Boat Navigation on the Cheap Using a Tablet and Navionics - Ep. 2

[@JimLongCO]

For me, Josh's work is "MUST SEE" KZbin videos. He does a really high quality job in the production of his videos and his subject matter is amazing and educational. I can't wait for each new video to come out. That is why I can't understand why more of his many viewers have not yet gone the extra effort to support Josh through Patreon. This is great stuff that he makes for us! It's worth throwing a buck or so into the pot to keep this guy doing really great work and providing us with some of the very best KZbin content out there! Sign up. It's easy!

[@montanadan2524]

We put the described system together over a year ago as a backup to our brand name fully functional plotter. Thought a update would be good for other folks new to the game and looking at navigation tools. We now almost exclusively use system suggested by Josh as our primary. Our built in unit would probably work just fine but this setup makes it so easy. Thanks for putting the video together Josh, it was very helpful.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thank you! I think Navionics now has a yearly subscription fee, so not as “cheap” as before but still a good set up. 👍

[@phillipsplanet]

Every newbie needs to watch this video. Great info, explained in a way even I can understand.

[@spelunkerd]

Good thoughts, Josh. I use Navionics all the time, in fact I have two copies on different IPads, on top of the built in chart plotter in the boat. One story of caution. My wife and I took the sailboat out to watch fireworks one moonless night, and on return I noticed my IPad charge was too low at 15%. It was still working but I put it onto the charger with the boat battery, so the IPad was charging while we were using it. I had the program in tracking mode that left a yellow line on the screen to show where I'd been, and I do wonder if that was part of the problem. On return to the boat we needed to navigate a narrow passage in complete darkness. The IPad was showing my course but I had this feeling of anxiety at a pinch point of the course, with the impression the GPS was asking me to drive up onto rocks, two hundred meters to the east of where I wanted to go. Before entering the passage I spun the boat in a 360 deg turn to think about it, and a boat behind showed us the way. I had my wife go downstairs and call out directions from the hardwired chart plotter on the boat, and all was well. Sure enough, my Navionics was giving me wrong data, off by over two hundred meters to the east. On rebooting the device, it suddenly corrected its mistake. In retrospect the low charge allowed the IPad to give me false data based on poor satellite connectivity, and I wonder if the tracking mode might have somehow interfered with accuracy of the data stream. Friends who pilot ferries tell me they never rely on one device in isolation.

[@Majorvideonut2]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@jaybee-5481]

This is why we are taught in the aviation world that a supplemental GPS is for situational awareness only. In order for a certified GPS (I assume your hardwired plotter is a similar protocol) to be used it must have 3 GPS satellites in view and for precision GPS Instrument approaches we must have predicted RAIM which is essentially 4 satellites and ground stations. Phones/Tablets will give you a GPS fix with only ONE satellite in view, this is obviously not good but not just because of the loss of redundancy, the whole way that a GPS works is by sending out a time signal and then the receiver does a bunch of math and says Ok if you sent this signal at XXXX time then I am XX distance away. You can't reliably fix a position with only one GPS satellite in view. Hope this helps for future endeavors, I'd say a GPS antennae would be a good investment.

[@deankoch7305]

That's scary shit right there. I use 1,000,000 candle light spot lights front and back. I want to see shit everywhere.

[@sebastianalonso2127]

i know im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a way to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can give me.

[@julienriley9114]

@Sebastian Alonso instablaster =)

[@robertkeller9574]

Josh, rarely when watching any KZbin vlogs do I feel I'm actually there but you have put ur magic with professional shots, killer music and amazing tutorial info that at times I feel like I'm accompany you in both that cross country drive and now sailing. Keep up the excellent job, my only wish was they were sometimes longer....

[@JoshPostVlogs]

You're awesome Robert! Thanks for the feedback!

[@alexko2877]

You have a talent of explaining anything in simple words! Thanks and happy NY!

[@twotfreigh4946]

Very very clear and helpful!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks. The vid is slightly dated as now Navionics is no longer free but typically you can get it under $20 per year, which is not too bad.

