Iphone: iNavx or Navionics?

[Lazy Daze]

I've had the original iPhone for years, but just recently got the 4. So, now that it has GPS, I was considering buying, well, another "toy", so to say:smt001. And, I'm sure everyone on this forum can relate to "buying toys"! :lol:

I read all the threads I could find on the various navigation software packages available for smartphones, but as with most things electronic, things change very rapidly and what was recommended a year ago, may not be anymore. For example, a year ago it seems that Navionics was $49 for one region. But, now it appears that it is $10 for the entire US (inland, as well). It also appears that updates have been made to address some of the issues I saw in the threads I read (course up, for example).

From what I can tell, Navionics uses their own software and it is vector based (which I like). iNavx uses NOAA, which is raster - very nice looking as it's a pic of a paper chart, but I don't like what happens when you zoom raster charts. I think you can use Navionics charts with iNavx, but then you have to buy them, also.

So, long winded, but to get to my point... I read very excellent reviews and comments about this stuff on threads here at CSR, but most were dated at least a year ago, if not more. Does anyone have more info/comments/reviews on what is currently available? Anyone using the newer versions of these (iNavx or Navionics)

 

[Alegria]

Hi Dennis!

I certainly can relate! Turtle can fill you in on all the charting software for sure as he has both iphone and ipad..

For me I've had and used the Navionics software for two seasons and I really like it over the iNavx software. Seting up routes with Navionics is super simple and I love the fact that the route is always displayed as a black line between waypoints as that makes navigating, as least for me, much more enjoyable.

The iNavx software which I also have will also use the navionics charts too. You have to purchase them from x-traverse.com for an additional fee which I did. Then realized that when I upgraded my phone to the 4 my account expired and I had to upgrade to download the charts I paid for last year. Lame so I don't use iNavx..

I also have Charts and Tides too. I prefer the Navionics product over this one for two reasons. I have gotten used to the charts on the Navionics product and there is still no way to create routes in charts and tides. I do like that charts and tides does sync with activecaptain.com and enjoy that feature. But without routes I really don't use it all that much. I got it on sale in the app store so I really can't complain. Once it has routes I will give it a go again.

I also have Boating Weather. Which for $2.99 will show you the Coastal Water's forecast from NOAA and allow you to save favorites so you can save any forecasts and access them quickly. It displays in a nice format too. It's a bit pricey for taking public info that you can get on your phone's web browser and reformatting it. But it's quick and again I like toys!!!

Take Care and bottom line you can't go wrong with the Navionics software both for function and price.

 

[Pack66Dad]

I have Charts & Tides, Water Map & Navionics on my iPhone. I agree with Algeria, Navionics is the one I always use.

I also have Boat Weather but for me its not accurate enough. I use BuoyData, Windfinder, TideGraph and iGAR to get the weather/tide picture and Boating Suite to track costs and enter log book data.

 

[Turtlesboat]

Navionics is what I use most. iNavx I also use if I want to look at raster charts. This is a new player and it looks interesting but I haven't tried it yet http://earthnc.com/mobile-marine-charts/iphone-marine-charts

[youtube]RFINDLEMwuc[/youtube]

 

[Alegria]

Thanks Turtle! Another toy to look for. Now if Santa brings enough iTunes cards I am set! The $12.99 price is reasonable and the ability to download the charts is nice. But no routes or waypoints yet. Once it gets routes I might spring for it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the guidance.

I actually have ENC on my computer - it's nice to have charts available to be able to view when I'm at home and planning a trip, or "just curious" about various places. They are raster charts, but if heard correctly (in the video link), the chart "info" is actually vector? I'm a little confused about that one.

I think I'll stick with what is "known" to be good. Navionics seems to have a lot of the features of a full blown chartplotter - at least the ones that would be important as a "stand-by unit". Plus you get all the charts you'll need for one price (unless I take a trip across the Atlantic, that is!). Thanks again for the help.