Navigation Programs

[kwerges]

In searching the archives, it appears it's been almost a year since a discussion on navigation programs. So...

Our 58YF has a dedicated computer in the pilot house that has previously run a Nobeltec program that is now a couple of years old. Looking to update the Nobeltec, but open to new programs as well.

I've looked at Active Captain, but noticed that the bay where our marina is located in is mislabeled in the program, which doesn't inspire confidence. I've also begun looking at Maptech, Navionics, etc, but am looking for feedback from current users of the programs. Comments on reliability, user friendliness, etc would be appreciated. Thanks...

[bobk]

I run 3000+ miles each year on Nobeltec and am happy with it. It is an old version which I could not put on the new lap top running Win 7.

Jeff Siegel (Active Captain) sells a program which is cheaper and looks good in demo's. I'd certainly consider that one.

Bobk

[Pascal]

Active captain is not a navigation program, it s a digital cruising guide

My favorite nav software these days is polar navy. Charts are stitched seemlesly and it includes Active Captain data (off line) it s also very reliable and uses little computer resources (unlike many commercial programs); I like the fact that you can run it on an older laptop.

Been using it for a couple of years now, well over 10k NM and happy with it.



And it s under $50!

[MikeP]

I like InavX on the iPad (you also need a Bad Elf GPS attachment for the iPad). It's become our standard nav program/display. The Garmin 3010Cs at the upper and lower helm are now the backup.

[Bill Allen]

I have coast explorer and like it along with active capt. Bill

[Jaxfishgyd]

And what computers does everyone use??

[Canuck Dennis]

I have been running Nobeltec since `1994, do not go above version 9.3, all above that sucks big time. I run on a dedicated desktop in the w/h and then backups on two laptops.

I like "open cpn" which is free when in Florida or I can use one of my laptops with Nobeltec.

all has worked ok from Florida to Alaska and points in between...

[thoward]

And what computers does everyone use??

With iPads waterproof and floating covers, they are hard to beat.

[rmaher]

I just went through this in my recent search for a smart phone. Apparently some phones work only with gps assist but the government is pushing for all phones to have their own gps chip. I settled on the morotrola atrix with the Navionics app for Android. It worked great 50 miles offshore (displaying no cell service) on a trip north in June on a 50' Hatt sportfish.

I must add that finding specifics that confirmed any given phone had it's own chip or merely gps assist was difficult!!

[MikeP]

The Bad Elf GPS plug-in http://bad-elf.com/products/ turns the iPad/Iphone into a GPS receiver - no cell phone signal is involved or necessary.