Why even bother with a plotter when you can get this!

[s/v Jedi]

So these chart plotters cost thousands!

The other day I got a smartphone and it turns out it has Google Maps which does navigation just fine! For free!

[GreenWave]

When out of cell range will it still track properly without having downloaded the map area?

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

So these chart plotters cost thousands!

The other day I got a smartphone and it turns out it has Google Maps which does navigation just fine! For free!

I'm with you that commercial brands of chart plotters cost thousands of dollars, but using opencpn with a good monitor will probably cost less than a top of the line smartphone.

Could be a great backup if within cell range.

[rslifkin]

There's definitely some sarcasm in the original post, but in my mind, the biggest advantage to actual chartplotters over other solutions is ease of good systems integration with other components (like radar, AIS, autopilot, depth and wind instruments, etc.) rather than the actual basic "GPS and chart plotting" functionality.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by GreenWave

When out of cell range will it still track properly without having downloaded the map area?

It uses GPS, Glonass and Galileo so worldwide coverage. Maps can be downloaded for free!

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Bill O

I'm with you that commercial brands of chart plotters cost thousands of dollars, but using opencpn with a good monitor will probably cost less than a top of the line smartphone.

Could be a great backup if within cell range.

But but… you need a computer for that?!

You don’t need cell range, works worldwide!

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

There's definitely some sarcasm in the original post, but in my mind, the biggest advantage to actual chartplotters over other solutions is ease of good systems integration with other components (like radar, AIS, autopilot, depth and wind instruments, etc.) rather than the actual basic "GPS and chart plotting" functionality.

But for all that, AIS, wind, compass etc. you can just download an app… often for free!

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Bill O

I'm with you that commercial brands of chart plotters cost thousands of dollars, but using opencpn with a good monitor will probably cost less than a top of the line smartphone.

Could be a great backup if within cell range.

It's much cheaper with the free OpenCPN Charts and using an old Laptop or a $100 Raspberry Pi and $70.00 monitor (2020 prices)

GPS can be received via USB GPS/GLONASS U-BLOX 7 ($11.99)

https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-G-Mou...3023495&sr=8-3

Or a GPS puck $17 or from your VHF w/GPS

You can also bring in AIS from you VHF or a $150-$200 AIS Receiver

I do use my smartphone with the Free Polar app though to monitor my run distance/speed, Heart Rate avg/max, calories burned etc during my workouts.

It also shows the track of my run via GPS

* note; You do need the strap on chest sensor for Heart Rate info/calories burned etc

It can track my movements on the boat as well as can OpenCPN

[Sailing August]

Beware!
Google Maps and that little blue dot can be off as much as a 1/4 mile depending on your connection to the cellular network and refresh rate.
Very dangerous in shallow waters in and around reefs.
GPS driven chart plotters are accurate to +/- 3 feet. much safer

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by Sailing August

Beware!
Google Maps and that little blue dot can be off as much as a 1/4 mile depending on your connection to the cellular network and refresh rate.
Very dangerous in shallow waters in and around reefs.
GPS driven chart plotters are accurate to +/- 3 feet. much safer

Modern cell phones all have actual GPS chips in them and will have far more accurate location that that once the GPS has a few seconds to warm up and see some satellites.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

So these chart plotters cost thousands!

The other day I got a smartphone and it turns out it has Google Maps which does navigation just fine! For free!

Did April 1 come early this year?


Does s/v Jedi need to be more careful with his password?

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by Sailing August

Beware!
Google Maps and that little blue dot can be off as much as a 1/4 mile depending on your connection to the cellular network and refresh rate.
Very dangerous in shallow waters in and around reefs.
GPS driven chart plotters are accurate to +/- 3 feet. much safer

Plotters are only as good as the underlying map data.

[Locquatious]

As someone once mentioned before, cell phones, iPads, and computers are as waterproof as tissue paper. If you are out in foul weather and reduced visibility, do you really want to be holding a cell phone in your hand to give you navigation assistance?

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by Locquatious

As someone once mentioned before, cell phones, iPads, and computers are as waterproof as tissue paper. If you are out in foul weather and reduced visibility, do you really want to be holding a cell phone in your hand to give you navigation assistance?

Many new phones have significant water resistance:
The*Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are the first Samsung foldable phones to feature water resistance, so they should be totally fine to use in the rain, next to the kitchen sink or while in the bathroom. Even though they have different designs, these phones share the same IPX8 water-resistance rating: up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water for up to 30 minutes, according to Samsung's specifications.

Tested and shown to be correct:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/gal...-deep-go-dunk/

We have our phone or tablet in a holder... no need to be "holding phone in your hand...".

[shimari]