Armchair Navigator

[Geoton]

Hi All,
Can anyone tell me if it is possible to use OpenCPN on a Windows 10 platform without a GPS or even a boat.
I literally sit in my armchair and dream about trips I would like to make should I ever own a boat (Not going to happen), and would like the ability to plot them out as if on a real voyage.
Sad, but true.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
PS. If I had the money I would purchase a Nordhavn 68.
Have spent weeks investigating various options available.
Passes the time.

[TheSandPebbles]

I usually just use https://map.openseamap.org/ to plan routes from home. Basic and free.

[cagney]

Originally Posted by Geoton

Hi All,
Can anyone tell me if it is possible to use OpenCPN on a Windows 10 platform without a GPS or even a boat.
I literally sit in my armchair and dream about trips I would like to make should I ever own a boat (Not going to happen), and would like the ability to plot them out as if on a real voyage.
Sad, but true.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
PS. If I had the money I would purchase a Nordhavn 68.
Have spent weeks investigating various options available.
Passes the time.

Yes, absolutely. A GPS and a boat are just optional, OpenCPN works well without them.

[EvntHorizon]

I have OpenCPN on a MacBook without a GPS for the same reason you want. I don't have a boat yet, but just want to get to know the platform for that blissful day I do get vessel.

[Geoton]

Originally Posted by TheSandPebbles

I usually just use https://map.openseamap.org/ to plan routes from home. Basic and free.

Thank you for the reply TheSandPebbles.
I have had a look at OpenSeaMap, but it is way too basic.
I am looking for something like i-Boating but which allows one to plan a route or a number of routes preferably, and which looks like a proper navigation chart. Need depths so that I can plan where to anchor, moor, etc.
I know I am probably expecting a bit much for no cost.

[Geoton]

Thanks for the replies folks.
OpenCPN being downloaded as I type.

[Pete7]

To get any detail on OpenCPN in the UK you will need to buy some charts, other countries provide them for free, but not the Hydrographic Office.

The Visit My Harbour charts are £23 for a year and then if used for real navigation then you should update them. However, if its just route planning then no need for this.

https://www.visitmyharbour.com/

The alternative is to use the only line Navionics chart viewer which has a simple route planner:

https://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=e...&key=kt~tHzb_F

However, the chart viewer isn't up to date as the Open Seamap for some features, if that is a concern.

[Jamme]

+1 on Navionics free (basic) world chart viewer and plotter.

[bcn]

Just to add the oeSENC charts for OpenCPN.
The UKHO vector sets for example.
http://o-charts.org/map/en/UK/index.html


That's from OpenCPN for OpenCPN...

[Geoton]

Thanks for all the help folks.
Really appreciated.