Chart Plotter to run Navionics

robertager1962

robertager1962

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www.sailing-south.com
Hi all. I have now sailed many miles using navionics software and although it does have its annoying faults, I have found it to be an essential bit of kit and wouldn't want to be without it. We have a secondary steering position where I have setup my old android phone to mirror the tablet I have at the helm. It is a very cheap and efficient system, however I would love to have a more marine friendly chartplotter to run the software as the tablet is too dim in the sunshine and too bright at night.
Does anyone know if there is a chart plotter on the market that runs Navionics.
 
Even my old Lowrance 3500 runs Navionics .... my new Onwa runs Navionics .....

The question is not so much what Plotter runs Navionics .... but what Navionics card / format - as many plotters run Navionics. Second - is it to run stand-alone or be fed from your existing system ?

It it can be a stand-alone, occasional use secondary and you do not need large screen .... then what about the small 5" Onwa or similar ? You can even get with AIS Transponder if your existing doesn't have ....
Or a second hand older plotter ??
 
robertager1962 said:
Hi all. I have now sailed many miles using navionics software and although it does have its annoying faults, I have found it to be an essential bit of kit and wouldn't want to be without it. We have a secondary steering position where I have setup my old android phone to mirror the tablet I have at the helm. It is a very cheap and efficient system, however I would love to have a more marine friendly chartplotter to run the software as the tablet is too dim in the sunshine and too bright at night.
Does anyone know if there is a chart plotter on the market that runs Navionics.
Click to expand...
Navionics sell their charts on sd cards that just slot into many MFDs, if memory serves me correct, Navionics is owned by Garmin but will run on most MFDs depending on coverage, it can be quite expensive.
 
If you mean run Navionics like the phone/tablet app, then none. Most chartplotters on the market will run the MFD version of the charts, with features not on the app. As mentioned above, the MFD charts are significantly more expensive than app version.

With many MFDs you can connect a tablet by WiFi and either replicate the display or control the unit depending on the unit/software. This makes it an option to have MFD in cockpit and use tablet below in lower ambient light.
 
Hi all.
Yes sorry I should have made myself a little clearer.
I already have a Raymarine C120 which runs Navionics from a card. This is my backup and also reads my RADAR and Nav instruments but to update the cards is £150, whereas for €29.95 I get to have up to date charts on all my equipment. It's a bit of a no-brainer. It also means I can use the touch screen facilities and auto route function. The C120 is so clanky compared to the tablets.
I have been keeping my eye on the Paperwhite coloured tablets which should be fully sunlight readable, but they are still in their infancy. I do know that www.mapmyharbour.com do sell one, but at over £600 it is a little rich for my blood.
I run all the software independently on my tablet and phone.
 
It always surprises me how much people pay for tablets ......

There are superb high speed / high capacity / full function tablets available on such as Banggood that put iPad and others to shame ...

But anyway ... on the subject of Navionics functions ... pal of mine has full Navionics on his Plotter ... and then has Navionics App on his tablet. I cannot arguer with him - its his baby ... but he says he has full functions on the tablet - same as the plotter, even though its download Navionics for the app.
 
robertager1962 said:
Hi all.
Yes sorry I should have made myself a little clearer.
I already have a Raymarine C120 which runs Navionics from a card. This is my backup and also reads my RADAR and Nav instruments but to update the cards is £150, whereas for €29.95 I get to have up to date charts on all my equipment. It's a bit of a no-brainer. It also means I can use the touch screen facilities and auto route function. The C120 is so clanky compared to the tablets.
I have been keeping my eye on the Paperwhite coloured tablets which should be fully sunlight readable, but they are still in their infancy. I do know that www.mapmyharbour.com do sell one, but at over £600 it is a little rich for my blood.
I run all the software independently on my tablet and phone.
Click to expand...
Why would Navionics sell a £29.95 version that runs on a chart plotter that uses one that sells for £150? They are 2 different markets and 2 different versions. The dedicated chart plotter one has far more features and the Andriod one is a stripped out version. Just the same differentiation that there is between using a tablet and a dedicated marine chart. The tablet will cost between £1-500 and a chart plotter with similar size screen and hugely more functionality, never mind being able to view outside is double that.
 
The Navionics map on the Plotter and the Android Tablet is same map with the same data. I use Navionics on the Plotter and with my Android tablet.....the sd card is much more expensive.....
 
Tranona said:
Why would Navionics sell a £29.95 version that runs on a chart plotter that uses one that sells for £150? They are 2 different markets and 2 different versions. The dedicated chart plotter one has far more features and the Andriod one is a stripped out version. Just the same differentiation that there is between using a tablet and a dedicated marine chart. The tablet will cost between £1-500 and a chart plotter with similar size screen and hugely more functionality, never mind being able to view outside is double that.
Click to expand...
 
The X44 Navionics and the Baltic Android Version same Data. The Android is updated more often since I have an tablet with Internet access. Map data has nothing to do with the purchase price.
How often do Plotter user's update their Plotter sd card. Most sailors which I know keep their Plotter sd cards not updated. The Android Version is usually more often updated....because Email etc. Is also on the tablet....my Android tablet is updated, but the SD card about a year old.....
 
Last edited:
Why do they charge more for a dedicated chart plotter software compared to the android software,
pandos said:
You could use one of these Android built in jobs.

I have one having been inspired by this thread. I have hardly used my real plotters since I installed it.

Bought for a few quid on Amazon, replaced my entertainment radio. Good for Netflix,Prime, Spotify handsfree phone etc...

Looks fantastic. Well done. I will have a good look through your post and see if it is something I may be capable of building
Click to expand...
 
Why not buy a rugged android tablet and use that instead of the phone. I have one built by a firm called Conker which I bought on eBay for £80.

Waterproof, bright display, long battery life. Hardly ever use my main chart plotter now.
 
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