MAPTECHBegin weather downloads by choosing the region (left), weather data type (top right), and forecast period (bottom right).

Chart Navigator Pro obtains up-to-date weather information through a server maintained by Rose Point Navigation. Obtaining weather data is exceptionally easy. From the Weather Browser window, click Download and select your choices for location and data (see photo). You can choose to download all the weather information for your location – GRIB files are not very large – then toggle to display data such as sea temperature, wind speed, or air temperature (see photo). The weather data is stored on your hard drive so you can view it underway without an Internet connection.

It may not seem as sexy as flying over 3D hilltops, but we vote for Chart Navigator Pro's concept of a "documents file" as its coolest feature. All waypoints, routes, tracks and event marks – called "Navigation Objects" – are packaged and saved in a special user documents file. If it reminds you of the standard computer convention, you're correct. Remember, the code for Chart Navigator Pro was written by former Microsoft engineers over at Rose Point.

MAPTECHView downloaded weather data such as wind, pressure, temperature, precipitation, and wave height.

Why is a documents file cool? It means you can send all of your navigation information to other users of Chart Navigator Pro (or Coastal Explorer) simply by selecting Send To. It lets you share your navigation information with other boaters as a seamless import/export package. What a great feature for a flotilla captain, who could develop a float plan with waypoints, routes, marinas and attractions, then distribute this information in one package by email or CD.

ASSESSMENT

Like Coastal Explorer, Chart Navigator Pro is an excellent choice for a wide range of recreational boaters. Weekend or short-season boaters will appreciate Chart Navigator Pro's easy-to-use interface. Its intuitive and standard design lets you minimize time re-familiarizing yourself with the software every time you use your boat. At the same time, with its ability to read international charts and connect to AIS receivers and MARPA-equipped radars, it is full-featured enough for long-distance cruisers.

Maptech's infrastructure is part of the value equation if you choose to purchase Chart Navigator Pro versus Coastal Explorer. Maptech has a strong presence in marine retail outlets, boat shows and on the Internet. For example, Maptech maintains an extensive website for Chart Navigator Pro, including technical documents covering chart and instrument questions; downloads such as software updates and BSB chart registration; and a discussion forum with about 70 topics.

When it's time to update your chart cartography and supplemental data (aerial, satellite, and topographic photos), Maptech sells an update through its site for $129.95 (see link below). This "upgrade" includes updated NOAA raster charts (RNCs), NOAA vector charts (ENCs), Army Corps of Engineers vector charts (IENCs), navigation photos, and an updated database of marina facilities.

To supplement the brief Getting Started Guide included with the software package, additional manuals are available on Maptech's website and through the Help menu on the application itself. Unfortunately, the website download for the User Manual was a disappointing 14-page primer. To create a manual with more detail, we recommend you open and print each of the seven chapters in the Help menu.

That said, Chart Navigator Pro's best customer support is the exceptionally stable code produced by Rose Point. This is an application that is easy to use and – as far as we could tell – impossible to crash. Chart Navigator Pro begins with this well-designed software, then harnesses Maptech's extensive resources, ranging from complete raster chart coverage of the U.S. to extras such as 3D contour maps and photos. Contrary to many false marketing promises, this package truly does include everything you need in one box.