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Orca vs Navionics vs OpenCPN — a comparison of the three most popular marine navigation apps for catamaran sailors.
Step IV & V Resource
Which chartplotter app is right for your catamaran? A comparison of the three most popular marine navigation apps — reviewed by The Low Cost Sailor.
Modern UI, excellent routing, AIS overlay, and active community. Subscription-based but widely considered the best all-around app for sailing catamarans. Integrates with instruments via NMEA 2000.
The industry standard — most marina managers and cruisers use it. Excellent chart coverage, auto-routing, and sonar charts. The Navionics app (now Garmin) is well-supported and reliable.
The free, open-source option used by serious offshore sailors. Runs on any laptop or Raspberry Pi. Steep learning curve but extremely powerful with plugins. No subscription fees ever.
Galveston Bay — the essential chart for Kemah-area sailors. Covers the entire bay, Clear Lake, Galveston Channel, and approach to the Gulf. Download free at nauticalcharts.noaa.gov or load directly into any of the apps above.