LIGHTED SEA CHARTS

Before radar, GPS, and other modern navigational tools, sailors and seafarers relied on the blinking lights of buoys and lighthouses to guide them safely through inclement weather and treacherous waters. These blinking lights were more than just a beacon of hope - they conveyed critical information through distinct patterns, allowing sailors to determine their exact location and steer clear of dangerous obstacles.

 

In fact, the patterns of blinking lights on buoys and lighthouses as seen today were so significant “back in the day” that they became known as "light characteristics," with each pattern representing a different location, hazard, or navigational aid. Some patterns include quick flashes, long flashes, and groups of flashes, all with the aim of aiding direction.

 

At Lighted Sea Charts, we pay homage to this tradition by accurately recreating these light characteristics on our illuminated nautical charts. We believe that there is something special about preserving this important piece of maritime history and bringing these objects of study into the modern era.

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Please call to discuss, in-depth your custom masterpiece.  732-470-8968

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About Your Custom Lighted Sea Chart

 

• Material and Durability: Crafted from high-definition aircraft-grade metal composite, our charts feature a touchable, UV-resistant surface. Designed for hands-on use, they wipe clean effortlessly.

• Detail and Accuracy: Using AI technology, each chart is painted with a textured finish, delivering stunning detail that photographs can’t replicate. We ensure 100% accuracy, making every chart a true reflection of its area.

• Lighting: Navigational lights blink with their authentic characteristics, with accurate relative brightness (e.g., lighthouses vs. buoys). Optional lights for bridges, buildings, airports, homes, or stadiums can be added to personalize your chart.

• Finish: Multiple layers of varnish are robotically applied to chart titles, location names, and black topography lines, adding tactile depth and a striking visual effect that enhances light reflection.

• Construction: The chart is a robust sandwich of aerospace-grade aluminum, reinforced with stainless steel hardware for structural integrity.

• Installation: A premium French-cleat and all necessary mounting hardware are included for easy wall installation.

• Framing: The standard 3.5” wide frame is hand-stained, rough-cut barn-wood, designed to complement every chart. Any framing option is possible upon request.

• Design Customization: Optimized for hanging, charts omit unnecessary details within the frame. We’re happy to tailor the design to your preferences.

• Power: Everything needed to plug in your chart is provided. It operates on low voltage (12V DC, medical-grade/UL-listed). To ensure ease of use for the recipient, we offer the option to add power inputs on both sides of the frame at no additional cost. This flexibility makes installation straightforward, regardless of the outlet’s location, enhancing the gift’s practicality.

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Fees

 

• Base Price: $800 for a complete metal chart framed in rustic barn-wood.

• Lights: $10 per light (LEDs scaled to the “purple dot” size on NOAA charts, <2mm).

• Dimmer Switch: $125 (includes a night-viewing program, reducing brightness by 90%).

• Backlighting: $299 (adjustable via manual control, phone app, smart-home, or remote; fully controllable and future-proof).

• Wire Pocket: $185 (hides the outlet and power supply, includes 15’ of wire for doorbell-like wiring).

• Power Options: $0 for power on both sides (ideal for gifts when the outlet location is unknown).

 

Custom Cartography

 

• Logo or Message: $0 (included when you provide the details).

• Stitching Charts: $200 to combine two charts seamlessly.

• Cropping: $50 per side for a polished look.

• Custom Inset: $0 (add a small segment from one chart to the primary chart).

• Color Shift: $0 (adjust colors to match your decor).

 

Shipping

 

• Local Pickup: No charge for pickup in Princeton, New Jersey.

• Shipping Costs: Determined by location. We ship Monday-Wednesday via UPS; fully insured. Charts are packaged in custom reinforced corrugated cardboard boxes with industrial strapping and foam-protected frame edges. Signature required upon delivery.

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Payment and Schedule of Completion

 

• Deposit: $800 non-refundable deposit to begin the process.

• Payment Methods: Check (174 Nassau St #134, Princeton, NJ 08542) or credit card.

• Updates: We’ll keep you informed throughout the creation process.

• Final Approval: A video of your chart will be sent for approval before completion.

• Final Payment: Due upon approval, payable by check or credit card.

• Shipment: Ships with confirmation once final payment is received.

 

Warranty

 

• Our charts are guaranteed against all defects, excluding abuse or acts of God. In the unlikely event of an issue, anyone may return your chart to our studio for service at any time.

 

 

Additional Options

 

• Commercial Version: A commercial version is available for businesses or high-traffic areas, designed to meet the demands of a busy environment. Please inquire for details.

