The Cost Argument
Chart costs for a hypothetical trip from Olympia to Southeast Alaska. Among other benefits, there is a compelling cost argument to owning computer based navigation software. The first cost component involves hardware. By leveraging standard computer components, navigation software developers are able take advantage of the massive economies of scale enjoyed in the mainstream computer industry. In most cases a $1000 computer will have substantially better components (processor, RAM, display, etc.) than a $2000 – $3000 designated plotter.

The second cost component is electronic charts. Unfortunately for mariners, the price of official paper charts has risen dramatically the last seven years. In that period, the price of NOAA paper charts has gone up 25% while the cost of Canadian paper charts has gone up a whopping 67%. Fortunately, during the same period, the cost of electronic charts has stayed roughly flat, or perhaps even decreased if you consider the additional data that is being included. To demonstrate the cost benefits of electronic charting, I will use the example of a cruise from Olympia to Southeast Alaska.

To achieve 100% electronic chart coverage of this trip (assuming you don't make a side trip to the Charlottes or go outside of Vancouver Island) you will need to acquire roughly 300 charts and insets. Depending on a number of variables, these charts (either vector or raster) will cost you about $1000, plus or minus $100. After shelling out your $1000, you will have every chart available (and other data) for this trip. To buy new official paper charts for this trip will cost significantly more. For about $1500 you may be able to get thin coverage, whereas for about $5000 you can get complete paper chart coverage. Charts for dedicated plotters are also significantly more expensive than charts used with navigation software programs. For the Alaska trip you can expect to pay $3000 – $5000+ for detailed plotter charts.

Due to the policies of Hydrographic Offices outside of North America, international charts (digital and paper) remain fairly expensive. While unfortunate, I think you will still find in many instances, international electronic chart coverage is still significantly less expensive than the equivalent paper charts.



[On to Features & Choosing a Program]





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