RYA electronic chart / plotter

Mike B · 08 March 2004, 10:30

For those of us without Bluecharts / C-MAP etc. Has anyone thought about or got the new RYA PC plotter / charts ?

http://www.rya.org.uk/Default.asp?contentID=3057908

I am currently using maptech charts on the PC to upload routes etc to a Garmin GPSMAP 168 sounder and etrex legend (both of which can take bluecharts).

Shortley I will be looking to renew the maptech charts as they are getting on a bit.

Options are:

get new maptech charts £100 ish

go for the RYA chart pack / plotter £39 ish

go for garmin Blue chart £180 ish

One thing I like about Maptech is the ability to print off a "chart pack" which I laminate, anyone know if you can do this with the others ?

Any thoughts on which options to go for?

Many thanks

Mike

Nick Hearne · 08 March 2004, 11:12

go for the RYA chart pack / plotter £39 ish
This is a price per chart? is it not.
Nick

Mike B · 08 March 2004, 11:15

Nick,

My understanding is it is per chart pack.

eg for my normal crusing ground it would be

Chart Pack 7 South West, (Dodman Point - Watchet incl Scillies)

http://www.rya.org.uk/shop/default.asp?itemId=3062964

Cookee · 08 March 2004, 11:40

Just ordered 3, 4 and 6 - They should come in March sometime!

I will use them for making up charts for racing - I put the course on with the pc, laminate them and Graham (my navigator) attaches them with a kill cord to his leg - (it gets a bit rough sometimes!) This will save having to scan a chart in every week and try and get it all on 1 page!

nik · 08 March 2004, 11:41

Has anyone else spotted this line in the RYA promo?

Chart expiry and updates
Access to the charts contained on each CD will expire on 31 December 2004 (plus a safety period). To renew, or extend coverage, simply purchase another CD.

This product is designed as an aid to navigation only and as such, must be updated annually by purchasing the next years’ CD. The UKHO strongly recommends that appropriate paper charts are also carried at all times.

John Kennett · 08 March 2004, 12:05

Possibly not the bargain that it seems as first glance then!

Mike B you might want to check than you can export routes from the software as there is no mention of it. It will also only store ten routes which is pretty poor for a PC based system (if you can export and import routes then there would effectively be no limit)

John

tim griffin · 08 March 2004, 12:57

i use two types one from a company called MeridianRCDS@www.rcds.co.uk these are raster charts and a bit better than the ones sold by the RYA again only valid for one year and you need to buy a update disck the other is by TRANSASnautic www.transasnautic.com vector charts again you have to buy the update disck both are very good and have a couple more bells and whistles than the RYA version which is aimed at entry level students you gets what you pay for
Tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

Mike B · 08 March 2004, 13:30

Thanks all,

I had noticed the expiry date but I think this is a good tool to ensure the charts are kept up to date and as I will only have 1 or 2 areas not too expensive (although have just noticed the "INTRODUCTORY price" wonder how much the next set will be).

John,

Thanks, hadn't thought of that - I just assumed that it would be able to export. There is a little bit more info here but still doesn't confirm this.

http://www.admiraltyleisure.co.uk/ne...rt_plotter.asp

Cookee,

When you get yours would you mind confirming if it can export routes / waypoints to GPS? Alternatively can the charts be used in other software (eg maptech)

Thanks again

Mike

Cookee · 08 March 2004, 19:46

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike B

Cookee,

When you get yours would you mind confirming if it can export routes / waypoints to GPS? Alternatively can the charts be used in other software (eg maptech)

Thanks again

Mike

Missed the time limit thing but I will probably only be printing them off anyway and it saves me having to order charts for the races - I'll let you all know what they're like when they show up.

Nick Hearne · 20 April 2004, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

Missed the time limit thing but I will probably only be printing them off anyway and it saves me having to order charts for the races - I'll let you all know what they're like when they show up.

Cookee have you got these yet or has anyone ells used them?
Nick

Paul F · 20 April 2004, 18:22

Had a look at it,but I think you cannot print charts off of it(if you can then i would like to know how)

Cookee · 20 April 2004, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul F

Had a look at it,but I think you cannot print charts off of it(if you can then i would like to know how)

Mmmmmmmmm well they were a waste of space! Still I think I might have palmed them off already! The charts are in their own little program - so none of the usual microsoft options like print, save etc are available - as far as I can tell all you can do is plug them into a computer on a boat and a GPS and use them to navigate with - no printing off of where you've been or anything usefull like that!

geoff · 20 April 2004, 20:55

Don't forget to have a look at the Boatlaunch Guide which uses Memory-Map and Maptech charts. You can print charts, connect with GPS and its got 3D maps! We will be at the Sportsboat and RIB show 1-3 May in Southampton and you can get a free copy with Sportsboat and RIB magazine. We are also giving away a free copy when you buy a copy of the Good Launch Guide.