And if a linux box is really needed, just run windows in virtual environment using virtual box (or vmware). Not exactly bug free, but way better than trying to use wine.
Canadian Charts SUCK!!!
- Thread starter druid
- Start date
Bottom right hand corner is a symbol of a compass divider. Click on that and you have 2 movable points that give you distance and heading.
For convience sake, it would be nice if Navionics used feet vice 1/100 NM with their ruler.
Navionics is good. If you put it on a mobile device you can do your planning anywhere including thier very cool route planing features.
And you would think a country that wants to promote safe boating would make products that make boating safer available for free to the pleasure boaters. Maybe if they were free and we don't have to spend a cazillion dollars, almost everyone would have them. But wait, then they would have to use them. Never mind.
And the best things in life are free. It is just expensive to get there.
And you would think a country that wants to promote safe boating would make products that make boating safer available for free to the pleasure boaters. Maybe if they were free and we don't have to spend a cazillion dollars, almost everyone would have them. But wait, then they would have to use them. Never mind.
And the best things in life are free. It is just expensive to get there.
I second just using a virtual machine on your linux box...should definitely be easier than getting the partition to work right. Navionics charts are compatible with Fugawi for route planning on Windows -- https://www.fugawi.com/getting_started
Now that I'm (finally) in Canada (got here on September 18th), what are you folks using for primary charting on your boats?
I'm looking for Canadian charts on a handheld.
Any suggestions on hardware, since it seems the only choice for electronic Canadian charts is the govt ones, regardless of seller choices.
I have a Garmin GPSMap 76Cx. Since I believe (i.e., think) that the format is no longer supported by Garmin (the CD with unlock codes that I bought 8 1/2 years ago, only had US charts on the disc anyone IIRC), it appears this nice unit that I really like and trust will no longer be useful for me.
I have no need or desire for a full sized chartplotter. A handheld would be just fine for me. I found when I sailed up the coast from SF to Vancouver Island, that the paper charts give me the big picture, and the hh works for actual traveling on the water.
I had the Garmin Map Source on BOTH of my computers (laptop & desktop) AND on the handheld, which made life quite easy. Given druid's post it may not be possible, but it sure would be nice to have the same material on my hh as on the computer.
I've tried Navionics on my phone, it was entirely unsuccessful for me, and I personally think navigating with a cell phone is like trying to do brain surgery with a toy, so I'd rather not go there. There were many helpful posts here when I was playing around with Navionics earlier this month, but it's not for me.
I'm looking for Canadian charts on a handheld.
Any suggestions on hardware, since it seems the only choice for electronic Canadian charts is the govt ones, regardless of seller choices.
I have a Garmin GPSMap 76Cx. Since I believe (i.e., think) that the format is no longer supported by Garmin (the CD with unlock codes that I bought 8 1/2 years ago, only had US charts on the disc anyone IIRC), it appears this nice unit that I really like and trust will no longer be useful for me.
I have no need or desire for a full sized chartplotter. A handheld would be just fine for me. I found when I sailed up the coast from SF to Vancouver Island, that the paper charts give me the big picture, and the hh works for actual traveling on the water.
I had the Garmin Map Source on BOTH of my computers (laptop & desktop) AND on the handheld, which made life quite easy. Given druid's post it may not be possible, but it sure would be nice to have the same material on my hh as on the computer.
I've tried Navionics on my phone, it was entirely unsuccessful for me, and I personally think navigating with a cell phone is like trying to do brain surgery with a toy, so I'd rather not go there. There were many helpful posts here when I was playing around with Navionics earlier this month, but it's not for me.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,914
Stu. I have a laptop PC and have been using Rose Points "Coastal Explorer" software. They have a $99 option and you get all of the Canadian electronic charts. The US charts are free. The US charts just about reach your Latitude and are complete south into the San Juan Islands.
I've heard Rose Points charge for Canadian charts is about the best going.
I've looked for paper charts and have not yet purchased them. Heard on the net that you are required to carry paper charts or have approved Canadian electronic charts. Maybe Druid or some one can elaborate.
I've heard Rose Points charge for Canadian charts is about the best going.
I've looked for paper charts and have not yet purchased them. Heard on the net that you are required to carry paper charts or have approved Canadian electronic charts. Maybe Druid or some one can elaborate.
Thanks, John. I know exactly where the US charts end!!! Right around the corner from where I am now docked. I can see Cape Keppel from the deck on my house and the charts end there!!!
Rose Point - I'll look into it. That's for your computer, what do you use on the boat?
I'll be getting a chart book for Xmas this year, already have older map folio of the Gulf Isands that my father-in-law bought back when he had a boat.
Rose Point - I'll look into it. That's for your computer, what do you use on the boat?
