Need help navigating

[Mbrueseke]

We just got a 2020 AR240. I’m using an app to help with depths on phone for charting. So many options out there for a good chart plotter, how do you pick?

 

[Weeb]

I just use navionics on an iPad if p I need it. It depends. On where you boat and if you want a fishfinder.

 

[Bluewater272]

SimRad Go7 is a solid choice, and good size for the 24' boats. If you have a West Marine (or some other marine store) nearby, you can go and play with them all. Kinda like picking a cell phone operating system, all basically do the same thing but have their own nuances.

 

[biglar155]

Yeah, it's all about how YOU naturally navigate.

I started out with an old hand-held Garmin that I loved. I found the navigation intuitive.

Then I bought a small Garmin depth/plotter and I'm not happy with the navigation / menu system. We just don't understand each other.

Also take into account size. I went small thinking about conserving space. 8 years later my old eyes are not happy with that small screen.

 

[WestMIJet]

If you want to start with your phone go with the navionics app. I think it is $14 per year and it is great. I used it for a while before buying my Simrad GO7.

 

[Gunner]

Navionics

 

[Mbrueseke]

Thank you all!

 

[Dixie Highway]

Navionics on a Galaxy Tablet, where else can you get a 10” screen with daily updated maps for $120 plus $20 per year?

 

[212s]

Navionics on a Galaxy Tablet, where else can you get a 10” screen with daily updated maps for $120 plus $20 per year?

Do you find the sunlight glares on the screen or it's not bright enough?

 

[Landmark]

I recently bought a SimRad 7 and installed it using a Ram mount. I was debating about getting an iPad mini verses the SimRad. What sold me on the SimRad was the big buttons and knob for control. It is very nice when bouncing across the water to not have to pinch to zoom. The only thing that I don’t like is the lag time when zooming. I’m using the Navionics marine and lake SD card. When I zoom in and out it takes a few seconds for the map to catch up. Otherwise- it is perfect. It is the right size for the 24ft boat and my aging eyes.

 

[Dixie Highway]

Do you find the sunlight glares on the screen or it's not bright enough?

Not really, only if the sun DIRECTLY reflects on the screen. I purchased a sun shade hood for the tablet but have never found I absolutely needed it.