I am trying to decide whether to buy a gps unit for the boat or are there good quality apps for tablets? I haven't bought either but it makes sense to get a tablet(Andriod or Ipad) not sure on which and then I can use it as double duty. Anyone have experience these apps? Are they dependant on cell signal or can you download the latest charts for the area you boat in? We boat mostly in the 1000 Islands, Ontario

Navionics on a droide is what I use. It works awesome. $10 for the app and I have the entire US. Im sure they have a Canada version too.

ive got the the navionics for my iphone it was 15 bucks and that covers all the lakes and coast of north america. u can download the charts so if you dont have cell/data access u can still view the charts. my lowrance chart plotter uses the same navionics charts which makes planning trips much easier

Does this app only use cell signal to triangulate or does it use the phone's gps signal?

^^ Phone's GPS.

Thanks!

OK, idiot here. Where is this Navionics app? I typed it in my Apps on my Mac and in iTunes. Nothing pops up. A search of the web brings up $100 apps. Need a 'push here dummy' button.

Found it for you. Type in marine&lakes USA. It will come up. Navionics is the developer.

Thanks!

Hey Kragar. I use Navionics on a jailbroken Ipad and Iphone (free, including ALL charts). Charts are stored locally on the device, so you don't require data or Wi-Fi on the go. You need the top Ipad though (for real GPS).

Works very well. Only issue can be glare, and heat. An anti-glare waterproof case and mount would be the ticket.

We also use the Ipad as a TV for a bunch of movies (MP4s) in the cuddy at night, plumbed through the boat's stereo. All my Merc service manuals are on there too. And of course you can surf on it.

Can't see buying a chartplotter for any reason (for recreational boating).