Chartplotter vs iPad
- Thread starter fred1diver
- Start date
I thought you were wanting advice on which chartplotter would be best.... rather than ipad vs chartplotter. If you want to save money, you can just download Navionics for your Ipad and you're good to go. But... listen... I have a tablet navigation system and I"ve NEVER used it since I got my B&G Vulcan. (except maybe to watch a movie) All you need for your 26 footer is the 7" model and if you look around or keep your eyes peeled for electronic sales you'll find it very affordable.
The newer generation chartplotters do more than just give you nav data. When hooked up Nmea 2k network they will coordinate all your information such as wind and depth data. I have my tiller pilot, wind transducer, depth transducer, vhf radio with AIS receiver (the vessel contacts are displayed on the Chartplotter screen), and I also have my media player connected that can be adjusted from the display.
Do you need all that? Heck no! But it's cool.... and fun... and guess what.... I can see everything clearly from anywhere in the cockpit.. I don't have to squint down under a shade when the sun is out. I can easily control my Simrad tiller pilot with the onscreen display.. it will allow me to steer to a wind angle with data from the masthead wind tranducer or use the true wind function to steer downwind more effectively.
Eventually you're going to want a dedicated chartplotter. Make sure it's a modern unit with N2k features. You won't be sorry.
The newer generation chartplotters do more than just give you nav data. When hooked up Nmea 2k network they will coordinate all your information such as wind and depth data. I have my tiller pilot, wind transducer, depth transducer, vhf radio with AIS receiver (the vessel contacts are displayed on the Chartplotter screen), and I also have my media player connected that can be adjusted from the display.
Do you need all that? Heck no! But it's cool.... and fun... and guess what.... I can see everything clearly from anywhere in the cockpit.. I don't have to squint down under a shade when the sun is out. I can easily control my Simrad tiller pilot with the onscreen display.. it will allow me to steer to a wind angle with data from the masthead wind tranducer or use the true wind function to steer downwind more effectively.
Eventually you're going to want a dedicated chartplotter. Make sure it's a modern unit with N2k features. You won't be sorry.