Iphone app for marine navigation and charts?

cb32863 · May 3, 2012

Do a search on that one. Navionics is one that people seem to like. There have been a bagillion threads here and on every other sailing forum in regards to this topic. One thing to consider, what happens if you drop your $400 "Phone" in the water?

justsomeguy · May 3, 2012

Or you're outside of cellphone range?

Gary_H · May 3, 2012

Independent of cell.

justsomeguy said:
Or you're outside of cellphone range?

I'm pretty sure my Android uses the built in GPS and the charts are downloaded locally for the Navionics app and is not dependent on cell coverage. The Iphone may be the same.

justsomeguy · May 3, 2012

Gary_H said:
I'm pretty sure my Android uses the built in GPS and the charts are downloaded locally for the Navionics app and is not dependent on cell coverage. The Iphone may be the same.

That's a plus. I'm still in the dark ages, cellphone and computer-wise.
Then just stay away from North Korea, as they're jamming GPS signals!

Jackdaw · May 3, 2012

Navionics is NOT really a navigation app. It does however show you were you are on a very nice Navionics map. They REALLY want you to use a Raymarine plotter for nav. iNavX is a very good true navigation app. It uses NOAA digital raster maps. Those are free in the great lakes and US coastal areas.

Navionics is the only game in town on island lakes.

Get a lifeproof case for your iphone and its now waterproof.

Tsatzsue · May 3, 2012

Navionics hands down. I run Android but this app is almost everything a chart plotter is and for $10!! I would NOT sail without it. No active phone connection required. I also use Active Captain. With Android you load Nuticharts lite app. Active Captain is overlaid on NOAA Rasta charts. It does not show the path of your vessel or speed like Navionics but has loads of local information. It will show your location as a point on the chart. An internet/cell connection is required but charts can be downloaded for a fee for use when out of range. One more good app is Anchor Watch. Probably the coolest. You set your swing and location and it keeps track and records the data. It will alarm if out of the programmed area and will even send a text to another device notifying of alarm and location of teh vessel. really neat. I now have all three. Not bad for someone who got his first smart phone last year.

justsomeguy · May 3, 2012

Tsatzsue said:
snip- One more good app is Anchor Watch. Probably the coolest. You set your swing and location and it keeps track and records the data. It will alarm if out of the programmed area and will even send a text to another device notifying of alarm and location of teh vessel. really neat. I now have all three. Not bad for someone who got his first smart phone last year.

There's a nice thing to have. I've just purchased a Manson Supreme, which I hope will afford me better rest at night. But still, the alarm app's a good backup.

bria46 · May 3, 2012

I use a Bad Elf GPS module the plugs directly into the connecter on my iPad. It doesn't require 3G or 4G. Just Wi-Fi. This little "plug-in" device doesn't require a monthly fee. On Amazon for 99.95. Great product/Great Price!

cb32863 · May 3, 2012

bria46 said:
I use a Bad Elf GPS module the plugs directly into the connecter on my iPad. It doesn't require 3G or 4G. Just Wi-Fi. This little "plug-in" device doesn't require a monthly fee. On Amazon for 99.95. Great product/Great Price!

Couple of questions -
Why would you need a Wi-Fi connection for the GPS?

Plus this thing is for aviation as they say the iPad's built in GPS does not work well in the air. So if the iPad has GPS already, why would you need to buy this?

Is the iPad GPS that bad?

inarathree · May 3, 2012

You only need the wi-fi connection for the Bad Elf GPS for updates (or any other update for that matter), other than that the Bad Elf GPS is a great add on to an iDevice that doesnt have a built in GPS chip. We first started using it with my daughters iTouch, then on my Gen 1 iPad. Since I also have a Mi-Fi, I didt see the need to spend the extra $ for the GPS/Cell version of the iPad, and wont when I get a newer one later this year.

The newer GPS chips that are in the iPads and iPhone4 are much better for accuracy. I never found that my iPhone 3s was that accurate, but people swear it is. GPS chips in phones are still aGPS which uses a cell signal to get a location quicker, then converts over to GPS. That may be why they arent rated to fly by. The Bad Elf GPS is rated to fly with, so I would guess its good enough to sail by.

FWIW - I use the Navonics app. Its loaded on my iPad, and my iPhone. I also have tried the iSailor app, I am still out on that one. I want to try the PolarNavy app when I upgrade to a iPad gen 3.

justsomeguy · May 3, 2012

bria46 said:
I use a Bad Elf GPS module the plugs directly into the connecter on my iPad. It doesn't require 3G or 4G. Just Wi-Fi. This little "plug-in" device doesn't require a monthly fee. On Amazon for 99.95. Great product/Great Price!

Yep. Just got back from a local big box store, and was dismayed to learn that the GPS on a lot of these devices needs a phone line. If you're out of range, no anchor alarm and other such stuff ...I did officially enter the 21st century, though.

Bought a Acer tablet for browsing these forums from the backyard. This is a technological revolution for us. A few hours on the charger, and I'll find out how revolutionary.

At the moment, I'm sitting at a 19th century desk, typing on a 20th century computer, in the 21st century!

Flyboy69 · May 3, 2012

I use the Iphone app, iSailor. Im on Lake Huron Canadian side. I think the app was free but you pay a small fee for the Great lakes maps. Check it out...

Joe · May 3, 2012

Earth NC

Kordie · May 3, 2012

I found drag queen really good. Has an alarm that you cannot sleep through.

You need to have the iPhone or iPad on charge though. For some reason it uses a lot of power to keep vigilant.

Navionics charts are awesome but not perfect. Didn't show us a very nasty exposed set of islets off the Baja coast. Was a good lesson in not just trusting the gear alone.

Cheers

Simon

justsomeguy · May 3, 2012

Kordie said:
I found drag queen really good. Has an alarm that you cannot sleep through.

You need to have the iPhone or iPad on charge though. For some reason it uses a lot of power to keep vigilant.

Navionics charts are awesome but not perfect. Didn't show us a very nasty exposed set of islets off the Baja coast. Was a good lesson in not just trusting the gear alone.

Cheers

Simon

Yes, no confidence without enough power(and a wi-fi connection).
Got a sidelong glance when I asked about the "Drag Queen" app at the big box store.

justsomeguy · May 3, 2012

The 21st century requires a little more dexterity.

justsomeguy · May 3, 2012

A cat has certainly been thwarted from his usual lap.