ipad chart plotters

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fronsdal

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I am looking to install a chart plotter on my sailboat,
a 40 foot Lerouge cat.

An ipad2 seems perfect, so I should be grateful for some pointers about it:

Who makes the plotting software? (No info at Apple. I like Furono and Garmin)
In case there are several options, can I get one that works with Cmaps?
Can AIS be incorporated?

Many thanks, Chris
 
iNavX - I've used it in the BVi's, the west coast of British Columbia and Mexico!
Works perfectly every time.
But be careful - this tablet is not waterproof, so I wouldn't mount it in the cockpit.
sam :-)
 
I am at the stage of Considerring installing wireless for AIS, as I have a 3G iPad. But does the inavx really work? There has not been much on this on the forum. Also for those who have used the iPad with navionics does the gps drop off as you go offshore and can it cope with bright light conditions?
There must be someone out there pioneering the iPad for serious marine offshore use, would be great to here how it is for them.
 
I have iPad with navionics it works well
yes it is cost effective but I have only used it in familiar waters daylight and as a addition to a the boats plotter and from that it does seem excellent but I have a little doubt if I would choose it instead of built in

The gps works as stand alone without phone signal

I like it but it has draw backs in that it's not waterproof and you would require a 10 amp? Charger most 12v leads are 2amp it takes a little practice to use

Good side is all the other apps you can have

I suppose the one answer is if I was chartering I would take the iPad with me even it had only navionics on it
 
See wifi AIS link to MES.
http://www.mesltd.co.uk/digital-yacht-iais-wireless-receiver-p-12992.html

Waterproofing an iPad couldn't be easier with a couple of cases available. This option enables full functionality and the battery longevity is pretty impressive. I can charge mine through cigarette type socket.
I have a principle MLR gps on board(non chartplotter) which supplies gps to dsc VHF, gps repeater in cockpit, suitable paper charts for any trips we make and nasa AIS at nav table, and Magellan h/h colour 3.5" chrtplotter in the cockpit. Have managed thus far but feel a larger screen which incorporates AIS via wifi on the iPad and inavx would be a powerful combination. Given that iPod, movies, email, photo storage, a world of apps goes with the iPad.
As yet I have not heard or read anyone having done this. Is there anyone who has or knows of someone out there?
I know that the ideal would be to lash out on an AIS chart plotter that could be flexibly mounted at chart table and cockpit but the cost of plotter, chart software and AIS plus all associated plumbing in is a considerable cost.
We are a 32ft yacht that is not planning a circumnavigation any time soon (sadly).
 
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The GPS in the high end iPad is a stand alone unit, so will work anywhere offshore. Adding cellular or Wi-Fi speeds it up -I think!
I use iNavX with their charts - which are in essence Faruno I think, but they are stand alone charts for the iPad which you download into the memory. INavX was $50 (30 pound sterling) the maps for all of North America was another $50. all of South America, Caribbean and Mexico were $80.

I use AyeTidesXL for tide data. It integrates with iNavX so is quite handy. I also have ShipfinderHD which is essentially AIS. This is a stand alone app and doesn't integrate with iNavX.

I bought the iPad specifically for these functions. Now I've got it the other stuff - Internet etc is handy too!

sam :-)
 
I think I'm just about sold on the ipad idea, only thing is, am I better with the 3g version and a contact or if I have the basic version and a seperate mi-fi would it do the same thing. The advantage of the mi-fi is other devices could connect via this?
 
I am 99percent even 100 sure that the you need the version with GPS
This rules out the wifi only
But I think you can buy the IPad without Having a contract
 
I used navionics on the ipad to get around the BVI last November (not the biggest test I grant you) but it was accurate except for one channel where it was out by a few yards. Bright light conditions were tricky but if you can provide some shade to avoid direct sunlight its very readable.
I think it's worth the extra for the 3G version because you don't have the hassle of carrying and charging additional devices.

You also have to have the WiFi +3G version for full gps. Although you don't have to activate the SIM or have a contract for the gps to function.
 
Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, but I couldn't find anything.

Has anybody got an IPad, INavX, Navionics and a Digital Yachts iAI5 hooked up to NMEA lined up and working?

Looking at chart plotters etc, whilst I would love a Furuno kit, I can't help thinking for what I want to use it for the above will be far more value for money. (Getting in and out of harbours mostly!)

Having used my Iphone to navigate into Plymouth and Truro river last year in fog/rain I'm sold on the ease of life the chartplotter will make; however they seem sooooo expensive. I appreciate they are more rugged etc etc, however the cost difference is vast, not to mention all the other functionality that will come with an Ipad.

Much appreciate your thoughts.

Adrian
 
Adrian,

I have a friend who is doing just this.... works perfectly... using iNavX

Even better, he's got his radar throwing out NMEA data on Marpa contacts, and these are also overlayed on the screen

He's also exploring a dedicated device to replicate what the iAIS does, but also add other functionality such as single wire control for things like heating, engine monitoring and even windlass....
 
I waterproof my ipad by keeping it in a ziplock bag. and yes, the touchscreen works throught the plastic, and yes, it has been drench by waves. I also keep it in a silicone skin, to protect against shocks.
 
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