digital yacht navigation software

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Best navigation apps: 6 top options tested

• November 16, 2021

There are many app options on the market for sailors wishing to navigate from a smartphone of tablet. Bruce Jacobs looks at some of the best navigation apps on the market.

It’s increasingly rare these days to see any sailor without at least one navigation application on their phone, while tablets are even preferred to fixed multifunction displays (MFDs) on an increasing number of yachts. It’s great to have this navigation information so easily to hand and so mobile, but which are the best navigation apps for sailors and how do they compare.

Sailors need slightly different information to motorboaters. It’s nice to know if it’s going to be sunny, but we care more about whether the tide will be foul or fair. We need to know what the wind direction will be and whether it’s going to be an angle we can use, over and above nearby places of interest.

We looked at the most popular navigation apps, particularly from a sailor’s perspective, and highlighted what we think works well for yachting and what is best left to the motorboaters.

The absolute number one benefit of an app is the ability to instantly see where you are, on up-to-date charts, without the cost and immobility of an MFD. Every app we tested has that core functionality and, ultimately, you will get good basic use out of any of them.

Thereafter, to my mind, most of these apps have been developed with the leisure powerboater in mind. They are focused on short day trips under engine or maybe going fishing to fairly well known areas. Wind, tide and current have little impact in these scenarios beyond whether it is sunny or the anchorage is accessible.

Fast and reliable

Having spoken to a range of sailors, it’s clear that the universal requirement is for an app that delivers fast, reliable data within an intuitive interface. We want charts that show sensible levels of detail as we zoom in and out and, critically, will warn us when we need to zoom in more to see dangers that might have been hidden by vector charts.

We then want all the other essential information such as wind and current instantly accessible and able to be overlaid on the chart, and we want to be able to quickly measure distance and bearing to a relevant point.

But despite some decent contenders, the truth is that not one app delivers it all. Adding in extras such as AIS, boat data, autorouting and more is great, but that foundation level functionality should come first.

Savvy Navvy, the newcomer to the world of navigation apps, shows what the modern app could be. It is possibly the only app built with yacht sailors at the forefront and gives easily accessible wind, current and tide overlays to sensibly detailed charts. Its routing algorithm was the only app we tested that accounted for current, and its passage plans mapped out beautifully informative courses to steer.

It also recognises hazards such as tidal races and Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS). But its algorithm is too ambitious in the level of detail it tries to extrapolate from GRIB files and the app took us into dangerous shallows and routed us metres off hazards and lee shores in strong winds.

The app is nearly the absolute game changer it should be – but its programming sophistication has outstripped its seamanship and that’s an issue.

The other apps proved a mix in how suitable they are for sailors. Basic features such as wind and current were not universally available. Also often lacking were tools such as those measuring distance and bearing.

Frustrating menus

I found some of the routing software frustrating as I was made to go through multiple menus to load and select waypoints, rather than just touch two points on the screen. And some of the apps appear to have had data sources and functionality added over time, without the redesign they might then need to bring it all into one easy-to-use interface.

AIS data is a nice new feature, but some apps rely on an internet signal for it – others can link by wifi to your AIS device. Knowing how often internet signal drops on a yacht even close to land, I’m not sure I’d trust the type that doesn’t connect to the onboard AIS.

Crowd sourced data is also an increasingly common addition to the charts. Some love it for adding real time accuracy, but others claim it can be dangerously inaccurate. I suspect both are true so, as with everything, the prudent skipper should treat all information with a healthy dose of caution.

For the best mix of functionality, breadth of data and reliable information, Navionics + remains my app of choice. But if ( and it’s a big if) Savvy Navvy becomes more savvy with its seamanship – it will have everything it needs to revolutionise the sector and become the sailor’s app of choice.

Best Navigation apps for sailors:

C-Map on an iPhone

C-MAP produces my favourite charts, with just the right amount of detail for spot depths, enlarged navigational marks on land and sea and clever colouring. Wind data via GRIB files is easily overlaid and the colour shading system both makes it easy to see predicted wind speeds and discourages the user from trying to extrapolate unrealistic detail.

However, there is no tide and current overlay, which is a frustration for sailors, and it is also a disappointment that there is no satellite imagery overlay. C-MAP’s automatic routing system is fairly easy and intuitive to use but having allowed me to set a minimum depth of 3m, it would then suggest routes that contravened this limit, albeit giving a second option that didn’t. Some caution is therefore required.

