Connext Nav tutorial

[TomC2021]

Can anyone recommend a online tutorial for the Connext Marine Navigation System? I’d like to learn more info before I play with it on the water.
Thanks

 

[AOkay76]

I know this is old post, but wondering the same thing myself. What is the best way to learn how to use the Connext Nav system?
Also, is there a way or need to upgrade the maps? How does one do this?
Thanks!

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

The best way to is buy a Garmin and forget the Connect one exists.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I know this is old post, but wondering the same thing myself. What is the best way to learn how to use the Connext Nav system?
Also, is there a way or need to upgrade the maps? How does one do this?
Thanks!

Not having one of these systems..I think taking some time on the water and trying the different settings in the menus and reviewing the owners manual would be helpful. I’ve never seen anything on this site talking about upgrading the maps and such.

 

[TommyMcK]

There are, I think, a bunch of different things "Connext Navigation" can mean. The implementation has changed over the past few years, and it depends on the specific Connext screen you have also. On the 23 and 24 model years for XD boats at least, the GPS mapping is really quite nice. Up to date charts with accurate depths, and simple to use. I typically don't define complicated routes or save way points since I'm not much of a fisherman... Navigation using the chart is quite easy though. The system is full featured in terms of routes, waypoints, etc, but it is a bit clunky (though no more than most). The owners' manual does a decent job of describing it. I also have a hand held Garmin and the Wavve app on my phone (so long as I have cell coverage, the Wavve app is much better than the Garmin handheld in my opinion), but I never have need to break them out.

Being new to SW FLA waters, the chart makes picking my way through shallows a piece of cake.

In any case for AOK, there isn't an online resource that I'm aware of, but the owners' manual is a good place to start. Relative to updating the system, I'm sure it's possible. There are some videos on how to do it for waverunners, and I'd bet it's similar (USB drive to a USB port on the back of the Connext). A dealer is probably the best bet in terms of finding a specific answer for your 275.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

There are, I think, a bunch of different things "Connext Navigation" can mean. The implementation has changed over the past few years, and it depends on the specific Connext screen you have also. On the 23 and 24 model years for XD boats at least, the GPS mapping is really quite nice. Up to date charts with accurate depths, and simple to use. I typically don't define complicated routes or save way points since I'm not much of a fisherman... Navigation using the chart is quite easy though. The system is full featured in terms of routes, waypoints, etc, but it is a bit clunky (though no more than most). The owners' manual does a decent job of describing it. I also have a hand held Garmin and the Wavve app on my phone (so long as I have cell coverage, the Wavve app is much better than the Garmin handheld in my opinion), but I never have need to break them out.

Being new to SW FLA waters, the chart makes picking my way through shallows a piece of cake.

In any case for AOK, there isn't an online resource that I'm aware of, but the owners' manual is a good place to start. Relative to updating the system, I'm sure it's possible. There are some videos on how to do it for waverunners, and I'd bet it's similar (USB drive to a USB port on the back of the Connext). A dealer is probably the best bet in terms of finding a specific answer for your 275.

On the 23' and '24 boats, will it do actual route guidance and not just a straight line to a set point? On my '21 I can't even input coordinates.

 

[TommyMcK]

On the 23' and '24 boats, will it do actual route guidance and not just a straight line to a set point? On my '21 I can't even input coordinates.

On the 2023 and 2024 22' and 25' XD boats at least, yes. You can use the map to create waypoints (with the touchscreen) or you can enter them in manually. And you can create routes from the waypoints. A route displays on the map when active. You can also create routes by recording the boats route. Much off the typical stuff... It's by no means a replacement for an integrated GPS / finder / chart plotter like you'd have on an offshore fishing boat, but it works great for general use, and the depth contour map is great.

I don't know if this is enabled with all recent 12' Connext boats, or if some models don't have it enabled...

EDIT: I took a peek at the 2021 252SE owner's manual online, and while not as completely full featured, you can indeed enter waypoints and routes and have them display on the map. It starts on page 80 of the owner's manual.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

On the 2023 and 2024 22' and 25' XD boats at least, yes. You can use the map to create waypoints (with the touchscreen) or you can enter them in manually. And you can create routes from the waypoints. A route displays on the map when active. You can also create routes by recording the boats route. Much off the typical stuff... It's by no means a replacement for an integrated GPS / finder / chart plotter like you'd have on an offshore fishing boat, but it works great for general use, and the depth contour map is great.

I don't know if this is enabled with all recent 12' Connext boats, or if some models don't have it enabled...

EDIT: I took a peek at the 2021 252SE owner's manual online, and while not as completely full featured, you can indeed enter waypoints and routes and have them display on the map. It starts on page 80 of the owner's manual.

Bummer, still crap lol. The maps look nice for sure. The way points are junk, the route is useless in anything other than an open lake or ocean. I would have gladly paid an extra 1-2k if they would have designed it like a true chart plotter.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Bummer, still crap lol. The maps look nice for sure. The way points are junk, the route is useless in anything other than an open lake or ocean. I would have gladly paid an extra 1-2k if they would have designed it like a true chart plotter.

