The Bottom Line
Topics in the Coast Pilot include channel descriptions, anchorages, bridge and cable clearances, currents, tide and water levels, prominent features, pilotage, towage, weather, ice conditions, wharf descriptions, dangers, routes, traffic separation schemes, small-craft facilities, and Federal regulations applicable to navigation.
- Free
- Great Coverage
- Accurate and Updated Regularly
- Lacks Detail
- No Coverage of Shoreside Amenities
Description
- Great Value. Each volume covers a huge area with a surprising amount of useful information. Free download of the PDF version.
- Comprehensive Coverage. Lots of essential navigation information in one very portable place.
- Local information is accurate and updated regularly.
- Free download. From NOAA's website.
Guide Review - NOAA's Coast Pilot Offers Free Coastal Feature Details
Volumes one through four cover the East coast from Maine to Key West. Volume five details the Gulf coast, while Six deals with the Great Lakes.
For Left Coast cruisers, volume seven covers the rugged United States coast of California, Oregon and Washington, between Mexico on the south and Canada's British Columbia on the north. Coast Pilot 7 also includes Hawaii and other United States territories in the South Pacific.
Pilots eight and nine detail Alaska's coastal waters.
Best of all, Coast Pilots are available as free downloads from NOAA's nautical chart website. All are PDF's which include charts and tables. For the digital navigator, the Coast Pilot for each appropriate region belongs on the boat's laptop.
Download it here.