I'll be getting a chart book for Xmas this year, already have older map folio of the Gulf Isands that my father-in-law bought back when he had a boat.
Stu,
We can discuss all of these issues (and more) over a cup of tea onboard either of our boats. But since you asked:
We can discuss all of these issues (and more) over a cup of tea onboard either of our boats. But since you asked:
Seems to me you have an iOS something (IPhone, Ipad, etc) that will work nicely, if you stay under cover. A water resistant case and a copy of Navionics Boating HD (free app) and Navionics+ US and Canada charts ($55.99 USD) would be a cost effective addition, not withstanding your final paragraph.
I may be wrong but I believe all charts for North American waters and possibly beyond these borders, originate with the government. Having said that there are a number of Canadian charts, as there are US charts, available for dedicated marine chartplotters. For example my Raymarine has Lighthouse Charts that came with the plotter, in addition CMap and Navionics can be purchased separately.
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. I have a Garmin BlueChart Americas V8.5 (CD with unlock code) that I used with a GPSMap 76. It is yours if compatible.
May be salvageable, see above.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,914
On the boat I take my Laptop. Have the software on my home computer. Sit and dream about my next cruise. Read the Active Captain and Rose Point cruise guides. Check the tide and currents on the software. Plot a trip. Then send the file to the laptop. The system is quite sweet for working down in the cabin. I have a GPS antenna that I plug into the USB port on the laptop and get position/SOG/course and a plotted track. I use the laptop to verify my progress or when I'm in a narrow channel like the Swinomish to confirm I'm in the correct spot. I still like my paper charts for following my track. The laptop is a power hog, so I put it to sleep most of the time. Open the screen to verify that I'm on schedule to meet a tidal current like Deception Pass.
I just started using the iPhone app iSailor. It is pretty cool. I can use it up in the cockpit. They have charts for most of the world, but have a disclaimer that your not using their app for navigation when it opens. Program is free, charts have a cost. These are "In-App" purchases. The Pacific Coast fee was $14.99. I think they have an Android version.
I just started using the iPhone app iSailor. It is pretty cool. I can use it up in the cockpit. They have charts for most of the world, but have a disclaimer that your not using their app for navigation when it opens. Program is free, charts have a cost. These are "In-App" purchases. The Pacific Coast fee was $14.99. I think they have an Android version.
Both the CCG and the RCMP Marine Unit have taken the position that if you have electronic charts on board they will not ask to see paper charts. They have said this on more than one occasion as guest speakers at Hunter rendezvous. Having said that. they never would put it on paper though. Also I have no idea how your insurance would stand up if you go aground without the paper charts on board, as if they would have helped.
John, thanks for the details. I do NOT want to use my laptop for real time navigating. BTDT. Just not for me.
Much easier than typing!
You're on!
My vote is for iSailor for an iPad or android tablet.
Purchase the chart areas you need for a very reasonable price then free updates.
The charts are from the company that supplies charts and navigation to most of the major commercial ships - freighters, etc.
I have a Garmin chartplotter at the helm - the one thing I dislike is having to pay for each chart update. The car GPS, also Garmin, has a one time cost for lifetime updates.
Purchase the chart areas you need for a very reasonable price then free updates.
The charts are from the company that supplies charts and navigation to most of the major commercial ships - freighters, etc.
I have a Garmin chartplotter at the helm - the one thing I dislike is having to pay for each chart update. The car GPS, also Garmin, has a one time cost for lifetime updates.
You forgot your second step: Install Whine.
Bwahahaaa!
As a former software engineer, I both take blame and personally doubt that computers and software have actually saved us any time or improved our lives... I know... this is hyperbolic... so don't flame me!
Bwahahaaa!
As a former software engineer, I both take blame and personally doubt that computers and software have actually saved us any time or improved our lives... I know... this is hyperbolic... so don't flame me!
Sorry to hear such pain, suffering, wailing and gnashing of teeth. FWIW the fam got me a Garmin 178C in 2004 with chart software (150 charts) that covered all of Puget Sound north inside to Discovery Channel. I later bought a chart chip that covered from Everett, WA inside to the Alaska border and outside Vancouver Island for around $230. The chart information (250 charts) is dead on accurate, includes all bays, harbors, coves, etc., and has saved my bottom more than once.
Since then the 178C has been manufacturer discontinued, but it still works, plus I have it hooked up to supply steering information to our autopilot, which makes for easier single handing. Some day it will stop working and when it does I'll go Garmin again. Easy peasy, Japaneasy.
Since then the 178C has been manufacturer discontinued, but it still works, plus I have it hooked up to supply steering information to our autopilot, which makes for easier single handing. Some day it will stop working and when it does I'll go Garmin again. Easy peasy, Japaneasy.
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