Navigation software - what is currently good?

[Nick F]

I have just searched the forum and the most recent discussions that I can find on this topic appear to be from around ten years ago. The consensus then was for Coastal Explorer (to run on Windows).

Is Coastal Explorer still the go to option?

Sub question: what is the difference in using vector or raster scan charts?

Thanks in advance for your inputs,
Nick

 

[mvweebles]

I'm still a Coastal Explorer user. I was an original Beta user 20+ years ago. They have a good upgrade policy so long term cost of use has been low. I haven't used Time Zero so can't compare.

Raster is going away. It's a digital representation of old school paper charts. Vector have a lot more information, a blessing and a curse. They are the only formats being updated by NOAA going forward. Example attached.

Peter

 

[Portage_Bay]

Sub question: what is the difference in using vector or raster scan charts?



Thanks in advance for your inputs,

Nick

Using raster charts is very straightforward. What you see is what you get. A bit of difference between using electronic raster vs paper raster. With paper it was easier to find notes, source diagrams etc.

Vector as mvweebles says offers more information but the user has to dig for it. And depending upon the plotting software used many things on vector charts can be turned off or on making it possible to miss critical information. I think Coastal Explorer does a good job presenting vector charts for recreational boaters.

While you still can download official raster for many areas it might be a good idea to do a side by side comparison and learn your way around vector charts.

 

[klee wyck]

I have just searched the forum and the most recent discussions that I can find on this topic appear to be from around ten years ago. The consensus then was for Coastal Explorer (to run on Windows).

Is Coastal Explorer still the go to option?

Sub question: what is the difference in using vector or raster scan charts?

Thanks in advance for your inputs,
Nick

No doubt this will be the minority report, but I will submit the comment anyway.

I run standard marine displays and charting on both the US boat and the Mexico boat. The Mexico boat is almost all Furuno other than the Simrad autopilot. The US boat is all Simrad. As an anecdote, I prefer the Simrad equipment in terms of both use and reliability.

But what I really prefer for navigational charting and planning is the Navionics boating app on the Ipad. I no longer spend time worrying about updated chart cards or charting hardware on the boats and while we definitely require stand-alone marine Radar, AP, AIS, and weather stations on the boats, I would be pretty comfortable charting on Ipad/Navionics only and often do using the multiple monitors on the boats for other applications.

 

[sjisailor]

Are you asking about onboard chartplotter or backup device? On board, the most common by far seems to be any of the big 3 systems and IMO they seem roughly on par with pros and cons. I personally strongly prefer not messing with a PC (especially, yes I’ll say it, Windows, LOL). That assumes coastal cruising. Might feel different if I ever did offshore.

For backup device, I’d say it depends on what you want the electronic charts for. For route planning, +1 to Klee Wyck, Navionics is good. OTOH I also find it to be slow and somewhat clunky to my aesthetics.

For general browsing at home and for on board backup, I personally like Aqua Map better. It is fast, simple, and has a few unique features such as Corps of Engineers soundings. I once used it when Garmin chartplotter failed right at Marina arrival time (bad SD card).

I’d suggest to try both and then choose one. Or, like me, maybe use both for slightly different purposes.

 

[tpbrady]

Peter has a few years on me with Coastal Explorer, but I echo his comments. After 18 years, I can’t visualize using anything else although I have tried Open CPN and Fugawi. Both I found less capable. One thing that you must consider is regardless of what PC software you use, you are still going to need some sort of MFD for sonar, radar, and backup. I guess I would like to say stick with a single vendor for marine electronics but having always bought used boats, I have always dealt with multiple vendors. Multiple vendors is not a big factor with Coastal Explorer since standard NMEA interfaces (0183 and 2000) are well supported with add on hardware.

I use Coastal Explorer as my primary navigation system. It takes in all the NMEA 2000 data, sends the autopilot instructions, displays AIS data, and provides current weather (when connected to the internet). For 18 years I have dealt with the same navigation interface in 4 different boats. In changing boats I only have to learn the radar, sonar, and a little bit about the autopilot.

