I also like the Tides and Currents module of the Capn. Was invaluable
when in the ICW. The bottom graph was helpful too. Just wish that
LCD screens suitable for mounting at the helm weren;t so expensive.
We use a NAVMAN for that. They (NAVMAN) wouldn;t give me
info on the exchange format though. I sent an email, they replied
asking for clarification o what I was asking and then I never heard
from them again. Would be nice to exchange waypoints and routes
between the two units.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Steve" wrote in message
...
Thanks. That was the type of comparision I was looking for, although not
what I wanted to hear.

I believe that Nautical Technology (The Capn), Nobeltec and Maptech have
an
agenda to lock the navigator into a chart format. And of course they
control
the market on these formats.

Not only do I have about five hundred buck invested in The Capn, but I
have
nearly a thousand invested in BSB and other raster formats that run on
Capn
and Maptech software.. Now I see each company introducing their new
formats/type of digital charts.. The money is not in the navigation
software, the money is in the charts. The race among the three leaders is
to
get the navigator locked into a format before he becomes aware of the ever
increasing number of vector charts being released for free..

Although I have been locked into BSB and The Capn for about 4 years, I
have
only sailed two seasons with this software and chart format. I am content
with the choice of chart format but I have lost confidence in Nautical
Technology since there fail to provide comprehensive interface with
external
devices. (subject of previous posts here and in rec.boats.electronics)..

For my present and future navigation requirements, I don't see any need
for
SoftCharts, Vector charts or enhanced video presentations with my charts.
I
just want my laptop screen to look like the paper charts that I have
laying
on the chart table.

One of the feature of The Capn that I would miss with a Fugawi change over
would be the Tides & Currents, however, I still will have their Tides and
Currents available though the Graphic representation, I just won't be able
to display this information on the chart.

I guess I have ranted enough (for now).

Steve
s/v Good Intentions