Tablet for Nav Question

[Patman941]

Wanting to purchase a tablet for GPS/Navigation. I’d like to put the Navonics App on it and strictly use the tablet for the boat. Is there a preferred tablet for this application? Trying to avoid hazards in the water and do some night boating. Thanks all.

 

[Ronnie]

I use an iPad mini with 3 or 4 g and WiFi. It does the job well and doubles as a music source sometimes. To get all the performance out of it I have to subscribe to a data plan in addition to purchasing the navionics sibscription. The only downsides are glare caused by the sun makes it hard to read and it over heats quickly when exposed to the sun.

 

[Sidarousmg]

i had the same idea as you and bought an android tablet from Amazon. the issues i found were that the screen is not as bright as i would have liked it to be, and using the automatic navigation on the avionics app was a little slow. if i had to do it again, i would buy a cheap unlocked smart phone (or even a used one) with a large screen. the phone will have much better GPS capabilities, faster processors, and screen should be much brighter in daylight. plenty of 6"+ phones for much less than your average tablet.

 

[mwalker4]

I use my old galaxy s8+ with a small crack and mount it in wireless charging cradle. I also have all my music on it. If I need internet, I wifi tether it to my current smart phone. I update my maps before I leave my garage using my home wifi.

 

[Robconn]

I used a variety of devices before I purchased an IPad. Initially used an I phone, then galaxy. For the iPad I bought a lifeproof case. I have a ram mount that attaches to the windshield post. So no drilling and more mobile. Only issue is with intense sunlight the screen has to be angled in order to see better. Otherwise I use the iPad every time. I also use it with an anchor alarm app in the background while at anchor. I did install a USB port Incase of extended use.

 

[HangOutdoors]

If you have an android phone just use DEX you can transmit to any tablet or a windows pc / tablet if you like. That way you are still only using your phones wireless and don't need another plan.

 

[F.M.]

This

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-tab-a-latest-model-8-32gb-black/6368084.p?skuId=6368084

And a waterproof case from Amazon.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Still working out though how to mount it on my boat with a RAM Mount or other mount, haven't quite figured that out yet how I am gonna do it or if and when.

 

[Robconn]

TACKFORM Universal Tablet Holder Compatible with Stationary Bicycle, Treadmill, Elliptical, Spin Bike, Microphone Stand, and Indoor Exercise Equipment - Compatible All Tablets Including iPad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2P3YFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VSSsFbKNZ7GTB

this is what I bought off Amazon. Not sure if this works for you.

 

[Robconn]

Still working out though how to mount it on my boat with a RAM Mount or other mount, haven't quite figured that out yet how I am gonna do it or if and when.

 

[F.M.]

Ram mount x-grip cupholder tablet mount. Then you can pull mount and all to store it out of the way when you're not using it.

Shop RAM® X-Grip® Tablet Mounts | RAM® Mounts

Shop all RAM® Mounts for RAM® X-Grip® Products. Find products by device and vehicle compatibility. Filter results by part type.

www.rammount.com

 

[F.M.]

Like this

Added a Ram mount cup holder mount for a tablet. Decided if try Navionics App on a tablet for a chartplotter.

View attachment 119196View attachment 119197View attachment 119198

 

[HangOutdoors]

TACKFORM Universal Tablet Holder Compatible with Stationary Bicycle, Treadmill, Elliptical, Spin Bike, Microphone Stand, and Indoor Exercise Equipment - Compatible All Tablets Including iPad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2P3YFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VSSsFbKNZ7GTB

this is what I bought off Amazon. Not sure if this works for you.

Not sure it would my dashboard is different. I think you posted that before and I was eyeballing it then. Really wanted to just try it though.

 

[Ronnie]

Taken today, the tablet is on a spring load tray attached to a ram mount screwed into the dash. I could not find my extensions or suction cup for the phone’s ram x mount but didn’t really need it. Sometimes it’s too much information. Ended up putting it the phone in the cup holder next to the iPad but with the screen facing away from me.

 

[Crob83]

If you have an android phone just use DEX you can transmit to any tablet or a windows pc / tablet if you like. That way you are still only using your phones wireless and don't need another plan.

Some remote lakes do not have much of a signal at all, doesn't matter who your carrier is

 

[HangOutdoors]

Some remote lakes do not have much of a signal at all, doesn't matter who your carrier is

Of course they don't. When I think that I won't have signal i just download the maps locally on my phone.. Navionics makes it a breeze. Best app I have used in a long while.

 

[Crob83]

Of course they don't. When I think that I won't have signal i just download the maps locally on my phone.. Navionics makes it a breeze. Best app I have used in a long while.

Never used it, but I need to since I'll be heading to unknown waters on labor day

 

[HangOutdoors]

@Crob83 For $22 per year.... It is awesome and can't be beat. Also I use the web chart viewer at home behind my computer to review things the day before on the big computer monitor and to check out other areas. Get it, you won't look back.

Navionics Boating App | U.S. & Canada - Lakes, Rivers and Coastal

Navionics Boating app one-year subscription for U.S. & Canada - Lakes, Rivers and Coastal by Garmin - Navionics.

www.navionics.com

 

[Ronnie]

The track function of navionics is great, records and displays a lot of telemetry like: total distance, moving time, total time, top speed, average speed, plus a map reflecting the path you were on for the day. As fate would have it, I forgot to start the track function on my boat ride up the Sacramento River today. Here are screens shots from a trip a few years back.

 

[Crob83]

@Crob83 For $22 per year.... It is awesome and can't be beat. Also I use the web chart viewer at home behind my computer to review things the day before on the big computer monitor and to check out other areas. Get it, you won't look back.

Navionics Boating App | U.S. & Canada - Lakes, Rivers and Coastal

Navionics Boating app one-year subscription for U.S. & Canada - Lakes, Rivers and Coastal by Garmin - Navionics.

www.navionics.com

Ya I'm checking it out now, looks awesome