[@gracealsh1970]

Hello Josh We just got our sv 34 Allmand tc sloop Nearly ready to splash her from Navassa NC; spent all spring n summer and fall remodeling and Studying...hoping to meet more sailors !! Got alot to learn hope to find others out there so we can get some lessons in.they are much needed

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Very cool. Best of luck with your new boat!

[@shanehenderson9626]

So glad I found your video. I have samsung tablet I'm going to this with. Very helpful!

[@0GSoon]

Samsung tab is the best with gps chip built-in. I have Samsung Tab4 with Android 4.4, 8G, in 2014, I took it to Canadian wilderness, gps worked flawless, though I had to download maps

[@CDNRower99]

Just to add to the Navionics info: It's important to purchase the HD version of Navionics if you're going to be using a tablet. Works for phones too, but designed for the larger screen that a tablet offers. Also, after the year is up, the renewal years are cheaper than the first year.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@SIC-SEMPER-TYRANNIS]

It's cool to see a sailing video of "my" Bay. C'mon over to the Eastern Shore side sometime. Cape Charles and Onancock are nice Harbor towns.

[@mikecaudill1710]

Like your posts Josh! I watch a few of the other sailing videos and they have been doing this for many years. You have started your adventure and it is very interesting because I see myself doing what you are doing for the 1st time. Plus I'm from the Annapolis area as well. Keep posting my friend!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Excellent, Mike! Thanks for the comment!

[@Jeraestone]

Cheers for the Great Improvisation with this Approach... On one of my last Comments I forgot to ask if You have Heard the Music of Marconi Union ..?

[@AsailingDIYlifechannel]

Awesome - was planning on making a video myself of this topic. You have it pretty well covered... and I love the way you pronounce "Route" :) Used it when crossing from Scotland to Denmark. When you have internet connection it also shows you the current and weather forecast - which can come in handy.

[@MirchiBoy]

Thank you from Fairfax 😊

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Unfortunately, it looks like Navionics has now changed their platform a bit and you may not be able to get as much for free. But I think this video is still useful for how to use a navigation app and how to pick a GPS enabled tablet.

[@officialWWM]

Josh Post yep, they are making a money grab :/

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Josh, great video - I watched it for the navionics - wishing you great sailing.

[@markwentland3147]

Hi Josh great idea on navigation thx for sharing that , I also enjoyed a refresher course on sailing in your other video's, I totally felt your pain installing the new wind indicator, a guy takes on a job figuring it isn't going to be to hard and you end up getting beat down for sure been there do it hundreds of times , lol !!! thx

[@trevorbyron9448]

Would like to see you guys sail through some nearly weather, like 6 + m waves...

[@reelhighmedia916]

Great video but can you explain how you use the tablet with Navionics when you are not tethered to the cell phone? How does the app work and track with no signal? Thanks.

[@lakeratatouille]

I came for the nerd out part lol

[@zonzeven]

Good video, navigation starts at 3:35

[@sircopperfield7420]

3 words: good, informative and inspiring.

[@onthebeaches]

Hi Josh! Fun vid and thanks for geeking out on all the hardware, software and how to use it to navigate. PEACE OUT! Ü

[@johnmynster9241]

Hello from Doha, Qatar. Watching you during a trip to the middle east for a conference. Your videos are on the mark. Cheers!

[@nrdo1179]

Exactly the information I needed!

[@redwood1957]

Can you tie your depth transducer into your screen,and have depth and speed on your tablet? Thank you

[@floridaswissboy]

DO NOT run out and buy a new Ipad ...hang on to your old unit!! Remember that you do NOT have to have built in GPS in your Pads !! The WiFi only models WILL work if you: Purchase an external GPS receiver (I got the Dual XGPS150...$85.00 Amazon), and with this receiver I can use my iPad Mini and my iPad4 out in the open water and use Navionics and other navigational apps. Actually, with the Dual GPS, the satellite signals ARE MUCH MUCH STRONGER, and you can monitor the number of satellites and their strengths via the DUAL APP! It makes much more sense taking the old units out to sea.....if they get ruined....no tragedy!!

