadian/US charts.
I am surprised on how good the Garmin chart on the Colorado 400 is of the North Shore of the Great Lakes--it definately is not quite as detailed as the South Shore, but adequate to navigate with the paper charts of the harbors or a chart guide (if available). On the West Coast--Gulf Islands, the detail is not as good as it is within 5 miles of the international boarder, but even up to Niamo there is fair detial and the major ATN are show. It would be enough on a good day to make a safe passage (again I would want paper charts--but the little chart plotter gives a lot more information than I had when cruising these waters 13 to 16 years ago) I sprung the $295 for the Garmin Chip for up to the end of Vancouver Island--but for next summer putting in Prince Rupert and going to AK, I'll probably not buy the chip--just go with charts and what is on the chart plotter spill over...
