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Experience with nautical map software?

J

John Purple

macrumors regular
Original poster
I am considering to buy a nautical map software as MaxSea or Geonav. Any software I found only runs on windows, which is no problem on a c2d MB. But I would prefer software running an OSX, if it was reliable (I don't want to find myself on the shore or worse 😡).
Does anyone on this site use that kind of software (OSX or WIN) and what are his/her experiences?
 
I've never run into nav. programs available for OS X or seen/used the software you mentioned above.

There are a lot of Nav programs out there now. I've used maptech andnobeltec. Both are good, solid nav. programs that can interface with AIS, Autopilot, are updatable, you can get weather forcasts and more, and cost about the same. I haven't used these programs in quite a few years, but even back then, they were pretty good. Almost as good as the ECDIS systems found on commercial vessels. They look like they have come a long way, and I am positive either one would be a great program. If I were looking for something for my own boat, I'd go with one of these two.
 
Thanks @ Spizzo for the recomendation of Maptech and Nobletec.
Nobletec is very expensive as e.g. the map for mediteranean see or northern Europe cost 2.500 $ each and it seems not possible to get only single regions from there. The software looks very powerfull but is also no discount at 499 $ (basic version) 😱
Maptech on the other hand has fair prices but has AIS, tide or weather support only for the U.S. if I understood it right, wereas I am sailing around Europe. maptech could help, but has very little features for that region. But maybe I've got it wrong 😕
 
GPSNavX or MacEnc (find both at www.gpsnavx.com) are both excellent chart plotting apps. They are compatible with a wide range of gps handheld and fixed sets as well as gps 'mice'.
GPSNavX handles raster charts, MacENC handles raster and vector charts (ie vector charts like the s57 Navionics series). In the UK we have to buy our charts, but there are loads of freely downloadable charts for American waters.
I use MacENC, which is totally reliable, and the support is fantastic - very frequent updates and a good forum at http://macsailing.net/fbb/ which will answer all your questions.
 
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