Laptop-based Chart Plotters

HoofingBootneck · #1 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009

Hello sailors. I'm considering going for PC-based chart plotter software for cruising, albeit with paper back-up. I note the choice of freeware vs purchase (up to 100GBP) mentioned in much older posts. Can anyone offer me some personal experiences of either? Grateful for all related views!!

stuffinbox · #2 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009

I've tried out OpenCPN. Its completely free and works well enough (there have been some reports that the MAC version has bugs).

Check out my blog for the setup I'm using:
The Stuffin Box: Chartplotting on a budget

raisin56 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009

Free PC based chart plotter is super for US coastal navigation, charts are freely available. Only drawback to a laptop is that the screen washes out in the sun light so it's best use is below decks.
I'll second OpenCPN, it is however undergoing rapid development at this time. A new build is being released every week or so. Great changes and bug fixes are happening. It does both raster and vector charts which I find useful.
Other choices would be Seaclear II or NavGator. Both have features I like and ones I don't.

Omatako · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009

I use Maxsea. Can't think of anything I don't like about it.

Mine runs on world-wide C-Maps charts and has great world wide tidal info plus a lot of other features.

bheintz · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omatako

I use Maxsea. Can't think of anything I don't like about it.

Maxsea is great, the only drawback is that they dropped support for the Mac with os X.

For the Mac I recommend GPSNavX (for raster format BSB and Softcharts) and MacENC (for S-57/S-63 vector format ENC charts, Navionics Charts from X-Traverse and BSB and Softchart raster format charts) and iNavX (for iPhone & iPod).

Prices and Comparisons of the three.