Which Navionics Plotter?

[andyb28]

Good Evening All,

Every boat I have ever owned has already had a GPS Plotter fitted. So my current boat not having one, gives me a chance to get what I want.
My requirement is fairly simple, I want Navionics on it. All other plotters I have had, require route plotting, rather than end to end navigation that you get from Navionics. So I end up using an iPad.

I believe there are some plotters which have Navionics embedded? As they are owned by Garmin, I guess this is a good starting point. But most of the Garmin devices I have found so far have loads of other stuff I dont need (like fish finder).

Can anyone recommend a good option, needs to be waterproof as its to be fitted in the cockpit of a sail boat.

Many Thanks
Andy

 

[PaulRainbow]

Good Evening All,

Every boat I have ever owned has already had a GPS Plotter fitted. So my current boat not having one, gives me a chance to get what I want.
My requirement is fairly simple, I want Navionics on it. All other plotters I have had, require route plotting, rather than end to end navigation that you get from Navionics. So I end up using an iPad.

If you mean auto routing, just about every modern plotter does that.

I believe there are some plotters which have Navionics embedded? As they are owned by Garmin, I guess this is a good starting point. But most of the Garmin devices I have found so far have loads of other stuff I dont need (like fish finder).

If you don't want features, don't use them. For instance, if you don't want a fish finder, don't fit the transducer. Most modern plotters include fishfinder capabilities, some don't but little difference in price.

Can anyone recommend a good option, needs to be waterproof as its to be fitted in the cockpit of a sail boat.

They are all waterproof.

Take a look at the Garmin Echomap range, some of the models are more basic, just make sure you choose one that supports AIS, in case you want that. Also, most include charts.

 

[dunedin]

Key question is what you need / want to connect with it:
- speed / depth / wind etc?
- AIS?
- radar?
- second linked plotter?
First two are pretty standard stuff. Next two start to need more specific choices.
Navionics runs on quite a few types of plotter, not just Garmin, we have on Raymarine.

I hope you don’t rely entirely on auto-routing, and that you have done some navigation training / qualification.

 

[Refueler]

If what you want is a plotter that runs Navionics ... and you are not looking to have an integrated system ... then such as Onwa and Matsutec can provide good service at a price that can make your wallet smile.
Not only that - but such as Onwa can provide a plotter with built in AIS TX and RX ..... still at a price that wallet will be happy.

I am not connected in anyway commercially to Onwa or Matsutec ... I am a happy user of Onwa .... in fact my Onwa is mounted at nav station on my 38ft with the Garmin UHD 92sv in the cockpit. The Onwa would be happy in cockpit as well - but I chose to install at nav station .. it then feeds out AIS data to my tablet .. my Garmin 92sv .. anyones phone on board etc.

Which do I prefer ? Garmin or Onwa ? Hard to say as both have their advantages over the other ... but if its down to price and having AIS built in - then the Onwa scores.

Maybe have a word with Alan at Aves Marine ... he's the official dealer in UK and nice guy to deal with.

 

[PaulRainbow]

If what you want is a plotter that runs Navionics ... and you are not looking to have an integrated system ... then such as Onwa and Matsutec can provide good service at a price that can make your wallet smile

Do Onwa plotters use Navionics ?

 

[PaulRainbow]

It's worth pointing out to the OP, that just because a plotter uses Navionics charts it does not mean that it will be the same as the Navioincs app'. Functions such as auto-routing etc are a feature of the plotter, not the cartography.

 

[Refueler]

Do Onwa plotters use Navionics ?

Yes ....

ONWA KP-25/27 Series Marine Chartplotters - ONWA Marine Electronics Co. Ltd.

Quote : "

Compatible with K-Chart 2.0, K-Chart 3.0, C-Map Max and Navionics+"

Even my lowly KP-39A has the same Chart compatibility incl Navionics+

But to be honest - the K-Charts have proven to more than good enough .. but that's a personal choice. My Garmin has current subscribed Navionics (Swedish Waters) SD card and a 2024 expired Full Baltic Navionics SD Card ...... plus of course I run Navionics Boating on my tablet ...

 

[Refueler]

It's worth pointing out to the OP, that just because a plotter uses Navionics charts it does not mean that it will be the same as the Navioincs app'. Functions such as auto-routing etc are a feature of the plotter, not the cartography.

Something that many do tend to forget ... fair point ...

 

[vyv_cox]

I have owned relatively recent plotters by Garmin and B&G. At the time the Garmin used their own cartography, the B&G ran Navionics. From the operating point of view the Garmin was vastly superior, easy to use, rarely needing consultation withe manual. Conversely the B&G was perverse and difficult. I had encapsulated sheets of the manual permanently on the chart table.

Worst example for me was changing an activated route. With the Garmin it was simple and intuitive. The B&G did not do what it was supposed to do and I usually found it easier to delete the route and start again, adding in the new waypoint.

A shame really as the Zeus instruments are superb and some of the plotter functions were very good.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Yes ....

ONWA KP-25/27 Series Marine Chartplotters - ONWA Marine Electronics Co. Ltd.

