houseboat nav system

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davew

davew

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looking at installing new MFD on both helms -- what is being used and what do you like about them
 
davew said:
looking at installing new MFD on both helms -- what is being used and what do you like about them
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If you're using it mostly for navigation I'd stick with just Navionics on an iPad. Of course if you're looking for monitoring ship systems, wind, radar, sonar, etc. that won't work.
 
ScottF said:
If you're using it mostly for navigation I'd stick with just Navionics on an iPad. Of course if you're looking for monitoring ship systems, wind, radar, sonar, etc. that won't work.
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Scott-- thanks -- problem is that the current old system has a hole in the helm -- we need something to fill it
 
Scott is right the iPad with Navionics is a great choice. We use iPad only because I already pay for that subscription with my other boat. Being able to set lake level is huge.

We are adding a Garmin 12" gps to the dash of the houseboat. I put in a good transducer already and will be adding the weather station. The 12' is about $3k so it will cost you a fair amount to do both. you also need a GPS antenna to go along with it.

www.garmin.com

Garmin GPSMAP® 1243xsv | Marine Chartplotter

www.garmin.com www.garmin.com

Super nice but a lot more than a iPad. You can buy a flush mount iPad mount to put in the dash. We have a Iport connect Pro system on our houseboat helm. This way we can grab the iPad and use it. We also have Savant on our boat so the iPad is used for music and cameras. Iport is a good solution to mount an iPad.

iPad Charging Cases, Stands & Wall Mounts | IPORT

Explore all iPad stands, holders, and wall mounts to hold, wirelessly charge, and protect iPad.
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Mike
 
Not sure what MFD is but I think a Humminbird Helix with Lakemaster chip map adjusted to current lake elevations is a game changer. You will need a fathometer transducer installed. But that is a Nav system in my book. I have had both Navionics and Humminbird both for a few years. Humminbirds lake level adjusted maps are better than Navionics lake level adjusted in my experience. That said, you can Navionics up and going for 1/10 the price. No real time depth readings with Navionics.
 
One warning if going the iPad route...

When my iPad or iPhone is sitting on the top helm in the sun it overheats and shuts down. Of course this does not happen with the MFD units purpose built for this use.
 
ScottF said:
One warning if going the iPad route...

When my iPad or iPhone is sitting on the top helm in the sun it overheats and shuts down. Of course this does not happen with the MFD units purpose built for this use.
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good point -- another issue with the ipad -- you have to remember to bring it, and remember where it is on the boat --- a fixed unit is always there--- thanks for advice
 
kilojuliett said:
Not sure what MFD is but I think a Humminbird Helix with Lakemaster chip map adjusted to current lake elevations is a game changer. You will need a fathometer transducer installed. But that is a Nav system in my book. I have had both Navionics and Humminbird both for a few years. Humminbirds lake level adjusted maps are better than Navionics lake level adjusted in my experience. That said, you can Navionics up and going for 1/10 the price. No real time depth readings with Navionics.
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thanks for info --- hummingbird on my list to look at ----- MFD is acronym for multi function display
 
davew said:
thanks for info --- hummingbird on my list to look at ----- MFD is acronym for multi function display
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You can network 2 birds together, one at each helm and they will share one transducer but require separate makemaster cards.
 
X-Naut makes an iPad mount that includes cooling fans (it’s actually made for pilots, but works great in a boat). I have both a Humminbird and an iPad mini in my powerboat (I like both; each has different strengths). The X-Naut mount has fixed the overheating issue. You can find them at X-Naut.com
 
Make sure whatever system you settle on allows for comprehensive adjustment of the lake level. My built-in Garmin allows only for changing the color at different depths but not for changing the actual depth markings, while Navionics on an iPad does does both.

Nice to know that there is a cooling fan option for an iPad.
 
ScottF said:
Make sure whatever system you settle on allows for comprehensive adjustment of the lake level. My built-in Garmin allows only for changing the color at different depths but not for changing the actual depth markings, while Navionics on an iPad does does both.

Nice to know that there is a cooling fan option for an iPad.
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If you install a navionics chip you can then adjust the depth levels on the garmin. Just an FYI for those using Garmin.
 
Scott my Garmin can change lake level. But I had to buy the lake data package. It was like $200 a year.

I bet yours can as well and it’s newer than mine. Mine is a 2019.

Mike
 
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