[SeanF]

I am sure this discussion has been brought up before but in a search of the forums I can not find a recent posting and things in this arena change all the time...

I am trying to decide whether to purchase new Navigation Software and am trying to fill in some missing points...

Evaluation Criteria (What I would like):

• Accept input from the GPS (obviously)
• Accept input from Nobeltec AIS
• Support GRIB weather overlays
• Support great circle plotting
• Support vector (ENC) as well as raster charts
• Support for Pocket PC (not critical)
• Output to Raymarine autopilot (not critical)
• Intuitive ease of use
• Cost

I already own:

• Memory-Map: I bought this primarily as a cost effective PocketPC program that would allow me to do some planning ashore, but it's a good PC product as well. Interfaces with a GPS, very intuitive, easy to use (click and drag waypoints and routes) and best bang for the buck (<$100) but doesn't do most of the list above, (GRIB, AIS, great circle, vector charts, autopilot). Still a great PocketPC application, better than the Fugawi PocketPC application (my opinion).
• Fugawi Marine ENC: Purchased this (later) as a more comprehensive tool for the computer on board the boat, also supports the PocketPC. Does everything on the list except great circles, (serious limitation) and autopilot output. Great value - $199. But, really clumsy. Haven't yet found a way to select waypoints or routes with a mouse and simply drag them to new locations. You have to edit them from a list window.??? Also, the PocketPC application seems pretty limited compared to Memory-Map (again, my opinion)

Others I'm considering:

• Raymarine Raytec - I've downloaded a demo version and it seems very intuitive, Great circles are the default when you create a route. Supports GRIB but not AIS. No aparrent support for Pocket PC. Cost: about $500
• Nobeltech VNS: Seems full featured, no aparrent support for PocketPC. Supports AIS but not sure about weather/GRIB, rumours have it that the latest version does. Not sure about great circles. Cost: about $500
• Maptech Chart Navigator Pro: Supports Raster, Vector charts, Suopports GRIB, supports AIS. Not sure about great circles. Cost: about $500
• Nobeltec Admiral: Seems to have it all but most likely a lot more than I need for stuff I will never use on a moderately sized sailboat. Cost: >$1,100 ('nuff said)

It looks as though the three players in the $500 range (Maptech, Nobeltec, and Raymarine) are similar but each has a separate deficiency.

So, I guess the questions are:

• What do people like, and why? (obviously people will like what they have and are used to)
• Does anyone know if Raymarine supports AIS?
• Does anyone know if VNS supports GRIB?
• Can anyone answer the questions about great circle support in Maptech and VNS?
• Does anyone know if any one of these will output to a Raymarine autopilot?
• Does anyone have experience with more than one of these packages and would like to make a comparative assessment?

Thanks,
Sean