As a service to our students, we offer the follow items.
 

Square Plotter (Pwr. Squadron style)*    7.75" X 9.5" $11.95	7" Ultralight Thumbscrew Dividers (converts to compass)*  $16.95	5" Metal Dividers*   $6.95
12" Parallel Rulers*  $14.95	Ruler Style Calculator** $5.95	Practice Charts -- full size (includes both Block Isl. Sound, Eastern L.I. Sound)***  $12.95

*quality instruments from Weems and Plath
**quickly performs the calculations you will need to do (not a specialized nautical calculator)
***these charts complement our "Plotting Supplement" book, for those who want to make "extra sure". Since the supplement book comes with a Chesapeake chart, with these additional charts you should have all of the charts the CG uses on the test .

We feel that all test takers should purchase the Power Squadron style course plotter/protractor. Why? Because it is accurate, relatively foolproof, and afterward it will be very useful aboard your small boat.  Many people think that parallel rulers or the rolling plotters are the way to go.   Actually, they are fine, and we offer a good quality set of parallel rulers, but they do not provide the accuracy of the large size square plotter.  Some people will tell you that "plus or minus a couple of degrees" is fine for small boat navigation.  Yes, but that isn't the point. The Coast Guard test will probably require you to do better than that (depending on which particular questions you get).  Another problem is that, when you go to use the parallel rulers or the rollers aboard, you can't find a sufficiently large flat surface to use them properly.

What do I really need?  A plotter and simple dividers will do.  What is the point of going "up" from that?  Answer:  for convenience, speed, and accuracy you might want more.  For a nav problem which spans 18" on the chart, large size dividers will be helpful.  If you end up with a "running fix" problem on the exam, parallel rulers will be very convenient.  If you need to plot a "circular line of position", a compass (for drawing circles) is very useful. Other than the rules of the road, the plotting section of the test is the biggest stumbling block for test-takers.  So, while these "extras" may not be necessary, they might just make a difference.  It's your call.

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We offer Chapman's at a fair price.  Chapman's (Piloting, Seamanship, and Boat Handling) is the standard reference of both recreational and professional boaters.  Many boaters already own this huge "encyclopedia of boating knowlege".  If you don't, you may want to buy a copy to help you prepare for the exam.  It is very useful on navigation topics, weather, tides and currents, rules, and other things. We can send you a copy (63rd ed.) for $30.00  (less than Amazon.com). If you add this to your order, please include an extra $3.00 for shipping. Sorry, Chapman's Not Currently Available