I recently purchased a Map76 and find I would like more detail for the area I sail, or at least for it to indicate I'm sailing on water. I think I know what's in the BlueCharts, basically a digital version of a nautical chart, right? So then what's in the Waterways and Lights, just not as much detail? No soundings? $55-$60 for the Waterways vs $90-$100 for the BlueCharts (after $50 rebate). The small difference in price makes me lean toward the BlueCharts, but will they be missing something that's in Waterways? I'd like to hear what you've got and would you buy it again.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
J
Jeff Bacon
Pre Loaded with Mapsource ?
Glenn: My Map76 had Mapsource info pre loaded which shows , at least some, nautical info, but certainly not to the level of charts. Even so, it has been of use for identifying channel markers. At the risk of being to simple, are you aware that you can change the color (shade, actually) of the water and land so that you can easily read the info weather it be roads or navaids ? Jeff
Glenn: My Map76 had Mapsource info pre loaded which shows , at least some, nautical info, but certainly not to the level of charts. Even so, it has been of use for identifying channel markers. At the risk of being to simple, are you aware that you can change the color (shade, actually) of the water and land so that you can easily read the info weather it be roads or navaids ? Jeff
E
Ed
I had them both ...
But sold the Waterways. It did not include bathymetry, marinas, and caution areas. The BlueChart includes all the info in the Waterways, and lots more. However, you only have access to one zone in the BlueChart, while the Waterways CD covers the entire USA. If you sail beyond your 'zone', you'll need to buy access to them. Happy sails to you. ~ _/) ~
But sold the Waterways. It did not include bathymetry, marinas, and caution areas. The BlueChart includes all the info in the Waterways, and lots more. However, you only have access to one zone in the BlueChart, while the Waterways CD covers the entire USA. If you sail beyond your 'zone', you'll need to buy access to them. Happy sails to you. ~ _/) ~
R
Ray
Had / Have both
I have all the Mapsource Programs, and now have gotten the Blue Charts... to me it's hands down for the blue... if you do go with MapSource Waterways and Lights, or the Blue Charts check there web site regularly for updates/patches Also make sure you have a good CD(S/N is on the back of the case). My Waterways and Lights had to be replaced (free of charge by map-Source) due to wrong data on it. Some errors were obvious. Found out on the web-site. Or at West Marine maybe. Last year sometime.
I have all the Mapsource Programs, and now have gotten the Blue Charts... to me it's hands down for the blue... if you do go with MapSource Waterways and Lights, or the Blue Charts check there web site regularly for updates/patches Also make sure you have a good CD(S/N is on the back of the case). My Waterways and Lights had to be replaced (free of charge by map-Source) due to wrong data on it. Some errors were obvious. Found out on the web-site. Or at West Marine maybe. Last year sometime.
J
Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Chart v. Sketch
The Bluechart really is a chart. Its still a vector chart - which means a plot of lots of points of data instead of a picture of a chart (you could argue any picture stored electronically is a plot of lots of points). Anyway - it looks like a chart and has all the data and then some. The waterways and lights is like a sketch. It can be useful for orienting you but isn't detailed. For $50 I'd go Blue. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
The Bluechart really is a chart. Its still a vector chart - which means a plot of lots of points of data instead of a picture of a chart (you could argue any picture stored electronically is a plot of lots of points). Anyway - it looks like a chart and has all the data and then some. The waterways and lights is like a sketch. It can be useful for orienting you but isn't detailed. For $50 I'd go Blue. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
P
Paul Akers
I have Bluechart
but don't know about Waterways. I can say that Bluechart is fantastic. All chart info at your fingertips, and more.
but don't know about Waterways. I can say that Bluechart is fantastic. All chart info at your fingertips, and more.
K
Ken
Blue Chart Yes
I work in the industry and have a Map 76 with the Blue Chart. Garmin is hands down best over Cmap and Navionics, which are only chips right now. The detail in the Blue Chart is out of this world and for a fraction of the cost of the others. For me it's like having a NOAA chart in hand. The Canadian Blue charts are being updated right now online or swapped out at boat shows this winter, just give them you old CD ROM. Go for it!
I work in the industry and have a Map 76 with the Blue Chart. Garmin is hands down best over Cmap and Navionics, which are only chips right now. The detail in the Blue Chart is out of this world and for a fraction of the cost of the others. For me it's like having a NOAA chart in hand. The Canadian Blue charts are being updated right now online or swapped out at boat shows this winter, just give them you old CD ROM. Go for it!
G
Glenn G
Thanks to all who responded...
... by unanimous decision BlueCharts will be on my Map 76 by the begining of next week. Thanks for the input.
... by unanimous decision BlueCharts will be on my Map 76 by the begining of next week. Thanks for the input.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.