by erbster » Thu Nov 07, 2019 7:34 am
I’ve used an iPad v4 in a waterproof housing for about 5 years. I like Navionics and use it on every sail. I likewise only sail shortish distances coastally. Do you plan to use your iPad Pro in the cockpit? I don’t want to go down below for nav (I often sail alone). I assume the iPad Pro has a gps chip built in?
Upsides
Inexpensive
Easy to plan passages (tides, distances, etc)
Big screen (I wonder if iPad Pro might be *too* big?)
Has been very reliable
Charts updated automatically
Creates a history of tracks which are also easily uploaded eg export to Google Earth
Easily used away from the boat (planning, reviewing passages, downloading maps, etc)
Downsides
Screen not as bright, so harder to view in strong sun
Can overheat if left in strong sun (mine has shut down on occasion)
Screen is reflective which also makes it harder to see than plotter
Requires good power supply to keep charged over time (fine if always in marinas, but if not, needs good boat battery capacity). I assume the iPad Pro has an all day battery, but charging is a major consideration.
Absolutely useless when the screen is wet. This is a massive liability if things get “lively”
Care needed over how you use it in the cockpit (see above).
More recently I have tended to use my iPhone, which has a large enough screen (just about), has some water resistance without a housing and fits in my pocket, so can be kept dry.
Charles Erb CC19 #86 Aurora
travellingaurora.wordpress.com
Charles Erb
CC86 Aurora
travellingaurora.wordpress.com