And because they download to your iPhone, Android or tablet, you can carry them with you from boat to boat.
Here are our top choices for boat navigation apps:
- Navionics.
- iNavX.
- C-Map.
- SeaPilot.
- iSail GPS.
- KnowWake.
Can I use my phone for boat navigation?
With the best marine navigation apps you can quite literally turn your phone or your tablet into a full-blown chartplotter. That means you have a valuable back-up to the electronics at your helm, and you can carry your tech with you even when aboard small boats with no electrical systems.
Is there a free boat navigation app?
Argo is a FREE easy-to-use navigation and social boating app that helps you find and route to new destinations, share local knowledge, and connect with other boaters.
Is there a Google Maps for boating?
While you can create a personalised map and custom settings, Google Maps doesn’t provide built-in directions for boat routes.
What is the best free marine navigation app? – Related Questions
Is there a marine GPS app?
iNavX. This very popular handheld chartplotter app works on both iOS and Android devices. There’s a small charge to download the app, but then you can download NOAA raster charts for free.
Does Waze work on a boat?
Neither Waze or Google Maps is reliable on water. But these following apps were made to help you navigate better while boating.
Is there a boat GPS?
Boat Beacon
This reliable and affordable boating navigation app is an AIS-based collision detection system available for iPhone and iPad or Android smartphones and tablets.
Can you use Google Maps on the ocean?
Open any web browser on your computer, and go to the Google Maps Ocean View website. View the available Ocean View locations. The underwater locations currently available are displayed on the right panel of your screen. Each of the locations is identified by its name, location, and a thumbnail image.
Does Google Maps show water depth?
Both the web browser version of Google Earth and Google Earth Pro show the water depth under your mouse pointer at the bottom right.
Can I use a car GPS on a boat?
The short answer is “sort of, but not really.” A GPS unit will work anywhere that it can receive satellite transmissions, but an automotive unit will not be programmed with aquatic maps. This means that they provide limited utility on the water as they are not loaded with detailed topography, depth or shoreline maps.
What type of navigation system do boats use?
Styles of Boat GPS Devices
GPS devices come in three different styles: handheld, portable, and dash-mounted. They both have pros and cons for boaters. Most GPS devices rely on information from three satellites, thus the idea of triangulation. There are usually at least 12 to 24 satellites available at any time.
How do I choose a marine GPS?
Boat GPS Size and Display
The size of the GPS unit you select will affect the display size, and may also limit the areas on your boat where it can be installed. The characteristics of the display, contrast, and brightness are essential for you to be able to easily see important navigational information.
Do I need a chartplotter on my boat?
Would having a chartplotter be a good idea? Yes, absolutely. It makes a world of difference while you’re on a marine vessel. I always use them for fishing, and by seeing all the underwater features on a map along with my location, I can plan my trip very well.
What is the difference between a chartplotter and GPS?
What’s the difference between GPS and a chartplotter? The use of a map to show your location. GPS provides your location, but it doesn’t show it on a map. A chartplotter takes the GPS location and places it on top of a map.
Can I use my iPad as a chartplotter?
You can safely use your iPad as a chartplotter.
You can purchase accurate, legitimate nautical charts and integrate applications with external instruments for more accuracy and better information in a single replacement for a chartplotter.
Can I use my iPad as a marine GPS?
There are many marine-navigation apps available for each tablet. Among the most popular are iNavX, Garmin Activecaptain, Navionics, Transas iSailor, Garmin Helm and MX Mariner to name a few. Although there are navigation apps available for both, iPad does have the advantage of supporting a wider range of apps.
Do you need Internet for Navionics?
If you want to use the app without Wi-Fi, all you need to do is download the maps beforehand for the area you are interested in. Charts, GPS location and most features can be used offline. Let’s have a more detailed look at chart layers and some of the main available features.
Does an iPad have a built in GPS?
The iPad with the 3G/cellular option has an embedded GPS. The WiFi only iPads do not have an embedded GPS.
What is the best iPad for Navionics?
Best Tablets for Navionics
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) Although Apple didn’t change the design for 2021, the iPad Pro 12.9 still looks nice.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. Possibly most interesting is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor under the hood.
- Apple iPad Mini (2021)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6.
- Apple iPad Air.
What happened to Navionics?
Navionics was founded in 1984, when Giuseppe Carnevali and Fosco Bianchetti introduced the world’s first marine electronic chart plotter, the Geonav. In 2007, Navionics sold the Geonav product line, to focus solely on the production of electronic charts. On October 27, 2017, Navionics was acquired by Garmin Ltd.