Measuring distance on waterways

[FostersLager]

I've only ridden small lakes. I'm interested in riding a bit further on either some of the local rivers or within a saltwater sound we have nearby. What tools or technology do folks here use to measure distance on a potential route? Is there anything like Google Maps that can help calculate distance and time on the waterways ahead of time?

Thanks in advance for your help on this newbie question

[K447]

I sometimes use my actual Garmin chartplotter to map a planned route.

Other times I use the Garmin BlueChart app (I use it on iPhone and iPad, I don't know about Android). Kinda clunky user interface, but you can plot an approximation of your route. One useful feature is it will show in color shades how much fuel reserve you will have at various points along the route. Just configure the fuel tank capacity and the expected fuel burn rate (average).

Apparently the Garmin BlueChart app is now discontinued.

So I am also interested in what apps other people are using for route planning.

[Pacer]

Draw a path on google earth. Save it as a .KML file. Then use ÔÇ£gpsbabelÔÇØ to convert it to whatever type of file your GPS uses. Google earth will give you the exact distance.

[FostersLager]

Google Earth measuring worked out nice. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Xspook]

In Google Maps, right click and you can then "measure distance"

[trckdrvr]

I've only ridden small lakes. I'm interested in riding a bit further on either some of the local rivers or within a saltwater sound we have nearby. What tools or technology do folks here use to measure distance on a potential route? Is there anything like Google Maps that can help calculate distance and time on the waterways ahead of time?

Most Navigable inland river systems in the US have Mile Markers posted on the waterways..
We use one of our sets of Yamahas 4strokes for distance cruising and taking overnight trips.
Its important to figure out your fuel consumption (MPG) and your distance/Range of your Machines..
For instance our Yamaha FX cruisers running at a planned out and cruising speed, Avg around 6+ Mpg..And have a 18gallon tank giving me a operating distance.range of about 100miles without refueling.

[FostersLager]

Awesome news about the mile markers. And the tip about how to do this in Google Maps.