Get C-Map app from the Apple App Store Get C-Map app from the Google Play Store

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Read our full C-Map navigation app review

Navionics app on a phone

Navionics Boating app

This app is intuitive and easy to use. Charts are quick to render and auto zooming of detail is probably best in class. Text is used to good effect and tells you when you need to zoom in to get more information about hazards (one of the dangers of vector charts). Arrows showing current are animated to show strength, direction and whether the tide is on the ebb or flood. Frustratingly, you have to access a different window to get GRIB/wind data, when it should surely just be an option on screen.

The Navionics Sonar option allows charts to be adapted to show depths based on real time user data from thousands of vessels, but the company sensibly warns that many other factors (such as barometric pressure) will have a considerable affect on depths.

Get Navionics+ app from the Apple App Store Get Navionics+ app from the Google Play Store

Read our full Navionics + navigation app review

Savvy Navvy app on desktop or tablet

Savvy Navvy

Savvy Navvy is a sophisticated app with all the key information ready to be switched on or off at your fingertips. It is the only app that has a routing algorithm that has inputs for wind and current (although bizarrely not leeway) and then plots a beautifully drawn course to steer. It is useful to be able to enter later or earlier departure times and see the impact on wind and tide.

Charts are a little light on detail for my liking – my sense being that artistic merit has slightly usurped navigational utility. A bigger issue with Savvy Navvy is that the sophistication of the programming for its route planning has not been matched by that of the seamanship. It extrapolates impossibly detailed wind patterns from the GRIB data and uses performance polars that cannot be adjusted – both of which make the plans interesting to look at but of little practical use.

Get Savvy Navvy app from the Apple App Store Get Savvy Navvy app from the Google Play Store

Read our full Savvy Navvy navigation app review

Seapilot app on a phone

This app is based on some features of the professional ECDIS charting systems and in many ways has some of the best features – but while some will not agree, personally I found it unintuitive to use.

The significant issue, however, is that the autozoom on its charting detail just doesn’t work in many regions. Until I zoomed in to a small area (maybe five square miles) there was so much clutter on the screen that there was not much that could be done. Even when zoomed in, information about navigational marks would often be overlaid on spot depths, making both impossible to read. Seapilot acknowledges that some regions suffer from this as an issue due to the use of ECDIS data and hopes to rectify it going forward.

The app also uses ECDIS warning symbols for some hazards, which leisure sailors won’t be familiar with.

Get Seapilot app from the Apple App Store Get Seapilot app from the Google Play Store

Read our full Seapilot navigation app review

isailor featues nice wind colouring

iSailor is another app that works well as an extension to your boat’s onboard systems. It will connect to the NMEA system and internet AIS, although each feature you unlock costs money. The alarms menu is comprehensive, including anchor drag, waypoint proximity, loss of GPS signal and a low battery warning.

Charts were fairly good, but as with Seapilot, I had issues with the auto detail of the chart at various zoom levels and had data overlaid on each other. I also found that at certain levels of zoom, key data such as spot depth was removed, but too soon for my liking. If I want to plan 2-3 miles ahead I want to see clear depth data, not just coloured contours.

Get iSailor app from the Apple App Store Get iSailor app from the Google Play Store

Read our full iSailor navigation app review

iNavx on a phone

iNavX can be frustrating to use at first because there is so much to customise that it can be tough to get into. Persevere, however, and you’ll find a good app. It has a range of chart options including Navionics, C-MAP and NOAA. They partner with Waterway Guides, which gives micro level detail for marinas and other facilities, although the UK version is yet to arrive.

While all the information is there, I didn’t find interrogation of chart data as easy as, say, the Navionics app, but this may just be personal preference. I also found building and adjusting routes frustrating. There is a very comprehensive manual that can be accessed and a range of excellent YouTube instructional videos – but honestly, I’d rather just be able to work it out quickly and easily on the app.

Get iNavx app from the Apple App Store Get iNavx app from the Google Play Store

Read our full iNavx navigation app review

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What is portable navigation?

At Digital Yacht we define Portable Navigation as being able to use a laptop, tablet, smartphone for navigation and mapping. With the rise of technology, portable navigation is becoming more and more common.

Navigation applications and software are more and more popular and numerous for Android or Apple products and now most of them support NMEA data allowing your tablet, smartphone, laptop to become a complete and trusted navigation system.

By connecting an  NMEA to WiFi adaptor  or an  NMEA to USB adaptor , your navigation software or iOS/Android app will be connected to your navigation system (chart plotter, instruments, autopilot, AIS, etc.). Then, your software or navigation app will display in real time AIS targets, GPS, Wind and all navigation information.

