Navigation: Chartplotter or Tablet+Apps?

[patrick.kuett]

Hi all,

I would be interested in your experience around Navigation Systems on the boat when going on trips to the coastal areas & islands. Are you using Chartplotter/MFD or do you prefer going with a combination of a mobile device + Apps? To those using a Chartplotter/MFD, are you happy with your current set-up or are you missing some features there?

Also are there any Tools/apps you recommend to get additional information for the trip, for example harbour information and current weather?

Cheers,
Patrick

 

[oldgit]

I use a Ipad with Navionics for virtually all my coastal trips.
I would, however ,not leave port under any circumstances without my Raymarine Chartplotter as a backup .
Frequently take along an old laptop loaded with Seaclear,ideal for crawling round shallow muddy creeks and inlets.

 

[Sneds]

Don’t you struggle to see the iPad screen in the daylight?
Navionics is good

 

[oldgit]

Don’t you struggle to see the iPad screen in the daylight?
Navionics is good

Simple solution on the flybridge just mount Ipad in the shade.If calm it just lays on seat beside me .
For those of us with less than perfect eyesight , it can be very useful to pick up the Ipad for a close look at the screen, especially if the sea condition is a bit lumpy.
It might be relevant that the boat is in the UK and sunny days tend not to be a problem that often.
The chart plotter screen on the flybridge can be just as difficult to read.

 

[Alicatt]

you can get sun shades for tablets and iPads, I use one on my Android tablet when flying my drone

Something like this:

 

[paradave]

I use a Ipad with Navionics for virtually all my coastal trips.
I would, however ,not leave port under any circumstances without my Raymarine Chartplotter as a backup .

Exactly the same. I also have paper charts on board in case of complete disaster.

 

[ashtead]

Use the ray marine E series but pair it with the iPad . Use the iPad below to record position on paper in log etc paired with the ray marine. Also track progress on navionics on iPad as needed . At night tend to sit under spray hood using the iPad to read the ais if crossing channel. Also have paper charts of France and CI plus a garmin handheld as a backup just in case of power failures.

 

[oldgit]

you can get sun shades for tablets and iPads, I use one on my Android tablet when flying my drone

Something like this:

Oooo nice ...just been on Ebay and bought one.

 

[Dino]

I find the iPad with Navionics is much easier to use than my Raymarine A95 but I tend to use both. The iPad is great for planning routes in advance of a trip, then I can upload the routes to the A95.
I’m thinking of adding an AIS Tranponder and I’ve spotted the Digital Yacht iAIS TX Plus. It’s a fully featured AIS transponder but it also has a WiFi interface to allow use with tablets, PC’s and phones. Has anyone fitted one of these? Will it work the same as a Raymarine unit?
iAISTX Plus - AIS Transponder with WiFi and NMEA 2000 Interfaces
I spotted on PBO that they are doing 20% off until Christmas with the code AAPYXMAS

 

[Alpha22]

I use iPad with Navionics, sun is OK under wheelshelter. Wouldn't go out without paper backup and second GPS.
The big issue I found that caused problems is in a bouncy sea.... a touch screen is almost impossible to use.... you can't hit the right spot with your finger!!! I'd much prefer a physical button.

 

[Whippersnapper]

I use my Simrad Evo2 MFD but carry an iPad with Navionics for backup and also paper charts. The iPad is mostly used for passage planning along with the charts and the MFD used whilst actually on passage.

 

[rafiki_]

Don’t you struggle to see the iPad screen in the daylight?
Navionics is good

Mine was fine Iain.