iPad for Navigation

I use an iPad running Navionics, mounted using a Seasucker w/ Ram mount and to be honest with you, it does everything I need on the water FOR THIS BOAT (280DA).

I can see how the screen is mot the brightest in sunlight but having my front valance always on it only takes placing the iPad in the right spot at the right angle.

For the apps and features currently available, screen size and flexibility (take with you for route planning, email, we surfing etc) you just can't beat the price point.

You WILL need a 12v outlet near it, tho


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I also use navionics and a ram mount with Griffen military case. Works great for me and I blue tooth stream all my music. With the cellular service I can also use the Internet when needed.. Very happy with the entire set up for what I do..
Going to add a Blue Seas USB port next so I can get rid of the USB cigarette adapter.
 
As far as the sea sucker mount I have had two failures so far. They replaced one suction cup and I just replaced one pump. Customer service was great. This is the second season with it.
 
I'm using the iPad 2 and yes it has internal GPS. It about 300yards off .. And does not refresh. We're i turn the app on is we're my fix stays till I power off and back on....
 
My complete setup is an iPad 3 with 3G, Lifeproof Nuud case and Seasucker mount.
I chose the ram arm instead of the flex arm for its sturdy positioning.
Ask for Greg at Seasucker and he'll put together a package that suits your setup.
I'm 110% happy with mine!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
As long as you have the wifi+3G model you will have GPS regardless of 3G service. You don't even have to activate your 3G service plan.
Wifi only models require an external GPS antenna.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I use an ipad2 with a Bad Elf GPS unit. I keep the iPad in a Griffin defender case and just rest it on the dash. I have run Navionics and Garmin Blue Charts. I prefer the Garmin charts. I have found the Bad Elf to be very accurate. I haven't had any issues with overheating or the apps locking up. Plotting routes is much faster and active captain is a lot of help. I find that I rarely reference my onboard units now.
 
Nice write up!
Hopefully I'll be able to do it once my son and boat both get a little bigger! ;)

BTW - I downloaded Garmin Blue Chart and although I haven't used on the boat yet, I tried it in my truck and and seems to work better than Navionics, not to mention Active Captain.
Can't wait to test it on the water this weekend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Ok so I have the wifi only model. So I don't have an internal GPS? If not hen why did my iPad come with the map app for driving directions? And why does it show me in my marina on the navionics just on the other side in the parking lot? I dunno I just think I have terrible luck and nothing I own works right lol.
 
Something interesting I've noted comparing apps, Inavx, Garmin, Navionics.....

I'm using the NOAA Charts in iNavx and I update them when I want to go on a route. They are continually being updated. I have charts with dates from a week ago.

When I selected an area on the Garmin digital chart it gave me a print date of Jan. 2006! ?? That can't be right, can it? They are not updating the chart info like NOAA.

Repeat, the same area of navigation, I get a date of June 29 '13 on the NOAA chart on iNavx and Jan '06 on the Garmin Blue Charts.

For the Navionics charts I can't seem to find a date or figure out if you can update them regularly.
 
Xplicitlnck said:
Ok so I have the wifi only model. So I don't have an internal GPS? If not hen why did my iPad come with the map app for driving directions? And why does it show me in my marina on the navionics just on the other side in the parking lot? I dunno I just think I have terrible luck and nothing I own works right lol.
Click to expand...

The wifi iPad uses wifi signals nearby to provide a rough location. Not very reliable.
 
Xplicit, try turning wifi off and then run the Maps app.

You will quickly realize that it won't work. Luckily, a cheap external GPS antenna like the Bad Elf will give you full GPS capability.
http://bad-elf.com/




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Boatguy, I just purchased Garmin BlueChart and it says 2013 maps?
4abadu2e.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Dooley said:
Boatguy, I just purchased Garmin BlueChart and it says 2013 maps?
Click to expand...

Ok, now zoom into a chart area. Get to a normal navigation area. Put your finger on an area of water to have the ring come up. Then select the "..." at the bottom of the ring. Then select the "i" and read what it says about the notes and edition date.

I just DL them too. It's there 2013 data, but I think they are using outdated info. I also can't see how to update it like I can with iNavx.
 
I have BlueChart USCostal V2012.5 and the Florida costal and Bahamas are all 2011 or later. Version 2013 is now available. I don't see a problem in my area.
 
Ha gotcha. That makes sense now. Thanks for clearing that up. Is there a store that sells an external gps? Like best buy or something of the sort. Or do I have to order it?
 
Ok thanks!
I looked and most info in my area is 2010/2011. Still very old data.

Xplicit, before you spend money on the gps antenna...what generation iPad do you have?
1st gen is no longer supported by Apple (no more iOS updates) and I think all pre-retina will soon follow.
My point is, you may be better off buying a newer iPad with GPS built in.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,163
Messages
1,427,599
Members
61,072
Latest member
BoatUtah12
Back
Top