Laptop GPS navigation

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sailaway78

sailaway78

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May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
There seem to be a lot of freebie nav programs out there for a laptop, but then you need to find the necessary charts that will work with it. I want to add a computer nav program as a planning aid and also as a backup before I head south. I have found plenty of info on the GPS antennas, nav programs etc. But the problem is finding the charts to go with them. Seems like the charts for the Yucatan/Belize areas are not easy to come by. One will work with Sea Clear but not others. Some I found will work with Nobeltec, but not with Sea Clear. Can anyone point me in the proper direction. I want an easy to use, ( not very computer literate), not overly expensive, nav program for a laptop, running Windows 7. Charts for the southern US and the Carribean. Mostly the western part. Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
 
kpgraci

kpgraci

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Jun 12, 2010
936
Oday 22 Orleans Marina, NOLA
Water Runner said:
Something like this?
http://www.fairwind.org/charts.shtml
Click to expand
That link looks like a reference to some regional NOAA Charts, which work with SeaClear but I believe only cover US waters.

Here: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/OnLineViewer.html

Under NGA, then under South/Central America -> Catalog there are charts but I don't know if they are the same format as the NOAA charts, if they are they will work with SeaClear. I know SeaClear has a chart import wizard (or some such) that seemed to allow for different formats...but I have no idea how to use it.
 
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Graycruiser

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Jun 7, 2004
36
Catalina 320 Middle River, MD
I like PolarNav software

I was using SeaClear but switched to PolarNav/PolarCom after trying it. It is very reasonable to purchase, has many features that SeaClear has, and supports ActiveCaptain POIs (a big plus.)
One thing I really like about it is once you have your chart directory setup, updating your inventory is a breeze. There are many other nice features.
I can't speak to the charts for Belize; but, if they are published by NOAA, they are easy to add to your list.
 
G

Gary_H

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Nov 5, 2007
469
Cal 2-25 Carolina Beach NC
I have used both SeaclearII and OpenCPN but find OpenCPN slightly easier to use. I downloaded the charts from NOAA. I navigate using a regular Chart plotter in the cockpit but planning is easier on the laptop. Also have the Navionics chart plotter app for my andriod phone. Charts are downloaded on that based on area.
 
flynfol

flynfol

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Oct 8, 2008
362
MacGregor/Venture 25 Winthrop Harbor, IL Drummond Island,MI
Does anyone out there use the nav app for the IPad? We use iPads for our Jepps charts flying, and with the Bluetooth Dual xgps sensor, get a moving map display........love the iPad.
 
Samaral

Samaral

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Mar 7, 2011
36
Beneteau Oceanis 40 Geogian Bay
I use Navionics on ipad2 once I have RAYMARINE E90 at the helm. I like very much. Next season I will setup the wireless network and integrate both of them, so I will be able to copy routes and waypoints between the two units.
Sergio.
 
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AtlanticAl

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Oct 24, 2011
258
Lancer 28 Grand Lake
I would use all the electronic charts, and plotters, but i wouldnt go anywhere without paper charts. Its always when you need the thing most, you dont have it, and a paper chart, can be kept at the nav station, and marked out with a pencil. When everything else goes down, you still have your position on your paper chart. And in years to come, when you have the charts with your course marks and dates framed and hanging on the walls of your house, they may be the only memory of your trip left.
 
zeehag

zeehag

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Mar 26, 2009
3,198
1976 formosa 41 yankee clipper santa barbara. ca.(not there)
trip to belize sounds interesting--hope it all works out well and all be happy for christmas and new year's....
 
higgs

higgs

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Aug 24, 2005
3,736
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
Re Belize: I was there about 10 years ago and at that time was instructed that no accurate GPS charts existed.
 
rpwillia

rpwillia

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Sep 29, 2008
1,980
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
How about this android app

On my android phone I have EarthNC Marine which is a pretty nice app. Why couldn't you just get a cheap (<$150) android tablet with GPS built in and use it. That way if you drop the thing overboard you are only out $150 or less as the app is Free = $0.00.
 
c_witch

c_witch

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Dec 20, 2010
294
Yankee Condore 21 Halifax
Laptops and charting

HIee,

I use an Emachince E627 running linux ( Mint ver.9 ) and running Open CPN. Not long ago I downloaded the CM-93 charts ver 2 world wide approx. 53 gig bytes. These are only offshore charts however. Being a small boat and only drawing 20 to 24 inches of water keel up I think they will work well for us. These were the 2010 charts by the way.

c_witch
 
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