Do you have a computer on board your boat? If so what do you use it for? Are you into navigation with chart reading software and GPS interface? Is your navigation software interfaced with an auotpilot? Are you monitoring boat systems with your computer? Have you rigged up a communications device to access the Internet from your boat to get email and weather information (not to mention checking out the latest on this web site!). Tell us your computer stories then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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Yaga's Notebook
We have a Dell notebook PC and use Chartview Trakker software and Maptech charts with a NEMA connection to a Garmin 128 GPS. We use it for planning cruises and for navigating when we are cruising. Normally for navigation we use our Raymarine Fishfinder / Chartplotter L755 (B
We have a Dell notebook PC and use Chartview Trakker software and Maptech charts with a NEMA connection to a Garmin 128 GPS. We use it for planning cruises and for navigating when we are cruising. Normally for navigation we use our Raymarine Fishfinder / Chartplotter L755 (B
Yes to monitoring , but no computer..
..as I have to buy a good solid laptop for that first. But I navigate since long ( 7 years) with GPS-Plotters , lately one with internal antenna and 12V socket 6 inch screen(C-map NT) for cockpit modular mounting.On last year 1500 mile cruise from Italy , I didn't touch paper maps ( except for periodical backup fix update). I did have however another one for backup... I can interface it with my Autohelm autopilot , but to my opinion it's automation taken to extreem for small/medium sailboats ; I prefer the skipper or watch crew on duty to keep alert and watchfull on navigation issues ( but I do of course plote routes and mark them in advance , icluding alternate option and alternate destination if weather change . I get weather update with NASA "Navtex Pro" , very popular and usefull in Mediteranean and Europe, reliable and cheap (forecast/warnings/safety/emergency text display screen , from regional HF ground station broadcast). For monitoring electrics I use a dedicated system with digital display ( "Link 20") for Volts/Amp/Amp-hours ,used and left/battery precentage charge. If I had an extra laptop , I would use it to assist navigation and weather info , as back-up and planning system , not in place of the dedicated marine wather resistant specific instruments. For monitoring engine (Volvo 2030D) I added a temp and oil pressure gauges , aditionally to factory installed alarms .
..as I have to buy a good solid laptop for that first. But I navigate since long ( 7 years) with GPS-Plotters , lately one with internal antenna and 12V socket 6 inch screen(C-map NT) for cockpit modular mounting.On last year 1500 mile cruise from Italy , I didn't touch paper maps ( except for periodical backup fix update). I did have however another one for backup... I can interface it with my Autohelm autopilot , but to my opinion it's automation taken to extreem for small/medium sailboats ; I prefer the skipper or watch crew on duty to keep alert and watchfull on navigation issues ( but I do of course plote routes and mark them in advance , icluding alternate option and alternate destination if weather change . I get weather update with NASA "Navtex Pro" , very popular and usefull in Mediteranean and Europe, reliable and cheap (forecast/warnings/safety/emergency text display screen , from regional HF ground station broadcast). For monitoring electrics I use a dedicated system with digital display ( "Link 20") for Volts/Amp/Amp-hours ,used and left/battery precentage charge. If I had an extra laptop , I would use it to assist navigation and weather info , as back-up and planning system , not in place of the dedicated marine wather resistant specific instruments. For monitoring engine (Volvo 2030D) I added a temp and oil pressure gauges , aditionally to factory installed alarms .
GPS only
I just use my hand held GPS. When on my boat I want to get away from the office and all that goes with it. No cell phones, no loud stereo. Books are OK. My wife does most of the chart ploting, she enjoys knowing where we are. The family plays word games while we are underway and board games at anchor, btw, our kids are all in their teens but this is how they were brought up. At home lots of computers, game boys etc but not on the boat!
I just use my hand held GPS. When on my boat I want to get away from the office and all that goes with it. No cell phones, no loud stereo. Books are OK. My wife does most of the chart ploting, she enjoys knowing where we are. The family plays word games while we are underway and board games at anchor, btw, our kids are all in their teens but this is how they were brought up. At home lots of computers, game boys etc but not on the boat!
