planning software

[Gunfleet]

I have been using Maptech charts with their own navigation freebie and Neptune passage planner software. Talk about clunky! Export, import, lists of routes, lists of waypoints. I don't want to have to remember where and in what format these two bits of software keep all this stuff. Does anyone know of or have experience of more straightforward software for PC or Mac (I have both - I found that letter in YM about installing a mini Mac aboard a boat v interesting!) which would enable one to plan passages and see what effect setting off at various times would have on the actual COG? Which would you recommend and why? I prefer software that's as graphic as poss.

 

[boatmike]

Suggest you try Winchart Nexus. It's one of the most "instinctive" programmes I have used.

 

[Guest]

Basically you are mixing two distinctive different disciplines ... Planning software and Charting Software have hazy borders and neither does other job.
I have not found one package to do both yet that is really good on both counts ... yes there are some out there that say they do ... but in all the time of running GPS Nav group and all the commercial stuff etc. seen, tried etc. ? Nope still not there.

Sorry - but you'll have to put up with clunky c**p until someone get's their finger out !!

 

[Gunfleet]

I had a suspicion this was true.

 

[SvenglishTommy]

I agree with sbc that nothing is really up to the job. As a software developer, I'm appalled at the quality of some of the stuff that is sold, and for extremely high prices. Most of it is the most unintuitive software I've ever come across. I use Tsunamis at the moment, but like the others, it's clunky cr*p.

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Nige, beg to differ. As you know I use SeaPro and does the lot including planning with tides taken into account. Just my opinion. I find it pretty easy to use but not cheap. Cheers

 

[Guest]

Steve .... you know full well my opinion of Seapro !!

Sorry to say it mate - but you are a beta tester for Brian ... so sort of biased I would suggest ?

I say again - that there is no real dual software ... charting and planning that does both jobs well ... It is my opinion based on looking at most on the market - as you know I have done !!

Trouble is with any software - people get used to one and don't like another ... regardless of whether its better or not. It's what you get used to especially after paying out hard-earned wedge !! It sort of smooths of the edges of c**p programs when you realise how much you spent !! You then make yourself like it ....

One day Charting programmers will actually listen to the users and produce a sensible package - without all the gimmicks and rubbish added on that 99.9% of users never need or use ... the screen will be uncluttered and raster will be consigned to the dinosaur league instead of hanging on by its nails in its dieing last gasps !!

Sorry but comparison of charting prog's - I know what I prefer ...... (after my Lowrance of course !!)

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[gandy]

Out of interest - is that the "Lite" version you're speaking for, or one of the more expensive versions?