Is it the standard? I don’t know but it’s my standard.

Tom

 

[Insequent]

I have just searched the forum and the most recent discussions that I can find on this topic appear to be from around ten years ago. The consensus then was for Coastal Explorer (to run on Windows).

Is Coastal Explorer still the go to option?

Sub question: what is the difference in using vector or raster scan charts?

Thanks in advance for your inputs,
Nick

Search for "time zero" and you might find a few other discussions. I've never used Coastal Explorer, but it obviously works quite well. Having said that, it has some limitations it seems. If it can do everything you want, fine.
This thread had some interesting points.

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s4/radar-unit-timezero-66770.html

I started out with an ancient version of Nobletec 11 years ago. I asked if I could upgrade to the current version and they said they had no records of serial numbers as far back as my old software, but would happily upgrade me for standard one-step upgrade price. Nobletec was bought by MaxSea (Time Zero) which in turn is 50% owned by Furuno. So, if you are happy with Furuno stuff such as radar/sounders (happy with $$$ prices is what I mean!) they integrate very well with Time Zero. I am a satisfied user, although I have older Furuno NavNet units so run Time Zero v3, not the latest v4.

 

[mvweebles]

Search for "time zero" and you might find a few other discussions. I've never used Coastal Explorer, but it obviously works quite well. Having said that, it has some limitations it seems. If it can do everything you want, fine.
This thread had some interesting points.

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s4/radar-unit-timezero-66770.html

I started out with an ancient version of Nobletec 11 years ago. I asked if I could upgrade to the current version and they said they had no records of serial numbers as far back as my old software, but would happily upgrade me for standard one-step upgrade price. Nobletec was bought by MaxSea (Time Zero) which in turn is 50% owned by Furuno. So, if you are happy with Furuno stuff such as radar/sounders (happy with $$$ prices is what I mean!) they integrate very well with Time Zero. I am a satisfied user, although I have older Furuno NavNet units so run Time Zero v3, not the latest v4.

Thanks for the thread link. In it, SteveMitchell states CEs rollout of new features has slowed over the last few years. It's a fair observation. I believe radar integration died a few years ago, limited weather overlay, and auto-routing are some features that I would think should have a roadmap plan.

That said, for core functions, I find it a very good software package.

Peter

 

[guy with a boat]

I’m a big fan of Time Zero Pro, running on fully integrated windows PCs. I’ve had Furuno, Garmin and Simrad and prefer the TZ Pro over all the other choices.

 

[tiltrider1]

Over the years I have used Raymarine MFD’s, Navionics on iPad and CE on a laptop. All are excellent. I like C/e best from a software standpoint but I like ‘windows the least from a reliability standpoint. I find Navionics on an iPad adequate, reliable and inexpensive but the least capable. The Raymarine MDF’s are the most expensive, most reliable and only slightly behind CE in functionality.

Conclusion, you really can’t be wrong with any of them. I believe Aqua Map, SEAiq and other AP based programs to be roughly equivalent to Navionics. Each having different strengths and weaknesses.

There really is no one answer for everyone.

 

[Nick F]

Are you asking about onboard chartplotter or backup device?
.

I should have said - I have a Raymarine chart plotter as my primary navigation device. A Windows system would only be a backup to this. I would use it because of the larger size display, but only to show charts, position, COG and AIS. I am not very interested in the other features.

 

[Iggy]

I been using Time Zero for 2 yrs now. So far so good.

As a new user I would like to point out a few pluses about it. When I first installed it I had more than a few questions. So I called them. It has a function that they can remote in to make it easier for the end user and them. They took control and answered my questions. Which made it a lot easier to learn! No third party software needed.

Than when I installed TZ on my boat I had to tap it into my NMEA2k network. Ports had to be open and more, not to get into it. Anyways, when you go to set that up. TZ will automatically find the data it needs, open ports and tell you wants there. Then hit Save and your done.

