How do I update 2013 Navionics Europe charts on my chartplotter?
My chartplotter shows Navionics Europe, type Silver, chart R_93S, version 02.25, with an edition date of 14 March 2013. How do I update these charts, and do I need a new chart card?
Answer
Your details identify a 2013 Navionics Silver chart database, usually built into the chartplotter, so updating normally means fitting a compatible chart card. First find the plotter's exact make and model and check whether its charts are stored internally or on a removable card, as this determines what you can buy and install.
Identify your plotter
"Europe", "Silver", "R_93S" and "02.25" describe the chart database, but do not identify the plotter or confirm that you have an updateable Navionics card. Navionics supplies the mapping; the plotter may be a Raymarine or another make.
Start with these checks:
- Open the plotter's About, System Information or Diagnostics page and record its model and software version. Menu names vary by manufacturer and year.
- Check the chart settings to see whether the selected source is internal memory or a card slot.
- Switch the plotter off before removing a chart card, unless the manual specifically permits removal while running.
- Read the card label and record its product name, coverage code and card format. Photograph the label and the chart-information screen.
Older plotters may use CompactFlash, SD or microSD cards. An adaptor changes only the physical connection. It cannot make an unsupported chart product, card capacity or file format compatible.
Updating built-in Silver charts
Navionics Silver was supplied as basic bundled cartography on some older plotters, including certain Raymarine models. It generally has no subscription renewal or routine download procedure that owners can use to replace the internal database.
The usual solution is to leave Silver installed and insert a supported commercial chart card. Select the card as the chart source if the plotter does not switch automatically. The internal chart edition may still show March 2013 afterwards. Check the selected card's information to confirm which charts you are viewing.
Ask a marine electronics dealer to match a currently available Navionics product to your exact plotter model, software version and cruising area. Navionics+ is one product name you may encounter, but check compatibility with older equipment before buying. Support for an earlier Navionics card does not mean a plotter will accept every newer card.
Compare coverage carefully, too. Your existing Silver database says Europe, but a replacement regional package may cover a smaller area. Check your home waters, passage routes and destination harbours individually.