Nautic Path charts

Simon B · 18 February 2006, 19:50

Has anyone started using Lowrances "Natic Path" chart, I believe Europe South is us and its on one chart for about £139 at our old mate JG Tech. Word has it it is derived from Russian "admiralty" type data.

Whats the resolution like are there any useful bits missing like tide tables and all that Malarkey.

Simon B · 24 February 2006, 17:39

Had a poke about and found this;

http://www.outboard-engines.co.uk/download/np.pdf

Also included are some piccies of the resolution and detail, not had a play with it yet but will let you know if we purchase one.

Simon B · 03 March 2006, 11:51

Looks like we will be getting one of these charts as soon as I can I'll post what we think.

Simon B · 20 June 2006, 10:52

Well after a number of trips now using this (to three different areas) for our use this chart format is simply excellent. Lowrance have a stunner. The tidal information is there contrary to a statement I made elsewhere, the info is posted as icons that can be cursored to, once there, click waypoint not Enter (slightly confusing) and then the attached screens appear. For divers the benefits are clear, it tells you when the slack window will be, I havent poked around the notes section too much so dont have any info on this nor on the anchorage info.

For such a cheap charting format its good value for money, the only criticism would be that at very high zoom the chart redraw isnt as fast as the boat can be steered in a small area, so when manouvring over a wreck the chart pivots about a bit until your course settles in a line again. Balance this with the fact that you've got not the world on a stick but most of Europe which isnt bad at a level of detail close to admiralty charts.

Verdict: For a dive club going to different sites around the country there's nothing to touch it. Nice one Lowrance

robbo · 20 June 2006, 13:01

I have been using these charts for the last 5 months in my Lowrance 332.

I originally ordered the Navionics Gold charts from my chandlrey but when the chip came the sales guy asked if I wanted a cheaper chart with a bigger area.

I asked what the catch was and he said that Lowrance had started to make their own charts instead of using other peoples.

I was still sceptical but the lower price clinched it for me!!

I think they are great to use and the only difference is the colours on the chart - they are not in the same colour scheme as paper charts.

But for the price excellent!