Digital Yacht   has also developed innovative, easy to use and powerful apps and navigation software for smartphones, tablets and PCs. However, our NMEA to WiFi adaptors and NMEA to USB connectors are fully compatible with all the popular navigation software and apps

We have developed a list of the best apps for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android which you can discover here:

Benefits of iPad & Tablet navigation

There are numerous benefits of using an iPad or tablet for navigation. Obviously, the financial aspect is the most important for portable navigation, where a simple system allows you to get all navigation data on your mobile devices. With most people already owning a tablet or smartphone, the user only needs to purchase the product needed to transmit the data to these devices.

Tablet navigation also gives the user the ability to greatly improve their electronic system and utilise a navigation system with unlimited functions. If a chart plotter is already owned, customers can connect their existing plotter system to a product that will broadcast NMEA data wirelessly. This works with all major brands including Raymarine, Navico, Furuno, Garmin, etc.

This means that if the customer already has a tablet or smartphone they will receive the data and be able to use comprehensive and powerful applications or navigation software. For example, the customer will be able to broadcast AIS data on a tablet that they can use cooperatively with their plotter and therefore he will be able to navigate and track a route on the existing plotter and at the same time look at the surrounding AIS targets on the tablet.

In addition to navigation and cartography, having an iPad, Tablet or Smartphone on board allows you to connect to the internet (if you have access) and therefore check your emails, surf the internet, Youtube, Facebook, etc.

Moreover, the portable navigation is a backup solution in case of problems with your main chart plotter. Also if your chart plotter has a small display, portable navigation can be a perfect solution for you. For a minimal cost, you will get all your data on a much larger screen. Chart plotters are limited to navigation, whilst tablets can also display weather data and receive navigation data from the internet too.

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How to configure apps & software.

You can find out how to configure your navigation app or software to receive NMEA, GPS and AIS data from one of Digital Yacht’s NMEA to WiFi server ,  NMEA to USB converter  or  AIS receiver/transponder with built-in WiFi

This list only includes apps & software which can receive external NMEA data and display real time AIS targets from an AIS receiver/transponder. If you are a software/apps editor and your app/software is not in the list below, please contact us.

Aqua Map Marine

Aqua map marine is an ios/android app. to receive external nmea and ais data, you need to purchase the master functions..

Once you have connected your tablet or smartphone to the WiFi of the NMEA to WiFi server or the AIS transponder/receiver , open the app. Aqua Map can receive all NMEA 0183 data such as GPS, AIS and instruments data. Aqua Map is also Signal K compatible and can receive Signal K data from our iKommunicate.

1 – Set up an NMEA connection

Go to the Settings.

Toggle the buttons next to AIS and NMEA.

Make sure your Aqua Map Master subscription is active, then click on the arrow next to WiFi Connections.

Click on ‘+’ next to List of Connections.

Then, in the next page, you can fill in the parameters to set up an NMEA connection. However, our products parameters have already been saved by the app. So, simply click on the button Select device and select Digital Yacht.

Otherwise you would have needed to add the Connection name, the protocole TCP or UDP, the ip address: 192.168.1.1 and the port n° 2000.

Choose Digital Yacht and click on Done.

Your parameters will now be saved and if you click on Edit, you can choose if you prefer the app to use an UDP protocol. By choosing UDP over TCP, you can connect up to 7 devices on the WiFi whereas only one connection can be made with the TCP protocol but TCP is more reliable.

Next to Status, you could see if the app is receiving data or not. If the status is Connected and the connection is completed, a list of the available sensors will be displayed and you will be able to define which to use with your Aqua Map.

Go back to the main menu by clicking on the arrow in the top left corner.

Your NMEA connection is now set up.

2 – Configure AIS parameters

After having configured the NMEA connection, you can now configure all the AIS parameters.

Go to the main menu and click on the arrow next to AIS.

In that page, toggle the buttons next to Collect AIS Data, Display on Map and if you want Display Moored/Lost boats. You can also choose to only display both or Class A (commercial) or Class B (leisure) AIS targets.

Under Collect AIS data, you can display a list of AIS targets and you can order AIS targets by CPA, distance and by name.

Then, toggle the button next to Collision Avoidance and you can now configure CPA and TCPA alarms . Your tablet or smartphone can set off a very loud audible alarm.

Now, go back to the main map to see AIS targets.

On the left side of the map, you will now have an AIS box showing in real time the distance and time to collision with the nearest AIS boat target. This box turn to flashing red when the collision is imminent according to the setting you predefined in the AIS setting page.

