Nav apps for iphone

[altinr]

What is the best free or low cost nav app for an iphone?

 

[DavidM]

Aqua Map works well for me. Handles the Active Captain database as well as tides and currents. Only negative is it only has two point distance measuring capability, not multipoint.



David

 

[caltexflanc]

I really like InavX, who pioneered navigation for IOs (now on Android too). I used their MacENC program for planning purposes for many years.

iNavX | Navigate Confidently w/ the #1 Handheld Chartplotter

 

[mvweebles]

Personally, after tinkering with a few apps, I like the ever-popular Navionics for $15/yr. I've tried OpenCPN is a free app that also runs ENC charts, but I find it difficult to get the right level of detail from tweaking the ENC displays for light sectors, bathometric data, etc. I also have iNavX on my phone which is tempting as it apparently has ability to drag-in GRIB weather data, but it has an annoying habit of in-App purchases which brings cost to $30/year. I'm good with Navionics, at least in the US.

 

[SeaBreeze]

I second the Navionics. I use it on my i-Pad and i-Phone. I also have i-NavX but haven't used it much since I bought Navionics. I think it is more functional and works better for my needs.

 

[jleonard]

I also have Navionics.
Recently a friend used his phone to make a track using a non marked channel I have never been thru. He was able to e mail it to me now I have it on my phone.
I thought that was pretty cool never having done that before.

 

[caltexflanc]

Personally, after tinkering with a few apps, I like the ever-popular Navionics for $15/yr. I've tried OpenCPN is a free app that also runs ENC charts, but I find it difficult to get the right level of detail from tweaking the ENC displays for light sectors, bathometric data, etc. I also have iNavX on my phone which is tempting as it apparently has ability to drag-in GRIB weather data, but it has an annoying habit of in-App purchases which brings cost to $30/year. I'm good with Navionics, at least in the US.

InavX only charges you to buy non-NOAA third party charts. No need to here in the USA as far as I'm concerned. Where are you getting the $30 number? Free is good! Plus if you go through all the feature sets, it integrates with all sorts of other devices and instrumentation (admittedly, more practical to do that with an iPad vs phone).

 

[Codger2]

I can't imagine a nav program for the iPhone or iPad being better that the Navionics app. Fuel burn, multiple way points. auto routing, etc. I love my Raymarine MFD but my trusty Navionics Nav program is always with me on my iPhone.

 

[Mikala]

Aqua Map is an outstanding newcomer.

 

[Wayfarer]

Another vote for Navionics. I haven't tried any others, but I haven't felt the need.

 

[Flatswing]

Aqua Map on iPhone: all the Waterways guide and Active Captain info plus for a small upgrade can get the recent USACE charts - very handy if you have 4' draft or more on the AICW!

 

[caltexflanc]

All I cans say is take a look at everything you can do with InavX. I'm not anti-Navionics by any means; our two networked Furuno black box systems on board used Navionics Gold. I have the app as well on my current phone, as InavX wasn't available on Android for some time. I just don't use the Navionics anymore.

 

[Mikala]

Here is a pretty comprehensive article comparing 14 different phone apps.

http://fleetwing.blogspot.com/p/scenario-i-got-late-start-due-to-rain.html?m=1

 

[Mark P]

Well here is my experience with Garmin. Just downloaded the Lakevu US East chart for $199 and the splash page clearly shows Hilton Head island inside the redline showing coverage. Once down loaded the app does not show bouys etc on Hilton Head island. Called Garmin to get refund, they told me to call Google. Called Google they gave me link to Garmin development. I reach out to Garmin map people and they confirmed I bought wrong chart. I needed the US All Coastal that covers major rivers and coast line but not little lakes Garmin wants another $219. You would think that a company that does maps for many things would be a little more in their marketing materials. So if plan to use Garmin be careful what u buy.

 

[cruiserChick]

Another vote for Navionics. A few things I love about Navionics:

1. I can customize how my chart looks using Advanced Features (highlight shallow areas, adjust contour density, select fishing ranges and colors, etc) https://www.navionics.com/usa/charts/features/advanced-map-options

2. Plottersync allows you to transfer routes and markers between app and plotter seamlessly https://www.navionics.com/usa/charts/features/plotter-sync

3. Dock to Dock autorouting which finds a route for me based on my boat draft and even calculates time to destination based on cruising speed and fuel needed based on my fuel consumption (I am able to edit all of those stats so the autorouting is more accurate): https://www.navionics.com/usa/charts/features/dock-to-dock-autorouting

4. Extremely high definition detailed contours (called SonarChart) which makes it super easy to find ledges, anchor spots, drop offs, dive spots and lots more: https://www.navionics.com/usa/charts/features/sonarchart

5. Community Edits allows me to add information to the chart that will help other boaters and can be incorporated into the charts: https://www.navionics.com/usa/charts/features/community-edits