Is Old Maryland Chartbook worth keeping?

[Captain Smollett]

I've got a 1986-87 Maryland chartbook that also covers the Chesapeake.

I wouldn't use it for actual navigation, but I'm wondering if it is still at all worth keeping for armchair planning.

Thoughts?

[CharlieJ]

Sure- you can go online and look at the latest charts and see what changes have been made. In many areas, little changes for LONG stretches of time.

Here's a site I use for online charts-

http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/

[Bill NH]

Remember that most chart updates affect vessels with 40 foot drafts alot more than 4 footers.  As long as you keep in mind that you're using old charts and navigate with appropriate caution, they are a great way to have charts of that little harbor you might want to duck into in a storm without maintaining a full inventory of charts aboard... 

A good way to stay on top of significant changes in your home cruising area is through the weekly Local Notices to Mariners.  They are available from the USCG at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/LNM/default.htm

In total they're a bit dry, but the Advance Notices and General sections are the most useful for rec boaters.

[AdriftAtSea]

I don't see any reason you couldn't use the book for planning purposes.  I'd recommend that you check any routes you plan using it against updated charts once enroute. :)

[Lynx]

If you have electronic charts, keep it as a backup. Or keep it as a backup.