mireland
Member
Does anyone have any views on the relative merits of these?
Thanks
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Thanks
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Chartplotter or PC
- Thread starter mireland
- Start date
Moose
New member
PC's Break, Chartplotters don't.
The only reason I can see for going down the PC route is the ability to have a monster great screen where you want.
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Moose
The only reason I can see for going down the PC route is the ability to have a monster great screen where you want.
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Moose
pvb
Well-known member
Chartplotters are waterproof (nm)
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Talbot
Active member
These two are really complimentary rather than competitors. The plotter uses minimal power, and is often waterproof. It can be sited close to the helm position, and can be a big assistance to a short handed crew during a journey. A PC can be used for this, but is not waterproof, and thus is not really suitable for use in the cockpit. It also uses a lot of power. However, a PC has a large display and is thus infinitely better for passage planning and waypoint selection, It can also have tidal information which (apart from tide heights) is not normally a feature of the plotter.
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slavkod
New member
Hi,
we have both on board and would not like to be without any of two. PC is manly used for planning and electronic charts. Chartplotter is in combination with radar and is used for autopilot control.
br,
Slavko
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we have both on board and would not like to be without any of two. PC is manly used for planning and electronic charts. Chartplotter is in combination with radar and is used for autopilot control.
br,
Slavko
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ChrisE
Active member
Another determinant is the sizee of boat and the type of boating you do, I beleive. We have a PC on the yacht which has bridge deck access to the saloon which means that very little water gets down below. I have a chartplotter on my fishing boat which is open to the elements.
Regarding typue of boating, if you do long distance stuff then chartplotters don't have much value because most of the time you are miles from nowhere and there is little need for precision navigation, if you are coastal cruising with lots of new harbours, and the like, to negotiate then a chartplotter might be of more use.
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Regarding typue of boating, if you do long distance stuff then chartplotters don't have much value because most of the time you are miles from nowhere and there is little need for precision navigation, if you are coastal cruising with lots of new harbours, and the like, to negotiate then a chartplotter might be of more use.
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robind
New member
To have either is not an economy as you are required to have charts as well, so why not just use charts.
Rob
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Rob
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boatmike
Well-known member
The other handy thing with a PC if you are on C-Map is the ability to phone up anywhere in the world and get a new chart. They are already in fact in your posession on CD and all you need to do is phone for a licence to release it. Also CD charts are cheaper than cartridges. Having said this I have a nice warm dry catamaran and my PC lives in a privileged position. I have only just bought a new PC though and intend to move my old chartplotter into the cockpit as its waterproof. Best of both worlds. As others have said though if I only had one or the other it would depend on the boat and where you are going to put it. If there is any chance of it getting wet buy a chartplotter....
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Rich_F
New member
Chartplotters can become quickly obselete, PCs don't.
I use a PC, and not a dedicated chartplotter. My experiences are...
- PCs are cheaper - even if you haven't got an old laptop kicking around already, you can pick one up for peanuts.
- PCs are more versatile - you can use them for other stuff beside chart plotting.
- PCs have a bigger screen, so easier for passage planning.
- PCs need to be kept below, out of the way. They don't like to get jolted or wet, and the screens can be very poor in direct sunlight.
- PCs can use more power. But in the case of an older PC, with the screen turned off when not in use, I don't think that the difference in power drain will be significant.
If you can accept the restrictions of a PC, they're a good option. I've had no problems with breakage or crashing. And it wouldn't matter if I did - my routes are always downloaded to the GPS, and I carry paper charts.
However, I wouldn't recommend using a PC to someone who wanted a display at the helm, or who was uncomfortable fiddling with computers. For such people, dedicated chart plotters are probably a better bet.
Rich
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I use a PC, and not a dedicated chartplotter. My experiences are...
- PCs are cheaper - even if you haven't got an old laptop kicking around already, you can pick one up for peanuts.
- PCs are more versatile - you can use them for other stuff beside chart plotting.
- PCs have a bigger screen, so easier for passage planning.
- PCs need to be kept below, out of the way. They don't like to get jolted or wet, and the screens can be very poor in direct sunlight.
- PCs can use more power. But in the case of an older PC, with the screen turned off when not in use, I don't think that the difference in power drain will be significant.
If you can accept the restrictions of a PC, they're a good option. I've had no problems with breakage or crashing. And it wouldn't matter if I did - my routes are always downloaded to the GPS, and I carry paper charts.
However, I wouldn't recommend using a PC to someone who wanted a display at the helm, or who was uncomfortable fiddling with computers. For such people, dedicated chart plotters are probably a better bet.
Rich
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mireland
Member
Thanks you all for your thoughts on this. A lot to consider!