As a new user I must have called them 8 to 10 times. Part of that was installing it on my home computer and then my PC for my boat. Every time I called I had someone that knew TZ fully. Wait time was 1 to 5 minutes, I was happy with that!

They give you 2 License's, home and your boat. You can buy more if needed.

Here is the part I really like. Normally I would use my home computer to plan a trip. Than down load it to my MFD using a SD card or USB drive. With ZT as long as both computers has internet access. What every changes in routes you make on one computer, it will show up on the other. In other words, routes are stored in the cloud and on you computer. No backups are needed.

Never used CE so I can't compare them. Good luck!

 

[ranger58sb]

I have just searched the forum and the most recent discussions that I can find on this topic appear to be from around ten years ago. The consensus then was for Coastal Explorer (to run on Windows).

Is Coastal Explorer still the go to option?

Sub question: what is the difference in using vector or raster scan charts?

We've been using an old version (2.something) of MaxSea Time Zero on our ship's laptop for approx 13 years... specifically at first because it was an 'almost mirror" of the Furuno NAVnet 3D MFD we installed on the previous boat circa 2009.

Ours is not connected to boat sensors, and only uses a dedicated GPS puck. Usually lives in the main cabin. Its intended use is for planning and back-up; works fine for that, even without additional sensors. Not as modern as the newer version Iggy describes; we'd have to use a flash drive to transfer newly-planned routes from our home computer (license) to the boat laptop (license). Not particularly difficult.

My intention is to upgrade to a newer TZ version whenever the current 2010 laptop needs replacing... can't tell yet when that might happen.

Can't comment on Coastal Explorer.

The Furuno MFDs and TZ support both NOAA vector and NOAA raster charts (latter being pictures of paper charts), as well as some other commercial vector charts like C-Map. I've been more familiar (comfortable) with raster charts, and used vector less often. These days, I'm weening myself from that... focusing more and more on vector charts... since NOAA wont be supporting raster charts in the future. I'm finding two different zoom levels side by side helps deal with some of that "hidden data at various zoom levels" issue.

I expect I'll still like having a copy of at least the most recent/last updated raster charts of a given area though... I've been using them for such a long time that vector charts still just seem a little weird, In my mind, not (yet?) really a representation of the area...

FWIW, we also use AquaMap on tablets as a backup on the bridge. It's a decent nav app, but also specifically because it can include USACE survey data, which is useful along the AICW. And for now, we can also simultaneously run both NOAA vector/raster charts and Garmin vector charts on our two current MFDs. (The Garmin system came with the boat; we usually dedicate it to radar displays, though.)

-Chris

 

[Portage_Bay]

I should have said - I have a Raymarine chart plotter as my primary navigation device. A Windows system would only be a backup to this. I would use it because of the larger size display, but only to show charts, position, COG and AIS. I am not very interested in the other features.

I see your hailing port is Vancouver. This tells me you need BC charts. If you prefer official hydrgraphic service charts vs proprietary charts Coastal Explorer offers an affordable option. Affordable Canadian Hydrographic Service based digital charts available for British Columbia

 

[mvweebles]

As a new user I must have called them 8 to 10 times. Part of that was installing it on my home computer and then my PC for my boat. Every time I called I had someone that knew TZ fully. Wait time was 1 to 5 minutes, I was happy with that.

This is compelling. While I've never tried calling CE, I have tried contacting them via email and tried searching for certain functions. Results have been C+ - B- grade but could be me. Best support for CE has been this forum (shout out to TT).

They give you 2 License's, home and your boat. You can buy more if needed.

Two licenses seems a bit lean. Three is really minimum in my opinion, driven mostly because there is almost always overlap in usage between a new PC and an old one.

Peter

 

[O C Diver]

I think a lot of whose software you like probably is influenced by where you boat.

I cruise East coast near coastal, AICW, Canadian canals, and the Great Lakes. Have also done the Loop. Use to like Garmin charts until they stopped producing charts for my series units. Been very happy with Coastal Explorer and their NEMA 2000 interface. Also very happy with Aquamaps on my large tablet. Wish they would make a Windows version for a larger viewing screen.









