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From: Capt. D.E. Morehouse (no email)
Date: Thu Nov 20 2003 - 15:23:31 EST
I notice from time to time interest in software which may be interfaced with fixed or handheld GPS units to provide chart-plotting ability while cruising with the addition of
an onboard PC system (laptop or desktop). Some posts ask for advice on systems, while others state opinions of the "worth" of various software available.
Many seem to find the Nobeltec system interesting, yet are inhibited by the cost.
I use the Nobeltec system, and therefore maintain a pragmatic bias.
So here then is my "take" on the matter of the choice of navigational software.
The majority of systems being promoted all use the Raster charts... unlike the Vector charts of Nobeltec's software. Raster charts are employed by another sophisticated software nav-system: Cap'n Voyager. ( while an excellent system~ it is not competitive
in terms of user friendliness, accuracy, or reliability...with Nobeltec.)
The Fugawi software offers a NOAA/Corps of Engineers Vector SD-57 system,
yet also not nearly as sophisticated as the Nobeltec.
Nobeltec also allows the user to switch to Raster charts with a click of the
mouse, if desired.
And most interestingly, when purchasing the Nobletec, the company will "buy back" Maptec raster charts from those who have bought them.
.
The Sea-Clear software is simply a reasonable facsimile of other more sophisticated
applications. Nav32 Shareware is another.
Many many others exist, employed in both private and commercial environments.
At one time or another I have used almost each and every one available.
Here then is a quick-read of the Vector concept:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"....Coverage for the World:
Passport charts have true worldwide coverage with over 5,500 available charts. These intelligent vector charts were created using data from worldwide hydrographic offices including NOAA and the exclusive British Admiralty. From coastlines and buoys to depth soundings and nav-aids, Passport charts contain all the information you need for safe and easy navigation right here at home or around the globe.
Chart Intelligence means Charting Power:
Because Passport charts are vector-based they can be used intelligently. In conjunction with the Nobeltec software, Passport charts increase your panning and zooming speeds, retain crystal clear chart quality at any zoom level or rotation angle, and even allow you to decide "on-the-fly" what layers of data you want to see. Passport charts are easier, faster, and smarter. ...." Nobeltec.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This does not address the multitude of accessory programs built in to the Nobeltec
software packages which include, in quick overview: log capability (including tankage status, consumption rates, provision and ship's stores...etc), the talking data
relay, radar and autohelm interface, DR plotting, Celestial Navigation capability, tides, currents, Coastal Pilot...... to name a few......
www.nobeltec.com for those who are interested in the facts.
With my Nobeltec nav-system, my Toshiba laptop, and my Garmin GPS,
I have successfully placed vessels repeatedly within 25 to 50 feet of any given desired
position in any conditions 24/7..... with WAAS GPS I can bring this even closer..
to... say 15 feet. Vessels from 1 ton...to 88 ton. Power & sail.
Yet I have done the same on occasion in pea-soup Long Island fog with nothing
but DR navigation and a simple paper chart and compass with deviation card in place.
Therein lies the ultimate caveat: these systems are truly fantastic (if you obtain the correct one)...yet often we find ourselves depending upon them entirely too much.
Therefore: given the innate propensity of man for such dependency upon electronic
facilitators.... it would behoove us all to arm ourselves with the most sophisticated
cannon available when sailing to battle against the great seas of the world.
Yet we all need remember that these systems are only a backup to the primary
method of navigation: paper chart, parallel rules, dividers, compass.......and a pencil.
If one considers the cost of the vessel one intends to purchase and then sail, and compares such to the price of an adequate Nobeltec system placed aboard...
it may well become the least costly of any insurance policy ever offered.
There is good reason Nobeltec is expensive. Yet I always considered it a worthwhile investment to shake out a sail made of good canvas, rather than a bedsheet.....
when setting to sea!
Just in the event I find myself, as usual, encountering~~~>
Steep Seas & Howlin'Gales~
Admiral SeaWolf
Sloop Makari Revenant
N24 33.7 / W81 43.5
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