Best GPS Apps
 

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good GPS - either phone app or boat mounted system? I dont need fish finding or other features. Just current location, depth if possible, and leaving "cookie crumbs" to retrace my course would be great. Winnipesaukee only and I would prefer not to have to drill into my dash.

Many thanks for any input.

Navionics app or pretty much any GPS today.

I've got a Garmin from just under a decade ago that has been flawless. Since the rocks don't move, it's still perfectly reliable. It's on a Ram mount that needs to be drilled, though.

No drilling? Get one of those magnet or suction cup mounts and Navionics on your phone.

Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk

If you want the simplest, and particularly if you’ve used the Bizer charts and are familiar with them, I recommend the Bizer App. I just use my iPhone/iPad and I know where I am and where I want to go. Although the Garmin app does the same and more, it is a bit less user friendly.

iPad?
 

This discussion came up a few years ago and there was a recommendation for a specific iPad because it had GPS, and the Navionics app could be downloaded. I went to the Apple store to inquire and their advisor knew nothing about an iPad with GPS. We mostly go where we're familiar, and little night time boating now, although we used to do a lot, so never used GPS. Anyway, every once in awhile I think about getting an iPad for the larger presentation and adding the Navionics chart. Any updates?

An iPad with the cellular data option has an imbedded GPS.

Any cellular capable ipad will work well. If you use the Navionics app, it has the capability to download the map locally, so good cell reception/wifi isn't necessary!

Woodsy

Navionics
 

I am pretty sure Navionics was bought out by Garmin…

I love my Navionics chip!

Dan

Navionics has worked great for me on my phone.

Navionics is great but...

How well can you see the phone or iPad screen in bright sunshine?

I like the bright screen on the Garmin plotter/fish finder that I have on my fishing boat.

The model is 74CV.

I believe the model number contains screen size and inland vs coastal waters so some study may be required to get the right one.

From the comfort of well, anywhere, I can use Navionics to plan a course or set waypoints.

From there I send the data to an app called "Active Captain" which serves as an intermediary between Navionics and the Garmin unit.

Then I take my iPad to my fishing boat, establish a connection with the Garmin unit's own wifi and the data transfers instantly.

It's good to have pre planned routes when transiting the rocky coast of New England!

No question that Navionics on a phone is limited compared to an outdoor capable gps or plotter. In my case rather than a dash mount I keep it in my lap or hand when needing to look closely, can see it in bright sun (Galaxy S10). The zoom ability and resolution of the app is impressive, I've never struggled to see a proper route or avoid a hazard. If I was in a single boat all the time I'm sure I'd get something on a mount.

Just an fyi…you can buy the Navionics Micro SD card and insert it in a compatable fish finder / plotter unit. I use this card in my Lowrance unit and its awesome!

Dan

For paid app, get this one.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/i-boat...ps/id994992062

For free one, just use this website.

https://fishing-app.gpsnauticalchart....6089/-71.3430

Well done
 

Helpful first post. Thank you.