Navionics Chart Pricing: Am I Interpreting this Correctly ?

[teneicm]

Navionics electronic charts has "Gold" series and a "Platinum" series. With the "Gold" series you get standard charts, tides, currents, etc. The "Platinum" series adds in satellite/ panoramic imagery and 3-D bottom contouring.

You can aquire the "Gold" series for all of North and South America by purchasing 2 flashcards at $189 each or $378 total.

To obtain the same coverage for the "Platinum" series you have to buy 20 different cards at $189 each or $3780 total.

Is it really an added $3400 just for satellite imagery and knowing what the bottom looks like? Does anyone view this as a good deal or justified expense (and I admit- I don't know much about the other pricing schemes of other charting companies- it may turn out this is a great deal and a completely worthwhile investment to keep my boat off the rocks)?


Product description -> Navionics Nautical Charts - Worldwide Marine Chart Collection - Maps for Canada - USA - South America - Europe - Africa - Middle East - Asia - Pacific - Australia - New Zealand for PC, Plotter, and iPhone

Pricing ->
https://media5.magma.ca/www.fugawi.c..._americas_gold

[Alan N Crichton]

You are correct - I faced a similar dilema almost 2 years ago when I purchased a Ryamarine plotter and opted for the Navionics gold XL9 - bought the whole of Africa for US$180 - excellent value. Could not justify the cost of all the satalite photes etc so when within a few mile of the coast I use Google earth on a laptop with a hand held GPS plugged in if a photo is required.
Regards Alan

[teneicm]

Alan-

Thanks for the clarification. So how are you accessing Google earth data while at sea? Cell Phone with internet connection?

Thanks- Matt

[Alan N Crichton]

Yes - a cell phone with 3G internet connection. Regards Alan