TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Navionics users

Those that use the Navionics iPad app... Wondered how often the maps (BVI region, specifically) have typically been revised in recent years. It may well be on as 'as needed' schedule, but thought you long-time users may have developed a feel for whether it's typically been annually, monthly, etc. I wanted to get it for an upcoming trip but wanted to wait until I'm fairly sure the rev I buy will still be the latest when we leave the dock - rather not buy maps twice. Thanks in advance!

I have had my Navionics app on my Android for probably three years. While it's possible it asked to update itself I don't remember it happening, i.e., pretty sure it's the same map I bought it with.

Which to me is not a problem. I use it as a back up to the boat's chart plotter and for trip planning with family/friends ahead of the charter. While I'm sure there are errors I have not noticed where they might be.

How are you planning on using the app that you are concerned about getting the very latest maps?

Considering the data used to create the maps I would not be concerned with 3 year old charts. I always love some of the notes on Carribean charts.
"Chart based on British Admiralty data from 1866, may contain inaccuracies."
G

You do not need any of that stuff for the BVI. The paper charts and the cruising guide on the charter boats are more than you need. The less looking down and the more your eyes are looking out the better.

The less flashing of iPads and the like the better. Never bring an iPad or other toy you and your guests are not willing to lose.

With the Navionics iPad app with added maps you are buying a one-year license with continuous updates during that time. You do need to kick the update off by going into the map menu and choosing "Update All". I have three maps - UK, Europe and US/Carib - I usually have about 100mb of updates per week that get downloaded.

The base Navionics maps are not changing. The user supplied Sonar Charts and user updates are what are changing. You need to decide for yourself how much you trust those.

For the BVI, I have seen new wrecks and buoys pop up within a day (Dawg Rock Buoy and the wreck last year off the Anegada Channel.

I certainly am not going to use the Sonar Charts as gospel, but they do give some interesting additional information to use for your pilotage.

p.s. need to fix that ticker at the bottom of the page - we are wheels up tomorrow!

Conch Charters now issues a tablet with each charter. It has Navionics on it as well as a bunch of other stuff (including boat systems info and a video of the boat hull taken after the last charter.)

This is great to know !!! We are chartering from them in May. I won't have to worry about bringing my iPad now !!!

Here's some additional information regarding Navionics which you may or may not know.

The iPhone and iPad apps have the same level of data - the difference is that the iPad app is optimized for the larger screen with higher resolution which makes it easier to use as a planning tool on the iPad - much like a full chartplotter. I have Navionics installed on both my iPhone 6s and my iPad Air - which has required me to pay the roughly $20 for the iPhone version and approx. $55 for the iPad version, as I recall. The iPhone version will work pretty well on an iPad and doesn't require a 2nd purchase, however its not optimized for the iPad.

The iPad version - if you have a GPS enabled iPad - is really a good backup to a boat's fully functioning chartplotter. Frankly, if I were just banging around in the BVIs, I wouldn't NEED to use either, however, being ashore with an iPhone and having the app might be convenient around a bar/dinner table for some casual conversation and planning. So, its very inexpensive and convenient with great purpose and value.

If you are planning longer trips, then I think anyone would be wise to have Navionics or some alternative installed on a somewhat dedicated iPad as a backup to (1) chartplotter, AND (2) paper charts. That's my purpose. That is particularly true if you only have a single chartplotter on the boat at the helm (most charter boats) and want to have an electronic chartplotter elsewhere (ie: salon; nav station).

And, having the higher resolution and screen size compatibility of Navionics iPad app is nice and, in my opinion, well worth the extra price for the app. I have full US, and Caribbean charts on both iPhone and iPad version.

I just returned from a 10 days bareboat in the BVI and used the Navionics charts on my iPad pretty extensively. Great for planning and I do like the interface more than the Garmin that the boat came with. It was just my wife and I on the boat, so being able to bring the tablet over to each helm and not futz with the fixed Garmin was nice. Always glare on those dirty screens (no matter how often you clean).

No issues with updates, its the same one I bought for a charter last year and I didn't notice any errors other than some minor stuff (Sprat Bay on Peter is deeper than they mark). I did hear through the grapevine to be careful around the last channel marker entering the harbor at Anegada as some sands have shifted, but did not have any issues with a boat drawing 6ft.

I use an older iPad for it that I wouldn't lose a bunch of sleep over it if lost, but haven't had any issues over 2 years of charters.

We used their wifi the whole trip too...worked great. Haven't seen the bill yet, but my wife will get reimbursed anyhow.

Just curious, for us Canucks that have terrible travel roaming packages:

- If I were to purchase an ipad (non GPS) could I still use Navionics (i.e. only use the charts for planning purposes if there is no GPS information)?

- If I were to purchase a GPS enabled iPad or use the Navionics app on a smart phone, does the Navioinics app use Data or just GPS location information?

To give some insight, roaming plans from Canada typically only include up to a 100MB per day.

Thx!

Non GPS, could use but essentially just a fancy paper chart at that point. With GPS, you won't need a data plan on it for this to work.

Kirk.....we charter with them in early May (Lipari 41), I thought the tablet and wifi use was "included"? ....if not, I know you say u havent seen a bill yet, but did they advise on a fee? $x.xx per GB? or $x.xx per hour?
THanks

The tablet is like part of the boat and you don't need wifi for using the Navionics....but if you want to use it to get on the web/check email, you need wifi. All their boats have wifi but it's like $17/day. You can sign up for however long you want.

They give you the tablet along with the local cell phone when you do the checkout in the office.

The iPad version with the gps is the version that has the SIM card. However, you don't need a SIM card and don't need to use data as it will use the built in gps position for chart plotting.

If you have a tablet (iPad or android) without GPS you can get an external GPS device and connect via bluetooth. I see the Bad Elf unit mentioned.

I use both Garmin and Navionics apps. Garmin base charts are better in some places and it has Active Captain integration. Navionics has Sonar charts. I use a RAM mount and a SUPCASE to mount at the helm. I have an external battery for passages. Works pretty well.

Cheers, RickG

Many thanks for the info, all!