Using iPad/Tablet instead of GPS/Radar? Best marine apps?

radiojon

New Member
Sep 2, 2012
102
Franklin, TN
Boat Info
320 Sundancer 2005
Engines
Mercruiser 350 w/Bravo III Drives
Newbie owner here, about to take delivery of a 2005 320DA that has spent its entire life at a small inland lake. The owner did not purchase the GPS nor Radar options for the boat, but I'm thinking I'd like to add those features at some point (even though I plan to mostly stay inland, as well).

Has anyone opted for using an iPad or Android tablet instead of installing onboard GPS/Radar gear? I've seen several "marine" mounts (like SeaSucker), but I'm wondering if anyone has tried any kind of semi-permanent installation. Seems like a great alternative to spending thousands for permanent gear.

If so, what are the best marine apps for GPS/Radar/etc.??

Thanks!

- Mark
 
Don't know about mounts, but Navionics has a great app for the iPad in HD. It's a bit pricey for an app (like $50), but performs very well and has great graphics.


Shaun
Sent from my iPhone
 
Radar is separate from GPS. There are no consumer tablets, phones or computers that can provide radar. Radar can be used for close in navigation but it also provides the function of obstruction (other boats) avoidance during low visibility operations. Inland lake, probably no use for radar unless you operate in foggy conditions or at night a lot.

As for GPS, I have a dedicated GPS on board but should it ever quit I will quickly replace with a tablet. Just like the fixed mount Garmins and Tom Toms for cars the sales have dropped of dramatically. The tablets and phones do just as well. The only problem is that the Android and Apple apps depend on a 3g/4g connection to actually provide the map/chart needed in the background of the GPS signal. If you are going to be operating in an area without cell coverage look for one of the apps that allow you to preload the chart for your area.
 
You can't see the Ipad screen in direct sunlight. I have the navionics app but only use it as a backup.
 
You can't see the Ipad screen in direct sunlight. I have the navionics app but only use it as a backup.

+1
In addition:

its not waterproof, or even water resistant,
leave it in the sun and it will overheat and lock up,
has limited integration capability, meaning that other displays are necessary, and important features like DSC VHF with automated distress calling are unavailable

If you want a handheld marine GPS, buy a handheld marine GPS. It will probably be cheaper


Henry
 
I have a Toshiba Thrive and Acer a500 (Icona) and use Navionics USA /Canada HD.

It works perfectly. I have a marine GPS thats tied to my VHF for distress.

The navionics does NOT need 3g/4g cell or wifi connectivity to function. (on Droid devices) It does need to be installed from wifi, but runs fine without any connection at all.

What you need to look for is a tablet with a TRUE GPS antenna. A lot of cheaper tablets use wifi or cell towers to pinpoint location, which isnt a pinpoint its a guess. VERY BAD for naviagtion in shallow waters. The tablets usually list in spec's if its a true GPS antenna.

My Thrive and Acer a500, have true GPS and are dead on all the time. The only problem I have had is the Thrive likes to not get a new GPS lock after you have used the application and exited, and restart the app. The whole tablet needs to be restarted. This is not a problem when your using it. You also need to turn the brightness all the way up, but it is visible in direct sunlight. I suggest a 110 v adapter or 12v plug in, but the tablet usually lasts me all day on a full charge.
 
1554f1c955fb5d2c4052ac63c17b819d.jpg


I love my ipad i use it everytime we go out, I use my raymarine for Radar, the app's are great, nav,weather, tides, etc.
they are really making an impact in the boating world. I use the seasucker mount and move it from the helm to cockpit at anchor to control all my music. It is def a great back up to a MFD.
 
Newbie owner here, about to take delivery of a 2005 320DA that has spent its entire life at a small inland lake. The owner did not purchase the GPS nor Radar options for the boat, but I'm thinking I'd like to add those features at some point (even though I plan to mostly stay inland, as well).

Has anyone opted for using an iPad or Android tablet instead of installing onboard GPS/Radar gear? I've seen several "marine" mounts (like SeaSucker), but I'm wondering if anyone has tried any kind of semi-permanent installation. Seems like a great alternative to spending thousands for permanent gear.

If so, what are the best marine apps for GPS/Radar/etc.??

Thanks!

- Mark

Besides the fact that you'll get a lot more out of marine equipment (e.g. reliability and knowledge of using MFD with plotter and radar) you might want to consider the value of your boat during the resale. It's very possible that a 320DA without GPS and/or radar might not even make it on a list of a prospected buyers. There are tons of 320s/340s out there and why would one hassle with the one that's missing vital navigational equipment unless it's VERY cheap.

