On Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:37:53 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:


If you are interested in learning more about east coast cruising I'd
recommend downloading the free NOAA charts along with a chart viewer.
I have spent endless hours in the off season "cruising" on computer
charts and planning the next trip. For me, there's always a next
trip...

You can also download the coast pilots for free which have a wealth of
detailed information. The Atlantic coast waterway guides are another
good source, along with the "Skipper Bob" books.

Thanks. I'll probably wait until I get a boat though. Well, maybe
I'll download the Florida charts since I'll be there soon looking at
boats. What chart viewer do you recommend?

--Vic

On Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:03:17 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

Thanks. I'll probably wait until I get a boat though. Well, maybe
I'll download the Florida charts since I'll be there soon looking at
boats. What chart viewer do you recommend?

I use Maptech Offshore Navigator, mostly because I've been using it a
long time, all the way back to 386/486 DOS machines. Unfortunately
it is not free, and may not even be available anymore although Maptech
has done a good job with updates.

I believe there is a free viewer call Seaclear or something like that.
There is also a product called Fugawi that some people like. I
believe it is reasonably priced and has a free demo version.

On Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:24:38 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:03:17 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

Thanks. I'll probably wait until I get a boat though. Well, maybe
I'll download the Florida charts since I'll be there soon looking at
boats. What chart viewer do you recommend?

I use Maptech Offshore Navigator, mostly because I've been using it a
long time, all the way back to 386/486 DOS machines. Unfortunately
it is not free, and may not even be available anymore although Maptech
has done a good job with updates.

I believe there is a free viewer call Seaclear or something like that.
There is also a product called Fugawi that some people like. I
believe it is reasonably priced and has a free demo version.

Thanks, Wayne.

--Vic

On Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:24:38 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:03:17 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

Thanks. I'll probably wait until I get a boat though. Well, maybe
I'll download the Florida charts since I'll be there soon looking at
boats. What chart viewer do you recommend?

I use Maptech Offshore Navigator, mostly because I've been using it a
long time, all the way back to 386/486 DOS machines. Unfortunately
it is not free, and may not even be available anymore although Maptech
has done a good job with updates.

I believe there is a free viewer call Seaclear or something like that.
There is also a product called Fugawi that some people like. I
believe it is reasonably priced and has a free demo version.

Downloaded the SeaClear II, and the NOAA RNC for Charlotte Harbor
to Estero. Pretty good detail, but still have to learn to properly
read all that's there, learn to use the software's functionality, and
hook my laptop to the GPS.
Pretty much ready to go.
Just need a laptop, a GPS, and a boat.
But you got me on the right path.

--Vic

On Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:33:50 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

Downloaded the SeaClear II, and the NOAA RNC for Charlotte Harbor
to Estero.

Good deal. You can get a pocket GPS with data and power cable for a
reasonable price, and there are lots of used laptops around on the
internet. You really don't need more than a Pentium 3 with Win2K
and they are dime a dozen right now. For the boat and car you'll need
a $40 inverter from West Marine, less from Walmart.

I'd forgotten you were a virtual neighbor. If you scan Google Earth
in Cape Coral you can actually find our trawler docked behind the
house, obviously not in real time.

Vic Smith wrote in
news
I'll download the Florida charts since I'll be there soon looking at
boats.

Wait til next Spring when they're all staring at a week to take it back to
Yankeeland at $5/gallon and 3 gallons per mile. There's bound to be lots
of really nice boats for sale they can't afford to leave in FL at those
awful marina rates...(c;

Larry
--