RNC vs. ENC

johnhalf · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

OK I am trying to get into the new millennia with this electronic chart thing. I have been playing with both ENC and RNC with Chart Navigator and Fugawi programs. I like the RNCs better, but since they are scans of the charts I'm used to, I might not be giving ENC a fair shake.
As you have already figured out I am doing this on my laptop and have never used one tied to a gps etc..
So the question is where do you folks think I should start, and what do you like best?

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

John... since the ENC vector charts can be layered with information they give you a bit more flexibility and of course they are smaller but I agree with you that I like the look of the raster charts. Since all the US charts are free... you don't really need to decide as hard drive space is cheap!

pigslo · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

I like the vector charts. One of the sailing magazines (Ithink "Sail") looked at both vector and rastor and discussed the pros and cons of each.

sab30 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

Hey John,

Sounds like we are "birds of a feather" I just started with a redundant system to the chartplotter. I use a dell laptop with a basic Garmin GPS and Fugawi ENC software. I think by far the vector ENC charts are better as they dont distort with zoom etc and mainatin their detail. The issue that I am trying to find the answer to is to use the free NOAA ENC charts or most have propriatary software that costs money. Im trying to figure out what the difference is. Have you already got a laptop and GPS? Take my advice that any Garmin GPS will work you dont need all the bells and whistles just something to locate satellites. I think the software is key and I would be curious of what others think about the various software available.

PBzeer · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

I have Fugawi and SeaClearII on my laptop. The thing I like best about the Fugawi is that it seamlessly connects the charts, so that I need only move the cursor to make the upcoming chart area visable. With the SeaClearII and rastor charts, you have to load each chart as you come to it. (Perhaps there's a feature there I'm not aware of that makes that unnecessary?)

What I have been doing is using the raster charts for preplanning, and then use the Fugawi while underway. I still though, have a paper chart that I use for where ever I'm going.

For a GPS, I have a GPSMouse, a small puck shaped reciever with a USB end that hooks to the laptop and stays inside the cabin. So far, I've always gotten a good signal with it........and, it's only about $100.

pigslo · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

I bought the bluechart software, loaded it on my laptop, plugged in my Garmin76 and away you go. The downside is you must buy each area. I will moniter this thread for other ideas.

johnhalf · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

Cam I like the way you think! Your right space is cheap. Pigslo
thanks, I was hoping some one had reviewed them. Sab30 I have the laptop, and the free versions of Chart Navigator and Fugawi. I will have to buy one or the other to use my GPS. I too am curious what others think of the software out there.

johnhalf · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

Pbzeer, I think that it will be a long time before I go without a paper backup, just to insecure i guess. Is your GpsMouse made by Globalsat?

camaraderie · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

PB...Tip...If you click on the border of your charts in seaclear...the next chart in that direction appears.

PBzeer · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006

John.....yes it is

Cam....thanks for the tip, still learning with the SeaClear.