Navigation Outside Of Silent Hunter Software

Hello Skippers,

Note: I am posting in this board, this thread would apply to any SH (I think?). Also, I have done extensive searching on the following without any substantive success. If I had, I would not have posted this thread, eh?
Maybe I'm not using the right search terms?

First, is it possible to only use SH without ever looking at the map and only use external tools like, Encarta, Google Earth, Stellarium, paper & pencil, etc.? Seems this would only work if the SH Map was an accurate representation. Is it? Assuming the SH Map is accurate, then it makes sense this could be done.

I have been searching the forums for weeks and have not yet been successful at making any of the "Real Navigation"-ish mods work with my Steam installations. If anyone knows of any fixes for SH Steam, please advise.

Okay, here is my premise, but I guess the only way to determine if it has merit is to just leave harbor and try it, right? So, that is what I will do, but if anyone can suggest any guidance I have no problem not reinventing the wheel.

I will be posting to this thread as a log of my voyage from Pearl Harbor to Midway. Wish me luck!