Which charts for new plotter, Navionics or C-Map?

gordir999 · 08 May 2014, 18:57

Hi all

I'm about it fit a new Lowrance chart plotter to my RIB and need to decide between the Navionics or C-Map charts.

I'm around the Solent so will probably buy a small area chart but the question is, which brand is the best / most friendly to use etc.

Anybody have any experience of the quality of the different charts they offer?

The hardware is expensive enough so I don't want to ruin the experience with the wrong choice of software! nonono:

gotchiguy · 08 May 2014, 19:22

We've used Navionics Gold & Platinum+ on Lowrance and Raymarine in the past and always found them easy to use. Better than Garmin Bluechart in many ways. Although mentioned here and there I don't think a whole lot of people on here use C map, and certainly searching for it doesn't seem to bring a whole lot up.

I personally would go for Navionics, just keep a look out for them on ebay from time to time they come up a couple of years old at a really knock down price.

jambo · 08 May 2014, 19:23

Yep used Navionics for years and can recommend them

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

gridge · 08 May 2014, 20:35

theres a good deal in the bits and pieces for sale

Pikey Dave · 10 May 2014, 17:52

Navionics every time.

gordir999 · 11 May 2014, 18:50

Ok, thanks for that and a resounding result for the Navionics charts.

Small area chart for the Solent area is £116 inc vat and 12 months of updates so I'll add that to the plotter order.

Many thanks to all for the information.

Cheers.

willk · 12 May 2014, 08:07

If you can go the extra mile - go for the Platinum Navionics charts. The new software update for the HDS units now supports automatic safe route planning and the 3D feature is very easy on the eye. I always found the Navionics charts very similar to the Admiralty chart style which is good for my old brain. BTW, the Navionics smartphone app is VERY good as well and the pair make a good combo.

Jeff · 12 May 2014, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordir999

Ok, thanks for that and a resounding result for the Navionics charts.

Small area chart for the Solent area is £116 inc vat and 12 months of updates so I'll add that to the plotter order.

Many thanks to all for the information.

Cheers.

Definitely my vote for Navionics too .
Unless you are only ever going to use your toy in the 'Solent area' I would genuinely consider paying the extra for the entire UK (Navionics Gold XL9 Chart - 28XG UK, Ireland, Netherlands & Northern France) You never know where you might fancy going :-)

JMHO of course

gotchiguy · 12 May 2014, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff

Definitely my vote for Navionics too .
Unless you are only ever going to use your toy in the 'Solent area' I would genuinely consider paying the extra for the entire UK (Navionics Gold XL9 Chart - 28XG UK, Ireland, Netherlands & Northern France) You never know where you might fancy going :-)

JMHO of course

If you're after the CF card version I might just have one..

gordir999 · 12 May 2014, 19:02

Many thanks for the offer to look but the Lowrance HDS 8M takes SD or MMD cards, not the CF

Going to wait a fortnight to order now as the summer offer starts 1st June which means I can claim a free WiFi module, not much need for it on a 6 mtr RIB but I'm not going to miss out on a freebie