Software manufacturer Northport Systems Inc. announced today that its latest version of Fugawi Marine ENC™ is the world’s first application to support Navionics® plug-and-play chips without requiring use of a proprietary Navionics Multi Card Reader. With the new upgrade, Fugawi users can simply download their Navionics charts onto their computer’s hard drive, resulting in extremely fast chart redraw and increased overall performance. Once the Navionics data is downloaded, the chart card is no longer needed and freed up for use in a chartplotter or other navigational device. The upgrade eliminates the inconvenience associated with carrying Navionics cartography chips, a card reader and cable when boating, as well as loss of data due to potential card reader failure and wear and tear from the harsh marine environment. The update simplifies the technology for current users. For potential customers, it removes the added cost of a card reader device and in some cases the purchase of an extra chart card. The new Fugawi Marine ENC software significantly enhances convenience and flexibility during real-time navigation or when planning excursions.

“This latest Fugawi Marine ENC update provides advanced tools that bring increased functionality and convenience to the boating community for more freedom and safety in on-the-water navigation,” said Robin Martel, president, Northport Systems. “Our new software enhancement with ‘card-reader-free’ Navionics plug-and-play chip support demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in providing our customers the most effective and efficient technology available.”

Fugawi Marine ENC software is ideal for boaters who require ultimate versatility for navigation planning or during on-the-water outings to maximize safety, fuel savings and enjoyment. The software allows seamless upload and download of routes and waypoints to compatible chartplotters and includes chart support for Navionics Gold, Platinum and Platinum+, S-57, BSB, NV Digital and Hilton’s Realtime Navigator chart formats, to name a few. In addition, Fugawi Marine ENC supports Google Earth and provides enhanced Automatic Identification System (AIS) integration. ENC also supports instant chart updating for users that subscribe to the Fugawi X-Traverse web-based chart data service.

Fugawi Marine ENC software is available for purchase from leading marine and boating stores throughout North America, Europe and Australasia, or directly from the Fugawi website. The new software is a free upgrade for users of Marine ENC version 4.5 or later. The new Navionics chart support without a card reader is only compatible with chips shipped from Navionics after April 2010. For more information visit www.fugawi.com.