PC-Navigation
I use Fugawi Software, a BSB capable software to navigate around Lake Ontario. The Notebook is velcroed to my chart table and connected to a Garmin 45 mounted on the pedestal. Cabling between 12V supply, PC and the Garmin is run through the pedestal column. Although capable, I have not connected auto-pilot with Fugawi, I would be concerned it would reduce awareness of shoals etc too much, but I do not have hands-on experience with this feature. I carry the Notebook to the nearest telephone on shore to download my email. Look forward to hear from those who have on-board internet connectivity. Ludo Beerman Sweetwater, C380#109
I use Fugawi Software, a BSB capable software to navigate around Lake Ontario. The Notebook is velcroed to my chart table and connected to a Garmin 45 mounted on the pedestal. Cabling between 12V supply, PC and the Garmin is run through the pedestal column. Although capable, I have not connected auto-pilot with Fugawi, I would be concerned it would reduce awareness of shoals etc too much, but I do not have hands-on experience with this feature. I carry the Notebook to the nearest telephone on shore to download my email. Look forward to hear from those who have on-board internet connectivity. Ludo Beerman Sweetwater, C380#109
Not worth it!
Before buying a new GPS, I researched the possibility of bringing my laptop on board. I was told all I had to do was purchase digiital charting software ($200) and a special cable to connect the laptop to my handeld GPS ($70). Being that my laptop computer cost $1000 and is not even "splash-proof", never mind "water-proof"...it didn't make sense to take $1270 worth of non-waterproof electronics on board. I opted for a Garmin 176 GPS/Chartplotter for $399. You can get a smaller handheld version for about $100 less. The bigger screen was worth the hundred bucks extra to me (don't need my glasses to read it!) Leave your computer at home and buy something that belongs on your boat... a digital chartplotter w/ GPS! John Oday 22
Before buying a new GPS, I researched the possibility of bringing my laptop on board. I was told all I had to do was purchase digiital charting software ($200) and a special cable to connect the laptop to my handeld GPS ($70). Being that my laptop computer cost $1000 and is not even "splash-proof", never mind "water-proof"...it didn't make sense to take $1270 worth of non-waterproof electronics on board. I opted for a Garmin 176 GPS/Chartplotter for $399. You can get a smaller handheld version for about $100 less. The bigger screen was worth the hundred bucks extra to me (don't need my glasses to read it!) Leave your computer at home and buy something that belongs on your boat... a digital chartplotter w/ GPS! John Oday 22
Computer for non-Navigation
I use my laptop on the boat just as I use it at home. I use it with my cell phone (as long as I am digital service areas) to get my e-mail and other info. It is a great way to stay in touch, handle photos from the digital camera and general use. Bob
I use my laptop on the boat just as I use it at home. I use it with my cell phone (as long as I am digital service areas) to get my e-mail and other info. It is a great way to stay in touch, handle photos from the digital camera and general use. Bob
Planning the PC
I have fixed Garmin GPS at the nav station (w/ remote antenna), and also a MAP version hand held which I mount at the helm. Recently got the Mapsource Bluecharts software, and am looking for a used laptop to mount at the nav station, for planning, and as a "progress" tracker backup. I will plan things out on the laptop, and upload the routes to the handheld. I'd be interested to hear how others have configured cables for these types of connections. (For instance- most laptops have a serial port still, right? (Or has USB replaced it...) I also have a small inverter which I think will easily charge the laptop up while underway as needed.
I have fixed Garmin GPS at the nav station (w/ remote antenna), and also a MAP version hand held which I mount at the helm. Recently got the Mapsource Bluecharts software, and am looking for a used laptop to mount at the nav station, for planning, and as a "progress" tracker backup. I will plan things out on the laptop, and upload the routes to the handheld. I'd be interested to hear how others have configured cables for these types of connections. (For instance- most laptops have a serial port still, right? (Or has USB replaced it...) I also have a small inverter which I think will easily charge the laptop up while underway as needed.
Priorities!
Sailing on the upper Delaware River in the Burlington, N.J. area, there's hardly a need for a computer. A functioning radio is a bigger asset. Two are better so that more than one station can be monitored. (Base in the cabin and handheld in the cockpit). You might say get a scanning radio, but two is still best in case one malfunctions. Besides, when single sailing, it is sometimes difficult to reach into the cabin to respond to a call, whereas my handheld is by the tiller. I just purchased a new auto-inflatable with harness PFD. Some day maybe, a new GPS, but there are higher priorities on the list that demand attention. It's a sailboat! Need I say more?
