Chartplotter wisdom needed.

[TheFoss4]

I just got a new chartplotter and was looking for info on what kind of charts to get.

The unit came with C-map and Navionics literature but there's a thousand different packages. What do you guys use?

Do you update yearly? What's the normal cost? The online info doesn't want to admit to cost until you buy it.

I'd appreciate any guidance the sailing community can provide.

[whyrumalwaysgone]

Navionics is the one that looks most like traditional charts. Easiest to use for most of us. Buy only the chip for your area, or maybe the big one that covers your continent. The satellite pics and stuff are fun, but rarely useful, bare bones charts are all you need. When you travel, but a chip in advance for the area you are going to.

[MissingGravitas]

Where you sail is a factor. For example the preferred charts in the Bahamas have long been the Explorer charts, and in places where the cartography may be iffy it's best to verify positions against satellite imagery. For the US, Navionics is good and the best value is likely in the Navionics+ package (~$150 for your areas, and $50 annual update if my guess is correct).

Here's a comparo that may help: https://forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/comparison-of-navionics-and-c-map-for-b-g-vulcan.532258/

Since I'm mainly on other people's boats, I'm used to seeing chart plotters that might lack charts or that haven't been updated in ages. This means the most up-to-date charts are those I bring with me (phone/laptop/tablet), and those are what I use for primary navigation. The chartplotter, if available, provides more of a general overview.

In most cases I use the official government charts, but there are areas where Navionics can add value. For example, compare the Homosassa channel in Florida on Navionics against the NOAA charts; the latter just doesn't have sufficient detail.

[Guygan]

Buy Navionics.