iPad as MFD?

J

jmauld

Well-Known Member
Jun 9, 2020
2,844
Carolina Beach
Boat Info
2010 Sundancer 390
2016 Sea Hunt Ultra 211
Engines
Twin 8.1l of gas guzzling iron
Have any of you switched over to an iPad as your primary MFD?

On my trip this weekend, I took one with me as a backup to my old e120. I found myself using navionics on the iPad instead of the same maps on the e120. So much so, that I eventually just used my e120 for a depth reading.

Which has me wondering, why not just build a system around the ipad? This looks doable with existing nmea2000 components. I’ve read that people suggest not relying on a tablet as a navigation tool, but my tablets have all been extremely reliable. Is the unreliability in the wireless gateway or elsewhere? My cabin is well shaded now and lighting was not an issue during this trip.

Note: I don’t fish off this boat so I don’t have any need for a fish finding system. Navigation, and integration into the boat systems (radio, cameras, engine data, etc) are more beneficial to me.
 
Very interested in everyone's input, as I am in the same "boat". The ol' girl is severely lacking in any form of nav aids (apart from the magnetic compass).
 
The two main issues with the iPad are sensitivity to heat, and the inability to see them in direct sunlight. If you can mitigate those two issues, it should be fine. It wouldn't work in my environment, but your naughtage may vary.
 
I use my tablet as a backup to my Garmin 942. I have both running at the same time. I was using Navionics on the tablet, but I now run the Garmin helm app on it instead which just makes a second display from the main unit. That way if I have sun glare on one, I use the other.

I don't know what is available for the iPad connectivity-wise, but I like the radar built in to my navigation...not sure that is possible with an iPad?

I use my tablet also for playing/controlling music on the boat stereo. When I used Navionics on it....I hated fiddling around to pause music or change volume and lose focus on the navigation. Some things should have a purpose and multitasking on it can be a distraction I don't want.
 
In regards to the heat and visibility issue, when I tried to use an iPad on my center console I ran into this issue. But it’s exposed to the sun and once sunlight hits it, it’s game over. Yesterday was 86F with high humidity and it never missed a beat. The difference is that the Sundancer keeps the direct sun off of the display.

The multitasking is a problem I hadn’t really considered. I “think” the split screen capability would take care of that concern. I did notice that anytime I got a notification it seemed to be right as I was approaching a shallow area. If I dedicate an iPad to this then I would have to do a better job of killing notifications.

There are radar units now that are intended to be used with an iPad. They work wirelessly so I don’t know if that would keep you from connecting the iPad to a wireless nmea2000 network at the same time. I also don’t think they will overlay the radar with navionics yet but I would expect that to get updated in future versions. I don’t need radar very often but it will be nice to have when we are taking a ride after dark.
 
jmauld said:
Have any of you switched over to an iPad as your primary MFD?

On my trip this weekend, I took one with me as a backup to my old e120. I found myself using navionics on the iPad instead of the same maps on the e120. So much so, that I eventually just used my e120 for a depth reading.

Which has me wondering, why not just build a system around the ipad? This looks doable with existing nmea2000 components. I’ve read that people suggest not relying on a tablet as a navigation tool, but my tablets have all been extremely reliable. Is the unreliability in the wireless gateway or elsewhere? My cabin is well shaded now and lighting was not an issue during this trip.

Note: I don’t fish off this boat so I don’t have any need for a fish finding system. Navigation, and integration into the boat systems (radio, cameras, engine data, etc) are more beneficial to me.
Click to expand...
I've done this for years on our old 320 and up until this season on our current 420 DB. The Navionics app just provided way more updated info than the older MFD. Primarily used the MFD for depth and radar but did all of the charting and autorouting on the ipad. If you keep it out of the sun, charged and firmly secured I don't see a down side. That being said i just recently upgraded my MFDs and have not touched the ipad since. The integration and wealth of info on the new MFDs are just fantastic.
 
I use an I pad as a backup to Raymarine E-120s. I have it mounted in a shaded area to keep it from over heating. I always run the MFDs however it only takes a few seconds to check for any updates and have them installed on the I pad versus pulling the card out of the MFD............ I also use the I pad as music source/control while underway. I like having backup navigation up and running at all times just in case something should happen, but wait its a boat....those things never happen.
 
Irie308 said:
That being said i just recently upgraded my MFDs and have not touched the ipad since. The integration and wealth of info on the new MFDs are just fantastic.
Click to expand...
That’s actually reassuring to hear. I was afraid of dumping a bunch of money into a new mfd setup and then find myself using an iPad.

Do you have a write up on your new setup?
 
I use Navionics on my Ipad almost exclusively for navigation. I don't believe that even the latest MFD's will give you the level of accurate and continuously updated chart and bottom information that Navionics gives you. I've never had an overheating issue and my Ipad is always easily readable under my hardtop. So I use my c120 for radar and chart backup and the Ipad for primary navigation. Love Navionics!
 
jmauld said:
That’s actually reassuring to hear. I was afraid of dumping a bunch of money into a new mfd setup and then find myself using an iPad.