Sailing on the upper Delaware River in the Burlington, N.J. area, there's hardly a need for a computer. A functioning radio is a bigger asset. Two are better so that more than one station can be monitored. (Base in the cabin and handheld in the cockpit). You might say get a scanning radio, but two is still best in case one malfunctions. Besides, when single sailing, it is sometimes difficult to reach into the cabin to respond to a call, whereas my handheld is by the tiller. I just purchased a new auto-inflatable with harness PFD. Some day maybe, a new GPS, but there are higher priorities on the list that demand attention. It's a sailboat! Need I say more?
Technology
After reading the first response, I wondered what ever happened to the romance of the sea that drew me to sailing. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for technological advances to aid in sailing, but sometimes it seems that instead of being just an aid, technology completely takesover. With ever advancing electronics(GPS, radar, laptop computers, autopilots, depthfinders, knotmeters, anemometers, electronic compasses,..etc.) turning sailing into a video game, it probably won't be long before the crew remains on the dock at the marina, looking at their computer screens that are showing a video feed from the cameras onboard they remotely pilot their sailboats. I'm not a technophobe, on the contrary, I am a computer network analyst and formerly an electronics technician so I am not afraid of technology. What scares me is that a lot of people rely on electricity so much that they don't know what to do if they lost it. People should know celestial navigation, chartplotting on actual paper charts, dead reckoning skills,...etc. It is like my old math teachers used to say, "Use your calculator to check your work, not do it for you, because on test day you may not have it with you". Besides, I sail to feel the wind in my hair, the spray on my face, the smell of the sea and to take a break from: computer monitors, gameboy, cell phones, pagers, laptops, palm pilots, central processing units, email, digital television, satellite radio, DVD players, electronic advertising, CD-writers, the internet, Playstation 2, instant messaging,.....
After reading the first response, I wondered what ever happened to the romance of the sea that drew me to sailing. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for technological advances to aid in sailing, but sometimes it seems that instead of being just an aid, technology completely takesover. With ever advancing electronics(GPS, radar, laptop computers, autopilots, depthfinders, knotmeters, anemometers, electronic compasses,..etc.) turning sailing into a video game, it probably won't be long before the crew remains on the dock at the marina, looking at their computer screens that are showing a video feed from the cameras onboard they remotely pilot their sailboats. I'm not a technophobe, on the contrary, I am a computer network analyst and formerly an electronics technician so I am not afraid of technology. What scares me is that a lot of people rely on electricity so much that they don't know what to do if they lost it. People should know celestial navigation, chartplotting on actual paper charts, dead reckoning skills,...etc. It is like my old math teachers used to say, "Use your calculator to check your work, not do it for you, because on test day you may not have it with you". Besides, I sail to feel the wind in my hair, the spray on my face, the smell of the sea and to take a break from: computer monitors, gameboy, cell phones, pagers, laptops, palm pilots, central processing units, email, digital television, satellite radio, DVD players, electronic advertising, CD-writers, the internet, Playstation 2, instant messaging,.....
Entertainment Center
We use our computer for navigation and it has replaced our TV and VCR. We now take only DVDs to the boat. Saves room and no rewinding. Russ Her Diamond Ring
We use our computer for navigation and it has replaced our TV and VCR. We now take only DVDs to the boat. Saves room and no rewinding. Russ Her Diamond Ring
center of the boat
We also use our PC as the entertainment center as well as the nav center on our boat. I built an industrial based PC for the boat. It has a shielded metal housing and multiple cooling fans, multiprocessors and sits it a secure location inside the boat. This setup was actually less expensive than many laptops in 2000 when I built it and it is a lot more robust. It interfaces and drives the A/P using Chartview Pro software although I have acquired Raymarine Navigator ver 4 and will switch to that because it interfaces with my seatalk instruments and helm located chartplotter. I put about 20gigabytes of MP3 music files and a highend sound card interfaced to the stereo amps on the boat and now don't even have to carry CDs. I put in a second video card interfaced to a dedicated LCD screen for DVds in the evening.
