Questions
How we're different
There's a lot of stuff like this on Etsy — how is this different?
Most map art on Etsy is a street map or a redrawn illustration wearing a nautical costume. Ours is the real NOAA chart of your water — same coastlines, soundings, and shoals the survey recorded — recolored for your home, never redrawn. You pick a place and a palette; the chart underneath stays true. That's the difference between a generic poster and bringing your actual water home.
Ordering
How long does a chart take?
Every chart is printed after you order it, so nothing ships the same day. Yours leaves the press in 5 to 7 days and the carrier adds 2 to 3 more, so plan on 7 to 10 days from order to doormat. If you're working toward a particular date, email us before you order and we'll tell you honestly whether it will make it.
Can I see exactly what I am buying?
Yes. The Studio preview is drawn from the same data and theme system as the print. What you frame is what we print.
Which waters can I order?
The catalog holds 54 charts covering harbors, bays and stretches of coast around the United States — browse them under Places. If your water isn't among them, we can pull almost any chart NOAA has published: open the Studio and ask, and we'll tell you what's available for it.
How do I reach a person?
Email orders@shearwaternautical.com. Someone reads it and you'll hear back within one business day — before you order as happily as after.
Accuracy and data
Is the geography real?
Yes. Every coastline, sounding and hazard comes from current NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart data, unchanged. Themes only change how it is drawn.
Can I navigate with it?
No. It is artwork made from serious data, and it says so on the chart. Official ENCs remain the navigation product.
What is the manifest?
A record shipped with each chart listing the exact NOAA cells, editions and update dates it was drawn from.
Shipping and care
How do charts ship?
Unframed prints ship rolled in a rigid tube. Framed charts ship boxed with corner protection. Free shipping in the US. It's included in the price on every order, framed or not, so the only thing added at checkout is sales tax.
How should I care for the print?
Keep it out of direct sun and damp rooms. Cotton rag and pigment ink are archival, but glass and a sensible wall do most of the work.
What about returns?
Custom charts are made for one household, so they're final sale — but anything damaged, flawed, or wrong is replaced free within 30 days, no return needed. Full details are on the Returns page.