Do you have a write up on your new setup?
Click to expand...
I went with a hybrid system as I didn't want to rip out the radar and auto pilot at the time. Installed a 12" Axiom and a 12" Garmin. There are likes and dislikes with both after using both for he past few months. Plan was to move to all Garmin but now I'm not sure. For example the Raymarine is a PIA to make quick changes to a route on the fly but i find the accuracy of the dock to dock routing much better than the Garmin. However the auto guidance is much faster at building a route than the raymarine. The usability of the Garmin is easier than the Raymarine however. You are able to jump in and out of different screens without getting lost with the Garmin. For example I can quickly check a camera or the tides with the Garmin without hunting for my previous screens. So for now the jury is still out
 
I also use my iPAD as backup to my C80 with radar. If my C80 dies, its being replaced with a modern proper navigation system. When I am actually navigating on a trip where I need good information, I run both, but would never run with only an iPAD. I have in fact had mine lock out because of heat. More than once, and more than one version of iPAD (I am on my 3rd iteration of iPAD and due to upgrade soon). It happens on hot days when the ipad is in the sun. I would not want that to happen when I am using it for the only source of chartplotting.

I know you said its under cover on a Sundancer, but there will be times when it will be in direct sun because at least in Canada, the sun doesn't stay in one place overhead all day and when I drive my boat, its not in a straight line.

Its a great tool, don't get me wrong. But if you navigate anywhere that it really matters, its much better to have a real chartplotter. Here is a snippet of where I boat. Those shoals are all granite rock:
upload_2021-8-11_9-37-31.png
 
I have Navionichart on my phone, iPad and my Axiom screens. I like to do route planning on the iPad, and download to the chartplotters. Also, you can get the same data updates on your MFD using the iPad to update your card.

No matter where I placed the IPad, eventually the sun would get on it and shut it down. My new S21 phone is very susceptible to heat.

They both work, just if you have a critical navigation area, having the MFD is the right way to go.
 
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I can see why everyone would use this over spending thousands opposed to a hundred or so on the app and updates etc.

I recently brought a boat around from Kent Island MD (Mears) to Ocean City MD, and he had the older un-updated charts on a C series Raymarine 12" plotter. The Raymarine was extremely slow to update etc. then it didn't even have the needed charts (his fault). The Radar was still working and worked well. But we were in extreme fog in the Delaware Bay and needed a little more then just radar (spoiled). The tablet I brought with me as a backup turned out to be the savor and worked flawlessly running the Navionics app.

That said, I would never use it as my primary MFD, I want the integration that only an MFD can provide. Auto Pilot, Radar overlay, Data bars etc. I have the newer Garmin 1243's and would not trade them for anything. Having transported boats in my early days with only a compass, chart(s) and maybe radar, I am spoiled now and rely on the integration aspects the newer MFD(s) can provide. I say this from the aspect of running boats in open water or larger bays etc. If I were primarily running is a large lake (not the great lakes, there open water) or river system I might consider just using a tablet, but even then I would cave and get a newer MFD, yes I am a tech junkie.
 
Back in the "day" when Active Captain was the go to app for tracks and routes in the Bahamas, the Ipad for me was invaluable. My boat at that time (400DA) had the original Raymarine navigational equipment and woefully lacking in detail throughout the Bahamas. I used Active Captain extensively concurrently with the installed equipment to get into those out of the way Cays. But as others have stated it tended to shut down on overheat regularly so I couldn't rely on it for a primary navigational source and I wouldn't recommend it even today. Even though it appears a cost effective solution it lacks the integrity and reliability of a dedicated navigational system. For me not worth the risk.
 
marks737 said:
I use Navionics on my Ipad almost exclusively for navigation. I don't believe that even the latest MFD's will give you the level of accurate and continuously updated chart and bottom information that Navionics gives you. I've never had an overheating issue and my Ipad is always easily readable under my hardtop. So I use my c120 for radar and chart backup and the Ipad for primary navigation. Love Navionics!
Click to expand...

I use Navionics charts on our Axioms and Garmin as well as the Boating app on a new IPad Pro. I use both, although the iPad is primarily for planning routes when away from the boat. Overheating was an issue with the previous iPad (on the 280), as was poor battery life. Heat has not been an issue with the Sabre, hardtop, helm AC and full glass does have its advantages.

Largest issues against using the iPad as a primary navigation device; lack of integration with depth, AIS, and radar. I’ve also added a Yacht Devices wifi gateway as an alternate nmea 2000 engine data display. This works ok except the browser based display does not prevent power save shutdowns from happening. I have found it useful as a portable display when away from the helm.

As TTmott points out, good for back up and information, not so much as main navigation tool.
 
I just installed a Axiom+ 12 and added Navionics for I think $200 which comes with a 1 year subscription. But I don't know how to make routes from home on my Navionics app or computer. It seems you need a separate subscription for the app? I think it's only $25 or whatever it is, but seems annoying after buying the $200 subscription.
 
I too wanted to do this, in the beginning. I also found it’s limitations, screen overheating, freeze ups. I couldn’t afford a new MFD or radar. Then my plotter crapped out. I went to my iPad. It worked for awhile. Then I slowly started to get new equipment. Es9, Quantum radar. Like ZZ wrote, it’s what works for you.

Only one thing I’d like to add, don’t become overly dependent on all these electronic toys of ours. Learn to read a chart and keep one onboard. Learn to plot a simple course. Think of it as continuing education. LOOK UP from the helm, there are things out there that won’t show up on radar or the plotter
 
Great thread. I have a quick question. My iPad does not have the cellular service. Only WiFi. Can I use a Navionics? If not is there an add on I can use? Thx
 
My Girl said:
Great thread. I have a quick question. My iPad does not have the cellular service. Only WiFi. Can I use a Navionics? If not is there an add on I can use? Thx
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Yes. My android tablet is wifi only as well. Connect to wifi, install the apps and then from there you just need location services (gps) enabled.

I connect up my tablet to wifi once in a while to ave it update the charts.
 
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