Anyone using an App for Android or IPhone?

My_Dinghys_Dinghy

Anyone using the app? Which one is best, easiest to use, etc... plan on doing some open water navigation and the shortest point is definitely not me trying to use compass points.
I have 2 smart phones which both tell me just how stupid I am... 1 a Note 4 and the other an IPhone 6plus.

Cableguy Greg

I have the Navonics app on my iPhone. Unfortunately I haven't been able to use is yet since the boat is still sleeping. It looks cool.

[Deleted User]

Navionics is great as Greg said. However for navigating I have two dedicated GPS systems that are all I use, but I've found other useful boater apps that might be useful to you. I have the Boat U.S. which is good in the event I need a tow. MarinaLife is good for slip and mooring info. TidesNearMe has excellent local tide info.

Need to know if you're on the hook and you're anchor is dragging? I found an excellent free app that alerts you if you are fast asleep and your boat moves outside a preset location. However you might want to explain what it is to your Significant Other before installing it on your phone. The app is called DragQueen!

Andy

My_Dinghys_Dinghy

CG, have you used it yet? and Andy, I have boat US for the tow but are those 2 you list Android or Apple? (Tides near me? Lake Erie has no tide... LOL) see that and realized you're on a coast.

LaRea

I like Navionics and use it as a backup.  BUT:  (sore topic for me)  If you're planning to do real open-water boating, get a real marine navigation system.  

Cell phones are fine if you do all of your boating two miles from home in jolly weather with flat water and sunny blue sky.  If you use your Rinker to its full potential, sooner or later you'll end up being "In The Sh-t" with 30 mph wind, big waves, and water smacking you in the face from every direction.  That's when your need for solid information is greatest, and coincidentally, it's when your cell phone is most likely to crap out.  

Also, the fine motor skills needed to operate a 3" cell phone touch screen will not be available when you have six-foot waves kicking the crap out of you every three seconds.  

In car racing, there is a saying:  it's okay to buy a cheap helmet if you have a cheap head.  I think about nav electronics the same way.  If I had a cheap crew and a cheap boat, I'd use a cell phone for primary navigation.  

Britinusa

I have navionics on the ipad, also i have a wireless fish finder called sonar phone, and sailmaster, gives you speed, heading and a nice incinometer

My_Dinghys_Dinghy

LaRea, Thanks. I agree with that however, rebuilding a project boat and not using anything at this point and also don't have $1000 in the budget for an on board navigation system. While I appreciate also not getting caught in building seas, Lake Erie is pretty  easy to read as far as nasty weather, you get about a 15 minute notice and then you'd better be headed for port.  I am usually not more than 3-4 mile from shore and know all of the 'safe harbors' along the way. I would like to explore Canada and the only way to do that is have something that points me in the right direction and keeps me somewhat on course. 
Hopefully get some time to get at least to Lake St Clair this year as well and I know nothing about that lake. GREAT POINTS and well taken.

l-skynyrd

I use MX Mariner app on my android Samsung Tab 2. Works good. Uses NOAA charts and you get free updates when charts change. My primary GPS is my raymarine radar/GPS unit. App cost $6.99 and no charges after purchase.

Len

Braveheart

 I have iSailor on my Apple tablet. Great app. App is free. You have to pay for the charts. I have charts for Holland and Croatia. Very good on open sea. Also possibility for AIS

golfdog

I have Navionics loaded in my tablet. I works quite well, I also have two GPS/chartplotters installed on the boat. I've compared the tablet to the GPS and there is practically no difference.