Need all new electronics...Use my mac as a chart plotter?

[kdumph]

I have a 410 aftcabin that still has all the original electronics on it. Only thing that does work is the depth sounder(sporadicly). Right now I'm thinking about just a radar/display then use my mac for the chart plotter. I use a PC style chartplotter for work and we use it both on land and in the water and I really like the setup.
Would it be easier and maybe cheaper to just do an all in one setup? I'd like to keep this all under 4k.
Also is there even a mac program out there for plotting? USB puck(GPS) that works with mac along with the following items such as actual charts?

 

[Kreole Kid]

Hey K, I use a MacBook Pro and I run a program call "Parallels" that allows me to run "Windows" based programs. I don't use any software for navigating but I might look into it in the future. Keep me posted and let me know which one you get for your Mac:thumbsup:

 

[fc3]

I seem to remember that the esteemed Mr.Warren has tried all of the computer based navigation programs, both Windows and Mac. The only one he thought was worth having is Rose Point Coastal Explorer. You can run it on your Mac under either Boot Camp, VM Ware or Parallels. I have both VM Ware and Parallels installed. Don't ask me which is better. They're really good at different things so it's just easier to have both.

 

[kdumph]

Ok thanks for the great info so far guys. I'm familiar with bootcamp, and have it on my new macbook pro. I want to use my older Macbook for the boat sense I wouldn't be to worried if it gets fried from a dip in the ocean or spray. I don't think it would run bootcamp very well.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I have a 410 aftcabin that still has all the original electronics on it. Only thing that does work is the depth sounder(sporadicly). Right now I'm thinking about just a radar/display then use my mac for the chart plotter. I use a PC style chartplotter for work and we use it both on land and in the water and I really like the setup.
Would it be easier and maybe cheaper to just do an all in one setup? I'd like to keep this all under 4k.
Also is there even a mac program out there for plotting? USB puck(GPS) that works with mac along with the following items such as actual charts?

Since most radar capable displays are multi-function, the incremental cost of GPS/chart plotter function is the cost of the GPS unit and nav chip. (Not endorsing, just using as example) A Raystar 125 and a chip matching the C/E series displays is about $ 500. I also think on the new systems that internal GPS units, the cost becomes the charts alone.

With boat show season coming and the inevitable deals, I would think you should be able to get everything you want for your budget. The advantage being you would end up with an integrated display with depth and radar with overlaid GPS. You may also have to add a heading sensor, or electronic compass that outputs heading data via NMEA to the radar GPS display depending on brand you choose.

Henry

 

[Turtlesboat]

You're not going to see anything with a MacBook in the sun, the screen is not bright enough. I would go with a dedicated plotter or an iPad if you want more computerish features.

 

[Lake Erie Boater]

I have run an laptop with Nav software and a gps antenna in the past, but only as a backup to my electronics when we went into unfamiliar waters. As others have said, the screen was basically not viewable in the bright sunlight. Additionally, I could not set it in a location that was useable at the helm. While it certainly worked, it quickly became just a redundant system and I put it down in the cabin below "just in case".

 

[fwebster]

While it may be possible to run NAV software and charting on a Mac or PC that doesn't mean that you should. Most computer screens are not bright enough and almost no laptops are designed for the marine environment. If you want NAV gear you can depend on day in and day out; year after year, stick with marine grade electronics from well known manufacturers like Furuno, Simrad, Garmin, Northstar, etc.

 

[cazimmy]

Has anyone looked into using an iPad for navigation? I want to replace my old Chart Plotter/Radar unit but as I started to think about it, I figured I could leave the existing radar, as I don't use it that much, and just use an iPad for navigation. It would have to be the 3G model which has a GPS chip built in.

Thoughts?

 

[fc3]

stick with marine grade electronics from well known manufacturers like Furuno, Simrad, Garmin, Northstar, etc.

Frank will always be Frank. :smt038 and he really doesn't mean that "etc." either.

 

[Knot Nice]

Hi guys!

Frequent forum surfer, new poster. Wanted to share some info on what we are doing with our PC and get some feed back on the new moves we want to make.

We upgraded from our 87 270 DA back in August to a 03 300 DA, which has a really poor plotter and no sonar or fish finder. We have been using (very successfully) a touch screen tablet laptop and a wireless card and running a program called Sea Clear. We place it right at the helm and have a shade for it to optimize viewing. You get all the benfit of navigation, plus net access (weather, restaurants, etc). BUT we still have a non-water friendly until on the dash, which ultimately will go really wrong and probably when we need it the most.

For Christmas I bought my husband the Northstar Gateway to access the Smart Craft engine info and am having a hard time determining which way to go on the next piece of this puzzle. The 300 helm is tight to say the least, does anyone have experience with any of the multifunction units that they'd be willing to share? I'm stuck between the Northstar m84 for simplicity and the Northstar 6100i. The real rub is that you can purchase a 15" unit for the same price (or less!) than a 8.4" display. Plus, I hate the thought of cutting into the dash (or drilling...) unless I know it's a 5 year electronic move.

Thanks, any info (even negative) is appreciated!