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roger
New member
If you are going to be wandering through tricky passages constantly then a display visble from the helm is a must. You cannot afford the time to go below. That suggests a chartplotter unless your helm position is well sheltered. Note that chartplotter cartridges are frighteninly expensive. We would have needed 5 or 6 "superwide" displays to fet from Dartmouth to Helsinki. At £300 each thats too much for me.
With a PC old charts seem to circulate for nothing but they can be very out of date. This may matter or not depending where you sail.
We intend to get a PC as soon as possible but mainly for communicating with family and friends and for downloading forecasts. For navigation we use paper charts which are cheaper and can be used in the cockpit.
<hr width=100% size=1>Roger
With a PC old charts seem to circulate for nothing but they can be very out of date. This may matter or not depending where you sail.
We intend to get a PC as soon as possible but mainly for communicating with family and friends and for downloading forecasts. For navigation we use paper charts which are cheaper and can be used in the cockpit.
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mireland
Member
Thanks Roger,
Of course paper isn't great in the wet either! I have wondered whether I might use a pc down below and mount it such a way that it can be viewed through the window onto the cockpit when helming. There is no doubt that a pc is very flexible too
Cheers, Mike
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Of course paper isn't great in the wet either! I have wondered whether I might use a pc down below and mount it such a way that it can be viewed through the window onto the cockpit when helming. There is no doubt that a pc is very flexible too
Cheers, Mike
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Talbot
Active member
Chartplotters only become obsolete if you havent done your research beforehand. When I was buying one I looked very hard and reckognised that Garmin were replacing their system with a new one as were C-Map. The difference was that C-Map have continued to support older formats, whereas garmin havent.
If the format is being supported, the plotter is not obsolete.
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If the format is being supported, the plotter is not obsolete.
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Robin
Well-known member
This has been debated at length before so it is worth doing a serarch of the forums too.
My feeling is that a dedicated plotter is the best and most reliable way to go for continuous on board navigation, but the laptop has it's role too for additional planning and other features like weather fax, tides and even digital photography.
We use C-Map cartridges in 2 different plotters, one at the nav table and one in the cockpit. We also have a C-Map cartridge reader and C-Map PC Planner software to use with the laptop so we can do route planning and waypoint creation etc on the laptop, either at home or on board.
At sea the laptop is stowed safely away from possible damage or getting wet from dripping oilies. I have had enough Bill Gates crashes and problems with computers in use at home and in the office to trust them when it counts on board for navigation. Just imagine a screen freeze happening as you are in the narrow part of a channel in fog, big cross tide and you are relying heavily on the plotter and the radar.
Finally there is the question of power consumption. OK if you only use the laptop for continuous navigation on a power boat, or on a sailboat that only does short trips or motorsails or where trips are from shorepower to shorepower plug in. If you do longer trips do compare the ampere hours difference between the two, the laptop will consume about 4 times the power of a plotter IMO.
<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
My feeling is that a dedicated plotter is the best and most reliable way to go for continuous on board navigation, but the laptop has it's role too for additional planning and other features like weather fax, tides and even digital photography.
We use C-Map cartridges in 2 different plotters, one at the nav table and one in the cockpit. We also have a C-Map cartridge reader and C-Map PC Planner software to use with the laptop so we can do route planning and waypoint creation etc on the laptop, either at home or on board.
At sea the laptop is stowed safely away from possible damage or getting wet from dripping oilies. I have had enough Bill Gates crashes and problems with computers in use at home and in the office to trust them when it counts on board for navigation. Just imagine a screen freeze happening as you are in the narrow part of a channel in fog, big cross tide and you are relying heavily on the plotter and the radar.
Finally there is the question of power consumption. OK if you only use the laptop for continuous navigation on a power boat, or on a sailboat that only does short trips or motorsails or where trips are from shorepower to shorepower plug in. If you do longer trips do compare the ampere hours difference between the two, the laptop will consume about 4 times the power of a plotter IMO.
<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
G
Guest
Guest
Join GPS Navigator group and get a load of answers !!
URL next to my sign off ....
<hr width=100% size=1>Cheers Nigel http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/searider/
URL next to my sign off ....
<hr width=100% size=1>Cheers Nigel http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/searider/
G
Guest
Guest
It is correct that a Plotter is better in Cockpit - as it is generally water-protected ..... I prefer the term splash-proof rather than Water-proof ..... But its facilitys are limted compared to the PC.
For the price of a Plotter and cartridge - you can pick up a reasonable seciond-hand notebook PC and a Charting program such as Seaclear (freeware and definitely a good run against commercial stuff !) + a selection of charts ... even pay for Maptech and charts etc. as example. With this you have greater range of play !!
If you can see the screen from helm and not get PC wet ---- great - but often it doesn't work that way.
