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iPadPro vs ChartPlotter

PostPosted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 3:50 pm
by CliveHJones
I'm reading a lot of good things for an IPadPro loaded with Navionics and Navionics+,
this vs installing a £600 chartplotter that stays in the boat

as I have a 2018 10.5 inch iPadPro why not?
only coastal and estuary sailing, unlikely more than 5km offshore,
but lots of islands off Brittany N, W and S [haven't looked at E yet]

thoughts anyone?

CHJ

Re: iPadPro vs ChartPlotter

PostPosted: Thu Nov 07, 2019 7:34 am
by erbster
I’ve used an iPad v4 in a waterproof housing for about 5 years. I like Navionics and use it on every sail. I likewise only sail shortish distances coastally. Do you plan to use your iPad Pro in the cockpit? I don’t want to go down below for nav (I often sail alone). I assume the iPad Pro has a gps chip built in?

Upsides
Inexpensive
Easy to plan passages (tides, distances, etc)
Big screen (I wonder if iPad Pro might be *too* big?)
Has been very reliable
Charts updated automatically
Creates a history of tracks which are also easily uploaded eg export to Google Earth
Easily used away from the boat (planning, reviewing passages, downloading maps, etc)

Downsides
Screen not as bright, so harder to view in strong sun
Can overheat if left in strong sun (mine has shut down on occasion)
Screen is reflective which also makes it harder to see than plotter
Requires good power supply to keep charged over time (fine if always in marinas, but if not, needs good boat battery capacity). I assume the iPad Pro has an all day battery, but charging is a major consideration.
Absolutely useless when the screen is wet. This is a massive liability if things get “lively”
Care needed over how you use it in the cockpit (see above).

More recently I have tended to use my iPhone, which has a large enough screen (just about), has some water resistance without a housing and fits in my pocket, so can be kept dry.


Charles Erb CC19 #86 Aurora
travellingaurora.wordpress.com

Re: iPadPro vs ChartPlotter

PostPosted: Thu Nov 07, 2019 4:50 pm
by CliveHJones
thanks

it will have waterproof casing and anti-reflection screen [been there done that in the US, SF bay], with a bulkhead mounting ...
yes, gps, so hands free phone as well whilst on board [pro 2018 10.25 inch] ... besides I own it already

should have dual marine battery set up by spring with solar charging [+ have portable battery backup, one full charge]

my iphone is an SE, fine as back up but small screen

day sail and 3day weekender, ¼ berths are excellent

CHJ

Re: iPadPro vs ChartPlotter

PostPosted: Fri Nov 08, 2019 7:33 am
by erbster
Sounds ideal, then!
Post some pics of your setup and screen shots of your journeys, when you’re done. Here’s one of mine from the CC rally this year:

https://boating.page.link/inr7


Charles Erb CC19 #86 Aurora
travellingaurora.wordpress.com