If you click on the box, you will get a list of the AIS targets (list that you can order by CPA, distance or by name).

Touch a target on the map or on the “i” icon in the AIS targets list.

A page will pop up and by clicking the red triangle icon at the bottom, this boat will become your main target and will be displayed in red on the map.

You can also set this boat as your friend and will be displayed in green on the map.

Go back to the map and now your targets will be displayed in red, green or brown if you have selected a target as your main target or friend.

Boating Navionics

The Boating app from Navionics is one of the most popular app and is available on Android and iOS.

To receive NMEA and AIS data on Navionics, the connection is automatic.

Close all your apps, connect your tablet or smartphone to the WiFi of the AIS transponders or NMEA to WiFi server , then turn on the Navionics app.

1 – Set up an NMEA connexion

Click on Menu then on Connected Devices. You will see that Navionics will automatically be connected to one of our products. If it does not connect automatically, then you will need to manually set up the connexion as explained below.

Automatic connexion

Manual connexion

If the automatic connexion does not work, then you have to manually set up the NMEA connexion. Click on the ‘+’ next to Devices. Then, at the bottom click on ‘Add Device’. You will need to enter the following details depending on the protocole mode you’ve chosen for the WLN10/WLN30/NavLink2:

• Name: Digital Yacht or WLN10 or WLN30 or NavLink2, etc.
• Host: 0.0.0.0
• Port number: 2000
• Host: 192.168.1.1

After having entered the details, click Save.

2 – Set up the AIS settings

After having set up the NMEA connexion, you must go to the ‘Map Options’ menu.

Click on ‘AIS Settings’

In that menu, you can now activate to display AIS targets but also to set up  CPA and TCPA alarms . Depending on the values you set for CPA and TCPA alarms, your tablet or smartphone can also trigger an audible alarm.

Now, the AIS targets will be overlaid on your map. Touch a target to get its name and click ‘?’ to get more information about the AIS target.

iAIS is a free and simple iPhone/iPad app to display AIS targets. It was the first app in the world to display in real time AIS targets.

In order to receive AIS targets in real time, you will need an AIS receiver/transponder with built-in Wi-Fi or simply connect a NMEA-WiFi server to your AIS receiver or transponder.

This post explains how to set up an NMEA connection and to receive NMEA and AIS data in the app and also explains how to configure AIS parameters and to upload Navionics charts.

After having closed all your apps, make sure you are connected to the WiFI and open the iAIS app.

At the bottom of the app, click on Instruments.

Then on the blue gear at the top right as shown in the picture below.

Then click on TCP/IP.

As shown in the screenshot below, you need to fill in the following parameters:

• Protocol: UDP or TCP. We recommend you choosing UDP if you want to connect other devices to the WiFI. With TCP, you can only connect one device to the WiFi whereas with UDP, you can connect up to 7 devices.
• Host (only for TCP): 192.168.1.1

In this page you can also enter your MMSI number (then click on the button next to Tx) so that the iAIS application will transmit your position to AIS sites like Marine Traffic, BoatWatch, etc. You can also use your iPhone/iPad’s internal GPS instead of the GPS data transmitted through the Wi-Fi of your AIS transponder or NMEA-WiFi server.

Then, please toggle button next to Link.

If you receive data, then NMEA data will start streaming in the black box at the bottom of the application.

Afterwards, please click twice on Save and click on the Plotter tab. The AIS targets will now be displayed.

2 – AIS parameters and Navionics charts

Since the last update of the iAIS application, you can overlay Navionics charts. There is no need to re-purchase Navionics charts if you have already purchased them in your Navionics app.

If you have a Navionics account and you want to use them to receive AIS targets, then please click on the Plotter tab and then click on the gear in the top right corner. At the bottom of the page you will see ‘Buy Navionics Charts Add-on’. After purchasing this feature, please click on the Login button and enter your email address and password used by Navionics. After the application has found the status of your Navionics Charts subscriptions, please click on Done and then toggle the button next to Navionics Charts as shown below. Afterwards, click Save and the Navionics Charts will appear on your application.

Once you have AIS targets on the Plotter tab, you can touch a target and the boat information will be displayed as shown in the picture below.

If the target has a yellow dot on it then it means that static data has not yet been received (boat name, dimensions, boat type, etc.). This data is transmitted less frequently than the position data and MMSI number. The static data is updated every 3-6 minutes.

