Chae_73
Active member
Hi all
As mentioned elsewhere, I'm returning to sailing after 30 years away.
Last navigation aids I've used were paper charts and a Decca receiver. So I've been attempting to understand the modern world of GPS and electronic charts. The boat we are buying comes with the original (33 year old) wind, speed and depth instruments, which appear to work . It has an AIS receiver, fairly old looking chart plotter with out of date charts, and obviously a VHF radio.
So:
option A: leave all the above in place, buy a tablet, use the Boat App, job done?
option B: as above but update the existing chart plotter charts as well (back up system)
option C: option A plus new chart plotter and new Navionics chart(s)
I take it that there is no transfer between Boat App and chart plotter charts, so I have to buy these files separately if I want up-to-date charts on a tablet / phone as well as on a chart plotter?
Also - what is the difference in data source and usability between Navionics Boat App and OpenCPN?
Also - should I consider replacing the AIS receiver with a transponder and connecting to the VHF?
Do people still commonly use paper charts? Or electronic charts plus pilotage guides?
Apologies for all the questions and tanks in advance. I'm also trying to educate myself via YouTube tutorials...
As mentioned elsewhere, I'm returning to sailing after 30 years away.
Last navigation aids I've used were paper charts and a Decca receiver. So I've been attempting to understand the modern world of GPS and electronic charts. The boat we are buying comes with the original (33 year old) wind, speed and depth instruments, which appear to work . It has an AIS receiver, fairly old looking chart plotter with out of date charts, and obviously a VHF radio.
So:
option A: leave all the above in place, buy a tablet, use the Boat App, job done?
option B: as above but update the existing chart plotter charts as well (back up system)
option C: option A plus new chart plotter and new Navionics chart(s)
I take it that there is no transfer between Boat App and chart plotter charts, so I have to buy these files separately if I want up-to-date charts on a tablet / phone as well as on a chart plotter?
Also - what is the difference in data source and usability between Navionics Boat App and OpenCPN?
Also - should I consider replacing the AIS receiver with a transponder and connecting to the VHF?
Do people still commonly use paper charts? Or electronic charts plus pilotage guides?
Apologies for all the questions and tanks in advance. I'm also trying to educate myself via YouTube tutorials...