Chartplotter navigation software for Raymarine

[smokey73]

Does anyone have a recommendation for chartplotter nav software for a Raymarine a98 other than Garmin Navionics?

I have used Navionics + for years but recent experience with their "customer support" has left me looking for something else. The software is on a "micro sd" card and about halfway through my subscription I have "lost" my sd card. I called Garmin support and they basically said I am SOL. Even if you have a subscription you cannot download to a new card and they will not replace the card so you have to purchase a new card. With such a tiny card, so easily dropped or lost, I would think they would have a way to "prorate" a replacement or just provide a replacement but "NO buy a new one" is their response. It really P%S$d me off. If there is another option for my a98 I'd really consider it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[dlochner]

We use C-Map. It also comes on a micro-SD card. I have not tried their support. C-Map is part of the Navico Group which is a subsidiary of Brunswick.

The chart data is from the same source. What differs is the crowd sourcing and interface. C-Map will allow you to download to your own Micro-CD.

C-MAP: worldwide nautical charts for navigation and fishing

Choose C-MAP marine charts for your chartplotter to help you navigate and find fish. Our lake and ocean data is detailed, regularly updated and quality checked by experts.

www.c-map.com

 

[JamesG161]

Raymarine a98

"Lighthouse" by Raymarine.
Jim...

 

[Rjm st.petersburg]

Look up ORCA . Orca | Orca - the next-generation navigation experience
They are actually in partnership with Raymarine.

 

[smokey73]

Looks like ORCA is designed to work on tablets, phones, etc and not as nav software loaded onto a chartplotte.

At its core is the Orca Core, a smart hub that connects to your boat’s instruments. Paired with the marine tablet Orca Display and the beautifully designed Orca App, Orca brings all your data together in one intuitive system, on your phone, tablet, desktop and smartwatch.

 

[Rjm st.petersburg]

Google Search

 

[Rjm st.petersburg]

Real-Time Route Sharing with the ORCA Navigation App | Raymarine

Discover how to share your real-time route using the Orca Navigation App. Our guide provides step-by-step instructions for seamless navigation and route sharing to your Raymarine Axiom Chartplotter display.

www.raymarine.com

 

[Davidasailor26]

Some of the confusion is that what you’re looking for is the mapping data, not the plotter software itself. The plotter will run some version of Lighthouse Operating System, and that is generally not replaceable except with any newer versions of the OS supported on the model. The OS runs the overall interface and networking. What you see as charts are just based on the mapping source, which is Navionics now, but replaceable with CMAP or some versions of Lighthouse charts. If you don’t want to stay with Navionics CMAP is the other largest player to switch to.

On my B&G plotter I have fairly recent CMAP charts and an older Navionics chip. I use CMAP as my daily driver, but in unfamiliar channels sometimes switch to split screen mode with both Navionics and CMAP to make sure I’m not missing any details.

 

[Blitz]

The software is on a "micro sd" card and about halfway through my subscription I have "lost" my sd card. I called Garmin support and they basically said I am SOL. Even if you have a subscription you cannot download to a new card and they will not replace the card so you have to purchase a new card. With such a tiny card, so easily dropped or lost, I would think they would have a way to "prorate" a replacement or just provide a replacement but "NO buy a new one" is their response. It really P%S$d me off.

The same thing happen to me a few years ago, either misplaced it or it was taken. Navionics was no help. I choose to use an older limited card I had for the basics since wasn't planning any big cruises but eventually went back to Navionics. Curious enough to try others in future on my Raymarine Hybrid touch chart plotter that I've had for 13 seasons.

C-Map looks interesting but not any less expensive for a smaller area

 

[smokey73]

@Blitz I have an older (2022) Navionics card which I have installed and will use until I decide to update to either a newer Navionics or change over to CMap. For local sailing, which is what I am doing now the older card is fine plus I know the area well and it my local area is well marked.

@Rjm st.petersburg it seems that the ORCA is more of a interfaced "controller" and not the actual mapping software as @Davidasailor26 described. Since I will be using the older card in the mean time I have time to decide which current mapping software I want to use.

My frustration with Garmin is that, with todays capability to manage and track software, it is really hard to believe Garmin is unable to "deactivate" my old card and issue me a new card with the remaining life left on my subscription for updates. They "know who I am" and I registered my card with them, they surely know my ip address that I have been using for updates and probably more info about me than I care to admit. Seems something like other than you are "Sh&^ Out of Luck" would be possible even if at a "reduced cost." I guess when there are few options available to the consumer the supplier holds all the cards.

 

[Davidasailor26]

They "know who I am" and I registered my card with them, they surely know my ip address that I have been using for updates and probably more info about me than I care to admit.

The chartplotter’s use of the card is pretty unsophisticated though. All it does is read the files off the card and render them. There’s no internet connectivity in that at all. So from Garmin’s perspective it would be pretty easy for someone to buy and register a card, give it to their friend to use in their plotter, then call and ask for a replacement. Whether that would happen often enough to be worth the customer support hit Garmin takes by not offering a replacement is debatable, but that’s the decision Garmin has made.