[@brenna1968]

Hello is this a plug and play via bluetooth? Thank you

[@anthonys7534]

Thanks for sharing!

[@NaughtyGoatFarm]

I use the same samsung tablet and navionics charts. Works well. I just want to work out how to add AIS sending and receiving to my setup.

[@catboatadventures7208]

I do the exact same thing. I love the iPad/Navionics solution. Works really well for me. However it is a bit sensitive while underway depending on whether the screen is wet. But overall I love it. Just know that if the screen becomes wet it won't work when you touch the screen. Anyway, I just discovered your channel and love it so far. Keep up the good work. All the best from cold and rainy Boston. Jim Andersen, Cat Boat Adventures, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

[@HWoodCreations]

Haven't bought it yet. Looking at the Hotwav R7 right now. Says it has GPS but doesn't state its a wifi gps. Looks like a rugged unit if it'll work.

[@andrewmelville4573]

Great videos very inspirational. Hopefully one day I can do the same. Keep the videos coming

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

Too be honest I wouldn't use anything else than a tablet for navigation nowadays. Boat has a built in garmin nav/fishfinder that I paid stupid money for plus an extra £200 for nav card with 5" screen but mostly just use the fishfinder/depth function nowadays. I use a Samsung Tab A6 10" with dedicated waterproof case on an adjustable mount. Navionics costs £30 a year and you can download the maps for offline use. Updates all the time too. Touchscreen 10" is the way to go.

[@HWoodCreations]

So for this setup...you don't have to have your laptop tethered to your phone's hotspot to use the Naviaonics? I use Navionics on my phone and love it but want to use on a tablet in my Jeep and also on my boat. Would be nice if I don't have to have it tethered to my phone.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

It all depends if your tablet has internal GPS. Not all of them do. So you have to get one that works on maps while not using WiFi. I guess easiest test is to turn on Google maps and drive around and see if it tracks you when not on wifi. Edit: you also mentioned a laptop. As far as I know, a laptop doesn’t have internal GPS so you’d have to tether or get a cheap GPS antenna to plug into your USB on the laptop.

[@griv3404]

Navionics appears to be only a 15 day trial, and not free at all. Perhaps it is just on the ipad, which I already had. Sad. There appears to be many more apps that are free however. I will pick one of those so when I am ready to buy charts, I will use one of those. Love your channel when it is about sailing & boat systems.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

"Boating Marine and Lakes" is still free. I guess they now charge for the "HD" version which is probably better.

[@griv3404]

@@JoshPostVlogsThanks, also once again, Love your work, you have already saved me effort.

[@EL90291]

Love the geek part of the video !

[@charlesm903]

Josh, Thanks for the video. I just bought a Hunter 41 in Long Island with an old RM RL70C and it doesn't have the flash drive for the Chesapeake where I sail. I won't be wasting $200 for the map chip when I can just buy a tablet (I already have Navionics on my phone) With your suggestions, I will certainly buy the appropriate tablet. What about battery life when using the app?

[@alanpaetow9380]

Informative video, thanks Josh.

[@deankoch7305]

If you never been to Oriental NC check out River Dunes Marina. It is a beautiful once private millionaire playboy marina that went bust in 2008 and opened to the public. You will want to stay there if you go.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks for the tip!

[@deankoch7305]

@@JoshPostVlogs No problem. You'll love it.

[@thewraith4217]

Hello Josh. I enjoyed this video as I do all your videos. Thanks!

[@boalenkaer]

Used Navionics last year for navigation, really nice and well detailed, works really well on Samsung Galaxy A6 Plus and Lenovo TAB

[@ejdd3442]

Well done, thank you

[@Zograffi]

Can someone explain how to set up the Samsung App ? My tablet keep running out of battery, make the boaing app freeze and it is so slow I cannot really use it whan at sea. Thanks and fair winds !

[@frankj5947]

Great editing explaining your topics. Keep it up!

