iPad nav software

CurrentSea

CurrentSea

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I had Inavx and now I have Garmin bluecharts. I like the chart quality of the Garmin and the user interface. But the Inavx saved my tracks and displayed them all. Garmen only displays one.

Inavx and the heading indicator coming off the boat and Garmin does not.

I like the weather overlay on the Garmin.

Overall, I am thinking I may go back to Inavx. I downloaded something called skipper and I like that.

What is everyone else using and what do you like or dislike about it?

Thanks.
 
Never used anything but Garmin. Just curious.....why would you want more than one path to the same place displayed?
 
Been using Garmin blue chart and I like it. I only record tracks for "tricky" spots like some cuts and shallow runs in the bahamas where I may come back in conditions when I can't read the water. I save them and load them when I need them. Works well

Otherwise I don't see the point of keeping a bunch of tracks on screen.
 
I guess I get it on the tracks. Makes sense. I keep multiple because I don't always follow same path in the channel.
The heading indicator was nice on Inavx. It helped see where you are headed.
 
I too don't like a bunch of tracks cluttering up my screens.

If you're not happy with the Garmin app, try the one from Navionics.
 
Another vote for Navionics. Personally, I like the way it interfaces with Active Captain better than Garmin Blue Charts.

Bob
 
The active captain interface on the Garmin is pretty good. I don't use that much when I am cruising.
Interesting when I spoke to Garmin about the heading indicator as a suggestion they said their software is for pre trip planning and not for actual navigation. Guess that is a CYA.
 
Garmin probably doesn't want it's $30 app competing with it's own more expensive dedicated navigation hardware and chart software.
 
I used to carry a laptop with nobeltech and a plug in GPS as a redundant plotter system. we now use the navionics Ipad app as a fully redundant back up system.

in practice I've found the Ipad is not fast enough, accurate enough or bright enough to use on the bridge at speed. my guess is the GPS interface is not able to update fast enough or see enough sat data to make this a safe/reliable primary system. at low speed the accuracy improves. based on the accuracy and speed issue, I would not recommend the Ipad as a primary for navigation in anything but open water and low speed.

I did find the ipad was actually very helpful to link to our raymarine chart plotter and act as an additional screen and user interface. it essentially allowed a second person to become an active navigator and the helmsman to focus on steering the boat. very helpful in the Florida keys where there are lots of lobster traps and skinny water.

we still keep paper charts aboard but I have to admit its been a long time since I had to dead reckon and don't miss the exercise.
 
As mentioned I ve been using an iPad with build in GPS in parallel to the furunos. I have never noticed any lag or precision issue on the iPad running Garmin bluecharts vs the furuno although our top cruising speed is slow by small boat standards at 22/23kts. Any change in speed is reflected instantaneously even small like trim tabs adjustments.

I do rely on it quite a bit as the explorer based blue charts are far superior to what we have on the furunos and it is spot on, no delay

The one thing that has changed, about a year ago, is the accuracy at slow speed (around 4 or 5kts). It used to be very accurate, up to a couples of tenth of a knot, which was nice when sailing. Now it hunts around by as much as three quarter of a knot But higher speeds are fine.
 
Hello, I've been using I Sailor on my phone and I Pad. I think it is excellent. This is the first time I've posted on this sight, hopefully I haven't messed anything up.
Roger
 
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