I would not argue with anything you've said. I feel it is
essential to fully understand conventional piloting prior
to relying on Electronic Navigation. I've seen chart plotters
that were off 2 miles from the correct location. A real
pilot figures this out quickly because he or she uses
multiple sources of data including the best method
for piloting--the eyeball.

You brought up a good point CM. The stuff has to work
too. That means things like spares, good wiring, and
thoughtful design--otherwise the stuff won't work. If you
install it yourself, your chances of being able to repair it
yourself are greater.

I still think Electronic Navigation is a skill that should
be mastered, particularly if you sail out of home waters,
or in dangerous areas--as Frank so aptly stated.

Other benefits would be the speed in which one could
answer questions like: Will I make it in before sunset, or
should I lay-to overnight? ETA, or distance to a buoy
or destination--the uses are astoundingly fast and greatly
impact calcuation times.

I know for a fact that in challenging conditions I've found
myself double and triple checking my work and reached
a point where I felt I had to start over again. All because
of the distractions of rough conditions and it's associated
nausea, and all the other sorts of distractions that happen
while underway. I've been so short of sleep that my thought
processes required extra time to perform a task! The
speed and accuracy in which one can make calculations with
electronic means is not just valuable--at times it is a huge
help.

Columbus would have used electronic naviation and I'll
be delighted to have a good system on my boat. That sort
of thing also helps keep your crew comfortable with what is
going on. Instead of pestering you, when they don't have a
clue what piloting is all about, you can get them out of your
hair, and learning something by studying charts and tracks
on a chartplotter.

It's also worthwhile to learn new systems on the computer at
home before installing them in the boat. Radios, radar, and
some navigation and computer programs can be studied
and tested on shore, until the operator is 100% comfortable
using them, before installation in the boat. Trying to learn
how to operate a radio or something complicated while
underway is much more difficult than when standing still
without distractions.

Speaking of radios, the number of HF SSB Radios that
can be computer controlled is growing. It makes operating a
radio easier and one can store an unlimited frequencies. I hate
programming radios in a seaway. That is a nauseating thing to
do. Much better to punch a few buttons or keys to implement
programming pre-accomplished on shore, to start listening or
transmitting immediately while underway. It is all about
preparation and Electronic Navigation allows you to prepare
better before you leave the dock or mooring.

A laptop means rapid radio programming changes with minimal
effort. I use one laptop to program my Yaesu FT-8500
2m/70cm FM radios. Withy five identical radios and I need only
run the programming once each to make them all the same.
Likewise I've several programmed configurations, the one for the
boat includes a partial list of marine VHF frequencies for emergency
use. It is my backup communications system.

It is clear that laptops on boats have many uses.

"Capt.Mooron" wrote
I agree it's cool stuff... next year's models will be even cooler. It's
almost required on a power boat, due to the inherent incompetence
portrayed by a large number of their ilk. Seriously... I am dedicated to
removing all but the most basic electronic systems aboard.

There is no way you will convince me that a cluster of digital instruments
is either required nor denotes a better standard of sailing/navigation. If
such was the case... Bobsprit would surely hold court.