The mysteries of C-Map

[Caper]

After using Navionics for the last 8 years our 2020> plans dictate that it now makes sense to consider returning to C-Map. That said I’m having real issues trying to understand how it works these days?
It would appear that by registering as a Raymarine owner we are being enticed with offers of upgrades/discounts but having registered and gone the whole way through to Buy Now I cant find how to apply the 50% offered?
It also appears that it might be possible to download your chart from their website?
The next update is in March; do I have to send my card away (previously to Italy)? Or can it be done online?
If anyone has any answers I greatly appreciate them!

 

[pagoda]

The mechanism for C-MAP updates and downloads isn't very intuitive, however with persistence it does work. It's easier updating a map on one of their "own" SD / micro SD cards. Some of the maps are remarkably large (several GB) so a good broadband connection is useful.

 

[Caper]

The mechanism for C-MAP updates and downloads isn't very intuitive, however with persistence it does work. It's easier updating a map on one of their "own" SD / micro SD cards. Some of the maps are remarkably large (several GB) so a good broadband connection is useful.

Hi
Thank you for your reply.
Any ideas where I can find information on download/updating?
There doesn’t appear to be any online help or FAQs available.
Im currently having a FB messenger chat with C-Map but it’s vey sporadic!

 

[Seashoreman]

I'm fairly sure you could get this done in a chandlers. Maybe I am wrong but I thought my local Seamark Nunn nr Felixstowe used to do this.
My local C-MAP is over 10 years old and I don't rely on it so haven't upgraded.

 

[pagoda]

Hi
Thank you for your reply.
Any ideas where I can find information on download/updating?
There doesn’t appear to be any online help or FAQs available.
Im currently having a FB messenger chat with C-Map but it’s vey sporadic!

The "Go-free" webshop is what I used.
Caterina at eu-customersupport@c-map.com was very helpful

 

[Caper]

The "Go-free" webshop is what I used.
Caterina at eu-customersupport@c-map.com was very helpful

Hi
Following your advice I emailed Caterina and she has been excellent replying very promptly.
I have been given instructions as to how to register my Navionics card (Works with Garmin too) and this has unlocked a 50% discount, bringing the cost down to a very acceptable level (considerably better value than Navionics for our needs). This will result in our receiving a new card by courier.
The next update is due late March so I might delay purchase until then as we don’t need it until April. Though I’ve just been informed that 12 months of updates are included and that they can be done at home.

 

[ip485]

Why on earth would you go back to C-Maps - the only reason I can imagine is if the plotter doesnt take anything else.

They are expensive and not intuitive.

Sorry to say, sorry if not that helpful.

 

[Caper]

Why on earth would you go back to C-Maps - the only reason I can imagine is if the plotter doesnt take anything else.

They are expensive and not intuitive.

Sorry to say, sorry if not that helpful.

We used C-Map for 5 years and only changed to Navionics when the boat we bought already had it.
We are now changing our cruising area and if we were to stick with Navionics we’d require to buy a second area; Norway in addition to paying £110 for a 12 month update on our UK & Holland chart.
By switching to C-Map we pay £110 (now the discount works) and we have just one 4D chart that covers the whole of North & Central Europe, hence the motivation to change.

 

[pagoda]

We inherited a Simrad plotter with a limited (Baltic) range. I replaced it with B&G and used chart EN Y050 which covers almost anything we might need. Updates are easy and not extortionate. The Base data for all electronic charts is the same?