iPad navigation

SailingWebGuy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2010

Has anyone used the iPad on their boat yet? If so, will you make it a permanent part of your nav system?

I tried out the Navionics app on my iPhone and it seems pretty sweet.

anoser · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2010

I just wanted to "bump" this up again...I'm also interested in experiences with the iPAD. I do use my iPhone with Navionics today...a bit of a small screen, but better than busting out $500 for a handheld that the only benefit is more accurate GPS speeds.

WhatTheFoley · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2010

I have an iPad 3G 16GB on board. I've used it with iNavX. Seems to be a decent aux chart plotter. I also use Ship Finder for AIS, and another app for tides. I also have a couple weather apps. In general I'm happy with it. My only gripe is that it can be hard to see in direct sunlight. But really what isn’t?

I have plans to integrate it with my boat's electronics/NMEA network eventually. I think that's where it could really shine. I don't see it replacing my chart plotter, as it's not weather proof etc... but I could see it replacing the charting laptop that I carry on longer passages. I would kill to see Coastal Explorer running on the iPad...

Sabreman · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2010

I can't see using a $600+ iPad in the cockpit, but at would be great at the Nav station. I use an iPod Touch with Navionics. I also use GPSNavX on a Mac laptop as my primary Nav. Also have a Garmin which I rarely use.

When moving the boat solo a few weeks ago, I used the iPod Touch. It was great to be able to navigate a twisty channel with glances to my iPod Touch. One problem was that the speed leader changed direction and speed constantly, rendering the speed useless. It's almost like the speed is computed instantaneously vice as an average.