handheld chartplotter

[Nonchalant1]

I want to use our runabout on Lake Michigan and the rivers, so I want a good handheld chartplotter. Maybe a tablet that works even when out of range of cell signals?

 

[Pascal]

You don’t need cell service to use GPS on a tablet... problem with tablets is readability in the sun and that the screen will get too hot in direct sun lights We often use an iPad mini or an IPhone in the dinghy but make sure it doesn’t sit in the sun too long

 

[Photolomy]

A phone will work without a cell tower, but most tablets (including iPads) must be cellular enabled to have GPS (but you do not need to pay for a cellular plan). All phones have GPS. The Garmin portable GPS days are pretty much over, given how handy a phone or (GPS enabled) tablet with something like Navionics is. I do have a Garmin Quatix watch that can chart plot, but I got it for its ability to show engine readings and anchor drag alarm.

 

[Pascal]

Nowadays I rarely use my iPads. I mostly use my IPhone 11 Pro Max or whatever it’s called with the big screen. Works great in the dinghy.

 

[Freeebird]

Navionics on a smart phone is all you need.

 

[Briankinley2004]

One word of caution when using a mobile device with a touch screen. Sometimes a drop of water getting on the screen can put you in the pan mode and not show your location. Had this happen to me in the fog once. As I tried to figure out what was going on I used my compass and radar to get me in the jetties. It was 3 PM and the fog was still like pea soup. Once I figured out it was the water drop from the fog messing with the pad I wiped it clean and it began to work like a charm again.