Why are bridge names not on the bridge or chartplotter?

[Boat Guy]

It seems so illogical to me in 2014 (haha) this information isn't readily available.

I get up to a bridge in an unfamiliar with the area and I've got to look up the name.

Yesterday I just yelled over to a small boat heading in the other direction and got the name I needed to hail.

 

[rondds]

Good question. Charts give you all the "stats" on each bridge but no name. I'd probably just hail the "bridge operator." If a couple of different guys answer then you have to figure out who's who.

 

[Lazy Daze]

And make sure you back down to 1 watt.

Once you know the name, you can add to the chart (like a waypoint), but yeah, you wonder why things like that aren't on there.

 

[Boat Guy]

You've got to wonder the common sense of the software developers. Clearly not cruising boaters.....

Just a simple thing to make it so much easier.

Backing down the power on the VHF is a good idea.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just a thought... Most, if not all, software has an option to turn on "more detail". I don't know if that would allow bridge names to show up, but it might be worthwhile to at least check.

 

[Boat Guy]

I think you're right. In fact, if I move the cursor on my plotter over the bridge and select it, it provides the info. I just don't know why I've got to look it up. It would great if it was just right there. It takes about four button pushes and moving the cursor to get to it.

 

[matthewmiller01]

How do I turn down my Northstar output as recommended above? I only know of the volumes on the external speaker and on the handset itself.

 

[ttmott]

As far as Garmin Bluechart charts with Active Captain the navagatable bridges are all named, have the hailing channels, and any operational restrictions.

 

[Lazy Daze]

How do I turn down my Northstar output as recommended above? I only know of the volumes on the external speaker and on the handset itself.

Boy, now you're making work! Check your manual, but I believe it's something like pressing the "func" key and then the "H/L" key, which might the #4 or #7 key. I believe "lo" shows up in the display for 1W and nothing for 25W.

 

[rondds]

As far as Garmin Bluechart charts with Active Captain the navagatable bridges are all named, have the hailing channels, and any operational restrictions.

I think the original poster acknowledged that fact; but he would rather have it appear on the display at all times without having to go through a series of "clicks" to see the name.

 

[ttmott]

I think the original poster acknowledged that fact; but he would rather have it appear on the display at all times without having to go through a series of "clicks" to see the name.

yep- I guess I'm spoiled it's a touch on the screen for me.

 

[NorCal Boater]

And you guys think we are weird in California. Most of the bridges here in the California Delta have signs on them giving their names. What a novel idea!

 

[GrandMaster]

And you guys think we are weird in California. Most of the bridges here in the California Delta have signs on them giving their names. What a novel idea!

Same here in SFL

 

[matthewmiller01]

Boy, now you're making work! Check your manual, but I believe it's something like pressing the "func" key and then the "H/L" key, which might the #4 or #7 key. I believe "lo" shows up in the display for 1W and nothing for 25W.

Thanks! I'll have to look at that the next time I'm down at the boat.

 

[Boat Guy]

I'm in SFL..... There is at least one bridge that doesn't have a sign.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

When we started boating we didn't know why all bridges where called "Bascule bridge" till we looked it up ...