This is an increasingly popular solution. I started using PC-based navigation in 2001. Then started using my iPhone/iPad with Navionics. Since the addition of the "auto-route" feature it's evolved to a point where it's my primary planning tool and the PC navigation is redundant and more expensive. I still use Rosepoint Navigation's Coastal Explorer application for more detailed planning. However, the Navionics is just another useful tool in the bag -- the chartplotter and speed/wind/depth displays at the helm are still the hub of "here and now" helming information. Even though I added wireless NMEA capability so I can now display AIS on the Navionics app, the chartplotter display shows better AIS info, and overlays radar too, for a more complete real-time infomations display to augment what we can see around us.I know this probably isn’t popular to the purists but after trying to mess around with slightly older nav tech I just use my iPad. We keep a spare down below and use a weather proof case for it at the pedestal. We also have iPhones which work as backup. We also have the usual Raymarine wind, speed, depth and autopilot stuff.
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