Well, for $1-2K you can add a very nice chart plotter… drober30 is selling his NIB Garmin

SOLD - ** SOLD** For Sale - $1,295 NEW Garmin GPSMAP 943XSV

****SOLD***** I purchased this Garmin GPSMAP 943 for my boat, but sold my boat before installing it. Comes preloaded with Navionics, you can subscribe to the service for annual updates. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/799080 $1,250 plus shipping or local pickup in Grand Blanc, Michigan...

jetboaters.net

 

[lazergeek]

Or for $16 bucks a year you can have the simrad app for your phone or ipad that uses C-Map maps or $50 per year for Navionics. Both have point to point autorouting and free trials

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Well, for $1-2K you can add a very nice chart plotter… drober30 is selling his NIB Garmin

SOLD - ** SOLD** For Sale - $1,295 NEW Garmin GPSMAP 943XSV

****SOLD***** I purchased this Garmin GPSMAP 943 for my boat, but sold my boat before installing it. Comes preloaded with Navionics, you can subscribe to the service for annual updates. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/799080 $1,250 plus shipping or local pickup in Grand Blanc, Michigan...

jetboaters.net

I have a 943 on my boat. Would be nice if the connext did what it does.

 

[TommyMcK]

I have a 943 on my boat. Would be nice if the connext did what it does.

Other than the sonar interface, I think that the Connext on the newer xd boats (at least) is about as good as the 943 for my tastes. I even prefer the charts over Garmin’s navionics charts.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Other than the sonar interface, I think that the Connext on the newer xd boats (at least) is about as good as the 943 for my tastes. I even prefer the charts over Garmin’s navionics charts.

Unless we missed something in conversations, I'd say you're crazy lol.

As far as I know you can't even input coordinates on the context, and the longitude/latitude it displays is not in standard format so you can't share it with others to meet you. Waypoints have to be manually set, either at the location, or by scrolling there by hand, and even then you can only give the waypoint a 3 letter name, like you got the high score in Pacman. Zero route guidance, once you input a waypoint it gives you a straight-line that is next to useless besides general direction. Another huge feature on the 943 (an any standard marine GPS besides connect) is saving breadcrumbs. Maybe connect has this and I missed it or don't remember it. And just general use between the two is vastly different, the 12" is cumbersome to get into menus (like waypoints for ex.) while the Garmin is a breeze, and bonus points for ActiveCaptain.

 

[TommyMcK]

Unless we missed something in conversations, I'd say you're crazy lol.

As far as I know you can't even input coordinates on the context, and the longitude/latitude it displays is not in standard format so you can't share it with others to meet you. Waypoints have to be manually set, either at the location, or by scrolling there by hand, and even then you can only give the waypoint a 3 letter name, like you got the high score in Pacman. Zero route guidance, once you input a waypoint it gives you a straight-line that is next to useless besides general direction. Another huge feature on the 943 (an any standard marine GPS besides connect) is saving breadcrumbs. Maybe connect has this and I missed it or don't remember it. And just general use between the two is vastly different, the 12" is cumbersome to get into menus (like waypoints for ex.) while the Garmin is a breeze, and bonus points for ActiveCaptain.

Wouldn't be the first time and won't be the last time to be accused of that !

I don't share waypoints with others, but I agree that the UI for waypoint naming is silly. Easiest thing to do is to create a track using the map, and that's mainly what I do... The track icon is on the bottom right below the map. You can also use the track record mode to create tracks (breadcrumb mode). While I may indeed be crazy, I've had a 943, and for what I use it for, I'm jiggy with the built-in. If you want to interface with the outside world of sensors, that's a different story.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Wouldn't be the first time and won't be the last time to be accused of that !

I don't share waypoints with others, but I agree that the UI for waypoint naming is silly. Easiest thing to do is to create a track using the map, and that's mainly what I do... The track icon is on the bottom right below the map. You can also use the track record mode to create tracks (breadcrumb mode). While I may indeed be crazy, I've had a 943, and for what I use it for, I'm jiggy with the built-in. If you want to interface with the outside world of sensors, that's a different story.

Yeah for my normal use the connect is fine. Of course I know our ICW so well I can probably go eyes closed let alone needing a nav system lol. Where the 943 really shines is when I take the boat to the keys, or meet up with people for scalloping a few counties north.

 

[lazergeek]

Unless we missed something in conversations, I'd say you're crazy lol.

As far as I know you can't even input coordinates on the context, and the longitude/latitude it displays is not in standard format so you can't share it with others to meet you. Waypoints have to be manually set, either at the location, or by scrolling there by hand, and even then you can only give the waypoint a 3 letter name, like you got the high score in Pacman. Zero route guidance, once you input a waypoint it gives you a straight-line that is next to useless besides general direction. Another huge feature on the 943 (an any standard marine GPS besides connect) is saving breadcrumbs. Maybe connect has this and I missed it or don't remember it. And just general use between the two is vastly different, the 12" is cumbersome to get into menus (like waypoints for ex.) while the Garmin is a breeze, and bonus points for ActiveCaptain.

Also, why would you want to rely on Yamaha for product support that is not going to happen, no updates product, no map updates. At least with a MFP you can download map and firmware updates. Yamaha needs to scrap their experiment with the Connext devices and just output everything to N2k and start using more reliable devices.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Also, why would you want to rely on Yamaha for product support that is not going to happen, no updates product, no map updates. At least with a MFP you can download map and firmware updates. Yamaha needs to scrap their experiment with the Connext devices and just output everything to N2k and start using more reliable devices.

well said. There is nothing unique about the Connext system besides the shape of it. There is a reason high-end boats use common MFDs.

 

[TommyMcK]

I'm not necessarily disagreeing with anything said... My main point though is that folks might come to the conclusion reading this that the Yamaha system is junk based on what the system was a couple of years ago. For many though, with the most recent system, the ability to generate tracks coupled with the actual maps may be more than adequate, and that you don't necessarily need to plan on an extra $1400 plus installation for a 943 to do most of the things you want to do.