GPS options

[smoker62]

My current boat has a Humminbird GPS / locator built into the dash. I run a Navionics card for better navigating my lake , the problem is the screen size. I cant see chit unless I drop my cheaters down to read the lines.Sucks getting old. I would like to use that one for depth and bottom contours and get a gimbal mounted larger screen dedicated GPS only that will accept a nav card. Is there an option or are you stuck buying a bigger combo unit and not getting the transducer ?

[Drago]

Navionics makes a nice app for the Ipad. That would give you the bigger screen so you might not need the cheaters. I just keep the cheaters on the helm to use with my small Humminbird combo since I have the exact same issue as you.

[Rascal]

I'm using a ipad Air 10 (9.7) inch screen and a Navionics ap. I'm 73 and need a big screen for my old eyes. I've mounted the ipad in a mount that fits into a cup holder to the right of the wheel. This has worked excellent!

The Bimini must be up to read the ipad in the bright FL sun. I also have a Satellite Weather ap that gives real time movement of any storms in the area. This requires a Verison monthly fee ($20). The GPS does not require a fee if you buy a ipad that is GPS enabled.

I have a small (3.5) in dash Humminbird for my depth readings now. I will be replacing this in a few months with a 7" side/down scan fish finder machine that via wifi will send its picture to the larger ipad.

Kind regards,

Rascal

[smoker62]

Hmmm , may be a great option . Wife has the I pad . What do you have to buy ? The app is free but you have to purchase a lake download ??

[Rascal]

Yes, you have to buy a navigation ap. There are several, Garmin and Navionics seem to be the most popular. I paid $50 for the Navionics. I like it a lot.... You down load it like any ap on to the wife's ipad. You also need a way to mount the Ipad to your boat.

I got most of my ipad boating use information from experienced boaters on the "THT" (The Hull Truth) boating forum. Use the "search" system there, input "ipad". You'll get plenty of posts regarding ipad's. If your wife has a ipad that does not have the "GPS" feature it will not work. Unless you buy a plug in GPS for the ipad. They are about $50 to $100 on Amazon. If she has it.... you've lucked out.

Kind regards,

Rascal

[brianD]

I solved this problem quite cheaply. I have sunglasses with Cheaters built in... makes it easy to see the GPS...

[BobL]

What ever happened to the good old days?

Maps, study skills, and some Christopher Columbus attitude!

[brumbyvet]

I solved this problem quite cheaply. I have sunglasses with Cheaters built in... makes it easy to see the GPS...

That's what I use also, not only to see but to keep the wind out of my eyes. With contact lens, the wind is a pain in the azz.