I am trying to determine whether navigation software on a laptop or a chartplotter is the way to go. We sail in the Great Lakes, have a laptop on-board which runs (and charges) off our 12v house batteries or runs on it's own Lithium Ion battery. We also have a color printer on board. We have a GPS, which mounts at the helm and is wired to the autopilot and also has a feed to the Nav Station (with the laptop in mind). The area's we frequent are shallow/tight enough that the information would be great as a double check to our DR locating, especially now that SA has been turned off! I have tried demo versions of some of the popular packages and had so many problems I am about to give up. One gives me errors when I try to open BSB maps, try it on a different PC running a different operating system (95 to 98) and get different errors (runtime errors, etc.). I was leaning towards software, but experiences logged so far have made me gun-shy. A call to one companies support line informed me that the demo programs are a bit 'buggy', but the full versions run well (then how can I demo them, and do I believe them?!) I have read Practical Sailors reviews on nav software, but don't really want to spend a ton of money for software and charts before I'm sure it will work out well! What are the experiences others have had with chartplotter's or PC based Nav Software? Does anyone have opinions on specific software or chartplotters? Any inputs would be greatly appreciated! Jeff Jones Escapade
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Bryce Grefe
software
I've used the Cap'n software by Nautical Technologies for two years and am extremely happy with both the product and support. I have the software tied into my GPS and autopilot (this was one of the reasons I bought the Cap'n originally as at the time it was the only one with autopilot capability). I'm on my third version of the software. One I purchased at an upgrade price, and the second was shipped free, as I discovered a couple of minor bugs in the software which was corrected on the latest upgrade. The software's been easy to use and the support, the couple of times I've needed it, has been fantastic. I read PS reviews on software and have looked at the "quilting" of charts and feel the autopilot interface is a more important feature to me than the chart quilting. Since the Cap'n can automatically switch to the best chart available for the area, the transition between charts is smooth. My wife and I sail an H410, often short handed and the software makes it a very easy task. By the way we went through the Cape cod canal a couple of weeks ago on the software and the autopilot and with SA off it was flawless. Obviously we kept a close watch the entire time. Good luck. E-mail me @ bgrefe@mediaone.net if I can help further. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
I've used the Cap'n software by Nautical Technologies for two years and am extremely happy with both the product and support. I have the software tied into my GPS and autopilot (this was one of the reasons I bought the Cap'n originally as at the time it was the only one with autopilot capability). I'm on my third version of the software. One I purchased at an upgrade price, and the second was shipped free, as I discovered a couple of minor bugs in the software which was corrected on the latest upgrade. The software's been easy to use and the support, the couple of times I've needed it, has been fantastic. I read PS reviews on software and have looked at the "quilting" of charts and feel the autopilot interface is a more important feature to me than the chart quilting. Since the Cap'n can automatically switch to the best chart available for the area, the transition between charts is smooth. My wife and I sail an H410, often short handed and the software makes it a very easy task. By the way we went through the Cape cod canal a couple of weeks ago on the software and the autopilot and with SA off it was flawless. Obviously we kept a close watch the entire time. Good luck. E-mail me @ bgrefe@mediaone.net if I can help further. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
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Colin
Fugawi
I have been using Fugawi, so far I have nothing but praise. The packagfe is modestly priced and does everything I ask and more. I have a small discrepancy between the GPS reading and the software but not enough to worry about. If you have charts of the areas you sail, you can critical areas in and save money on charts.
I have been using Fugawi, so far I have nothing but praise. The packagfe is modestly priced and does everything I ask and more. I have a small discrepancy between the GPS reading and the software but not enough to worry about. If you have charts of the areas you sail, you can critical areas in and save money on charts.
