Cruisers & Sailing Forums - View Single Post - Chartplotter Vs. PC based set-up, questions???

sdcornwell · 22-10-2007, 17:03

To keep costs low I decided to get a flat screen display off the shelf at CompUSA, just looked for the best contrast ratio and blackest screen to start. It has worked remarkably well as long as it's under the dodger. I strap it in with some velcro mounts, and move it down below at night or to watch DVDs from the laptop. I figure in violent weather we'll leave it in the cabin.

I've seen posts that say you can buy a weatherproof flat panel to put at the helm but they were very expensive when I looked at them, so decided on the "disposable" under the dodger instead.

I've been extremely happy with the NavTech Offshore Navigator Pro. It's very flexible, has easy zoom, simple route plotting and editing, 3D bottom views, photos, etc. and all the US charts. Lot of bang for the buck.

But when I spoke with NavTech earlier this year they weren't doing Vista yet, which is one reason I decided not to go with a new laptop. My $420 special from e-bay works great. In fact I'm using it now at home.

Good luck with that "final" decision;-)

22-10-2007, 17:03	#34
sdcornwell Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Frisco, CO (boat on E. Coast) Boat: C&C Landfall 43 "MYSTIQUE" Posts: 14	Displays, software & such To keep costs low I decided to get a flat screen display off the shelf at CompUSA, just looked for the best contrast ratio and blackest screen to start. It has worked remarkably well as long as it's under the dodger. I strap it in with some velcro mounts, and move it down below at night or to watch DVDs from the laptop. I figure in violent weather we'll leave it in the cabin. I've seen posts that say you can buy a weatherproof flat panel to put at the helm but they were very expensive when I looked at them, so decided on the "disposable" under the dodger instead. I've been extremely happy with the NavTech Offshore Navigator Pro. It's very flexible, has easy zoom, simple route plotting and editing, 3D bottom views, photos, etc. and all the US charts. Lot of bang for the buck. But when I spoke with NavTech earlier this year they weren't doing Vista yet, which is one reason I decided not to go with a new laptop. My $420 special from e-bay works great. In fact I'm using it now at home. Good luck with that "final" decision;-)