Quote : "

Compatible with K-Chart 2.0, K-Chart 3.0, C-Map Max and Navionics+"

Thanks. The latest KP-27A is very good value as a stand alone unit. 7" KP-27A with AIS Transceiver. Latest model

 

[Refueler]

I have owned relatively recent plotters by Garmin and B&G. At the time the Garmin used their own cartography, the B&G ran Navionics. From the operating point of view the Garmin was vastly superior, easy to use, rarely needing consultation withe manual. Conversely the B&G was perverse and difficult. I had encapsulated sheets of the manual permanently on the chart table.

Worst example for me was changing an activated route. With the Garmin it was simple and intuitive. The B&G did not do what it was supposed to do and I usually found it easier to delete the route and start again, adding in the new waypoint.

A shame really as the Zeus instruments are superb and some of the plotter functions were very good.

I like the garmin size of display and its clarity in the cockpit - BUT I absolutely hate its menu system and that awful convoluted update path it has ...

I have to admit though - the B&G data instruments network I have is the worst I have ever seen ... for over a year - Electronics guys and myself have tried to sort the wind gear ... the depth is unreliable and flicks from crazy to nothing ... while the Garmin quietly carries on with depth shown in corner ...

 

[Alicatt]

I have a Garmin Echomap 95SV plotter, got it for our last boat but never fitted it, so, still have it, it runs Navionics and has pretty much all the functions of the Boating App.

The boat we bought last summer has a Simrad Go9 plotter, also running Navionics (can run C-Map too) it has pretty much all the functions of the Boating App too, where it differs is that it can be used with WiFi for your iPhone-pad/Android device and shares the screen over the WiFi it works a lot better than Garmin's Captain's Mate App.

I have the Garmin on the lower helm and the Simrad on the upper helm where we spend 99.9% of the time.

I installed a 4g / WiFi router for the IP cameras it also allows me to share the Em-Trak AIS and the Go9 uses it directly to surf the net, get updates etc. it means all the nav info is in the one place and easy to use and access, where the Garmin Echomap has a fixed IP that will only link to the Captain's Mate app meaning you have to swap internet connections on the iPhone to get it to update the plotter.

Both the Echomap and the Go9 have bluetooth and will show incoming calls and text messages from your linked phones/tablet

They both do end to end routing but the Go9 does not follow the canals on the inland waterways, the Garmin does, out of preference I use the Waterkaarten App for the inland waterways, it has better routing, a lot more info about what is along the canals, and is updated over the air regularly every day from the notices to mariners about the situations on the canal networks, however it does not do open water/ coastal or sea routing

 

[KompetentKrew]

All other plotters I have had, require route plotting, rather than end to end navigation that you get from Navionics.

C-Map has similar autorouting features as Navonics.

I didn't compare that aspect of the two brands, but I prefer the C-Map symbols.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I have a Garmin Echomap 95SV plotter, got it for our last boat but never fitted it, so, still have it, it runs Navionics and has pretty much all the functions of the Boating App.

The boat we bought last summer has a Simrad Go9 plotter, also running Navionics (can run C-Map too) it has pretty much all the functions of the Boating App too, where it differs is that it can be used with WiFi for your iPhone-pad/Android device and shares the screen over the WiFi it works a lot better than Garmin's Captain's Mate App.

I have the Garmin on the lower helm and the Simrad on the upper helm where we spend 99.9% of the time.

I installed a 4g / WiFi router for the IP cameras it also allows me to share the Em-Trak AIS and the Go9 uses it directly to surf the net, get updates etc. it means all the nav info is in the one place and easy to use and access, where the Garmin Echomap has a fixed IP that will only link to the Captain's Mate app meaning you have to swap internet connections on the iPhone to get it to update the plotter.

Both the Echomap and the Go9 have bluetooth and will show incoming calls and text messages from your linked phones/tablet

They both do end to end routing but the Go9 does not follow the canals on the inland waterways, the Garmin does, out of preference I use the Waterkaarten App for the inland waterways, it has better routing, a lot more info about what is along the canals, and is updated over the air regularly every day from the notices to mariners about the situations on the canal networks, however it does not do open water/ coastal or sea routing

It's worth noting that the Echomap is Garmin budget plotter, the GPSMAP series has a lot more features, but costs more, of course. I have two GPSMAPs on the flybridge, which i can mirror perfectly an a pair of Android tablets at the lower helm.

 

[TSB240]

Good Evening All,

Every boat I have ever owned has already had a GPS Plotter fitted. So my current boat not having one, gives me a chance to get what I want.
My requirement is fairly simple, I want Navionics on it. All other plotters I have had, require route plotting, rather than end to end navigation .So I end up using an iPad.

Can anyone recommend a good option, needs to be waterproof as its to be fitted in the cockpit of a sail boat.

I am about to explore this waterproof motorcycle carplayer tablet. This is now an obvious alternative to waterproofing a standard tablet.
I have a navionics subscriptions for UK and Europe.
Seem to be a good option to explore. Has a bright screen, reflection hood protector, rail clamp and dedicated power inlet always a weakness on "waterproofed" tablets using USB power connection.

