Galaxy Tab for GPS

[NOVABoater]

So I installed a Garmin marine navigation in my last boat, but I was hoping to avoid doing all that with my new boat (2018 Yamaha 242 Limited S e-series). Has anyone used a Galaxy Tab for navigation purposes? The reason that I ask is that I am out on the Potomac a lot and water depths go from 30 feet to less than 1 foot very quickly if your outside of the channel which is why I want charts to see upcoming water depths. I have not even taken the boat out yet since I just picked it up but from what I can tell the built in navigation does not include water depth charts, but correct me if I am wrong.

If you have used a tablet, is there any reason why a setup like this would not work to solve this situation? Also, where did you mount the tablet on boat with the large connect screen and can you share some pictures?

 

[Gunner]

Lots of folks on here have used them. I biggest knock on them is seeing the screen in bright sun.

 

[NeilFSU]

I just bought a galaxy tab pro 10.1 for use with navionics. I will activate att lte service once I get my boat I'm hopeful it will work well with the Bimini top based on the videos and posts I've read.

 

[tabbibus]

For what it is worth, I use my cellphone with Navionics (same app you would have on the Tab) and works just fine.

 

[F.M.]

I use an 8" Galaxy Tab and it works great. No problem seeing the screen. I just set the depth zones up with the colors I wanted and I can easily avoid shallow areas.

 

[AmesJainchill]

I have a Galaxy Tab S6 and it's pretty versatile. I use it primarily for connection to my SiOnyx Sport Cam, but could also put it in DEX mode and have Navionics and the Camera feed display at the same time. RAM Mounts make some good hardware to mount the Tab or a Phone in various configurations. Also, as a side note, I believe you can also update the Yamaha Connext with the Actia version of Navionics with a microsd. Haven't done it yet myself, as the maps that came with the system have so far been sufficient for me with high water level in the lakes, but that might be an option too.

 

[HangOutdoors]

I have a Galaxy tab with S pen and I got a RAM mount. Works fine. What is nice with pen is that I can just pull the pen out and take notes of things I need to do when I think of them on the water. Or snap a picture with it and annotate the picture of the part of the boat I want to do something with. Unfortunately, I only got out once with it before the weather changed and I winterized. Mine does not have the built in Cellular, but I just hot spot my Galaxy Note 9 and it works fine.

 

[Dixemon]

I also have used my galaxy note 10.1 in the past with navionics app. Worked well, with the exception of glare and the occasional salt spray. Although I was always in range of cellular service, i never used it offline so to speak.

 

[NOVABoater]

I just bought a galaxy tab pro 10.1 for use with navionics. I will activate att lte service once I get my boat I'm hopeful it will work well with the Bimini top based on the videos and posts I've read.

So you need cellular or wifi connection in order to be able to make the setup work? I was under the impression you could download the charts / maps while your connected and then use them while offline using the built in GPS. I was hoping to not have to purchase the cellular plan with it.

 

[Sidarousmg]

Cellular or wifi connections are NOT required. you can download maps while you are at home and use the tablet without service.

 

[NOVABoater]

Cellular or wifi connections are NOT required. you can download maps while you are at home and use the tablet without service.

Awesome! Thanks for the information.

 

[HangOutdoors]

You can also just Hotspot your phone and connect to tablet as well. If you need to.

 

[NeilFSU]

So you need cellular or wifi connection in order to be able to make the setup work? I was under the impression you could download the charts / maps while your connected and then use them while offline using the built in GPS. I was hoping to not have to purchase the cellular plan with it.

No you do not. I was thinking to activate the service if my phone falls in the water. Lol.

 

[jamesk]

I looked into this last year before purchasing my Garmin 74. I bought a samsung tablet (with GPS was under $200), my understanding was you could download maps then just use the gps feature of the tablet without an internet connection. I prefer the Navionics app over the Garmin interface.....problem for me was the sunlight, I just could not see the Tablet well enough. Returned the tablet to Amazon and installed Garmin 74 unit. Much brighter and easier to see than the tablet but tablet had Navionics app that I really like and was much cheaper then the Garmin option. I also like having a second depth finder/transducer from the Garmin.....still not sure what the best solution is or was. I still have the Navionics app on my phone and use that as well, mostly when I am not on the water.

 

[Wishfull1]

I use a Galaxy Tab A 10", Navionics app and some cheap Amazon suction cup mount. Works great!

 

[VaMarine]

So I installed a Garmin marine navigation in my last boat, but I was hoping to avoid doing all that with my new boat (2018 Yamaha 242 Limited S e-series). Has anyone used a Galaxy Tab for navigation purposes? The reason that I ask is that I am out on the Potomac a lot and water depths go from 30 feet to less than 1 foot very quickly if your outside of the channel which is why I want charts to see upcoming water depths. I have not even taken the boat out yet since I just picked it up but from what I can tell the built in navigation does not include water depth charts, but correct me if I am wrong.

If you have used a tablet, is there any reason why a setup like this would not work to solve this situation? Also, where did you mount the tablet on boat with the large connect screen and can you share some pictures?

@NOVABoater

why are you not using the Navigation/Maps that come with the Boat? I have the same boat (and boat on the lower Potomac, Chesapeake Bay area) and have been able to update the maps in the Connext every year.

On the back side of the dash there is a microSD card, its located under a rubber cover. That card can be removed, plugged into the computer and the maps updated. I think you can pay for a subscription, or just a once update. I dont have pictures and the boats in the shop right now. But I can provide more guidance if you need.

I also use an Ipad with Navionics App (and wifi hotspot from my phone) as a backup to the Connext.