Route and waypoint management: Such data should be easily created within the app with full editing capabilities. Location plotted on a chart: This is the most basic of functions, often with choices of north up or heads up with a chart for your location. There are also apps that will run on Android devices, but there aren’t as many choices on that platform. I then compiled a list of features, including all those listed by the app developers. I purchased 14 mobile navigation apps and installed all of them on my iPad Air 2. I have also included a couple of “helper” apps that warrant review. In this article, I focus on those apps that can fulfill the function of a chartplotter at the helm. There are also apps produced by chartplotter manufacturers that are not designed as replacements, but rather are intended to assist in viewing or managing the chartplotter. iPad and mobile apps have steadily gained capabilities with some offering most of the same features as dedicated chartplotters. Depending on the situation, the cost of a tow could pay for the mobile devices and the app, combined.Īpple’s iPad has been a disrupting force in marine navigation. Compared to a tow, they are cheap, especially if you already own an iPad or iPhone. Review: I evaluated 14 apps that can be used in the scenario presented above. ![]() The cost of the app was peanuts compared to a tow. Along the way I saw a sailboat in the famous shoal by R2 and another one that ignored G1A and G1B that was also aground. I tapped on the route, which then gave me the choice of which app to use and voila! I had a route to follow with 9 MLW! Fernandina was a piece of cake after that. I chose one and saw a route available for download in GPX format. I knew that the passage through the Fernandina shallows was difficult due to all the unmarked shoals so I opened Waterway Explorer with Safari on my iPad and searched for Fernandina. I had just downloaded a new iPad navigation app but with no routes. Scenario: I got a late start due to rain in the morning, so Ann and I rushed everything together and shoved off from the Jacksonville free dock on Sister’s Creek headed to Fernandina. This article provides a detailed overview of the apps with links to additional information embedded throughout. * Mariners tools: VRM, EBL, Mariners Notes, Clearing LinesĬontinued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.Editor’s Note: In this assessment of mobile navigation apps, Waterway Guide contributing editor Bob Sherer (aka Bob423) purchased 14 apps and spent several months on his vessel evaluating each one. * Waypoints, routes, ETA, XTD, speed limits * Supports WiFi based AIS plugs and Portable Pilot Units * Docking aids displaying distance/velocity to wharf fenders * Adheres to IHO S-52 chart display standards * Support for official HO S-57/S-63 marine charts SEAiq Pilot and SEAiq Pilot VPP are the exact same app and differ only in how they are purchased. An in-app purchase is required to permanently upgrade the app, otherwise after the evaluation period only basic chart viewing is supported. All features are available during a 7-day evaluation period. IMPORTANT: For non-pilots, we recommend SEAiq and SEAiq USA. ![]() It includes support for charts in the S-57, S-63, iENC and BSB/KAP formats and use of external NMEA/AIS over WiFi. SEAiq Pilot is designed especially for use by river, channel, and harbor pilots.
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