Yeoman plotter

The continuing fall in prices of electronic chart displays, their increase in functionality such as radar overlay and the advent of cheap tablets eventually made the Yeoman plotter uncompetitive.

The plotter consists of a plotting surface impregnated with fine wires and a moveable "mouse" containing a sensing ring.

If a suitable radar is fitted it can be combined with the Yeoman plotter for navigation in poor visibility.

The way in which the Yeoman plotter combines speedy GPS position fixing with a paper chart is cited as a benefit for two principal reasons.

The second benefit of the Yeoman plotter over an electronic chart display is cited less often, but to most of its users is the more important - they find it easier to use.

By contrast, a printed chart on a Yeoman Navigator provides a 35-inch "display" at extremely high resolution, that one can draw on, make notes upon, and use for traditional operations with dividers and rulers, combined with instant (permanent!)

Yacht chart table with a Yeoman Navigator plotter in use, together with a traditional plastic Breton plotter .