Garmin’s new HomePort navigational software, ($29.99), facilitates planning and management of routes, tracks and waypoints for transfer between a PC and Garmin chart plotters. Compatible with BlueChart g2 Vision, BlueChart g2 and BlueChart navigation and fishing charts, the program uses data on a preloaded Garmin chart plotter or a preprogrammed data card on the PC, with no additional chart purchases required. Chart data uploaded to HomePort can be augmented with waypoints and route and track data to help predict fuel usage, tides and depth profiles to avoid underwater hazards, measure distance and bearing between waypoints, calculate speed and determine an estimated time of arrival. Trip files may be saved and profiled on the PC and then transferred back to a chart plotter via SD card. www.garmin.com
