OpenCPN vs qtVlm: Why We Switched
After several years with OpenCPN and a couple of years using qtVlm as our primary navigation software across the Pacific, we're sharing what made us switch, what qtVlm does better, what it doesn't, and who we think it makes sense for.
A quick disclosure: We donate to the qtVlm developer because the desktop version is free and funded by donations. There are no affiliate links in this video, and nobody paid us to say anything about either product.
CHAPTERS
00:51 Our Experience Using OpenCPN for Sailboat Navigation
04:56 What Is qtVlm? Sailboat Navigation Software Explained
05:24 Sailboat Route Planning with PredictWind and LuckGrib
06:03 OpenCPN vs qtVlm: Which Is Better for Cruising?
We talk about the stability problems we ran into after OpenCPN moved to Flatpak, why the plugin system eventually stopped working for us, and what it's like when support depends on individual plugin developers. We'll also cover something that matters to us: OpenCPN has never had an iOS version.
On the qtVlm side, we discuss having everything in one program, setting up instruments, and the Data Exchanger, which lets us push routes and gauge layouts to all the devices on the boat. The tablet version is the full application rather than just a viewer, which has been a big plus for us. We also show how satellite imagery helped us navigate reefs where the official charts turned out to be wrong.
But qtVlm isn't perfect, and there are some real trade-offs. It's not open source, it's developed by a very small company, the interface can feel pretty dense, and the mobile version requires a one-time fee to unlock.
qtVlm: https://www.meltemus.com
OpenCPN: https://opencpn.org
SignalK: https://signalk.org
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Engineers turned sailors Holly and Ray are transforming their Lagoon 42, SV Sabado, into the ultimate off-grid voyager. Explore their New Zealand refit and technical journey.
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