Nav Software for Laptop

fourgeau · 22-08-2008, 16:53

This is my first post and all help is welcomed. I recently bought an AIS receiver only to find out after long talk with their tech that my 2002 Raymarine chart plotter model is too old and will not interface with my AIS.
I bought a laptop and was planning to install the free Seaview software (Ais compatible) with the free NOOA charts, ad a GPS antenna link the AIS receiver and have an additional nav system at minimal cost.
The whole set up of the Charts and Seaview is, after 2 weeks of trial, obviously above my head.
I have a major investment in C map Nt and NT+ . (My usual sailing ground extend from Maine to Venezuela )
I would like to download the C map NT charts to the laptop, I see that USB devices are available. BUt nowhere do I read on what Nav software they are FULLY usable.
HELP!!!!
Denis
USCGC
Galatea 47 Beneteau

Tropic Cat · 22-08-2008, 19:01

I've never used Seaview, however I found Seaclear to be perfectly adequate. It uses the NOAA charts has has inputs for GPS, depth, wind, compass and AIS. I've been using it for over a year but have only a GPS input. It takes a while to figure it out but is worth the time and trouble. Oh .. its free software and you downlaod it here.

http://www.sping.com/seaclear/

Whimsical · 24-08-2008, 08:15

This one will use the C-Map charts but not the free charts. It seems to be a quite highly featured package and is reasonably priced.
Bugger, I'm also trying to find one that will do both.
http://www.digiboat.com.au/

Mike

donradcliffe · 25-08-2008, 06:33

I have been using SeaClear with my AIS for about a year now, and am quite happy with the results. The only downside is getting charts for outside US waters. The SeaClear user interface is a little clunky compared to other programs (it takes some learning to jump between charts), but the price is right.

22-08-2008, 16:53	#1
fourgeau Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ft Myers Boat: Beneteau 473 Posts: 7	Nav Software for Laptop This is my first post and all help is welcomed. I recently bought an AIS receiver only to find out after long talk with their tech that my 2002 Raymarine chart plotter model is too old and will not interface with my AIS. I bought a laptop and was planning to install the free Seaview software (Ais compatible) with the free NOOA charts, ad a GPS antenna link the AIS receiver and have an additional nav system at minimal cost. The whole set up of the Charts and Seaview is, after 2 weeks of trial, obviously above my head. I have a major investment in C map Nt and NT+ . (My usual sailing ground extend from Maine to Venezuela ) I would like to download the C map NT charts to the laptop, I see that USB devices are available. BUt nowhere do I read on what Nav software they are FULLY usable. HELP!!!! Denis USCGC Galatea 47 Beneteau

22-08-2008, 19:01	#2
Tropic Cat Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Merritt Island, FL Boat: Catalac 8M Posts: 1,352	I've never used Seaview, however I found Seaclear to be perfectly adequate. It uses the NOAA charts has has inputs for GPS, depth, wind, compass and AIS. I've been using it for over a year but have only a GPS input. It takes a while to figure it out but is worth the time and trouble. Oh .. its free software and you downlaod it here. http://www.sping.com/seaclear/ __________________ Rick in Florida Catalac 8M twin yanmar diesels Catalac Catamaran USA Web Site

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
NAV SOFTWARE FOR MAC?	helloam	Navigation	14	03-10-2008 22:59
Linux based Navigation Software for the eepc and XO laptop	Barco Software	Vendors Forum	36	03-09-2008 01:45
WTB Laptop for Nav	SkiprJohn	Classified Ads	17	07-02-2008 13:57
nav software and weather data	beau	Navigation	3	04-05-2007 08:52
Is it possible to "test drive" nav software?	cjenkins	Electronics: Communications & Audio Visual	0	31-05-2006 08:05

24-08-2008, 08:15	#3
Whimsical Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fremantle Australia Boat: Schioning 12.3 "Wilderness" Bi-Rig Posts: 513	This one will use the C-Map charts but not the free charts. It seems to be a quite highly featured package and is reasonably priced. Bugger, I'm also trying to find one that will do both. http://www.digiboat.com.au/ Mike

25-08-2008, 06:33	#4
donradcliffe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Heading south for the winter Boat: Beneteau First 456 Posts: 314	I have been using SeaClear with my AIS for about a year now, and am quite happy with the results. The only downside is getting charts for outside US waters. The SeaClear user interface is a little clunky compared to other programs (it takes some learning to jump between charts), but the price is right.