PC Nav software

[Blacktide]

I am thinking about using a laptop on board and was looking for some sugestions for different brands of software. It seems they are all expensive!

 

[Tower Todd]

Maxsea is pretty awesome and can be expanded depending on your needs.

 

[Blacktide]

Thanks I'll look that up . I kinda wanted to overlay my radar and sounder to

 

[Helen L]

GPS Chart Plotter with Moving Maps for Marine Navigation from P-Sea Software Co.

Awesome software, and you can integrate sonar/radar/AIS. 3D bath charts are great too. Geared towards commercial fishing, but still would suite all your needs. Good price too in my opinion

 

[WoundUpMarine]

i have nobeltec on my computer, works great for me and i believe it can overlay radar as well, kinda pricey but as you said, they all are


http://cms.nobeltec.com/cms/Products/NavigationSoftware/VNS.aspx

 

[Whatta Catch]

We use PC Windplot. It's a little confusing at first but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty cool. It has unlimited waypoint storage, and has different charts depending on the type of boating/fishing you do. You also can expand on it. Check out their website for more info.

 

[Blacktide]

Thanks for the replies,! I tried downloading the sea clear free program and couldn't get it to run. I'm leaning toward the nobletec at this point it seems to do all I need! I gotta get going on all these things the fish will be back before I know it and so much to do

 

[Blacktide]

And while I'm at it does anyone use a store bought laptop mount or does everyone do a custom mount.

I have a 17" dell and I want to mount it on the port side dash. I have a center companionway and will need to swivel it between movies for the crew and navigation facing the helm.

 

[Whatta Catch]

I don't have this mount but Ram Mounts make mounts for everything. Just google them

 

[WoundUpMarine]

Thanks for the replies,! I tried downloading the sea clear free program and couldn't get it to run. I'm leaning toward the nobletec at this point it seems to do all I need! I gotta get going on all these things the fish will be back before I know it and so much to do

if you ever find your way up for boothbay we will take you out and let you play with the plotter!

 

[Helen L]

Have you thought about putting the lap top down below and having an aux lcd flat screen for a monitor? Easier to mount and keep the lap top safe and out of the way. Just a thought.

 

[Blacktide]

if you ever find your way up for boothbay we will take you out and let you play with the plotter!

Very cool thanks!

 

[Blacktide]

Have you thought about putting the lap top down below and having an aux lcd flat screen for a monitor? Easier to mount and keep the lap top safe and out of the way. Just a thought.

I want to be able to use the laptop while underway. I do all the driving and want to get at easily while my crew is sleeping.

 

[Helen L]

Me too, I have 2 lap tops going on the boat that will each have a flush mounted lcd screen at the helm with wireless keyboards and mouse

 

[TRUE NORTH]

nobody mentioned THE CAP'N.... I used an older version years ago. Im in the market for a new one now. any advice?

 

[Whatta Catch]

nobody mentioned THE CAP'N.... I used an older version years ago. Im in the market for a new one now. any advice?

This is also a good program to use. It is very user friendly. A lot of the local Party Boats use this software.

Blacktide,

As far as the laptop. If that is what you are going to use, I would sugest getting a wireless mouse that has a ball on it at your thumb. So if it is a little bumpy out it is very easy to move the curser.

 

[Blacktide]

This is also a good program to use. It is very user friendly. A lot of the local Party Boats use this software.

Blacktide,

As far as the laptop. If that is what you are going to use, I would sugest getting a wireless mouse that has a ball on it at your thumb. So if it is a little bumpy out it is very easy to move the curser.

Good idea! I see how using the touch pad could be a problem when it's sloppy. I think I 've settled on the nobeltec, I have a buddy thats gonna set up the software.

 

[reelsportfishing]

I'm thinking about adding a pc or laptop to my boat. I am worried about not seeing the display in the sun. What brand laptop or monitor are you guys using and what type of screen should I be looking for when I go to buy one. Also do I need a real powerful computer to run this software?

 

[Blacktide]

I got a 17"dell 6gigs of ram and 640 gig hard drive. It's like 10 times the horsepower of my desktop. The only concern I have is the screen, it's shines. When I was looking it seems they all have the same glossy surface. I plan on a film screen saver to cut the glare

 

[bestfish]

I know this thread is old, but have you looked at opencpn Its pretty basic, but free. you can download it at opencpn.org. All you need is a puck GPS antenna that you can get on ebay for about 25$. All the charts are free from noaa and you can use either raster or vectors. For the price its worth downloading to try out.