Turning laptop INto Chartplotter

C

Chief

New Member
Jan 8, 2007
79
Middle River, MD
Boat Info
2003 349 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 8.1
I am looking at turning my laptop into a chartplotter and was wondering if anyone else has done this. What software did you use and GPS antenna.

I am thinking of getting Maptech Navigation Pro and a USB GPS Antenna.

Craig
 
If you want to use your laptop for active navigation, then a remote screen mounted at the helm is the way to go. High contrast and nit, maybe waterproof too. Keep the computer below, safe from the elements and secure. There are several mouse options that work well on a boat.

James
 
EarthNC offers an inexpensive solution. It's based on google earth, has vector and raster charting, has google search function if you have wifi service, gives marina info, etc... I bought a package that has raster and vector charts and a gps antenna for $149. Plus the $20 for the GPS option in google earth.
 
Chief said:
I am looking at turning my laptop into a chartplotter and was wondering if anyone else has done this. What software did you use and GPS antenna.

I am thinking of getting Maptech Navigation Pro and a USB GPS Antenna.

Craig
Click to expand...

Why would you do this?
Just trying to understand. It would get bounced around on a boat this size, not weatherproof, not shockproof, not visible in daylight. Seems suitable only for larger vessels with nav stations belowdecks...

Why not a chartplotter?
 
I agree with the sentiments above. I used to work from my boat frequently and it is nearly impossible to see the screen in the sun. Laptops are not going to be element proof and most likely will not handle the shock it will be put under in open seas.

Not sure if the USB Link GPS will be as fast or accurate either, as USB generally produces a slower connection. I'd go with a real Chartplotter that is optimized for the marine environment.
 
I love the PC at my helm. I wouldn't have a boat without one now.

mmcguire2002 said:
Not sure if the USB Link GPS will be as fast or accurate either, as USB generally produces a slower connection. I'd go with a real Chartplotter that is optimized for the marine environment.
Click to expand...

NMEA 0183 is 4800 baud (your GPS)... a USB link is far faster than that...

There was some discussion on this earlier:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7987&highlight=keyboard

My PC setup is shown somewhere down in that thread.
(Note the 26.7 knots hauling ass down the Choptank)
 
Last edited:
The ultimate boating computer

iNavXiPhone.png

Daylight screen, GPS, touchscreen, wifi, Cell phone, browser, google maps, on board raster charts, music, videos, email, fits in your pocket.
 
LOL - Nice way of showing off your set up again Gary, but this discussion is very different than that set up, or even the style/size of boat.
 
I have been using a laptop for navigation for the last four years. At first it was hooked up to my old Garmin, but that did not always work... So, someone gave me one of those Microsoft gps, just put it on the dash, plugged into the computer and worked like a charm. I used Fugawi as software. The laptop was mounted on my BBQ bracket, with velcro on a small table, and some velcro under the laptop. Got power from a small inverter. The few things that were bothering me with this setup, you need a hood to see the screen, rain, and the space it takes. So this spring I am going with a real chartplotter.

R.Blatter
310 Sundancer 2001
5.7l efi Bravo IIIs
 
mmcguire2002 said:
LOL - Nice way of showing off your set up again Gary, but this discussion is very different than that set up, or even the style/size of boat.
Click to expand...

That thread I pointed to had a good discussion on laptops though.. and I agree with most of them. Just trying to not rehash an old topic.
 
I have both a chartplotter and a ship PC running Maptech Navigator Pro, using a USB puck GPS, which incidently is sitting on the shelf by the master berth, and works fine.

99% of the time, I use the RL80CRC plotter because:
It's waterproof
It's daylight readable
It's right in front of me

The Maptech program is displayed on a 22" monitor in the salon, which I can see just fine from the helm as long as weather is nice, and I can keep the salon door open.

If we are really going somewhere, I use both. No one ever has to ask me when are we going to get there. It's right in front of them... :)

I've used my laptop on larger vessels, but it's just too much work, and way too exposed in the cockpit of my boat.
 
When I switch over to a Nordhavn I'll look into multiple computer screens at the protected helm...
 
All,

Thanks for all the comments and pro and cons. I will give it a shot If I do not like it then I don't. I just was thinking of the cost. Easier to spend 1000 then 5000 on a whole new system.

Will a mil spec loptop work. They are rugged and designed for use in outside. water resistant heat, sand.

Craig
 
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