maptech

A

aquahauler

Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2001
RO Number
4364
Messages
75
Anyone here using Maptech for navigating. I will be traveling an area that I likely will not travel again. I can buy charts, chart book, a new chip for the GPS or for a reasonable price I can buy Maptech and use my laptop. I see there are three different versions, U.S. Boating Charts, Chart Navigator, and Offshore navigator.

All three indicate you can plan as well with a USB GPS you can view in real time. I have the USB GPS so it seems like a good idea for my situation. If I purchase it for this reason, I can use it in the future if I pass through another place where I dont need another chip for.

Any info from users would be appreciated.
 
a) Always have the real paper charts.

b) As a backup, download OpenCPN, and the free raster charts from NOAA. Works on your laptop, for free.

Free RNC charts

Free open source nave software, OpenCPN

For other free electronic nav software, search this forum, we have this discussion at least every year...

--

btw: Did I mention that you should always carry, and use, the paper charts?
 
If I carry AND use my paper charts, what's the point of having electronic charts???

I've used Maptech Offshore Navigator for 10-15 years, and love it. The price today is a darn sight less than what I paid, but it was worth it then. The nice thing is that the charts are now free, AND up-to-date. (bought any paper charts lately, or corrected same???)

Paper charts SHOULD still be carried as a backup, and YES you need to know how to use them, just in case. I know how, but as a rule I don't bother; like, what's the point?

IF the computer or GPS fails THEN I'll drag out the (probably out of date) paper charts, fix my position with visual bearings, RDF, or celestial, and go on. And yes I know how to do so.

To rely 100% on ANY single system could be a fatal mistake.
 
The U.S. Boating charts appear to provide charting for entire U.S. including inland waters all for under $100.00. Seems hard to believe.
 
Sure why not??? You can download 'em for FREE, and 90% of what's on that DVD you'll probably never need.

And then you gotta pay more $$$ for the software to read 'em...
 
not QUITE free... printer ink isn't cheap!

Thanks for the link. I printed a couple pages (not the whole chart) in black & white, and they'd be usable in a pinch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top