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Author Topic:   Navionics vs. Map Create

alkar posted 07-22-2003 12:35 PM ET (US)
I have a Navionics chip in my Lowrance 4000, but I'm considering adding another unit for several reasons.
If I buy a unit that accepts only Navionics chips, I'd have to buy three of the chips to cover the areas I frequent. How does the Map create software compare? Are the maps more or less detailed? Is the program idiot-proof? Is there complete flexibility in terms of the coverage areas? With Navionics, for example, you get most of California, which I don't need, when you buy Oregon; the Oregon chip doesn't include Washington, which I do need. I'd like to be able to cover the Oregon Coast in the San Juan islands with a single chip.
lhg posted 07-22-2003 02:41 PM ET (US)
Alex - I use the Map-Create on my 18 Outrage and like it. Only down side is that it doesn't have depth contours, but I still use paper charts anyway. It does have the navigational markers. On the disc, you get the entire US and Canada.
I downloaded the Washington and BC coast into mine for 2 week BC cruise last summer. Worked just fine. Highly recommended and much less money. You can spend a fortune on Navionics maps, unless most of your boating is in one area. Then it makes sense.
Big_S posted 07-22-2003 04:24 PM ET (US)
I went with Map Create. Opened it up, installed it on the laptop and in a few minutes had the Texas coast saved on my memory card. I can't tell you how well it worked or how detailed the maps are though. In my excitement to get on the road I left the darn card in the USB drive at the house. All my Lowrance would do is show me the entire US and a small arrow on the coast that said "you are here". I felt like I was reading the store guide at a mall.
Tight Lines!
Sean
PSW posted 07-22-2003 07:03 PM ET (US)
I had the Map create but quickly ordered the Navionics and have been very happy. I keep the Map create chip in the Lowrance also as a back up just in case my girlfriend wants to know where the nearest mall or restaraunt is out in the ocean. I like the Navionics better because of the depth contours and also in the San Juan Islands Navionics does a much better job of labeling the islands. Both have their advantages so I have both. Easy enough.
PSW
alkar posted 07-22-2003 07:16 PM ET (US)
Both is always good. It's just a function of cubic dollars. I'm running low on those, so I have to make a choice. Actually, I'm having to make lots of choices.
doobee posted 07-22-2003 07:40 PM ET (US)
Map Create is less detailed than Navionics. The software is very easy to use. Personally I'd spend the extra bucks for the Navionics.
kneucker posted 07-23-2003 05:51 PM ET (US)
I have both and use both in my Lowrance 16 CX wich holds two MMC cards simultaneously. Navionics has structure/contours, etc. whereas the Mapcreate does not. Map create came bundled with my Lowrance package. I paid $180 for Navionics. If I could have only one I'd go with the Navionics.
alkar posted 07-23-2003 09:41 PM ET (US)
Thanks guys. If I can find a Lowrance LCX-16CI, which comes bundled with the Mapping Accessory Pack, I'll probably do that and then add a Navionics chip. If they're all gone, and I suspect they are, I'll probably stick with an LMS-320, buy the Navionics, and have a few dollars left to apply towards the radar unit next spring.
I'm delighted with the detail and quality provided by the Navionics, but I'm frustrated with where they chose to draw their lines.

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Author	Topic: Navionics vs. Map Create
alkar	posted 07-22-2003 12:35 PM ET (US) I have a Navionics chip in my Lowrance 4000, but I'm considering adding another unit for several reasons. If I buy a unit that accepts only Navionics chips, I'd have to buy three of the chips to cover the areas I frequent. How does the Map create software compare? Are the maps more or less detailed? Is the program idiot-proof? Is there complete flexibility in terms of the coverage areas? With Navionics, for example, you get most of California, which I don't need, when you buy Oregon; the Oregon chip doesn't include Washington, which I do need. I'd like to be able to cover the Oregon Coast in the San Juan islands with a single chip.
lhg	posted 07-22-2003 02:41 PM ET (US) Alex - I use the Map-Create on my 18 Outrage and like it. Only down side is that it doesn't have depth contours, but I still use paper charts anyway. It does have the navigational markers. On the disc, you get the entire US and Canada. I downloaded the Washington and BC coast into mine for 2 week BC cruise last summer. Worked just fine. Highly recommended and much less money. You can spend a fortune on Navionics maps, unless most of your boating is in one area. Then it makes sense.
Big_S	posted 07-22-2003 04:24 PM ET (US) I went with Map Create. Opened it up, installed it on the laptop and in a few minutes had the Texas coast saved on my memory card. I can't tell you how well it worked or how detailed the maps are though. In my excitement to get on the road I left the darn card in the USB drive at the house. All my Lowrance would do is show me the entire US and a small arrow on the coast that said "you are here". I felt like I was reading the store guide at a mall. Tight Lines! Sean
PSW	posted 07-22-2003 07:03 PM ET (US) I had the Map create but quickly ordered the Navionics and have been very happy. I keep the Map create chip in the Lowrance also as a back up just in case my girlfriend wants to know where the nearest mall or restaraunt is out in the ocean. I like the Navionics better because of the depth contours and also in the San Juan Islands Navionics does a much better job of labeling the islands. Both have their advantages so I have both. Easy enough. PSW
alkar	posted 07-22-2003 07:16 PM ET (US) Both is always good. It's just a function of cubic dollars. I'm running low on those, so I have to make a choice. Actually, I'm having to make lots of choices.
doobee	posted 07-22-2003 07:40 PM ET (US) Map Create is less detailed than Navionics. The software is very easy to use. Personally I'd spend the extra bucks for the Navionics.
kneucker	posted 07-23-2003 05:51 PM ET (US) I have both and use both in my Lowrance 16 CX wich holds two MMC cards simultaneously. Navionics has structure/contours, etc. whereas the Mapcreate does not. Map create came bundled with my Lowrance package. I paid $180 for Navionics. If I could have only one I'd go with the Navionics.
alkar	posted 07-23-2003 09:41 PM ET (US) Thanks guys. If I can find a Lowrance LCX-16CI, which comes bundled with the Mapping Accessory Pack, I'll probably do that and then add a Navionics chip. If they're all gone, and I suspect they are, I'll probably stick with an LMS-320, buy the Navionics, and have a few dollars left to apply towards the radar unit next spring. I'm delighted with the detail and quality provided by the Navionics, but I'm frustrated with where they chose to draw their lines.