Digital Yachts NavLink on IPad

[BlueSkyNick]

Just seen a brief article in Aprils YM about this new product.

Did a search o n here but only one thread came up from yesterday.

Has anybody bought and tested it yet?

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Almost two days and zero replies. That must be a record on this forum.

I guess the answer is No, then.

 

[mick]

Almost two days and zero replies. That must be a record on this forum.

I guess the answer is No, then.

I've no idea, but I thought I'd reply so you wouldn't feel ignored.

 

[Colvic Watson]

I've no idea, but I thought I'd reply so you wouldn't feel ignored.

Me too, it looks lonely in here

 

[oldvarnish]

I've had a look at this out of curiosity. It's not for me - can't imagine what I'd do with it.

I'd be interested to hear how the OP might make us of it (genuine enquiry)

 

[chartnavigator]

Just seen a brief article in Aprils YM about this new product.

Has anybody bought and tested it yet?

Yes, I have and have added a new book to my series on how to use iPad nav apps for passage planning. My website 'routelist.co.uk', will lead you to my book on the Apple iBooks Store. Since Digital Yacht was so kind as to provide me with the software free in return for the work I have done on the iBook, I am loathe to publicly say anything negative about the app itself. The charts are very pretty. The response when zooming is very positive. The ruler is smooth and accurate and the size of the data and text is good for those of us that need reading glasses, very clear.

I have only used the app so far for route planning though and Digital Yacht tell me the greatest thing about the app is its ability to interface with other kit aboard your boat using other bits of their kit. I would say that exporting routes to iPhone, iBook etc is remarkably easy. (I guess it would have to be with a name like 'NavLink'). My only gripe, from a passage planning point of view, is the lack of a cursor to plot waypoints easily at stipulated coordinates. (That may come along later in updates), and there is no indication when zoomed out, of hazards you would normally like to know about, even if you are nowhere near them, such as races, over-falls and submerged rocks. The only such charted objects appearing at high zoom seem to be sunken wrecks and depth contours. This does however make for a very uncluttered chart view, which some people prefer.

If you visit my website and follow the links you can download chapter 1 of my book to an iPad FREE! This will give you a better idea of the look and feel of NavLinks. There are dozens of full size screenshots at all zoom levels.

Hope this helps. Regards Chris Medway.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Thanks for the update Chris, having downloaded your book sample and flicked through the pages, I am going to put it on the back burner. With C-map on the boat's chart plotter, three different packages on my old MS laptop, now working on an AppleMac, Navionics on the iPad as well as Imray charts, learning Garmin and and Navlink is a step too far right now !!

 

[chartnavigator]

Navionics on the iPad as well as Imray charts, learning Garmin, Navlink is a step too far right now !!

With Imray for passage planning, (still the best option for planning), and AIS, and Navionics for GPS real time, what need is there for another iPad plotter? I agree.

For those on a tight budget though £19.99 for NavLink + the whole of UK charts, is good value if you can't afford the other apps, £29.99 Imray, £39.99 Navionics with UK charts.

Horses for courses I guess.