Can we talk about Tablets as GPS/Chartplotters?

I think the biggest problem is seeing the screen in the sunlight. I have a Galaxy that is useless outdoors period. Of course I'm old and slightly visually challenged.....close up anyway :

 

I had the same thought and was advised by others who have tried. Basically it's not worth it because the water proof case you will need will retain to much heat so the tablet will start having issues and fail or shut down. And you can't see the screen to save your life.

On a larger boat with a bimini or t-top where it will be out of the Sun then I'd say go for it.

 

I think it depends on how you plan on using it. I have a case for my Ipad 2 and use the Isailor app and a hack (temporarily) to slave the GPS off my phone and turn it on only when I'm going to use it. My screen is visible in sunlight only while turned on its side, which is fine since that's how I would want to use it. I only use it to mark points of interest, plan routes, estimate distances, ect. I don't look at my plotter/GPS while running. Fishing Flamingo I'm looking for the channel and the marking stakes. If your needs are to have it on all the time and to use it while running, I would say this is not the best set up for you.

 

GPS Kit apps work great on iPad and iPhone at night or in the woods. To use in direct sunlight you need a beach towel folded double over your head to see the screen. You can cache maps for use offline, although they are not as detailed. (Only AT&T is available at Flamingo.)

If you leave an iPhone or iPad in the sun it will shutdown on high temp even if its not in a case.

Must be on a charger to reliably last over 4 hours.

Bing is better than Google for some places.

Don't leave the dock without a map of the area you're going, and a compass. (Even if its a just a hotspots map, or a screen print of a Google map.)

Using an old, second-hand chart plotter with old maps is better than using a new tablet on a boat in daylight.


http://gpskit.garafa.com/GPS_Kit/Overview.html

 

I keep hoping they would come out with some kind of goggles display such as google glass - that would be perfect to use with your phone and hands free.

 

I've ruined a bunch of cell phones while boating. That's why I tend to use the 10 dollar phones from amazon. It's been my experience that they just do not like water.

 

I run an Ipad 2 with a lifeproof case and a Navionics app.  I love it.  I can see it in the sun and its very accurate.  I even use it to get to my snapper spots.  It will run all day,  but I have a 12 charger in the boat for backup.

I went from chokoloskee to flamingo last fall and never ran aground or got lost!

The only draw back is it will overheat if left in the open when the ambient temp is above ~80F.  I have to store mine inside the center console to keep it out of the sun while I am fishing during the summer.

Also,  If it starts raining,  the rain drops will push buttons on the touch screen when they hit it,  it can get annoying, but is rarely a problem.