Computer Charts

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Dave

I am looking at purchasing computer software and charts for my boat. When I look into the various venders I get quite frustrated on details and mixed up on some of the systems. Can anyone give me a good site or reference to see all the various systems compared in one place or is that asking too much. Also, I would be interested in hearing both positive and negative feedback on systems that folks are using. Thanks
 
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Trevor - SailboatOwners.c

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Feb 9, 2004
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Nobeltec

Hi Dave - I know it can be confusing, what with Rose Point, Cap'n, MaxSea, Nobeltec and the like. While Nobeltec isn't the cheapest, I think it's the easiest to use and with the most features of the lot. It's also the only package I have actually used, so I'm not much help with comparison analysis. Nobeltec is remarkably complicated to install (like the others), but it's pretty straight forward once you're off and running. The basic software is usually $429 - US regions are $229, Canadian charts are $269. It's fairly easy to use right out of the box but after using it for navigating I've picked up a lot of cool tricks and am able to take advantage of a lot of the features. I used to always navigate by paper charts but now I'm spoiled and have to remind myself to haul the paper charts out of the nav station. Hope this helps! Trevor
 
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Bill N

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Sep 10, 2005
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do you want to interface with your instruments?

You could try Pratical Sailor -- I believe they reviewed software programs not too long ago. If you currently have Raytheon/Raymaine/Sea-talk instruments, their autopilot, and especially if their HSB Radar, I would recommend looking at Raymarine Raytech Navigator. Although it is expensive, in addition to it being a high-class chart display/plotter, which can interface with most any GPS, it also can have bi-directional communications to your cockpit mounted RayMarine instruments and even control their auto-pilot. Its like having a complete 2nd station below at your chart table, which can show everything on the sea-talk 'buss' (with their 'interface box') and even download 3-day weather 'grib' files for free. I have been using verson 3 and now 4.1 for years (on my 30, only using Windows 98se, hence can't use their 5.0 version) with Maptech raster charts and don't know how I got along without it. It also works with C-Map vector charts. below is the link to Raymarine's software page... Hope this helps...
 
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Dave

Bill (and others): Thanks for the info...it is all helpful....I will see if I can find a Pratical Sailor for review....I will not be integrating the software into a navigation system. I spend part of my summer as a "hired skipper" and find myself on various boats, so a single system approach is not in the offering. I will use a hand-held GPS attached to my Dell Laptop....DAVE
 
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