PC- or Mac-Based Nav Charts Screen at Helm

[cvondo]

Hello, I was wondering what are the options for viewing pc/mac based navigation charts at the helm position and keeping the computer in the cabin. Thanks chris v

[nitpik]

Chris: There are a number of options available to you.
1. You could forget about the computer in the cabin, and just run iNavX on an iPhone, or the new iPad. I have no personal experience (yet) with this system, but all reports I have read about iNavX are very favourable, and the company support is apparently excellent. There is some question about the accuracy of the built-in GPS receiver.
2. Install MacENC on your Macbook in the cabin, and link it to your iPad in the cockpit, via WiFi. (I don't believe Bluetooth will connect your GPS to the iPad yet - maybe second generation?) Connect your laptop to an external GPS antenna/receiver. No mouse or keyboard required - keep the iPad in a large Ziplock freezer bag during inclement weather.
There are likely other options ...............

[Albro359]

I spent a LOT of time looking for a splashproof LCD monitor that would run from 12vdc that I could mount in the cockpit so I could see MaxSea on the screen while at the helm.... couldn't find one ... gave up...

What I did do was to buy a Northstar waterproof plotter incl GPS with C-Map charts and mounted that in the cockpit...its great !

I still have the laptop below with MaxSea and a stand alone Furuno GPS connected to it, but when sailing the cockpit plotter is the go..and it uses less power than the laptop ... and it has an AIS receiver !

Wins all round !