I’m thinking of replacing my plotter w/ an 12.9“ IPad

My thoughts are in line with Will's points. Another thing that I can't do well, when it is rough outside, is to use a touch screen. I use a hybrid 7" Garmin for depth, AIS and chartplotter, a separate display for radar and lastly I use my iPad as a backup. I found that the iPad let me look at the bigger picture (chart plotter mode) of the river or bay that I am in, while the primary chartplotter shows me the details of the immediate area that I am in.
 
I've been very happy with the iPad with cellular capability, Navionics app and using Sonar Phone for the depth sounder. The Sonar Phone can communicate via it's own WIFI network with the Navionics app so to have it's own configurable data field on the Navionics display.
 
Sorry I seem to argue this every year, but after a couple years in search and rescue and dealing with marine clients I feel it is an informed opinion.

I agree with a few others that an iPad should only be used as a backup and with an external gps. Yes, some people have success but also a lot of boats run aground when being piloted with phones and tablets. A mdf is hard wired to your battery and depth sounder sonar and works 99% of the time, my Bluetooth headsets after a year or two 70-80% of the time they connect. My iPad crashes and has distracting apps.

An affordable mdf on sale is irreplaceable in my opinion and likely that of anyone in coast guard, boat repair, etc. C-dory Owner’s have 10-100k boats buy a $500 mdf.
 
kaelc":3gkfened said:
Sorry I seem to argue this every year, but after a couple years in search and rescue and dealing with marine clients I feel it is an informed opinion.

I agree with a few others that an iPad should only be used as a backup and with an external gps. Yes, some people have success but also a lot of boats run aground when being piloted with phones and tablets. A mdf is hard wired to your battery and depth sounder sonar and works 99% of the time, my Bluetooth headsets after a year or two 70-80% of the time they connect. My iPad crashes and has distracting apps.

An affordable mdf on sale is irreplaceable in my opinion and likely that of anyone in coast guard, boat repair, etc. C-dory Owner’s have 10-100k boats buy a $500 mdf.
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A reasonable chartplotter costs about the same as an good iPad anyway. However, you'll get a bigger screen for less money with an iPad.
 
In my case I was also looking for a bigger navigation tool for our motorhome. We are going to spend Jan, Feb and March in Mexico. 6000 mile caravan with a small group of other RVers. I wanted something to display road navigation Apps larger than the motorhomes 7" screen. The 12.9" iPad should be ideal. Today I booted it up and was pleased to find that my previously purchased Navionics US and Canada showed up on the new iPad. I'll give it a try on our next trip to Lake Powell.

Anybody know of a good mount for a 12.9" iPad?
 
You might want to consider getting a matte screen protector for the iPad to reduce reflections. Most chart plotters have a matte screen.
 
RAM mounts are quality products. I've used a suction cup mount for an iPad and it never slips or comes loose, even in heavy chop. Amazon has a full selection.
 
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