Best iPad/tablet holder for boat

S

shortjohnsilver

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I have navionics loaded to my iPad air and wish to mount it at the helm as it's so user friendly. I need to mount it so that it attaches to the bar that's directly behind and close to the compass at the helm position. But it's clear that to mount directly to the bar will both obscure vision of the compass completely and interferes with the compass magnetically. I need to use the bar but with a gooseneck or bar so as to position the iPad six to eight inches above and forward of the compass. In this position there's no magnetic interference and the compass is totally unsecured from the wheel.
I imagine, these days with so many using iPads and their use as plotters there must be a product out there that will enable my needs. I've seen one on Amazon - Arken around £32 but the reviews are somewhat inconsistent. It would be greatly beneficial if you can rotate and adjust the pad in situ when sailing and some reviews say this is difficult.

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions or ideas that would be magic.

Si
 
I use the arken product on a tablet , on a customized SS handrail I made above the compass , the turning point for vertical has no issues and along the horizontal plane there is about20 degree movment either side
It keeps the pad well secured and I have no issues with mine.
It is all plastic so no corrosion issues.
 
I’d say the best holder is the chart-table where we keep ours.

That isn’t trying to be a facetious reply but if you really want a helm based chartplotter (not something we rate hence the chart table) then the iPad is the wrong tool, even waterproofed even under shade most of the time. There are so many much more suitable helm based alternatives.
 
shortjohnsilver said:
I have navionics loaded to my iPad air and wish to mount it at the helm as it's so user friendly. I need to mount it so that it attaches to the bar that's directly behind and close to the compass at the helm position. But it's clear that to mount directly to the bar will both obscure vision of the compass completely and interferes with the compass magnetically. I need to use the bar but with a gooseneck or bar so as to position the iPad six to eight inches above and forward of the compass. In this position there's no magnetic interference and the compass is totally unsecured from the wheel.
I imagine, these days with so many using iPads and their use as plotters there must be a product out there that will enable my needs. I've seen one on Amazon - Arken around £32 but the reviews are somewhat inconsistent. It would be greatly beneficial if you can rotate and adjust the pad in situ when sailing and some reviews say this is difficult.

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions or ideas that would be magic.

Si
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I use a RAM mount for my 8inch tablet. It consists of a U-bolt base onto the stainless bar. Then a ball to ball connector called a double socket arm and finally an X-grip to hold the tablet. Not the cheapest solutions but has worked well for years. Good customer service. Make sure you get a U bolt in stainless. Using an X grip means that you can change which tablet you use

www.ram-mount.co.uk/brand-2/apple-2

No connection, just a happy customer

TudorSailor
 
I use a Ram Mount that was used for sat nav on my GS mated to a cheap, plastic eBay iPad holder.

The Ram Mount is fixed to an inside sprayhood bar so is well sheltered even though the iPad is in a Lifeproof case.

Given the cost of a chart plotter a couple of iPads, cases and mounts is difficult to argue against unless perhaps you are a serious sailor.

....Or like most of us just love lots of lovely toys :giggle:
 
I have an iPad Air using a RAM mount under the sprayhood and therefore not needing a waterproof cover.

Having both an Air3 recently I needed to change the "Easy roller" holder on the RAM mount. RAM didn't have it on their website but I got it from FlightStore instead.
 
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