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Old 09-02-2015, 06:03 AM   #1
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Active Captain

Did a search and didn't find a thread on this (though some posts may be buried in other threads).

Does anyone actively use Active Captain while underway and to select anchorages etc.? I have the Garmin software on my iPad with AC and find it interesting. However since I pretty much know my immediate cruising area I don't get much value out of it.

The frequent newsletters are interesting enough though.

How valuable a tool is this when cruising away from home, gunkholeing etc.?
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Old 09-02-2015, 06:13 AM   #2
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Greetings,
Mr. m. this past spring we relocated from VA to FL (21 days running). We did use AC as well as cruising guides/charts/GPS. We found AC to be a valuable addition regarding recent "changes" (shoaling/hazards) along our route although some entries appeared to contain some modicum of what I termed "creative writing". So, yes, a good additional resource.
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Old 09-02-2015, 06:13 AM   #3
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We use it all the time, the new route planning/transfer capability might increase my use. While we are limited to the Chesapeake Bay, still working, there are still many places we haven't been and new things to see; the comments from other cruisers sheds some light on those places.
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Old 09-02-2015, 06:22 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RT Firefly View Post
Greetings,
Mr. m. this past spring we relocated from VA to FL (21 days running). We did use AC as well as cruising guides/charts/GPS. We found AC to be a valuable addition regarding recent "changes" (shoaling/hazards) along our route although some entries appeared to contain some modicum of what I termed "creative writing". So, yes, a good additional resource.
Totally agree. While traveling, we both have our iPads open, using Garmin Blue Charts, with the Active Captain overlay open. Navigator reads about the upcoming hazards to heed the advice. Wish our Raymarine interfaced with AC, but we like the Garmin better- it even gives us weather radar, current and tides.


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Old 09-02-2015, 06:43 AM   #5
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Used it extensively on the way from Fl back to Tx. Helped me find anchorages I would not have considered.
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Old 09-02-2015, 07:19 AM   #6
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Yes I find it very useful I use every time I go out shoaling and interesting places to stay etc
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Old 09-02-2015, 07:39 AM   #7
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We use it all the time away for anchorages, transient slip prices and fuel prices. Its amazing to see fuel price differences of $1/gal in the same port.
Make sure you check the date of the data.
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Old 09-02-2015, 07:53 AM   #8
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I think it is great resource, the charts have measuring and waypoint tools for route planning and the user reviews of most markers provide up to date information. When online the satellite view lets you see the topography and get an idea of the surroundings of anchorages, beaches, etc.
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Old 09-02-2015, 08:03 AM   #9
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Mostly used for pre-planning, like the anchorage information along with the dog friendly tips, very valuable tool.
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Old 09-02-2015, 08:15 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by menzies View Post
Does anyone actively use Active Captain while underway and to select anchorages etc.?

How valuable a tool is this when cruising away from home, gunkholeing etc.?
I started using it this year and found it very helpful. Did a 5 wk canal & Lk Champlain cruise and used it extensively for selecting & planning anchorage & marina stops and parts \ repair facilities when needed. Restaurant reviews also useful.

You can download chart sections to a laptop or tablet to make access 24\7 even when you out of range of WiFi or cell service. Frequently had the tablet at the helm for reference.

Highly recommend it!!

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Old 09-02-2015, 10:04 AM   #11
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Use it all the time. Both underway and for planning.

Very disappointed (with Garmin) that it is not truly integrated into the new Garmin plotters we have.
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Old 09-02-2015, 10:14 AM   #12
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We use it all the time, and I think it's one of the great transformational inventions for boating. Like with any customer feedback, you need to do some filtering, but less than other publications which tend to all happy thoughts, and nothing but happy thoughts.
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Old 09-02-2015, 10:15 AM   #13
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AC is an extremely useful tool. The charting and reviews are excellent.
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Old 09-02-2015, 10:15 AM   #14
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We use AC often, for planning and while underway. Most often we use the latest download integrated into MaxSea, MX Navigator, and Plan2Nav.


Would use it on our plotter (NN3D, which is basically MaxSea in Furuno MFD), but ours is too old to have the gizmos it would take to integrate AC data. Given the other three systems, that's never been an issue.


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Old 09-02-2015, 11:51 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by menzies View Post
However since I pretty much know my immediate cruising area I don't get much value out of it.
Facilities change. Prices change. Even in familiar waters, it's another way to keep up with what's going on.

But the reason I'm writing is to encourage you, and everyone on TF, to update AC with information about the facilities in their own area.

Post the price every time you fuel up (I always just take a picture of the pump(s) so that I can enter both gas and diesel values later.)

Post details and interesting tidbits about local anchorages, shoreside facilities and businesses.

Who better than a local to keep all these entries fresh?

It's irritating to find an AC review of a place from someone who obviously stayed there, but who didn't bother to update the information about prices and services at that facility. Likewise, a marina that gets lots of use but has absolutely no details in AC.

I suspect a lot of people don't know that they can update ALL of the information, not just write a review. And you don't need to write a review to make updates.
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Old 09-02-2015, 11:57 AM   #16
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We use it for planning. So far we've had no reason to refer to it while underway even though it's overlaid on the chart app (Navimatics) that we have open on an iPad when we're running.
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Old 09-02-2015, 01:31 PM   #17
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I also find it very useful in planning a trip. I leave reviews and update information whenever I can. I'm working toward the coveted AC hat!
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Old 09-02-2015, 02:19 PM   #18
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These threads may have what you're looking for.

Trawler Forum - Search Results
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Old 09-02-2015, 03:41 PM   #19
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Used AC to plan our trip from SF to the Columbia when we bought our tub. I would recommend it.
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Old 09-02-2015, 06:37 PM   #20
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waterwayguide is a good alternative too, it's affiliated with skipper bob's books. Between the two of them it would be hard not to find something.

Waterway Guide | cruising guide, fuel pricing, navigation alerts and news for boaters and yacht enthusiasts
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