computer navigation software and gps

[tintan]

hello, we are completely new to sailing and everything that goes with it but are planning to go voyaging once we are ready (boat and us). I am wondering why do you need computer software for navigation if there are gps´s that all ready have navigation software integrated? isn't it all the same?
i have a mac and am planning to get mac enc by the way, what do you think?

[barnakiel]

I think plotters / computer nav software are options but there are fewer waterproof, sunlight readable computers.

Probably many sailors who use plotters (cockpit) have computers onboard (navtable) anyways.

b.

[Cotemar]

Computer software is more for planning and backup.

The Chartplotter at the helm is for navigating the routes that you planned on your computer.

Your chartplotter is waterproof and connected to your radar.
When the weather gets bad or the fog comes in you have to be able to run your route on your chartplotter along with a view of the radar.

Computer may be running at the nav station as a backup.

[Albro359]

There are plenty of threads on this topic here already....why don't you do a search and read them first ?