All new non-marine electronics are doing a great job and I'm also a big fan of them. However, IMO they belong to the category of backup units and cannot replace the true marine units. Just picture couple of simple examples, you're out with on a small trip with family and friends for the day. It's a beautiful sunny day. You get distracted with something and left your ipad on the dash for few hours. It overheats and now you can't use it. What you do now? Or a popup t-storm rolls in and you forgot to cover your ipad, now it's wet and possibly dead for good. How will you get home safely?.......I'm not even including other variables like getting caught in rough seas, poor visibility (heavy fog, rain, night time or combination of all) and heavy boating traffic.

Trust me, I've been in situation where I've lost an MFD on a trip and it's not a good thing. In my case it was a piece of cake, b/c I simply used my 2nd (backup) MFD that's powered up all the time. Otherwise, it might have turned out to be very frustrating experience.

320DA is not a small lake runabout and most people would expect her to be equipped with appropriate electronics to be ready for serious cruising.
 
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Alex, i agree only as s backup ( for now) some good points, however they make a waterproof sleeve for the ipad, and mine has never overheated. As far as buying a boat without Mfd? The op did. thats why he's looking for one. I personally would start with the smaller Garmin units 400-500 series great little units and if youre. not familiar with mfd's they are so user friendly. Just my opinion



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
http://oceanlines.biz/2010/08/heres-why-you-need-an-ipad-on-the-boat/

Here is a good link to some apps of value to the ipad on a boat. I have only used the Marine Day Tides but even it was from shore when I go to Florida and fish from the shore. I use a program called myRadarPro for current weather radar maps (being inland I almost always have connectivity).

I do not have an integral GPS unit on my boat but I have one of the small lake runabouts and have not missed GPS for over a decade on my boats. Although I have a unit on my fishing boat that I used to mark drop offs and fish holding spots.

I am thinking about giving iNavX a go. I would be out about $70 total to get it operational with digitized versions of the army corp maps of the tennessee river.

John
 
I agree with Alex and Havana, get marine electronics. My Ipad has overheated and had to cool off before it would come back on. I keep mine in an OtterBox. Works great. Garmin has easy to use systems and are due to update the line in the near future. I expect Ipad connectivity from them even on smaller units. But what the hell do I know, I can wish though. MM
 
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1554f1c955fb5d2c4052ac63c17b819d.jpg


I love my ipad i use it everytime we go out, I use my raymarine for Radar, the app's are great, nav,weather, tides, etc.
they are really making an impact in the boating world. I use the seasucker mount and move it from the helm to cockpit at anchor to control all my music. It is def a great back up to a MFD.

What SeaSucker mount is that? MM
 
I wouldnt try it. It should be smooth i think, i remove mine from its ( pleather) holder to mount it . I bought it at the boat show last year and saved a few $$$$

Ps, the orange stripes you see on the plungers are indicators that you are loosing suction
 
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They do make a holder that will fit an otter box case perfect. I use it on our boat. Keeping the ipad in the otter box makes it a bit more weather resistant. I can get you the part numbers if your are interested. I brought the same one Turtle uses. Works great.

I do agree, you have to keep it out of direct sunlight as heat is the biggest issue. Glare is not too bad I usually adjust the brightness all the way up, turn off auto lock, and I have an anti glare screen saver on it to reduce it a bit. It is quite usable. But my top is rather low and offers good shade at the helm.
 
I agree only as a backup but Lifeproof makes an IPAD case that is waterproof. My wife has one on her phone and uses it to take underwater pictures at the pool. www.lifeproof.com/
 
They do make a holder that will fit an otter box case perfect. I use it on our boat. Keeping the ipad in the otter box makes it a bit more weather resistant. I can get you the part numbers if your are interested. I brought the same one Turtle uses. Works great.

I do agree, you have to keep it out of direct sunlight as heat is the biggest issue. Glare is not too bad I usually adjust the brightness all the way up, turn off auto lock, and I have an anti glare screen saver on it to reduce it a bit. It is quite usable. But my top is rather low and offers good shade at the helm.

I agree only as a backup but Lifeproof makes an IPAD case that is waterproof. My wife has one on her phone and uses it to take underwater pictures at the pool. www.lifeproof.com/

Thanks for the input from both of you. That lifeproof is cool.

MM
 
I use the Ram mount with suction cup attachment. Inexpensive and works great. Check it out here http://www.rammount.com/

The Navionics app with a Bluetooth GPS are a great combo. The iPad with wifi does not have GPS natively.

What I love about this setup is that I can take my iPad with me to plan or mark fishing spots. The other great part about using the iPad is that it takes great pictures, has great weather radar apps, carries all my tunes, etc.
 
Love the iPad on my boat. Most used piece of equipment. Having said that, I wouldn't choose it over a marine GPS. It would be in addition. Now in my dink I have an old iPhone mounted and its my only nav device, but then I only draw 1' in the dink.
 

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