[@rexluongo6470]

Does your phone or tablet gps work offshore in blue water? Will it give you your coordinate location worldwide?

[@tadstertrolley7770]

I've just put navionics on my tab a, question is, where is the gps antenna, is there a certain way up you need to mount it, and do covers impede the signal?

[@royramdeen8864]

Thanks for sharing..

[@johnguirguis2244]

my man thanks for the navigation info , have a great trip I am with you .cheers

[@redwood1957]

Do you have your depth and speed, ais sent to navionics? If so how? Thank you Mike

[@Blowfish1972]

Awesome video Josh, happy new year, greetings from Sweden

[@billturner1240]

Another one for tablets is... Harbor finder... Also apps for anchor watch

[@ramzyramzy3869]

Please, the first time I use the program, are the coordinates of the program accurate so that it can be used to move from one country to another?

[@santamulligan676]

Can you print the charts

[@MrZachalewel]

Seems better than a chart plotter? Idk about you but I can't Skype with my Garmin : )

[@allanlarsson3005]

Usefull as usual, ty... Watching from Denmark and loving your positive attitude. Keep it going... 😁😁😁

[@captainmike808]

Nice Josh!

[@seanmcgrath8833]

Serious question from a sailing newbie: why would anybody spend the money on a chart plotter, when the tablet with navionics works so well? Is there some some bigger advantage to having a chart plotter?

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

No, I have a £500 chart plotter/fshfinder depth sounder with 5" non touch screen but rarely use it now as 10" touch screen tablet is better as long as its in a waterproof case. I don;t think they sell that many dedicated marine plotters anymore.

[@JohnBraman413]

is the depths on the charts accurate?

[@gabrielb.3734]

Awesome stuff hope you're having a great time! 😄

[@acereotero]

Hi Josh, thanks for your videos. Did you consider OpenCPN as you chart plotter app for the tablet? OpenCPN is open source and it is free. If you tried OpenCPN and settled with avionics, why?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi. Yes, I have tried OpenCPN and, honestly, I couldn't figure it out. It was very confusing and I could not figure out how to load charts. I like the idea of an open source chart platform and maybe I'd use it if it was more user friendly. Do you use OpenCPN? Do you have any tips to make it easier to use?

[@acereotero]

Hi Josh. yes, I use OpenCPN, it took me a couple of days to figure out how to download charts and to use it. I went to this trouble because I use Linux Mint in my laptop and OpenCPN is available for Linux systems. I use this laptop as the backup chart-plotter in case my tablet and phone fail. Here is a link "Getting the Most out of OpenCPN" that helped me a lot to get it working for me: opencpn.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/getting-the-most-out-of-opencpn/

[@nagibali4322]

it is awesome

[@nathansvensson1683]

I do like watching sailing channels that are about sailing and boating in general (like yours), instead of watching sailing channels with couples which are about 1/10th sailing 9/10ths random crap no one cares about.

[@DialedN_07]

Thanks for going over things that to most would seem simple, but really help out those of us who are new(er) to doing this! Good luck on your trip. PS. Where are you live time? Still in ICW?

[@jamesmoseley7141]

Are you still out sailing bro were are you

[@aquamanaquaman1715]

How come you don't mention the subscription fees that Avionics charge for the maps?... I think it's $28.99 for North America

[@SailingSarah]

"The adventure has begun" I about fell off my settee at that part lol hahaha lol lol lol hahaha roflololol

[@maritimetees2315]

Josh see your pretty far behind. I get it. Hard to edit and film with the WiFi situation. By now you should be in Caribbean. I am sure your lady told you we are getting lots of rain in California. Finally! Good job telling people about the gps on tablets. Safe travels

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Many thanks! I actually took a few weeks for the holidays to go back to CA. My boat is in the Bahamas, moored in a place called Stocking Island. I've decided to take more time exploring the Bahamas, so I'll go back there in about a week. The editing is pretty typical with sailing channels. If you notice the big channels like La Vagabond or Delos, etc., they are typically 6 months or more delayed from present day. You're right, it's hard to edit on the go, and finding WiFi is a whole other challenge. Cheers to you. Whereabouts are you in CA?

