Chartplotter - Navionics

[Mrstarskydean]

The previous threads on this look old, so I thought I'd ask afresh..
Dithering over a chartplotter for sailing, south coast & maybe France. I want one with buttons, not touch screen so the Raymarine Element S looks like the one for me.
Question: Is the 'Silver EU chart' set up the one to go for? Or should I buy charts on an SD card? Is the Silver EU chart safe & usable? If not what is best to get? I like Navionics especially the idea that they can be used on another device.

Looking on line is rather confusing, paper charts are clear about what you get when you buy. I'll be keeping them of course.

 

[cpedw]

My experience with a Silver chart has been OK. It shows less detail but, from a quick comparison, it seems to be less significant stuff such as depths in deep water that are missing. That has been based on 5 minutes comparing with a Gold chart around here (Oban area) so it's not a comprehensive view.

Derek

 

[johnalison]

My e7 came with a silver chart covering from Essex to the moon and back. I thought that it coud be adequate for those with limited needs, but the gold is really far better and updateable, which, unless it has changed, the silver is not. My silver, which is now some years old, also does not give tidal information, which I find very useful.

 

[Daverw]

Just to add a comment re touch screen, I have both touch screen and buttons, in use both have their place, touch screen is good for highlighting info where moving curser around is a bit of a pain, this is especially true in the day when touch screen operation is standard for most people’s daily devices. Would not go back to just one or the other

 

[laika]

You can't update the "silver" charts which imho makes them of limited use if "safety" is a concern. I'm not fussed about the extras platinum give you so would say Navionics+ ("gold") are the optimum choice.

 

[NPMR]

You can't update the "silver" charts which imho makes them of limited use if "safety" is a concern. I'm not fussed about the extras platinum give you so would say Navionics+ ("gold") are the optimum choice.

+ 1 for Gold.

Used now for several years, as far down as The Gironde and all round UK South Coast. I like the ability to update but can't say I do it religiously.

 

[Mrstarskydean]

Ok, so this looks like what I need.

Navionics Plus 28XG Pre-Loaded Chart XL9 UK Ireland and Holland SD/MSD

But does the 'silver' chart cover the same area? From what I can see it does not - only UK waters

 

[laika]

Navionics Plus 28XG Pre-Loaded Chart XL9 UK Ireland and Holland SD/MSD

Note that you also have the option of the central and western europe chart if you're mainly interested in south coast and france. I used to buy the UK one but have transferred to c+w europe as I consider it more likely I'll be wanting to go to the Azores in the next year than Hull. A renewal of the update subscription for one of these big charts is half the cost of a new chart and when you renew they allow you to pick a different area.