 

[Clutch Cargo]

"Lighthouse" by Raymarine.Jim...

Ditto. Although, I would prefer something that more closely resembles traditional NOAA charts.

 

[smokey73]

Agreed about "Lighthouse." Lighthouse presents some rather crude navigation mapping.

 

[Rjm st.petersburg]

ORCA is more of a controller and does look like an interesting tool for route plotting. The mapping on all of these seems to be what ever version of NOAA maps they chose. My area is mapped pretty good, but by no means perfect.

 

[Clutch Cargo]

Maps?

 

[dlochner]

ORCA is more of a controller and does look like an interesting tool for route plotting. The mapping on all of these seems to be what ever version of NOAA maps they chose. My area is mapped pretty good, but by no means perfect.

All the data in the US is from NOAA regardless of the branding. Some programs like Aquamaps update daily if connected to the internet and include the latest available survey data from the USACE. Very handy on areas prone to shoaling, like the ICW.

Some map data has not been updated since the advent of GPS. This results in some areas being accurately drawn but incorrectly placed on the planet surface. The Erie Canal/Mohawk River/Oneida Lake survey being one set of data with that characteristic. Here I am happily motoring through the forest on the Erie Canal.

 

[artboas]

The chartplotter’s use of the card is pretty unsophisticated though. All it does is read the files off the card and render them. There’s no internet connectivity in that at all. So from Garmin’s perspective it would be pretty easy for someone to buy and register a card, give it to their friend to use in their plotter, then call and ask for a replacement. Whether that would happen often enough to be worth the customer support hit Garmin takes by not offering a replacement is debatable, but that’s the decision Garmin has made.

This won’t work for 2 reasons.
When you register a new card,, the plotter gives its SN to Navionics, who then back-write some security data on your card tying it to your system. This is perfectly logical for Navionics to do this.
I believe they have a procedure to deal with you replacing your plotter.
I have known people who have had their cards stolen. With proof of purchase, Navionics, on occasion, helped out the owner with a discounted replacement

But, let’s go to fundamentals here…
I’ve used both Navionics also Lighthouse for years. In several areas, I find Navionics to have superior (especially depth) better coverage
It seems to me that your whole problem with Navionics is a price & policy issue; and other than that, you are happy with their product.
If your backlight on your plotter went out, the pricing to repair this is typically $250-$400
Would you elect at that point to try and use a flashlight to try and see your screen, buy another chart plotter, etc??
The logical answer (in my opinion), is to just accept that many things in the marine industry are irrationally expensive, and sometimes the bills “sting” a bit.
My advice….. (which is free)
If Navionics worked well for you, then changing charting platforms as a protest to their policies might be somewhat irrational.
Every time I fill my diesel tank, I pay 25% more (minimum) than a land based gas station .
Lugging yellow diesel cans in my car, and living with the fumes of it in my upholstery for months isn’t worth the “protest money” I’m saving by doing this

best of luck !!

 

[Davidasailor26]

When you register a new card,, the plotter gives its SN to Navionics, who then back-write some security data on your card tying it to your system. This is perfectly logical for Navionics to do this.

I was unaware if they do that with newer cards. The one I have is ~10 years old and is just flat file data. I’ve moved it between plotters myself.

 

[smokey73]

@artboas I understand but your discussion points out the ease it would be for Navionics to recognize that I had purchased a card and also have a subscription for updates after the first year that I paid for too. It was not the fact that it is going to cost me something and I expected that. After some research I will probably bite the bullet and get another new Navionics.

It is the "attitude" of the customer service rep that really P%$$3d me off. I started out with very pleasant with "I really hope you can help me but I lost my microSD card and I need a replacement." I was expecting something at least like "let me look up your account and see what I can do?" or something else along that line. The answer was "You are going to have to buy a new care" Not even a "sorry that happened" or anything else. Basically a you are SOL buddy (he didn't say those words of course) but the tone and attitude conveyed that. I was in the consulting business for many many years and if I used that attitude, even if it was the company policy and established fact that you are SOL, I'd be out of business in a few minutes. I guess when there is a "limited" number of suppliers you can be that inflexible. Enough of my rant. It's not the money, I can afford it, it is the attitude.

 

[smokey73]

I was unaware if they do that with newer cards. The one I have is ~10 years old and is just flat file data. I’ve moved it between plotters myself.

@Davidasailor26 do you have a subscription with Navionics to keep your card up to date with the latest chart updates? I do and pay a pretty penny every year for that. I have an old Navionics card in right now and every time I use it a pop-up appears on my Raymarine a98 that my card is out of date and I have to acknowledge that. In 2022 I had to replace the card to be able to do periodic updates but thankfully I kept the old card that works but is not updated. Not sure I will get a new card until I plan to leave my local sailing grounds.