back up chart plotter

[bluestreak]

We are thinking it would be nice to have a back-up chart plotter on the boat if and when the built-in one decides to stop.
Thinking a tablet or I-pad with navigation software app loaded.
Any suggestions for equipment and software?
I have been looking at the OpenCPN app and it seems like it would do the job.
Thanks,
Bill

 

[Bobby P.]

We've been using an Ipad with Navionics app. It has been serving us well for the last 2 years. It's also great because you can easily plan (and daydream) from home.
Bobby

 

[gswearin]

I use an iPad Pro 12.9, which is bigger and clearer than my plotter. I mounted it next to the plotter and usually have it on a wider view and the plotter on a radar view. Works really well. For the iPad you need a cellular capable device. It doesn't have to have a service, but only the cellular capable have internal GPS. Alternative is a GPS plug in, or an Android tablet. I also have all my manuals loaded on it with a backup to the cloud, so can save some weight in paper!

 

[SJI Sailor]

We use Ipad mini + AquaMaps. Navionics and other nav apps are also good; we just like the simplicity and performance of AquaMaps. Mini vs larger iPad is a matter of preference.

As for GPS on the iPad, we get it from the vessel's own GPS using a Yacht Devices NMEA-WiFi gateway dongle. Also have a BadElf external Bluetooth GPS (how many backups are too many?!). The cellular capable iPads are another option as gswearin notes.

Another nice aspect of iPad (TBH more in theory than practice, i think) is to mirror the helm using ActiveCaptain.

 

[FlyMeAway]

Navionics is increasingly integrating with Garmin, as is Activecaptain. Both are owned by Garmin. I like Navionics.

 

[Kenaithab]

I too am a fan of Navionics on my iPad using a Garmin GLO or, for a more complete backup system, QK-A026 AIS receiver with WiFi & GPS.

 

[bluestreak]

Thanks for all the responses.
I'll have to knuckle down and do more in depth research.
Bill

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

My primary navigation is on an iPad Pro running AquaMaps and Navionics. My Garmin is at 5000 series from 2011 and is only really good at displaying AIS targets, RADAR, and engine/trip data. So, save yourself multiply boat bucks and buy an iPad and you'll be set. I use a RAM mount on the dash and it works great.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

If you decide to use an iPad Pro 12.9, be aware that there is a known flaw in that model that prevents the internal GPS from working reliably. The solution is to use a Bluetooth GPS. I use a Dual 160. It can supply position data to five different devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.

I use several apps for navigation— Navionics, Aqua Maps, SEAiq, and TZ iBoat. Each of the apps has different strengths. I switch between them based on the current navigation situation.

 

[BO-J]

I use IPad 12.9 with SEAiq mapping and the Dual 160 bluetooth GPS

 

[FlyMeAway]

Do you have AIS transmit on your boat? Which system?

One of the nice things about the Vesper Cortex is that it has an independent GPS (as required by AIS) and a built-in NMEA-to-wifi bridge. So you can connect a wifi iPad (no GPS) to the Cortex's wifi network and get GPS, course, speed (as well as AIS) data. The Cortex basically turns any tablet into a very, very full-featured plotter (bring your own chart software).

 

[srhawk454]

I have been looking at the OpenCPN app and it seems like it would do the job.

Yes, OpenCPN will do the job. I use it on my Windows laptop (big screen). I have external GPS receiver with it ($25 on Amazon). I also use Navionics on Samsung S7 which is a-gps and love it for simplicity. However, OpenCPN + separate GPS receiver rules BCDR scenario as it connects to satellite no need for LTE.

 

[bluestreak]

FlyMeAway,
I have the Garmin AIS 800.
I can track the boat using Vessel Finder on my laptop anywhere we are.
The boat is out on a charter presently.

 

[FlyMeAway]

FlyMeAway,
I have the Garmin AIS 800.
I can track the boat using Vessel Finder on my laptop anywhere we are.
The boat is out on a charter presently.

Any AIS will do this, but unfortunately the Garmin won't bridge NMEA to WiFi. For that you need a separate device (usually a few hundred dollars).

The real issue though is that you're kind of in a bind in terms of how to use as a backup. Ideally you want your backup to work when your NMEA2K network goes down. To do that, you need to connect to the NMEA0183 out of your AIS. But unlike the Vesper, I don't think that your Garmin multiplexes and resends data from the NMEA2K bus, and lacks some of the other sensors of the Vesper, so when you do have NMEA2K up and running

You probably need some other hardware, like an NMEA2K multiplexer the WiFi bridge, in order to do that.

This BTW is a great argument for the Vesper Cortex (and I think some of Vesper's other AIS systems do similar, without vessel monitoring). It's not that much more expensive than standalone AIS but combines a bunch of other features including multiplexing and NMEA-to-WiFi gateway, which make it one of the best bargains in boating (although, I suppose that isn't saying much!)

 

[SJI Sailor]

+1 to some kind of GPS backup. BadElf or Dual GPS devices are an easy solution. Or Vesper as noted.

Or maybe the easiest of all: AquaMaps and Navionics are both available for phones. Although I greatly prefer to use the iPad, it's also comforting to know that the phone is a final resort, with built in GPS and three charting apps. (We carry paper charts, too, which are great for planning.)

 

[marksandyham]

I use a Garmin 86sci. I can use it to text friends or look for parts, get weather reports if out of cell range and send SOS if ever I need to. Yes it will set you back $600 and there is a monthly fee. Nice additional feature is my family can see where we are when on an extended cruise.

 

[batate]

On the loop, it's navionics on an iPad. It's always up to date and integrates great with the rest of the stack.

 

[bluestreak]

Thanks for all the inputs, we have decided to go with the iPad and Navionics.

 

[Red Raven]

Thanks for all the inputs, we have decided to go with the iPad and Navionics.

Make sure to get an iPad with cellular/GPS so you can track your location. Otherwise you will need to add a GPS dongle or rely on WiFi location capability which works poorly on a boat. The GPS feature is included with the cellular version but not in the WiFi only version.

Curt

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Make sure to get an iPad with cellular/GPS so you can track your location. Otherwise you will need to add a GPS dongle or rely on WiFi location capability which works poorly on a boat. The GPS feature is included with the cellular version but not in the WiFi only version.

One caveat to the above: The iPad Pro 12.9” cell enabled / GPS models have a known problem that prevents reliable GPS operation. If that problem has been resolved, I haven’t heard about it. I have a 3rd generation iPad Pro 12.9” cell enabled and I use a Dual 160 Bluetooth GPS with it. It provides rock solid position data.