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Ron Doescher
"virtual" nav
A couple of considerations. 1. The PC/laptop nav software is pretty nice to have for route/waypoint planning developing and downloading them to the GPS. I use the MapTech "Chart Navigator" software ($50)with the CD-ROM full of charts for my region ($200) & a PC-to-GPS (Garmin) cable ($35). This cheaper version of software doesn't do real-time GPS-to-PC feeds & plotting, however. MapTech does have a version with those "bells & whistles". 2. An on-board chartplotter tied to radar/gps/loran/etc. is very nice but it needs to be at the helm for most applications. To be there it needs to be waterproof and the display needs to work well under varied temperature & lighting conditions. Something like a Raytheon "RayChart 520" or "RL70RC". 3. An ordinary laptop kept below and protected from direct water spray, etc might be OK for occasional use, but its recommended that you use a PC built for a marine environment. Moisture (humidity) on those internal circuit boards, connectors & disc drives will shorten the life of a PC VERY quickly. 4. Finally, the electronic charts are a nice convenience but, like paper charts, need to be kept current with the Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs). The covenience of on-board graphic devices can lull you into a false security. MapTech is issuing CD-ROMs now with those corrections, and their software will allow printing "patches" for the paper charts, too. Very expensive to subscribe, however. Hope that helps you make up your mind on a course of action. --Ron
A couple of considerations. 1. The PC/laptop nav software is pretty nice to have for route/waypoint planning developing and downloading them to the GPS. I use the MapTech "Chart Navigator" software ($50)with the CD-ROM full of charts for my region ($200) & a PC-to-GPS (Garmin) cable ($35). This cheaper version of software doesn't do real-time GPS-to-PC feeds & plotting, however. MapTech does have a version with those "bells & whistles". 2. An on-board chartplotter tied to radar/gps/loran/etc. is very nice but it needs to be at the helm for most applications. To be there it needs to be waterproof and the display needs to work well under varied temperature & lighting conditions. Something like a Raytheon "RayChart 520" or "RL70RC". 3. An ordinary laptop kept below and protected from direct water spray, etc might be OK for occasional use, but its recommended that you use a PC built for a marine environment. Moisture (humidity) on those internal circuit boards, connectors & disc drives will shorten the life of a PC VERY quickly. 4. Finally, the electronic charts are a nice convenience but, like paper charts, need to be kept current with the Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs). The covenience of on-board graphic devices can lull you into a false security. MapTech is issuing CD-ROMs now with those corrections, and their software will allow printing "patches" for the paper charts, too. Very expensive to subscribe, however. Hope that helps you make up your mind on a course of action. --Ron
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Charlie Gruetzner
Chartplotter
I recently purchased a Beneteau 361 and had the dealer put in a Raytheon RL70RC at the navsta and the Raychart 520 up on the helm. I realize that this is a large expense but am very glad I have done. I recently made a trip from Mamaroneck to Montauk and the system worked wonderfully. It was very nice having the information I needed at both the helm and below when cruising. Good luck with whatever decision you make Charlie Gruetzner S/V Angels' Grace
I recently purchased a Beneteau 361 and had the dealer put in a Raytheon RL70RC at the navsta and the Raychart 520 up on the helm. I realize that this is a large expense but am very glad I have done. I recently made a trip from Mamaroneck to Montauk and the system worked wonderfully. It was very nice having the information I needed at both the helm and below when cruising. Good luck with whatever decision you make Charlie Gruetzner S/V Angels' Grace
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Mike DiMario
Dsicounted!
