BoatCruiser and SailCruiser are two relatively–new charting and navigation applications from NavSim Technology, a Newfoundland company specializing in computer applications for the piloting and shipping industry.
NavSim Technology is best known for its NavCruiser PRO software, a professional package currently used by more than 75 percent of Pilot boats on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Originally a spin–off from the National Research Council's Institute for Marine Dynamics in Canada, they continue to work on the development of an advanced marine autopilot system for the shipping industry.
Several years ago, NavSim began to adapt its technologies and leverage its code base for recreational software products. BoatCruiser was introduced in 2004, followed in 2006 by a sailboat edition called SailCruiser.
Today NavSim offers four software packages: NavSim Viewer, BoatCruiser or SailCruiser ($399), and NavCruiser PRO ($1,199). The NavSim Viewer is available free with the purchase of two charts from the NavSim MapServer, which we'll discuss later, but it only views and prints charts. At the other end of the continuum, NavCruiser PRO is for professional or commercial vessels. BoatCruiser 2.0 is targeted at the recreational power boater, incorporating features such as a Fuel Cost and Consumption Calculator. SailCruiser 2.0 is built on BoatCruiser's platform, with sailor–specific features such as SailTimer.
NavSim's challenge with BoatCruiser, and its sailboat edition SailCruiser, is the transition from professional and government sales to the retail recreational market. Several components must be present to create a successful retail product, including packaging, marketing, retail distribution, and, most important, ease of use for the occasional boater.
NavSim has a strong marketing team and the product looks professional. Their promotional materials read even better. But we found it fell short on ease–of–use and its claims about product features. At only three years old, NavSim hasn't quite nailed the out–of–box, plug–and–play characteristics required of modern retail software products.
Having said that, the company does a good job listening to users and responding with updates, so we feel it is only a matter of time until they get there.
SETTING UP
NavSim has chosen C–Map to be the principal provider of charts for its software. In fact, BoatCruiser may be purchased as a bundle with C–Map charts, including a MAX Wide Chart Area for an extra $200 or a MAX Megawide Chart Area for an additional $320. (Note that these same charts can be purchased directly from C–Map for $199 and $249 respectively.) Bundled packages can be ordered through NavSim's website. They are also available at select marine retailers, such as Bluewater Books & Charts and The Nautical Mind (see links).