We also use our PC as the entertainment center as well as the nav center on our boat. I built an industrial based PC for the boat. It has a shielded metal housing and multiple cooling fans, multiprocessors and sits it a secure location inside the boat. This setup was actually less expensive than many laptops in 2000 when I built it and it is a lot more robust. It interfaces and drives the A/P using Chartview Pro software although I have acquired Raymarine Navigator ver 4 and will switch to that because it interfaces with my seatalk instruments and helm located chartplotter. I put about 20gigabytes of MP3 music files and a highend sound card interfaced to the stereo amps on the boat and now don't even have to carry CDs. I put in a second video card interfaced to a dedicated LCD screen for DVds in the evening.
GPS - As a Safety Device
Last Spring, I added a GPS. Do not use my laptop on board. Sailing single, which seems to be where life is heading, has been a real problem trying to navigate from printed charts spread out in the cockpit. The GPS has added that vital bit of information - knowing EXACTLY were the boat has been, where it is, and where it is headed. GPS data, used together with printed charts, has removed considerable doubt and tension of not knowing the boat's exact position. Having used LORAN for a number if years, its great knowing the boat is 200 feet off that shoreline reef - and not a quarter mile up the cliff (as the LORAN used to give). Plan to interface the GPS to the autopilot this spring.
Last Spring, I added a GPS. Do not use my laptop on board. Sailing single, which seems to be where life is heading, has been a real problem trying to navigate from printed charts spread out in the cockpit. The GPS has added that vital bit of information - knowing EXACTLY were the boat has been, where it is, and where it is headed. GPS data, used together with printed charts, has removed considerable doubt and tension of not knowing the boat's exact position. Having used LORAN for a number if years, its great knowing the boat is 200 feet off that shoreline reef - and not a quarter mile up the cliff (as the LORAN used to give). Plan to interface the GPS to the autopilot this spring.
Computers on board
We keep two computers on board, one at the nav. station on which we run the Capn navigation software tied into either of two gps systems using various chart CD's and one at the forward desk tied into the Nera IMarsat Mini-M phone or shore phone lines which we use for e-mail, internet and weather as well as writing up crew lists, etc and correspondence off of a small canon color printer. Each has a duplicate of the other's software so they can serve as backups for one another.
We keep two computers on board, one at the nav. station on which we run the Capn navigation software tied into either of two gps systems using various chart CD's and one at the forward desk tied into the Nera IMarsat Mini-M phone or shore phone lines which we use for e-mail, internet and weather as well as writing up crew lists, etc and correspondence off of a small canon color printer. Each has a duplicate of the other's software so they can serve as backups for one another.
Laptop on board
We have a Toshiba laptop interfaced to the GPS and use CAPN for navigation. The laptop also feeds Maptech Bluecharts to the GPS at the helm to have a chart for the helmsman. The system is interfaced to the Autohelm to drive the boat. We use Airmail/Winlink to send and receive emails via amateur radio. We also use the laptop and radio for weather fax. The laptop interfaces with the stereo to play mp3 files. This laptop doesn't play dvd's so we take a lot of vhs tapes for the tv. We normally spend about two months in the Bahamas each year and the email is nice. When we used the boat only on week-ends, I would not have wanted the electronic junk on board either. Bill Bell - K5CKO Pegasus
We have a Toshiba laptop interfaced to the GPS and use CAPN for navigation. The laptop also feeds Maptech Bluecharts to the GPS at the helm to have a chart for the helmsman. The system is interfaced to the Autohelm to drive the boat. We use Airmail/Winlink to send and receive emails via amateur radio. We also use the laptop and radio for weather fax. The laptop interfaces with the stereo to play mp3 files. This laptop doesn't play dvd's so we take a lot of vhs tapes for the tv. We normally spend about two months in the Bahamas each year and the email is nice. When we used the boat only on week-ends, I would not have wanted the electronic junk on board either. Bill Bell - K5CKO Pegasus
Expensive toys
We just purchased an O'Day 30. Radar, GPS chartplotter, Loran, 2 compasses, 2 depth finders, knotmeter and log came with the boat. Prior to buying, we owned (actually we still do) a Macgregor 25 swing keel trailer sailor with that we used an AM radio to tell us of approaching storms (static), a VHF to monitor NOAA and a fishfinder to tell us depth. We are members of U.S. Power Squadron and learned to read charts, navigate and watch the weather. Will we use the new gear? Most definitly mainly because our horizons have expanded with the new boat. But they still are expensive toys if you don't bother to learn the basics, how to use a compass and radio and have common sense before venturing out on the water.
