Nav Software for Laptop

[fourgeau]

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]

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]

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]

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.