Recommended navigation charts / software for Windows ??
 

When on the water I use a large screen Garmin chart plotter to navigate with. Sometimes when at home, I would like to plan a trip or even just look at or refer to a chart.

Who uses their home computer or laptop to view charts and who's product do you recommend ? Any idea of the cost of these programs ? Will use mostly for Florida waters / Bahamas and the Great Lakes.:D

Bob

you can use your GPS in combination with google earth, can be look in your computer, plan trips , see where you been and your speed

I use MapSource by Garmin. View the same at home as you would on the plotter. Charts are reasonably priced too for all areas.

Thanks. I will investigate that. I find the Garmin to be user friendly so that is worth looking into.:D

BTB

I use the Mapsource also. I create the routes on my computer and then download to the Garmin. Also if you have others with a Garmin going on the same trip with you, it is easy to download to theirs also

I have Garmin's Mapsource version 6.13.6. There is a map included in the software, but I don't see channel markers or buoys.

I'd like to create routes and then download to the gps.

Do you have to load a chart separately to show the markers?
Thanks,
Steve

Navionics also has an adapter to connect their chart to a PC. I have one and it does work.

I just got a Earth NC plus setup...

google.earth friendly

VERY easy to use

extremely good customer friendly staff

some of the landscape topography is outdated, but you get monthly chart/nav updates by email that are VERY accurate, which is all you really care about anyways.

I highly, highly recommend it....

JH

Yes you have to open the maps to get the detail.

True, that's how Garmin / Map Source makes their money; you have to pay to get maps un-locked. But I think it's worth it. Especially when planning trips and routes. Their Lake Michigan maps are very accurate and the computer interface makes it a no-brainer!

Bob,

Try these. I have a few more saved on my office computer and I'll send you the links next week. But these are good for quick views to see where you want to go.

http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/OnLineVi...iewerTable.htm

http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11429.shtml

Bob,

I use Maptech Chart Navigator/Pro in my PC to create my route. Then I transfer the route file to my laptop. Finally I connect my laptop directly into the Garmin in my boat, via an interconnect cable, and either send new routes to my Garmin, or capture actual track information from my last trip.

The chart I created showing a safe route around the Johnson Shoals, for the South Seas fun run, was from Maptech Chart Nav/Pro.

Maptech Chart Nav Pro, list price $499
Maptech Chart Nav, list price $249
Interconnect data cable for Garmin $39-$79, debsnding in Garmin model.

I attached a screen shot, you should be very familar with the location.

Frank F.

Thanks Frank and others. :D
I am glad I asked the question, only now I need to figure out which one will work best for me. Main thing is it has to be compatible with my Garmin plotter. I am not in a big hurry so I will look into those suggested and settle on one of them. Will probably purchase at the Miami show.

Frank, yes I do recognize that chart ! LOL Also remember you post re: Johnson Shoals.
Prices are about what I thought. Is the pro version worth the extra money, I expect. More detail ?

Bob

Thanks Craig. Hey I used your chart already to take a good look at the Cape Romano shoal south of Marco. A few of us are going down to Everglades City for lunch tomorrow and will skirt the outer edge of that shoal. It shows well on my plotter.
Again, thanks.:D
Bob

Bob,

Those shoals look like they could be nasty. Good luck tomorrow!

Bob,
The Pro version does have a few more features, and the PC based software is a bit more
feature rich. If one was going to install the software on a PC on the boat, the Pro version
is the way to go. For use on a PC at home or in the office, the regular version workes fine
for me.

Here is a side by side comparison of the features.

Na. Just sand. Cut right thru ! LOL

When I look at the comparison chart, I think the regular version will serve my purpose. Leaves some extra fuel money ! LOL
Thanks for your help.:D
Bob

have you looked at Seaclear?



http://seaclear.net/

will the Garmin 540s except down loads from map source?

Bob - Spend some time with the Garmin reps at the Miami show. Depending on what model you have, it may be pretty cheap, or even free to use their stuff on your home PC, since (I assume) you already own the charts. You can probably use either memory cards or even download directly from a laptop. What model plotter do you have? I use a 4212.

I spoke to the Garmin reps at the Lauderdale show and they were extremely helpful and knowledgable. Those conversations were about what unit to put in the new NT being built now. Current NT has the 2010C plotter which I love. In the new boat, I am going to go with the 5212 touchscreen interfaced with another screen to be built into the back of the bolster for rear seat viewing.
I will talk to them about PC software that will be compatible.
Thanks,
Bob

Dave. I had not heard of them but may be worth looking at.
Thanks,
Bob

Bob,

Will the screen for the rear passengers be interactive, or a duplicate of what you're seeing at the helm?

Go BIG, man! They just announced the 5215 with a 15 inch screen!!!! Great company and great products.

Hey, Craig. I expect the screen will just show what is on the main screen at the helm but that is something that I plan on discussing w Garmin at the Miami show. Not sure it is a good idea to let those in the back be pushing buttons.
I also am planning on having XM weather displayed as well.
BtB

I saw that on their website and I,m thinkin, Hmmmm. NT is saying it is going to be a job to fit the 12" in now so maybe I should really challenge them. LOL:D
BTB

Just move up to their 80-footer. I bet it's got plenty of room for that 15" screen!