What GPS?

[1BadTundra]

I bought a Garmin Stryker 4 Plus for our boat, but after thinking on it, idk if I want a device mounted on the console like that, nor do I want to drill a transducer into my transom. Does anyone use Phone based GPS Apps, Free or Paid? I want to be able to save trip data, and save points on the map.

 

[HangOutdoors]

I use this in addition to my Garmin 93sv as a backup. I used it predominantly before I installed the Chart/Plotter.

Navionics | Mobile App for Boating and Fishing

 

[Robconn]

I use navionics, $15.00 year subscription which further allows using app across 5 devices, my go to is my iPad with cellular and I use my iPhone 7. ( yeah I purposely procrastinate getting more current phone) iPad is attached by Ram mount that clamps to windshield support riser. Use other boating apps simultaneously. However is prone to overheating in direct Sun when temps are high. At anchor, I place a towel on windshield. Or I detach iPad from mount. Hope that helps.

 

[1BadTundra]

This helps a lot, thanks. I don't need a fish finder, nor do I need another hole in my transom for more accessories. While I'd like a stationary unit, I hate add ons that don't have a smooth factory finish. I think an app with a low profile clamp mount may be the ticket.

 

[tabbibus]

Yeah, as above. Navionics is my go to. I have wanted a dedicated Chartplotter for shits and giggles but have not found a real justification for it. My boating is in just one lake and Navionics is plenty for that. I don't fish.

 

[1BadTundra]

Yeah, as above. Navionics is my go to. I have wanted a dedicated Chartplotter for shits and giggles but have not found a real justification for it. My boating is in just one lake and Navionics is plenty for that. I don't fish.

We boat in the Chesapeake Bay, lots of opportunity to get lost out there LoL. We also hit the local lake on lazy days. But I cant justify the drilling to mount on the helm, and the extra holes in the transom. Yes, it sounds petty, but I'm trying to keep it clean.

 

[1BadTundra]

I use navionics, $15.00 year subscription which further allows using app across 5 devices, my go to is my iPad with cellular and I use my iPhone 7. ( yeah I purposely procrastinate getting more current phone) iPad is attached by Ram mount that clamps to windshield support riser. Use other boating apps simultaneously. However is prone to overheating in direct Sun when temps are high. At anchor, I place a towel on windshield. Or I detach iPad from mount. Hope that helps.

I like the size of the ipad. I'm also wondering how well I'll be able to view my phone in direct sun out there

 

[1BadTundra]

On the Navionics website... This looks pretty easy to use and very detailed.

 

[marcham]

+1 for navionics mobile app ... The same annual subscription works on my Android and iOS devices, all my trip plans transfer from one device to the other automatically. I just wish the online chart viewer also allowed for trip planning. The annual fee is very low compared to what it costs to update a dedicated chart plotter.

That being said, drilling holes in the transom is no big deal. For the cockpit, I used a ram mount on the right side which keeps the dash intact. It can easily be re-purposed should the next owner want to do something different.

 

[1BadTundra]

+1 for navionics mobile app ... The same annual subscription works on my Android and iOS devices, all my trip plans transfer from one device to the other automatically. I just wish the online chart viewer also allowed for trip planning. The annual fee is very low compared to what it costs to update a dedicated chart plotter.

That being said, drilling holes in the transom is no big deal. For the cockpit, I used a ram mount on the right side which keeps the dash intact. It can easily be re-purposed should the next owner want to do something different.

View attachment 169648

That doesnt look bad. How would you compare navionics to your Garmin unit there?

 

[tabbibus]

On the Navionics website... This looks pretty easy to use and very detailed.

If I recall, there is a trial period as well. Try out for free. It is damn good software for the price. I'm really surprised they don't charge more.

 

[marcham]

Navionics is a 100 times better .... way more features than the most basic chart plotter. Maps are always up to date, higher screen resolution, community generated content, multi-touch, tap a phone number to contact a marina ...

Something like a Garmin ECHOMAP™ Plus 44cv is probably the smallest you can go with fishfinder and updatable charts. They can be installed without the transducer. In fact, many garmin models can be ordered either with or without a transducer.

One thing that a chart plotter does better is sunlight visibility and better resistance to the elements. If it's raining or there's wind driven spray, the phone gets stowed. Marine electronics are usually IPX7 rated. Even if Samsung or Apple says my phone is water resistant, I wouldn't trust that feature in a marine environment.

 

[1BadTundra]

I think I'll try this before mounting a fixed unit

 

[1BadTundra]

Navionics is a 100 times better .... way more features than the most basic chart plotter. Maps are always up to date, higher screen resolution, community generated content, multi-touch, tap a phone number to contact a marina ...

Something like a Garmin ECHOMAP™ Plus 44cv is probably the smallest you can go with fishfinder and updatable charts. They can be installed without the transducer. In fact, many garmin models can be ordered either with or without a transducer.

One thing that a chart plotter does better is sunlight visibility and better resistance to the elements. If it's raining or there's wind driven spray, the phone gets stowed. Marine electronics are usually IPX7 rated. Even if Samsung or Apple says my phone is water resistant, I wouldn't trust that feature in a marine environment.

You have a point there. That's my only reservation is the weather and water risk

 

[tabbibus]

You have a point there. That's my only reservation is the weather and water risk

Phones now a days are water resistant. I have had no issues with iphone and Pixel phones regarding brightness. Not sure about ipad. I bought a cheap samsung tablet and it was not bright enough, now it is my baby's tablet lol.

 

[RobbieO]

I use this in addition to my Garmin 93sv as a backup. I used it predominantly before I installed the Chart/Plotter.

Navionics | Mobile App for Boating and Fishing

Obviously you have to have a good signal for this to work? I found that on some of the lakes I frequent I get no service. That's why I purchased a VHF radio even though I'm inland. Wish there was a way to connect my iphone to GPS antenna.

 

[Jim_in_Delaware]

For those folks using Navionics, are y'all going to have to upgrade your devices with the IT rollover to 5G?

Jim

 

[tabbibus]

Obviously you have to have a good signal for this to work? I found that on some of the lakes I frequent I get no service. That's why I purchased a VHF radio even though I'm inland. Wish there was a way to connect my iphone to GPS antenna.

No, you download the map before hand. It has worked for me even when data is out. GPS does not need cellphone reception. Try it out by turning off cellular radio and wifi, gps still works

For those folks using Navionics, are y'all going to have to upgrade your devices with the IT rollover to 5G?

Jim

not sure why

 

[Jim_in_Delaware]

I don't know much about Navionics and didn't realize that the GPS on these devices worked without cellphone service. So, it sounds like even with the phone companies discontinuing 3G and 4G LTE service, Navionics would still work on older devices as the maps can be downloaded over wifi at home and would use the GPS when out boating.

I spent a lot of time over at the Trawler Forum before coming here, and even folks with the larger boats seem to like Navionics.

Jim

 

[tabbibus]

I don't know much about Navionics and didn't realize that the GPS on these devices worked without cellphone service. So, it sounds like even with the phone companies discontinuing 3G and 4G LTE service, Navionics would still work on older devices as the maps can be downloaded over wifi at home and would use the GPS when out boating.

I spent a lot of time over at the Trawler Forum before coming here, and even folks with the larger boats seem to like Navionics.

Jim

Not to sidetrack the convo, but... didn't know LTE was going away. When is this happening? 5G still sucks in terms of coverage.