The TIKI Navigator software line is the brainchild of Norwegian sailor and programmer Fred Jenssen, who named it after the most famous of Norwegian boats, Kon-Tiki, a raft that crossed the South Pacific. The name is more apt than simple Norwegian patriotism.
TIKIChart names roll down the left of TIKI's start-up display as they are loaded. Slick, but it takes time.The Kon-Tiki expedition remains famous decades later because its commander, Thor Heyerdahl, went against conventional boat-building wisdom, re-thinking trans-ocean passages based on his fundamental notions of the sea and boat materials.
Jenssen also admits he is going against the flow with his TIKI Navigator software. He used his 30 years of sea experience to re-think how a computer can and should be used on board. He tossed out established Windows conventions, moved away from traditional menus, limited use of the keyboard and altered the mouse interface. As Jenssen puts it, his goal was a simple scheme that could be used at sea by boaters who don't think like computers.
Challenging a standard PC user interface is fraught with risk. In fact, we have criticized some software companies for deviating from established PC standards. Jenssen hasn't just tinkered with a Windows layout, he fundamentally redesigned it–and we think he pulled it off. As evidence of his success, only two years after its first release, TIKI became Norway's best-selling navigation software for raster charts. He is now attempting to break into the U.S. market. 
We reviewed TIKI Navigator Pro ($148), Jenssen's full-featured program, and we found it to be a solid option for the price. The software is innovative and easy to use. Though it lacks advanced features like vector capability and weather downloads, boaters looking for software that is both simple and sophisticated should consider looking at Jenssen's creation.
There are several ways to try it out. TIKI Navigator is available in three versions: Planner, Basic, and Pro. TIKI Navigator Planner ($37) is a planning tool, able to display charts, create waypoints, and run in simulation mode only. It does not show boat position and is not for real time-navigation.
TIKI Navigator Basic ($74) adds GPS navigation, allowing you to see the boat's position, course and speed on the chart. You can create routes of 10 or fewer waypoints. However, to obtain features like tracks, logbooks, collision avoidance, autopilot control and anchor watch, you will need TIKI Navigator Pro.
For users who want to try out the TIKI line, one can purchase a license for Planner or Basic and then upgrade to Pro easily through TIKI's website.
SETTING UP
All TIKI versions are available only by downloading the installation software through TIKI's website. In order to run the software you must purchase a license through the site for the version you want (Planner, Basic, or Pro). The license is emailed to you, allowing you to open the application beyond the trial period.
The TIKI download includes a collection of demo charts, including some charts of the Seattle area and an NMEA 0183 data file showing real AIS traffic. You must purchase or download your own raster charts. TIKI reads all raster BSB charts up to Maptech's 4.0 format, as well as NDI charts and SoftCharts (GEO/NOS format). When you download TIKI, you can opt to download free U.S. raster charts or order a DVD of charts for $39.95. Raster charts for other parts of the world require a purchase from a retailer such as Maptech or NDI.