Consumption of electric is questionable with PC .... as yes they do take more amps than a plotter ..... but not as much as people think ..... the trick is disable the charge side of the pc .... this is the power hungry bit. (Simple act of tape over battery contacts and slip back into slot ....) OR make sure PC is fully charged BEFORE putting on boat. Next is to usea 12V to PC power supply - NOT through inverter and mains charger ....this reduces consumption.
I use a Celeron Notebook, Seaclear program and a mix of charts .... old and new ..... no problem.
Like I said before - join GPS Navigator group and get a lot of info and help from the more than 1000 worldwide members ....
<hr width=100% size=1>Cheers Nigel http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/searider/
For the price of a Plotter and cartridge - you can pick up a reasonable seciond-hand notebook PC and a Charting program such as Seaclear (freeware and definitely a good run against commercial stuff !) + a selection of charts ... even pay for Maptech and charts etc. as example. With this you have greater range of play !!
If you can see the screen from helm and not get PC wet ---- great - but often it doesn't work that way.
Consumption of electric is questionable with PC .... as yes they do take more amps than a plotter ..... but not as much as people think ..... the trick is disable the charge side of the pc .... this is the power hungry bit. (Simple act of tape over battery contacts and slip back into slot ....) OR make sure PC is fully charged BEFORE putting on boat. Next is to usea 12V to PC power supply - NOT through inverter and mains charger ....this reduces consumption.
I use a Celeron Notebook, Seaclear program and a mix of charts .... old and new ..... no problem.
Like I said before - join GPS Navigator group and get a lot of info and help from the more than 1000 worldwide members ....
<hr width=100% size=1>Cheers Nigel http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/searider/
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Chartplotters are waterproof (nm)
I prefer term Splash-proof .......
I would not like to see a plotter after being immersed ...... as Waterproof means proof ..... not protected which is the better term and reference.
<hr width=100% size=1>Cheers Nigel http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/searider/
I prefer term Splash-proof .......
I would not like to see a plotter after being immersed ...... as Waterproof means proof ..... not protected which is the better term and reference.
<hr width=100% size=1>Cheers Nigel http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/searider/
roger
New member
paper charts
For the sort of close pilotage we do in Sweden etc. charts are supplied as packs in clear plastic wallets. I use them in the wallet with reasonable weather protection. Only problem is the bit of insulating tape I use to mark position wont stick in the wet! In practice of course the pack sits under the spray hood.
If you arent dodging rocks at close quarters then either a plotter or a PC will do below decks
<hr width=100% size=1>Roger
For the sort of close pilotage we do in Sweden etc. charts are supplied as packs in clear plastic wallets. I use them in the wallet with reasonable weather protection. Only problem is the bit of insulating tape I use to mark position wont stick in the wet! In practice of course the pack sits under the spray hood.
If you arent dodging rocks at close quarters then either a plotter or a PC will do below decks
<hr width=100% size=1>Roger
Gunfleet
New member
Re: paper charts
You need a chinagraph pencil
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You need a chinagraph pencil
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Oldhand
New member
I think you will find most responses which refer to PC's talk about lap-tops, which IMHO are too fragile to use seriously while at sea. However, I have found a micro "capuccino" type PC installed on portable CD player AV mount in a totally dry place below with ir remote keyboard/mouse and TFT screen at the chart table to be very successful. Powering the PC from a quality DC/DC converter results form a current draw of about 2.5A with little heat generation and no EMC problems. The screen is directly connected to ship's 12V supply and is usually in "sleep" mode when not being viewed to save power.
The display can be viewed from the main hatch from where the ir keyboard/mouse still works and I have a second autopilot control on a flying lead. Thus I have everything I need for passage planning at the chart table and it can also be used from the cockpit on the rare occasions a tight navigational situation may arise. The PC is also connected to a black box communications receiver to generate weatherfax and SYNOP weather data with predictions of up to 5 days ahead - very useful for planning.
It is my opinion that having a continuous chart plot at the helm is probably only an advantage on high speed craft where things are changing rapidly and having a chart plotter at the helm of a sailing yacht is probably more of a distraction to sailing the vessel properly with a good look out rather than a help.
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The display can be viewed from the main hatch from where the ir keyboard/mouse still works and I have a second autopilot control on a flying lead. Thus I have everything I need for passage planning at the chart table and it can also be used from the cockpit on the rare occasions a tight navigational situation may arise. The PC is also connected to a black box communications receiver to generate weatherfax and SYNOP weather data with predictions of up to 5 days ahead - very useful for planning.
It is my opinion that having a continuous chart plot at the helm is probably only an advantage on high speed craft where things are changing rapidly and having a chart plotter at the helm of a sailing yacht is probably more of a distraction to sailing the vessel properly with a good look out rather than a help.
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