For navigation, the magnetic variation in the area is 14° 48′ W (14.8° W)
To find the magnetic variation (declination) in other areas, go to: NOAA Magnetic Variation Calculator
Safely paddling the waters between Beal Island and Hockomock Bay or the waters southwest of the Knubble requires awareness of the tides and especially the currents. Check them before you go.
In addition to the charts below, you can download the Main Island Trail Association (MITA) app for free. On the landing page for the app, select “Map”. This gives you a nautical chart view of the entire Maine coast. You can zoom in on a particular area to see more detail. You will also see the public islands on the Maine Island Trail that you can visit. In addition to visiting Beal Island (owned by AMC and on the Maine Island Trail for day use), you can visit Castle Island and Peggy Island in Hockomock Bay north of Beal Island. In the Sheepscot River, you can visit Powderhorn Island, Ram Island and Little Ram Island. If you join MITA , your app map will expand to show the private islands on the Maine Island Trail that you can visit.
NOAA chart 13296 covers the area roughly north of Five Islands on Gerogetown Island and includes KBC and Beal Island. NOAA chart 13295 covers the area roughly south of Five Islands (and including all of Five Islands) on Gerogetown Island. If you are confused about tides, currents, and/or navigating on the water, consider taking the Intro to Coastal Navigation Course we offer.
You can also purchase a waterproof version of this chart. It is usually available at LL Bean, Kittery Trading Post, Hamilton Marine or West Marine. You can also purchase it online from: Maptech