Ipad/kindle navionics in the boat?

Just starting to look into this option instead of spending a grand on a new gps unit with a decent size screen. I now they are making a ram mount for the ipad and with the water proof case I think I will be adding the technology to my boat. Wondering if anyone has done this yet?

I believe there is someone on here with a tiller that has done this. I believe it might have been and Alumacraft.

I will try to search for the post.

FDR

I use my Samsung (android) phone and I just got a ram-style mount for it. Works great and $9.99 vs $300+ for the same functionality in a stand-alone device.

The really cool thing about this route is that you get much more than the standard GPS stand-alone would provide. Weather apps, internet radio, water level info, etc, etc.

IMO, this is the wave of the future. Cutting out the high-cost one trick pony devices and going with multi-function devices where the software is easily updated via the web rather than chasing high-cost chips that are out of date the day after you buy them.

When I get a Kindle Fire upgrade, I’ll switch over to that to get a bigger screen.

Grouse

I do recall a post about this a while back. I figure with the FW going for black friday a kindle fire is only 99$. With the app does it save trails and waypoints?

Here is a link to the Navionics Mobile App Mobile App

And some of the cool upgrades
Upgrades and features

I think you may have been talking about my post.

I used a ram mount to mount my Nexus 10 underneath my depth finder. Yes I can run navionics – but it does not get used for that – more of a media device (movies, weather, music, TV, etc).

I know a buddy went the same route instead of getting a GPS depth finder. He was able to pick up a Nexus 7 after talking to me and it has been working great for him just using the GPS feature with navionics.

Something you have to keep in mind is data. I am currently with T-mobile which does not have a limit on their data so I am able to hotspot to the phone and stream all the data I want for movies, weather, etc. However, I believe most have built in GPS now – so if you are just going to use for GPS you should be fine. But if you want for the other applications on the device – I would figure out a data plan that is going to work for you before picking up a device.

I will tell you that it does keep me on the water longer….if I am in the middle of a movie – im not going in! LOLOL

P.S. Make sure you have a charger onboard for the tablet.

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With the app does it save trails and waypoints?

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Yes, you can save all of this. As with any device, be sure to occasionally back up your waypoints/tracks data.

There are lots of deals out there on tablets. If you happen to be a Sprint wireless customer, they are currently offerint a $125 andriod tablet like the Kindle Fire. The benefit of buying that one is you get unlimited data on the tablet for $5 a month.

I would think other wireless providers would have deals like this from time to time.

Grouse