Anyone Using OpenCPN/OpenPlotter as Primary or Seconday Means of Navigation?

[miboatnutz]

Just curious as to whether anyone is using OpenCPN and/or OpenPlotter. I'm considering it as a secondary means of navigation in addition to our Garmin MFD and network.

Doesn't sound like there's an issue pulling NMEA data from the Garmin network to run OpenCPN.

 

[Pascal]

I used to years ago then switched to Polar Navy which I find to be much easier to use with seamless chart stitching

When usjng a PC as a back up I prefer getting position data from a BT or USB gps so that it is independent from the main network

 

[miboatnutz]

Pascal,

Thanks for the info. Yes, I plan on using separate GPS and compass heading sources for the system and then pull NMEA data for depth, wind speed, wind direction and maybe autopilot info from the Garmin network.

 

[miboatnutz]

By chance are you using Polar Navy with a touchscreen? I was using Fugawi, which I really liked but no touch screen version so it was a pain to use mouse and keyboard all the time.

Really easy to stitch charts in Fugawi but looking for something more user friendly

 

[kingsley_oasis]

I second Polar Navy, I have it installed on HP touch screen but find mouse easier when underway.

 

[Pascal]

Yes I have it on touch screen convertible laptop. Works fine.

I don’t use it much though, as a back up to Furuno NavNet3D Black box on the boat I run I prefer my iPad with Aquamap. I always have it up n running when running cuts in the Bahamas at night in case the Furuno system crashes

 

[Boatsb]

As a backup to a properly installed and current system I'd use another properly installed and current system.

I have just replaced a cable in a garmin autopilot that somehow failed. It happens. 20 months running and then a failure. With that NOTHING else in the system failed. The system is designed to be stable and reliable.

last month I replaced a furuno sounder module ( 10+ years old) again the rest of the system was operating flawlessly.

On a friends boat with Navnet 2 screens I upgraded to a Garmin autopilot and added a 7607 screen as the second station autopilot. It has a sounder module if necessary and again a complete GPS and nav system. Thats redundancy.

laptops do not interface with RADAR, Sounders and other necessary devices.

 

[carolinacoast]

I use it for planning, still. But thats it.

 

[Pascal]

It sounds nice in theory and it s great for installers / resellers In the real world there is limited space at the helm so installing a back up fully independent marine system is rarely an option.

An autopilot is a convenience item, not mission critical. I ve had two AP failures in the past 15 years, one main board and one pump... no big deal. Finished the trip hand steering, 1500 nm in one case and 600 in the other. 2 failures in 15 years and over 50k+NM isn’t enough to justify a back up autopilot

A back up sounder is nice, cheap and takes little real estate space. Doesn’t have to be a fancy networked unit so using an iPad or a PC is irrelevant.

I have been using IPads and PC as back up for 15 years... never had one steering me the wrong way. In fact I ve had more Ray Marine or Furuno system crashes than IPad/PC crashes

 

[Boatsb]

No need to backup an autopilot but the main MFD is a no brainer. Having a second unit that can show position and depth with charts is not a big deal. It's also not expensive. If its compatible with the rest of the gear you can still use your RADAR, DSC with your radio and many other features like AIS, Weather and autopilots.

Why use a laptop or tablet as a backup when a more reliable system is available.

 

[Dazed338]

I just started playing with it on my Laptop, At least looks like it's an ok setup. I would say far from a top of the line system. When I get around to it I'll be playing with NEMA 0183, NEMA 2000, a Garmin network I just installed on a buddy's boat. But like anything can only be as good as the data it has.

 

[Boatsb]

The garmin example.


A backup GPS with maps, $1000.00
A backup radar screen $1000.00
A backup autopilot display and interface $1000.00
A backup networked control and and display $1000.00

Its water resistant, daylight readable and made for a rough environment, interfaces with both NMEA2000 AND 0183 products and supports marine networks.

If you have a phone or tablet it can mirror and be controlled from it.

 

[miboatnutz]

The garmin example.


A backup GPS with maps, $1000.00
A backup radar screen $1000.00
A backup autopilot display and interface $1000.00
A backup networked control and and display $1000.00

Its water resistant, daylight readable and made for a rough environment, interfaces with both NMEA2000 AND 0183 products and supports marine networks.

If you have a phone or tablet it can mirror and be controlled from it.

And it will all be obsolete in four years or less........

 

[Pascal]

The garmin example.


A backup GPS with maps, $1000.00
A backup radar screen $1000.00
A backup autopilot display and interface $1000.00
A backup networked control and and display $1000.00

Its water resistant, daylight readable and made for a rough environment, interfaces with both NMEA2000 AND 0183 products and supports marine networks.

If you have a phone or tablet it can mirror and be controlled from it.

Problem isn’t the cost but helm space. Even on larger boats there isn’t room for a couple of back up MFD or even just one.