Navionics now available for Windows 8.1 or higher

[Stephen Glassic]

I just got an email from Navionics saying that Windows tablet and PC users can get Navionics Boating but it says you have to have Windows 8.1 or higher. Here is the Press Release.

It looks like the basic charts are free and you have to purchase the app to get the Navionics+ All Inclusive which includes Nautical Charts, Sonar Charts and Community Edit for a year. It doesn't give a price. And it doesn't say anything about additional charges for various charts.

Now I have the basic charts on my Windows 7 Laptop which I got for free earlier this year. It was offered through Boat US for members. So I'm wondering why it says you need 8.1 or higher. It would be nice if I could get the sonar charts but maybe I need 8.1 for that.

It also says that if you have GPS on your laptop or tablet or if you have an external GPS you can track your course. And if you have it downloaded on a PC you don't need an internet connection to view them. It's all in your PC.

[Stephen Glassic]

It's getting crazy. Now Navionics has a sonar app. The hardware is a transducer with a little box that is WiFi enabled for $150. The app is free. It looks like it is a basic dual beam so it won't be like down scan imaging. There is a portable version with a suction cup xducer and battery. So you can turn your smart phone or tablet into a Fish Finder/GPS. Of course you need a cell tower signal for the Maps app to work. Smart phones and tablets don't have enough memory to store the charts. Unless maybe you can store a part of the chart for waters you will be fishing.

[John Jarosz]

Agreed.  Bought a new laptop this year & made sure it had Windows 7 installed.  "8" is a pain.