Jeff, We have a Garmin 175 Chatplotter / GPS. It has a small screen which we use at the helm. We have run cable below to a laptop and use Fugawi. (www.fugawi.com). Check it out. Regardless of what you use, check out Captain Jack's. It is the most comprehensive supplier I've come across. (http://www.capjack.com/). request a catalog. They have the BSB Charts and some great bargains, if you look around. THe laptop is real nice. We use it to do all of our layout and planning. We then upload it to our Garmin. We also use a spare long data cable ( home made) to bring the laptop topsides for tight spots. ( anchoring and negotiating tight channels), It is a great navigation tool. The only drawback we have experienced with Fugawi is that it won't do "course up". You need to look at the screen from the direction your going. It may take a little getting used to. We ought it for $99 just to see if e liked the concept and kept it for good. Happy sailing and electronics, Mike D p.s. email me if you want any other info that I maight be familiar. dimario1@home.com
Jeff, We have a Garmin 175 Chatplotter / GPS. It has a small screen which we use at the helm. We have run cable below to a laptop and use Fugawi. (www.fugawi.com). Check it out. Regardless of what you use, check out Captain Jack's. It is the most comprehensive supplier I've come across. (http://www.capjack.com/). request a catalog. They have the BSB Charts and some great bargains, if you look around. THe laptop is real nice. We use it to do all of our layout and planning. We then upload it to our Garmin. We also use a spare long data cable ( home made) to bring the laptop topsides for tight spots. ( anchoring and negotiating tight channels), It is a great navigation tool. The only drawback we have experienced with Fugawi is that it won't do "course up". You need to look at the screen from the direction your going. It may take a little getting used to. We ought it for $99 just to see if e liked the concept and kept it for good. Happy sailing and electronics, Mike D p.s. email me if you want any other info that I maight be familiar. dimario1@home.com
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Paul Bednarzyk
Computers
I have been running the Nobeltec software and have been happy with it. As has been pointed out, using only a laptop has its disadvantages (water resistance, visibility in sunlight). I think the ideal setup would be to have both on board. I know, I can't afford it either and use the laptop for route planning and storage and upload to the GPS which stays in the cockpit. Paul Bednarzyk S/V Knot Again
I have been running the Nobeltec software and have been happy with it. As has been pointed out, using only a laptop has its disadvantages (water resistance, visibility in sunlight). I think the ideal setup would be to have both on board. I know, I can't afford it either and use the laptop for route planning and storage and upload to the GPS which stays in the cockpit. Paul Bednarzyk S/V Knot Again
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Bob Robeson
Location, Location, Location.
We have the laptop nav software and it is located on our Nav table just inside th ecapaniom way. But if I am at the helm, it is usless to me or I have to have someone go below to see whats up. We are looking at a RL70RC so I can install a chartplotter at the helm, since it is a RL70 I can add radar to it when and if I wish. I may stil run the laptop as a backup and I can do all my routes at home and just upload them once at the boat. Good luck Bob C-36 Emerald Odyssea
We have the laptop nav software and it is located on our Nav table just inside th ecapaniom way. But if I am at the helm, it is usless to me or I have to have someone go below to see whats up. We are looking at a RL70RC so I can install a chartplotter at the helm, since it is a RL70 I can add radar to it when and if I wish. I may stil run the laptop as a backup and I can do all my routes at home and just upload them once at the boat. Good luck Bob C-36 Emerald Odyssea
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Jeff Jones
Still pondering...
Appreciate the responses. We had the chance this last weekend to try out ChartView Pro on a laptop. It really sold me on the convenience of having some kind of plotter on-board, but like Bob, Paul, Charlie, and Ron point out, a laptop has its limitations. I think a PC at the nav station and a remote screen at the helm with a mouse touchpad would work out well, but I'll bet the $'s for a hardened waterproof display wouldn't. Since Ron, Bob and Charlie mentioned the RL70RC, I am going to take a look at this unit too. We haven't needed radar so far, but plan on doing some North Channel sailing next year, and hear radar is a plus for this trip (fog). I notice some of the Nav software will overlay the radar image over a chart. I would have to imagine this would really help one 'read' the radar image. Ron, I'm glad you responded as you did regarding the potential 'lull' into false security. Nav software or a chartplotter can be a wonderful aid, but…the basic skills and practice of DR is a must! Thank you all, Jeff Jones Escapade
Appreciate the responses. We had the chance this last weekend to try out ChartView Pro on a laptop. It really sold me on the convenience of having some kind of plotter on-board, but like Bob, Paul, Charlie, and Ron point out, a laptop has its limitations. I think a PC at the nav station and a remote screen at the helm with a mouse touchpad would work out well, but I'll bet the $'s for a hardened waterproof display wouldn't. Since Ron, Bob and Charlie mentioned the RL70RC, I am going to take a look at this unit too. We haven't needed radar so far, but plan on doing some North Channel sailing next year, and hear radar is a plus for this trip (fog). I notice some of the Nav software will overlay the radar image over a chart. I would have to imagine this would really help one 'read' the radar image. Ron, I'm glad you responded as you did regarding the potential 'lull' into false security. Nav software or a chartplotter can be a wonderful aid, but…the basic skills and practice of DR is a must! Thank you all, Jeff Jones Escapade
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