[@maritimetees2315]

Josh since you were JAG you should know where Port Hueneme is. Channel Islands is where my boat is. I turned a close friend of mine on to your channel. He is 2nd in command of the Port Hueneme Seabee base. Also a sailor! He was surprised you got out, but that is for another day over coffee. Yes your right about the big channels being behind. It's all about content and sometimes its difficult to get it. Your channel is growing which is nice to see. What I like about yours is the ability to narrate with a careful tone. Very natural which is what I like. Look forward to the upcoming videos. You still in California?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

@@maritimetees2315 Hi. Sorry for the delay. I am still in CA. I am in limbo as I have decided to wait a few more months until I continue the longer trip to Panama. One thing I wasn't prepared for is the weather in the Bahamas and other places in the Caribbean is not ideal in the winter months. It's not that cold, but there are many cold fronts from the US that bring in high winds and waves. Apparently things get more consistent around April time frame. I am aware of Port Hueneme. I have been there many times. I have a buddy who had a sailboat at a marina in Ventura. I've been to Ventura and Oxnard many times. Hope to meet you in person at some point. Cheers!

[@maritimetees2315]

@@JoshPostVlogs Here is my cell 805-236-0078 Text or Call. I am in Oxnard/Ventura. My sailboat is in Ventura Harbor. Maybe get a sail in. Have a friend that just bought a boat in Newport has a mooring there. See Ya Don

[@blueridgebrothers]

Navionics removed the ability to use government maps for free. You now have to be a paid subscriber!

[@taesokjoo5567]

Hi, thanks for your episodes. I wonder how compass error would be handled. I imagine gyro compass is too expansive for leisure sailing boat. And magnetic compass is not accurate and true north adjustment is complicated. So soley rely on navigation system? Thanks.

[@sailingserenity469]

problem is doesn't work on my tablet, need a new one with cellular, so thats $660 in Oz...not really a cheap option..

[@waynesmith7650]

I appreciate that you don't music over your dialogue...mostly good vids thanks

[@musling4307]

Notification squad!! Just love ur videos, man!!

[@ctndiaye1]

I'm shopping for a Samsung Tab A and am having difficulty finding specifications posted online about Comm with GPS, glonass. I went into a Best Buy and the staff don't know what I'm talking about. All they say is that I have to have WiFi or a cell plan. I told them that isn't true and what I'm using it for but no luck. Then I looked at samsung.com then called Samsung and the sales rep had to ask a tech guy who told her I had to have a cell plan. I'm trying to find the sm-T580 10.1, assuming it will be identical to yours but the latest models have a diff model number. I suspect that the tabs that say they are WiFi enabled will work if they have internal gps, glonass but I can't confirm this. Has anyone else run into this with Samsung and do you have the latest Tab A with WiFi that you are using successfully with Navionics?

[@dashan6249]

Your bridle is WAY too short, you are getting very little benefit from the "elasticity" of the rope. It should be at least 1/2 to 2/3 the length of your boat

[@charliemcgrain]

You anchor 'snubber' should be let out about 6 fathoms, minimum and you can't use sheet line, there is about zero stretch in it. Three part braided 1 inch nylon line would be fine for your boat. The snubber is there to stretch and stop shock loads pulling your anchor out of the seabed. Your routing speed should only be 5 knots, max. 4 knots is better, to make sure you do not arrive in the dark. You made no mention of tide flow which is considerable in those waters, nor did I see you check the weather. So far, I am little worried about you, skipper.

[@monkeyboy480]

Very informative for noobs like me.

[@loyly]

I see that your boat speed according to Navionics seems to be jumping between 0-0,4 kt when you are clearly stationary. I wonder if an ipad would have a more accurate gps, because a proper good chart plotter would defintely not show such an error.

[@eshakelnour9482]

👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@stevengross4113]

Navionics does NOT seem to be free

[@mybikevlogs6670]

N subscriber thanks