Ted

 

[Iggy]

This is compelling. While I've never tried calling CE, I have tried contacting them via email and tried searching for certain functions. Results have been C+ - B- grade but could be me. Best support for CE has been this forum (shout out to TT).


Two licenses seems a bit lean. Three is really minimum in my opinion, driven mostly because there is almost always overlap in usage between a new PC and an old one.

Peter

You can transfer the license. If that info helps.

I upgraded my motherboard in my home PC. TZ thought is was a different computer, well you could say it was.

I called them and they gave a code to reactivate it. All good.

 

[PMF1984]

Ted,

If you need a big screen for Aquamap, you can airplay to a Apple TV puck and to tie into a hdtv. The 27” tvs are about 150.

John

 

[RCook]

This is compelling. While I've never tried calling CE, I have tried contacting them via email and tried searching for certain functions. Results have been C+ - B- grade but could be me. Best support for CE has been this forum (shout out to TT).


Two licenses seems a bit lean. Three is really minimum in my opinion, driven mostly because there is almost always overlap in usage between a new PC and an old one.

Peter

I have called RosePoint several times for help with CE - very responsive, and very helpful.

And BTW, they allow three computers to run one license of CE, not just two. When you get the latest new computer and seem to need four, call them and they will de-activate your choice of one of the older ones.

 

[mvweebles]

I have called RosePoint several times for help with CE - very responsive, and very helpful.

And BTW, they allow three computers to run one license of CE, not just two. When you get the latest new computer and seem to need four, call them and they will de-activate your choice of one of the older ones.

Three is really a minimum in my opinion. I agree this is a strong nod to CE. TZs two licenses is just too restrictive.

I too have contacted them to reshuffle licenses and received prompt response. But I find their tech support forum a bit frustrating for my queries. I'm still a happy CE user, but when the post upthread said they'd had several interactions with TZ, caught my eye. CEs support seemed a bit more adhoc to me.

Peter

 

[SteveK]

What is the visual difference of these navigation software?

I always thought one agency, mapped out the waters, made paper charts from the info and then those are digitized into software.

 

[O C Diver]

Ted,

If you need a big screen for Aquamap, you can airplay to a Apple TV puck and to tie into a hdtv. The 27” tvs are about 150.

John

John,

I appreciate your information, but my complaint goes to them making it available for Apple PCs but not Windows. I would prefer to use it on a PC so that I could tie the Coastal Explorer interface to the PC for better GPS positioning and heading information. Further, if they offered a Windows version, I could run it on the NUC alongside my Coastal Explorer as the NUC supports 2 monitors.

Ted

 

[Portage_Bay]

I have called RosePoint several times for help with CE - very responsive, and very helpful.

And BTW, they allow three computers to run one license of CE, not just two. When you get the latest new computer and seem to need four, call them and they will de-activate your choice of one of the older ones.

Good support, 3 licenses and easy trasfer among machines has been my experience when I used CE professionally for many years. Great company in my opinion.

 

[mvweebles]

What is the visual difference of these navigation software?

I always thought one agency, mapped out the waters, made paper charts from the info and then those are digitized into software.

NOAA does provide all the base charting data for US waters. They do not provide the software that provides a user access to the data. Ease of use, features, integration can vary. And then there are inevitable patches, fixes, and upgrades.

Peter.

 

[ksanders]

No doubt this will be the minority report, but I will submit the comment anyway.

I run standard marine displays and charting on both the US boat and the Mexico boat. The Mexico boat is almost all Furuno other than the Simrad autopilot. The US boat is all Simrad. As an anecdote, I prefer the Simrad equipment in terms of both use and reliability.

But what I really prefer for navigational charting and planning is the Navionics boating app on the Ipad. I no longer spend time worrying about updated chart cards or charting hardware on the boats and while we definitely require stand-alone marine Radar, AP, AIS, and weather stations on the boats, I would be pretty comfortable charting on Ipad/Navionics only and often do using the multiple monitors on the boats for other applications.

