I want the chartplotter visible from the helm and - since I don't have a pilothouse - that means it
needs to be waterproof.

Also, I not only have a full compliment of paper charts, I *USE* them - everday I'm underway.
Basically, I view the chartplotter and paper charts as complimentary, rather than substitute, goods.
For plotting courses and for getting the 'big picture' I especially like paper charts.

Some indication of HOW MUCH I value paper charts is that I just ordered new Maptech chartbooks
(on sale at Jamestown Distributors) for my principal cruising grounds. I had old editions (circa
1998) and was getting tired of all the mis-information (especially related to buoy location
and numbering, etc.). It wasn't a necessary purchase, to be sure, but very nice to have.

As for the paper charts not being waterproof, well, they can be. I have some waterproof charts
- and even a smaller size waterproof chartbook. I also used those plastic zipper covers
sold by Maptech for their chartbooks - even though they are really pieces of crap and have to be replaced
every so often.

Jerry