Dedicated chartplotter or just an iPad at the helm? (2026 edition)

Question

Plotter at the helm died. Replacement is $2,400. An iPad with Navionics + a RAM mount + a waterproof case is $900 all-in and honestly the charts look better. Talk me into/out of it.

trawlerTom · Answer

iPad as PRIMARY fails three ways: heat shutdown in direct sun (it WILL), no radar overlay, no NMEA depth/AIS without extra boxes. iPad as second screen: unbeatable. Both is the answer at half your plotter budget — small plotter + iPad.

fogdodger · Answer

Heat shutdown — there it is, the Maine guy forgot the rest of you have sun. Fair.

riggerjim · Answer

Whatever you pick, your PHONE is the backup with offline charts downloaded. The number of rescues that started 'my plotter died and I had nothing else' is embarrassing for our species.

saltydog_frank · Answer

Small plotter for radar/depth + iPad for planning at the settee. The iPad never goes near spray and everyone's happy.

Dedicated chartplotter or just an iPad at the helm? (2026 edition)

4 replies