Is this a potential low cost alternative to a 7 inch marine taxed chartplotter?

Amazon.co.uk

 

[lustyd]

Since B&G has been mentioned a few times it’s worth mentioning that their latest model doesn’t support Navionics charts. Navico own CMap so presumably they’re trying to bring things in house and have overlooked how popular Navionics charts are.
That said, Garmin have done so much to harm Navionics themselves it’s a close race to the bottom.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I have Navionics maps running on the system below, you can plan using the tablet on the sofa (Navionics App) and then sync over WiFi with the plotters to transfer routes, waypoints etc. which is a nice feature, nicer than being huddled over a cockpit plotter in the rain entering waypoints.
Be aware that to do this you need 2 navionics subscriptions, one for the plotter and one for the mobile device.

Get a plotter with buttons if fitted in the cockpit IMO .... when the boat is tossing around, using a touch screen is a pita - you have one hand on the wheel, one hand to brace, and the boat is heaving around - and then you're expected to pinch and zoom on a touch screen to get your chart magnified? Or hit a little icon to bring up some important information about the ship which is bearing down on you?. I guarantee this will happen at the most inopportune moments, you will miss your target and trigger some other function instead, causing panic as you desperately try to get back to your original display.

Buttons + Touch is perfect IMO, buttons alone are excellent but clunky, but touch alone, not ideal because touch doesn't suit more extreme conditions involving random movement.

The OP didn't mention budget so, ... best budget option IMO ..... (almost bought one for my last boat but sold the boat instead.)

The ONWA KP27-A 7inch with AIS transceiver - 7" KP-27A with AIS Transceiver. Latest model .... unbeatable value IMO. There are WiFi dongles available but not sure it syncs routes etc. with the Navionics App, perhaps @Refueler or @Irish Rover can answer in detail.

Best bells an whistles option IMO, a complete Raymarine system (my winter refit project) with the exception of the AIS as I wanted a separate screen for it ......

 

[Refueler]

I am about to explore this waterproof motorcycle carplayer tablet. This is now an obvious alternative to waterproofing a standard tablet.
I have a navionics subscriptions for UK and Europe.
Seem to be a good option to explore. Has a bright screen, reflection hood protector, rail clamp and dedicated power inlet always a weakness on "waterproofed" tablets using USB power connection.

Is this a potential low cost alternative to a 7 inch marine taxed chartplotter?

Amazon.co.uk

I think the Tablet world is evolving so much that I wonder how much longer dedicated units limited to their proprietary will rule ?

We see Navionics Boating on tablets .. we have various charting apps porting to tablets ... allied with multiplexors appearing on boats - able to integrate various ..

 

[Refueler]

"The ONWA KP27-A 7inch with AIS transceiver - 7" KP-27A with AIS Transceiver. Latest model .... unbeatable value IMO. There are WiFi dongles available but not sure it syncs routes etc. with the Navionics App, perhaps @Refueler or @Irish Rover can answer in detail."

Actually I'm the worst person to ask this ! I still base my transfers of routes etc on GTX files. I provided various files / formats for "GPSUtility" so that ONWA files could be converted.
I should delve into this more ......

On the subject of transfers - one niggle ! Why do Plotters only have one SD card slot ? For a long time I have thought a dual slot would be so much better .. slot A for chart card .. slot B for data transfers such as routes / waypoints etc.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I think the Tablet world is evolving so much that I wonder how much longer dedicated units limited to their proprietary will rule ?

We see Navionics Boating on tablets .. we have various charting apps porting to tablets ... allied with multiplexors appearing on boats - able to integrate various ..

I'm a buttons fanatic for chart plotters fitted in cockpits - my last boat had a buttons only plotter and was clunky to use, the BoatingApp on a tablet is fantastic sitting at a table or on your lap, but standing in a heaving cockpit with the thing in a holder while steering and trying to use a touch screen is not a great user experience.

Interestingly, plotters are adopting Android - Raymarines Lighthouse OS is Android. (and at work we now use Android for in-car infotainment systems) Android is making its way into all sorts of devices, so plotters are leveraging tablet technology (touch screens, connectivity, apps) and wrapping it up in a marine capable package ... the best of both worlds IMO which will allow plotters to compete with tablets in the marine market, offering features a generic tablet can't, like dedicated buttons, rugged waterpoof design, and a reliable OS with modern additions including some robust, wired, integration (radar, 3D sonar) which makes little sense to do in the tablet market. They also provide a bit of a walled garden (software wise) to ensure reliability - download the wrong app to your tablet and you can screw it up, a curated app store means the manufacturer knows everything variation will work properly, because the SW complexity is manageable, and they have tested it on their HW/SW. They don't offer a lot (netflix, weather etc.) but it is proven.

Cheap tablets will always be built to the requirements of mass market mobile devices - ie. used indoors by millions of people for entertainment purposes with a massive diversity of apps.

Rugged, outdoor tablets exist, but they are often just as expensive as plotters.