BlueChart software?

[Bajamas]

Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with the BlueChart software for Garmin plotters? The software looked pretty impressive but I know that even the crappiest of companies touts their goods to be the BEST!

Any other software or chartplotter preference or recommendations would also be welcomed info.

Any info would be appreciated

Bajamas

[Robinsvoyage]

I just think it's overly expensive, and would love to find someone selling it second-hand.

Originally Posted by name='Converted Post'

Originally posted by Bajamas

Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with the BlueChart software for Garmin plotters? The software looked pretty impressive but I know that even the crappiest of companies touts their goods to be the BEST!

Any other software or chartplotter preference or recommendations would also be welcomed info.

Any info would be appreciated

Bajamas

Actually that is the software we use. We have been very satisfied with it. So far, the only place that wasn't right-on was the western caribbean (an we haven't found one that HAS been right about that area) We like that we can download our tracks and upload our next mapset easily. Also, they have a great customer service department who can answer any question, no matter how easy or hard it is. And they don't laugh at the questions

We've been very happy with ours for over two years.

Hope this helps,

Fair winds,

Christal

s/v Marcella

[Slow Ride]

I've been using a Garmin with BlueCharts for many years now and have been satisfied. Chart detail varies depending on location, but I can say that Florida (both coasts and Keys) and the Norhern Bahamas were very accurate. I've since moved to the PNW and have not seen any problems cruising between Washington and Vancouver, BC. When entering a new area, I make it a habit to zoom in and pass close enough to a few markers or some known landmark to get a comfort for the chart accuracy (never assume). So far I haven't been disappointed.

I agree with Christal that all areas are not equal as far as chart accuracy. I just got back from my brother's boat in the San Blas Islands of Panama, where complaints about e-chart accuracy are very common. I will mention that my bro's Raymarine charts were very accurate there, and obviously that makes a HUGE difference when the sun isn't cooperating.

One thing to consider if you have Radar (or plan to get it), is whether you may want a single display at the helm for both. With the primary Radar at the nav station, it sure would be nice to also see it at the helm along with the chartplotter. That could play into your decision making. Enjoy the shopping.

There, my first post. I hope it was helpful, even if a little lengthy...

[Spike_dawg]

Bluecharts suck for most areas except the US. They are totally worthless for Oceania, Indian Ocean, etc.

If you are buying a GPS unit then look carefully at anything using C-Map or Maptech charts.

1) The bluecharts can only be used on 2 units. If you have a third unit you will need to buy the charts over again. It is very easy to have 3 seperate units, maybe 2 handhelds and a chartplotter.

2) NOAA can supply you with all the charts FREE if your unit can support ENC's. These are the most up to date charts available. Garmin ensures that the only charts useable on their products is bluecharts. You have to buy them.

3) The unlock process is designed to test your patience. The very first time you use it you will be supplied a customer code. 5 years later you decide to buy more coverage. You need to know the ORIGINAL customer code. You will learn to hate everything about it.

I own Garmin (2010C and 76S) and know it is a mistake. I now also own Fugawi and run it on my pc. I would never choose Garmin again.

[lang]

I have been using Bluechart on my 76C for SE Asia. It has been good and bad.

I found that charts were very accurate and highly detailed for Singapore and parts of Malaysia, but very disappointing in popular cruising grounds of Phuket and Langkawi. I have paper charts which I use to overcome the lack of details of bluechart for those regions. At least I could look on the GPS and roughly locate myself on the papercharts.

As it was written on the box, "Not for navigation use"! ..? Hmmm.?

I hear that bluechart coverage for the US is much better, and cheaper than the Pacific version. Anyway, I would continue to use my GPS and bluechart. I will probably buy the US version if/when I go there.

Good luck.

[Bajamas]

Funny this thread should come back around. I was JUST in West Marine yesterday asking a ton of questions about the chartplotters on display. I do like the BlueChart software but I was a bit amazed that only the most freaquented ports have much detail. I searched out a few of the tricky harbours in the Bahamas and found little to no detail. However, comparing the $700.00 Garmin chartplotter against the $2600.00 chartplotter/Sounder/CoffeeMaker system (Raymarine I think) and found the charts were exactly the same. We don't plan on cruising outside the states for the next several years so I think the Garmin may be sufficient for our needs.

Bajamas

[JeanneP]

I use Maptech charts on the Garmin, no problem. It reads them, imports the waypoints, etc.

sorry, in a cybercafe, short replies.

Jeanne