Raymarine C-80 vs iPad for navigation

[skippermalolo]

OK, the consensus seems to be that one can use the iPad air with the free garmin iNav program and garmin blue charts as at least a backup navigator in the Bahamas. My wife seems to believe that the iPad will only work as a GPS when within range of WiFi - which I believe is incorrect ??
I believe I can update the operating system of my Raymarine C-80 and get the most recent Navronics chart update to use as our primary Nav system, since it links to my other instruments and autopilot. I also have a handheld Garmin as a fallback. Your advice has been very helpful. Please feel free to correct any misunderstanding you see in the above. Don

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by skippermalolo

OK, the consensus seems to be that one can use the iPad air with the free garmin iNav program and garmin blue charts as at least a backup navigator in the Bahamas. My wife seems to believe that the iPad will only work as a GPS when within range of WiFi - which I believe is incorrect ??
I believe I can update the operating system of my Raymarine C-80 and get the most recent Navronics chart update to use as our primary Nav system, since it links to my other instruments and autopilot. I also have a handheld Garmin as a fallback. Your advice has been very helpful. Please feel free to correct any misunderstanding you see in the above. Don

iPad air will work as a plotter without wifi or cell coverage.

[a64pilot]

If you chose to use an Ipad as primary nav, get a stand alone GPS for it.
Ocean Girl's experience is not unique, the GPS chip in the Ipad works, just not as well as a standalone GPS does.
Be aware though that Apple of course chose to use a proprietary link to a GPS and only a few will communicate with an Apple product.


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[OnTour]

I use both but can't see the IPad with polarized sunglasses.


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[RolfP]

It helps to put the iPad in portrait for polarization reduction, but still not good in bright sunlight.

[Orion Jim]

I have a C-80 with Navionics as primary with my iPad in a life proof as secondary. I use a Bad Elf GPS puck bluetoothed to my iPad. The puck alone used with paper charts is my tertiary back up.

[ramblinrod]

Originally Posted by skippermalolo

We got a 2008 raymarine c-80 on our boat when we purchased it last year as well as a navronics program for the Bahamas. We're planning an extended cruise to the Exumas this winter with the possibility of extending to the north coast of Cuba in April - June. My wife has a new iPad aire which has a gps and I understand that it can be used along with a vector chart and nav program to stand in the place of the chart plotter for navigation. I have to admit confusion. Can anyone give me some guidance ? I've considered getting an updated Navronics chart for the area to use with the Raymarine. I've also seen NV charts at Landfall Navigation,which offers kits with paper charts, digital charts and nav program for iOS?

A tablet is not a direct substitute to a dedicated chartplotter permanently mounted at the helm.

A dedicated chartplotter is an indispensable tool at the helm, designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, performing in all weather conditions.

A tablet is an indispensable tool that can do a number of things, as well as display charts that may be used for navigation.

The most recent Raymarine MFDs have built-in WIFI so you can upload/download data between the MFD and tablet. This is incredibly useful. You can plan your voyage on the tablet in the comfort and convenience of your salon, and then upload your waypoints to the MFD.

The most recent Raymarine MFDs are also compatible with Jeppesen C-Map electronic charts.

Rod Brandon
Certified Raymarine Installer / Service Provider
www.sheenmarine.com

[stillbuilding]

+1 that IPad is not 100% reliable for navigation.
I have had a few instances where some glitch or another caused it to shut down for some time - always at the least convenient time of course.

One time probably too hot and shut down while following beacons thru tricky section of Sandy Strait. Another tiring to the tricky entrance to the Mary River. A third similar. No known issue- just ceased functioning.

I would definitely use an external GPS device rather than inbuilt.

No surprise in this of course - possibly the same with anything electronic. Always have paper chart too.



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[sy_gilana]

Look at iNavx software and Brookhouse iMux then you can get your ships GPS, Depth Autopilot Wind everything you have on your Ray stuff can be on your iPad. Then you also have a choice of the free charts from NOAA and other less costly charts.

[Finistere]

Originally Posted by OnTour

I use both but can't see the IPad with polarized sunglasses.


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You can if you turn it sideways, landscape view.


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[skippermalolo]

T anks for all the above advice. I'm still confused. I understand that the Garmin Bluechart Mobile app is free and that you can then buy garmin bluecharts on the garmin site to go with it. The garmin site promo video suggests that this set up is great for PLANNING routes and that you can then sync your ipad to a garmin chartplotter and VIEW your progress on the ipad. Can you use the ipad air with it's built in gps functionality with bluechart mobile and a bluechart to navigate - without syncing it to a separate garmin chartplotter ? They aren't clear on this. How does it work ??

[a64pilot]

You can use your IPad or IPhone as a standalone navigator with Blue charts. either works well for this, pay once, install on both.
I think they are a great back up Nav myself.
Don't forget Open CPN either, I have it installed on a Panasonic Toughbook also.
If I get lost, I don't have any excuses.
There is a free piece of Gamin software that is good for planning and you can save to a chip and transfer to their plotters.
Forgotten the name, but it sounds like what your talking about


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