Opinions on Nav charts? Navionics Vs Cmapp vs Lighthouse ECT...

[Carpediem44DB]

So I installed the gS165 in place of my dead E120 and after a bit of head scratching and fiddling I got my NMEA 0183 gps antenna to play with the MFD. I bought a Navionics chart and installed it and all is functioning but I wonder if that is the best chart system or is Light house or something else better?
Any thoughts?
Carpe Diem

 

[KevinC]

So I installed the gS165 in place of my dead E120 and after a bit of head scratching and fiddling I got my NMEA 0183 gps antenna to play with the MFD. I bought a Navionics chart and installed it and all is functioning but I wonder if that is the best chart system or is Light house or something else better?
Any thoughts?
Carpe Diem

I run both lighthouse and navionics on my networked axioms. I prefer the navionics and can use the web app online to plot routes and move them to my routes on board. Haven't played with cmap in a long time. I had an old CF for my retired raymarine equipment.

-Kevin

 

[Sea Gull]

We’ve bee running all three cartographies for the past 4 years. Each has its place, but Navionics has been our day-to-day chart all that time.

We use Cmap with its embedded Explorer charts for the Bahamas. Their cartography far exceeds any other in that part of the world. We also use the raster charts supplied by Lighthouse, for a more traditional view. But I find it annoying to view raster charts in anything but north up mode.

 

[bmac]

My eS units came pre-loaded with Lighthouse charts. I don't really care for them. I rely solely on Navionics charts from a micro SD card. BTW, at some point Garmin may integrate Navionics cartography in their MFD's but until they do I won't use Garmin electronics, no matter how simple and intuitive they are to use. Their native cartography is way too cartoonish for me, but that's just my preference. I know many others use and like Garmin cartography.

 

[Third Edition]

Navionics with sonar view. IMO more up to date because area boaters constantly update it with their data.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Thanks all, I feel much better about my choice now. I've been using navionics for years and did not consider other options before buying the Navionics for the new system.

 

[dtfeld]

Thanks all, I feel much better about my choice now. I've been using navionics for years and did not consider other options before buying the Navionics for the new system.

You have a very solid and capable unit with the Raymarine gS. While there are other options, my experience has been generally pretty good. I've hit a few snags along the way, but the Raymarine online forum and Tech support have been excellent, and I've been able to get everything working the way I like. No regrets here.

Dave

 

[alnav]

My eS units came pre-loaded with Lighthouse charts. I don't really care for them. I rely solely on Navionics charts from a micro SD card. BTW, at some point Garmin may integrate Navionics cartography in their MFD's but until they do I won't use Garmin electronics, no matter how simple and intuitive they are to use. Their native cartography is way too cartoonish for me, but that's just my preference. I know many others use and like Garmin cartography.

FYI, Garmin integrated Navionics charts as of this year's releases.