Poll on using an MFD vs a smart device

[Smokeys Kitchen]

Following along with the existing thread of "New iPhones and the imminent death of the MFD", I thought it would be interesting to see where everyone is from a statistic point of view.

Please indicate your primary means of navigation and planning and/or hybrid use if applicable

We use a combination of MFD and smart device. The MFD primarily while under way and doing planning and setting way points on the smart device (iPad Air)

[sailorboy1]

Well I us an 18 year old chart plotter, but will vote mfd

[conachair]

This one should run and run
Is a laptop a smart device?
Never owned a MFD and probably never will

[Tillsbury]

I don't think you have remotely enough options to make this a real question. What are you trying to ask? I use an iPad (but as a display for raster charts) for planning, same again for navigation. But I have an MFD as a backup device. Does that count as "both"? Most trips I wouldn't even look at an MFD...

[Pegu Club]

We use mfd, paper, and an IPad as a secondary/backup.
Always good to have some level of redundancy,

Fair winds,

[Dsanduril]

Don't have or own an MFD.

For planning we use OpenCPN on a Pi with 24" monitor, far better for us than smaller screens.

For navigation we have the monitor below decks and smart devices above deck (tablets and phones). Tablets can access the OpenCPN install and also contain independent software and chart collections.

OpenCPN also sends route information to the autopilot, so even if not in auto or track mode we can see pre-planned BTW/DTW/COG/SOG/XTE on the cockpit instruments.

Planning level paper charts get dragged out from time-to-time depending on needs.

[Smokeys Kitchen]

Originally Posted by Tillsbury

I don't think you have remotely enough options to make this a real question. What are you trying to ask? I use an iPad (but as a display for raster charts) for planning, same again for navigation. But I have an MFD as a backup device. Does that count as "both"? Most trips I wouldn't even look at an MFD...

Hi Tillsbury,

I have no idea if I can modify the poll, but if so, what other selection options would you recommend?

And Conachair - again my first (and maybe only) poll - but I'll see if I can modify the end date

Thanks both for the input

[jmorrison146]

Planning on paper charts with input from internet weather sources. Sailing using a MFD and hard-wired wind instruments, radar, autopilot, and tunes. Backup is a hand-held, battery-powered GPS and paper charts.

Before retirement, researched and designed a USCG DNV Watch 1 bridge with integrated e-charts, radars, AIS, gyrocompass, e-compass, environmental inputs, etc. plus dynamic positioning. Port and starboard conning stations and an aft conn for ice breaking going astern. Full comms at each of conning stations and and a GMDSS station. Nav planning station with all nav inputs. Six MFDs, one GMDSS laptop, no I
Pads.

[jmorrison146]

http://www.mightymac.org/mackinawtour3.htm

[StuM]

I had to choose other because:


1. Their is no mention of a laptop/PC and OpenCPN or any of the commercial applications such as MaxSea etc.


2. Planning and navigation/pilotage are two different situations and whether I use an MFD, phone/tablet or laptop for the latter is dependent on circumstances.

[nightowle]

I use an MFD because it works best in bright sunlight. I haven't found another device that can compare - also I use polarized sunglasses. Most other screens won't allow for this.

[smac999]

Mfd is the proper equipment for the job.

Phone / iPad in the galley for solitaire and emergency back up.

[mark maulden]

I can put radar on an MFD and MFDs are made to withstand wx..

[tarian]

Oh dear this old Rooster thread again
Ok here goes ,I use computer and tablet for navigation but always plan my journeys with paper charts using the usual method of bearings and transit lines and markers , I will infrequently look at my Tablet but I find it boring

[Mystic38]

i cannot respond as planning and navigation are two distinct functions...

I plan routes and voyages with any of, or a combination of, paper charts, the computer, ipad or MFD..

while under way its MFD all the way for navigation..and radar ..and ais.. but an ipad may be used via network for sofamaps(TM)...

so i kinda cannot really answer this poll.