Topic: Auto chart versus Reefmaster

[fshndude]

Ok as a very inexperienced user what is the difference between ReefMaster and Auto chart. I have limited funds to get a mapping card/program. Can someone help me out. I have a 899SIHD on the bow, I pilot, 799 SI on the console. Which will be replaced next year, with an Ethernet unit for Christmas as I am told. 

[Beaulieu80]

ReefMaster PROD:
 -PRO is the version taht allows you to create map. not the standard one, I know from doing the mistake.
 -easy of use, can manage WAAAYYYY  more easily track points. export, imports, etc... but never try to export maps into my HB unit, it say compatible but never try
 -GREAT support of how to use the software
 -many docs and forums from the official website

AutoChart PC:
 -Auto is great because it allows you to see every single lakes in US and Canada by default with countours
 -autoChart allow you to create custom lake maps and see them to you HB unit
 -auto chart have crappy support of how to use the software
 -crappy reference of how to import data and on which format
 -difficult to manage all you tracks knowing you can have many in one season
 -it still fun to play with since you can create maps compatible to your unit....its about it
 -BUT !!  it help ALOT having a custom map to your favorite lakes in a fast way

[Bob B]

Reefmaster is a great product for creating mapping on a PC, but is limited to what you will get on the unit.....with Humminbird units.....It generates track lines for the contour lines in order to display them on the unit.

With Autochart, you are able to create a map that has all the features of a standard Lakemaster map including water level offset, depth highlight, and follow the contour if you have the I-pilot link.

[CamoHunter]

If you run Humminbirds, you'll want AutoChart, not Reefmaster.  The maps produced by reefmaster for humminbird units, aren't really maps, they're sort of 'faked' maps.  By that I mean that the contour lines produced in reefmaster, are turned into boat tracks to be imported into the Humminbird depthfinder.  It is not a very desirable map format.  But, Humminbird made that decision not to share their map format with anyone, so that their products (Lakemaster & AutoChart) are the only true mapping solutions for Humminbird owners.

That being said, I've been switching over from Humminbird to Lowrance lately.  And so I have purchased Reefmaster now. So, having owned and used both now, I can say reefmaster has taken a little getting used to, just because of the differences between AutoChart and Reefmaster.  But the learning curve was definitely shorter for Reefmaster than it was for AutoChart.  I agree, reefmaster is much more user-friendly, and has more capabilities for customized mapping looks and types.  So far I've been really happy with Reefmaster.  But, as I mentioned, it's tailored more for other depthfinder brands, not Humminbird.  Specifically, it's suited mostly for Lowrance units.  It is a good program, just not ideal for Humminbirds.

[fshndude]

Thanks guys. You have all help me greatly. I will be ordering a Lakemaster Pro.