I have found that in Mexico the Navionics charts on my ipad are FAR more accurate than the Cmap chart chip I bought a bit over a year ago for my furuno nav sysatem

 

[ranger58sb]

Three is really a minimum in my opinion. I agree this is a strong nod to CE. TZs two licenses is just too restrictive.

I'm still a happy CE user, but when the post upthread said they'd had several interactions with TZ, caught my eye.

I've had great support from MaxSea (TZ) over the years, too. Far as I can remember, the instances when I needed support were associated with a new (or crapped out) computer... and they were able to reset the license count for me near immediately.

Much of that was from the earlier MaxSea tech support guys in France... although more recently a crapped out home computer had me calling the current guys (Nobeltec, I think?) in the U.S. Immediate support, immediate solution.

They did comment that my old (ancient) version of TZ might not run on Win10; works fine, so far.

Aside from those instances, I haven't found having only 2 licenses to be a hindrance. But then I don't spend much time transitioning from one computer to another. Out with the old, in with the new. Well actually, the other way around, but relatively quickly anyway.

-Chris

 

[BluewaterN47]

I'm still a Coastal Explorer user. I was an original Beta user 20+ years ago. They have a good upgrade policy so long term cost of use has been low. I haven't used Time Zero so can't compare.

Raster is going away. It's a digital representation of old school paper charts. Vector have a lot more information, a blessing and a curse. They are the only formats being updated by NOAA going forward. Example attached.

Peter View attachment 136606

I'm also a a longtime (2+ decades) happy user of Coastal Explorer because it's simple, straightforward, fast, and easy to learn and comprehend, and it's as close to state-of-the-art as I need. I like that it runs on a simple Windows computer, and I'd like it even better if it ran easily on a Mac. It's also easy to plot and follow routes and to connect to an autopilot.

Using a computer-based charting system means that, unlike when you buy (for example) a Gramin or Raymarine chartplotter, and three years later move up to a newer, fancier one and stop supporting yours (which is still working fine), you don't have to replace it.

Coastal Explorer customer support is excellent and very personal.

My $.02 worth.

Milt Baker, former Nordhavn 47 and current American Tug 34

 

[tpbrady]

My reliance on CE is in 2 areas, big screens and routes. 80% of the time I am sending a route from CE to the autopilot. Creating and managing routes in CE on a PC is so much easier than any MFD I have ever used. I have no experience with Furuno so can’t comment there. I can dynamically change a route even when the autopilot is using it as long as I don’t mess with the next waypoint. I have saved most of my routes and can find them by name pretty quickly.

Tom

 

[Nepidae]

NAV software

In my mind the best software is that which comes with your chartplotter and other nav products from the same vendor.

I prefer Garmin. They own Navionics and there may be sometime in the future that other manufacturers may not be able to run Navionics.

The problem with a PC based app (it isn't software anymore it's an app) is that you can't run other nav products, radar, ais, autopilot from the PC without a lot of additional software/hardware and wires all of which can either go bad or hang just when you don't need that.

I'm an old school guy who likes to have all of my products under the 1 manufacturer umbrella if for no other reason than when you call for support they aren't going to say, call the other guy.

I've found a new app for all platforms (phone, tablet & PC) called SavvyNavvy which I will use for some preplanning. It will do autorouting and has weather (wind & tides, weather forecasting) embedded for the area your looking at (or any other area). Check it out here (https://www.savvy-navvy.com/).

PCs were not made to function on a helm due to wet & sunny weather conditions plus erratic movement could send your PC to the deck unless you have a special mount for it.

That's my 2cents.

 

[Nepidae]

PS,,,

I used to use Coastal Explorer but when I started the Loop 7yrs ago I went to using the Garmin Navionics especially for driving the boat with the autopilot.

Part of your consideration could be the way you plan to use your boat and the PC.