We just purchased an O'Day 30. Radar, GPS chartplotter, Loran, 2 compasses, 2 depth finders, knotmeter and log came with the boat. Prior to buying, we owned (actually we still do) a Macgregor 25 swing keel trailer sailor with that we used an AM radio to tell us of approaching storms (static), a VHF to monitor NOAA and a fishfinder to tell us depth. We are members of U.S. Power Squadron and learned to read charts, navigate and watch the weather. Will we use the new gear? Most definitly mainly because our horizons have expanded with the new boat. But they still are expensive toys if you don't bother to learn the basics, how to use a compass and radio and have common sense before venturing out on the water.
Winter fun!
We use our laptop in the winter to plot summer trips , using the Capn , print out a list of way points, blow up ports of call and print out to put in a binder to be used from the cockpit. On board the boat we use the laptop hooked up to a GPS to follow the boats course, also have a Sitex chartplotter with C-mapNT with an output module at the pedestal along with a radar , and audohelm 4000. We always have paper charts for all the trips , sometime as much as 25 per trip. I sail mostly singlehanded and find all these items put my mind at ease, especially in the fog. We also have a printer on board so if we plan some different ports ,we can print them out to use at the helm. An inverter is necessary.I always take a fix every half hour and log it , also use hand bearing compass to take fixes regularly. I also find a hand VHF is great so you don't have to go below , It always happens that someone calls you just when you are in a tricky spot or tieing up . I"m also a ham operator VE1ANT but so far have not installed my radio on the boat, maybe this year. Have a good summer sailing, I know I plan too. Going to visit my son next week in Vancouver and get some early sailing on his sailboat. Rae.
We use our laptop in the winter to plot summer trips , using the Capn , print out a list of way points, blow up ports of call and print out to put in a binder to be used from the cockpit. On board the boat we use the laptop hooked up to a GPS to follow the boats course, also have a Sitex chartplotter with C-mapNT with an output module at the pedestal along with a radar , and audohelm 4000. We always have paper charts for all the trips , sometime as much as 25 per trip. I sail mostly singlehanded and find all these items put my mind at ease, especially in the fog. We also have a printer on board so if we plan some different ports ,we can print them out to use at the helm. An inverter is necessary.I always take a fix every half hour and log it , also use hand bearing compass to take fixes regularly. I also find a hand VHF is great so you don't have to go below , It always happens that someone calls you just when you are in a tricky spot or tieing up . I"m also a ham operator VE1ANT but so far have not installed my radio on the boat, maybe this year. Have a good summer sailing, I know I plan too. Going to visit my son next week in Vancouver and get some early sailing on his sailboat. Rae.
Work/Play PC
We use a laptop with CDPD (wireless Internet) connection for email/weather, DVD for entertainment in the evening...and the dreaded "w" word. But, on the bright side: If I DO have to work, I'd rather do it on the boat..then in a square office!
We use a laptop with CDPD (wireless Internet) connection for email/weather, DVD for entertainment in the evening...and the dreaded "w" word. But, on the bright side: If I DO have to work, I'd rather do it on the boat..then in a square office!
laptop work horse
We use Airmail/Winlink to send and receive e-mails via amateur radio, it was well worth the studying for the ham license. Used the automatic position reporting system with a GPS connected to the laptop a lot, everybody loved being able to see where we were. We also use the laptop and radio for weather fax using the JVComm32 program, works like a charm. The laptop interfaces with the stereo to play mp3 files and CD's.
We use Airmail/Winlink to send and receive e-mails via amateur radio, it was well worth the studying for the ham license. Used the automatic position reporting system with a GPS connected to the laptop a lot, everybody loved being able to see where we were. We also use the laptop and radio for weather fax using the JVComm32 program, works like a charm. The laptop interfaces with the stereo to play mp3 files and CD's.
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