 

• Custom Framing: While our standard frame is the hand-stained, rough-cut barn-wood, any framing option is possible to match your unique style or specific requirements—just let us know what you have in mind.

 

 

• Thank you for choosing Lighted Sea Charts. Whether for yourself or as a gift, we’re eager to craft a bespoke piece that will be a treasured addition to any home or office.

 

Capt. Joel Gibson II

Lighted Sea Charts

Princeton, NJ USA

732-470-8968

LightedSeaCharts.com

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Our signature barnwood frames are available in almost any color. Desire something different, just ask.

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​​​​​​​​​Questions & Answers

Over the years we have received a number of good questions.

We love to hear from you. Have an idea? Joel Gibson direct: 732-470-8968 call / text 

 

Q: When can I expect to see my amazing chart?

A: Generally 8-10 weeks, the busy season gets busy. Each chart is hand made. 

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Q: If I give this as a gift, can they call you for a full walk through, or to add lights in the future.

A: Yes & yes. We won't let you down.

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Q: Are Lighthouses brighter than buoys.

A: Yes, along with the correct light characteristics, the lights' relative brightness is also correct. 

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Q: Will two lights with the same light characteristics blink simultaneously

A: I felt it was important for the lights to initiate randomly. This is why when the chart is first turned on not everything illuminates, there is a warm-up.

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Q: How do you address lighthouses or other aids to navigation that have red sectors or even white and green?

A: I thought randomness was important in a Lighted Sea Charts’ characteristics.  For instance, for draw bridges I have it alternate red and green. I usually achieve this by programming the “bridge operator” to ask the question every 20 seconds “should I open or close my bridge,” randomly it produces a result. Similarly lighthouses randomly choose what sector to display.

 

 

Q: Can I power it like a 12 V doorbell?

A: Yes, that tends to work well. If you are going to put this on a boat the unit can be made to accept 12-40v dc.

 

 

Q: How does it fasten to the wall. 

A: French cleat. It’s the best. Installing on a ship is a little different. 

 

 

Q: I want a particular frame. 

A: No problem, now, or in the future the frame can be swapped out like any-other. Charts generally require 16' of material.

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Q: How do you control the back-lighting around the frame?

A: One of three ways. Wirelessly via phone app or whole house automation, with the supplied remote control, or manually via buttons on the backside of the frame.

 

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Q: What happens if / when a light fails.

A: I answer only while knocking on wood. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is the method of controlling the brightness and duration of an LED and is directly proportional to the light's life-span. The longevity of the charts has always been important. The "lighthouse" program I created is very gentle on the LED's. No LED / ATON ever gets >70%. Most of the chart's lights are expected to exceed 50 years. The studio will always open the doors to a chart bearer. Light replacements are free, and it is possible to perform by the bearer at home or in the field. 

 

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Q: How bright are the lights. 

A: They are bright. The dimmer is necessary for proper night viewing.

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Q: Are you GOVERNMENT compliant. 

A: Yes, across the board. We are vetted and form 889 compliant. Our charts are in NAVY ships and Gov. offices.

Our charts are built in GLP conditions. 

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Q: Can your charts be used in commercial applications. 

A: Yes, built / priced a little differently. They need to withstand a 200 lbs. person loosing their balance and putting their shoulder into it. All charts are now metal. The insides are simply fortified. 

 

Q: Can I run it on batteries?

A: yes, the charts come with a power supply that plugs into any outlet 110v-240v 50/60hz, the operating voltage is either 5V or 12 V DC. There’s a number of ways to accomplish what you’re looking for.​

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Q: Your Lighted Sea Charts sound like they're built to stand the test of time. With projected light lifespans exceeding 50 years and free servicing available for generations, how can I ensure my custom chart of our home port will endure for even longer?

A:  We're committed to creating heirloom-quality pieces that can be enjoyed for centuries. To guarantee the longevity of your Lighted Sea Chart, we offer the same service we provide to military clients (this is a rare inquiry, but we're proud to have an answer):

 

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While the wooden frame may eventually age, the chart itself is designed to be enduring of sun-light and environmental conditions. Over the next many years, you might choose to update the frame to match changing decor, but the pigments and illuminated chart will continue to shine bright and maintain its accuracy. 

 

Our goal is to create a piece that not only illuminates your space but also becomes a cherished family heirloom, passing down maritime history and personal connection to the sea for generations to come.

 

Q: I’ve never heard of custom LED’s

A: It runs in the family. Shout-out to mom Holly Gibson and Little Light Ups. In the 1980’s she invented, at the time, the smallest lightbulb in the world. It was an actual filament bulb the size of a pencil tip. She makes the most amazing commissioned miniature displays. 

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