Targets in Pink are Class B vessels (pleasure craft, etc.). Vessels equipped with class B transponders transmit static data (name, MMSI) and also dynamic data (COG, SOG, latitude, longitude, etc.).

Targets in Orange are Class A vessels (commercial, ship, passenger transport, etc.). Vessels equipped with class A transponder transmit more data such as destination, length, draught, etc.

If you have instruments connected to your NMEA-WiFi server or AIS transponder/receiver with built-in Wi-Fi, then the iAIS application can display data from these instruments. To view the data from these instruments, simply click on the Instruments tab.

This post explains how to receive NMEA data on the iNavX app and how to configure AIS.

In the settings app, connect your iPad or iPhone Wi-fi to the Digital Yacht Wi-fi from an NMEA to WiFI server or from an AIS transponder with WiFi.

Tap the Instruments item in the toolbar at the bottom of the iNavX.

1 – NMEA connection

Tap TCP/IP in the upper left corner of the Instruments.

In this section, you can set up the NMEA connection with the following settings:

• Protocol: TCP or UDP (UDP allows you to use 7 devices with the WiFi).

Below is also to set up the different NMEA functionalities such as sending data to an autopilot. Once all configured, toggle the link switch to the On.

Once toggled on there should be NMEA data sentences streaming in the console indicating that iNavX is receiving NMEA data.

2 – AIS Parameters

There are settings that can toggle how any AIS targets are displayed on the charts in iNavX on the Chart Settings page.  You can access the chart settings page by tapping More in the iNavX toolbar, then Settings in the upper right corner, then Chart on the Settings page.  Scroll down to show the 3 different settings for how AIS targets are viewed.

AIS targets appear when viewing  a chart.  The obvious limitation is the range capability of the AIS device in the onboard network. Also AIS Targets can be viewed as a list on the Targets page by tapping the TCT instrument in the instrument banner.  This list can be sorted by Range, CPA and Alpha by tapping the sorting icon in the upper right corner.  MMSI numbers will resolve to vessel names after appropriate refresh of data from the station broadcasting the data.

Tapping individual targets by either tapping the icon on a chart or by tapping it in the list will open an information window about the specific target.  Tapping the magnifying glass icon will highlight the target so that it can be more easily followed when in chart view.

You can also configure AIS alarm. The setting is on the More page found by tapping the More item in the iNavX toolbar.

IRegatta (iOS)

To receive NMEA data in iRegatta, the app has the settings in the iOS settings app.

Go in your iPhone/iPad settings menu and scroll down to the iRegatta app. Then, you need to scroll down to the “WIFI NMEA” section.

Turn on “WiFi instrument data”, and fill in the IP address: 192.168.1.1, port: 2000 and choose UDP for TCP/UDP.

Showing AIS in iRegatta require an in-app-purchase. AIS will be shown as a radar view.

iRegatta 2 (iOS)

To receive NMEA data in iRegatta 2, the settings are inside the app.

Tap the menu button in the upper left corner.

Then, you need to select “Settings” in the menu.

Then, scroll down and Enable the button next to WiFi Instrument data and enter the following:

NMEA IP address: 192.168.1.1

NMEA Port no.: 2000

TCP/UDP: UDP

If you have an AIS receiver/transponder with built-in WiFi or an NMEA to WiFi server connected to an AIS, you can overlay AIS targets on the iRegatta app.

You need to open the right menu.

Select “visibility”

Then turn on AIS.

Here is the instruction, how to connect the external Wi-Fi AIS or NMEA to WiFi servers to the iSailor app:

Run the iSailor app and tap on the “Settings” tab. The Settings menu is needed to adjust user settings, purchase, restore charts and for other functions.

Tap the “Sensors” menu item

In that menu, there are some in-app purchases. The NMEA section is needed for filtering purposes of the incoming NMEA data. The AIS section is needed for operation with AIS targets. Tap on the section you require and choose the options you need if you have not already purchased those options. If you have already purchased those options then go to the next section:

Once you have purchased the right options, go back to the “Sensors” tab -> you will see the advanced settings appears (according to the purchased options).

Tap on the “Connection Settings” on the “AIS & NMEA Connections” section.

Click on Add Connection.

Fill in the Connection table:

– input the connection Name. For instance, Digital Yacht AIT3000 or Smart WLN10, etc.

– Choose the protocol type (we always recommend using the UDP protocol).

– set the Address “192.168.1.1”.

– set the Port “2000”.

Go back to the “Connection Settings” -> if the connection was established, there will be a check mark on the tab.

Go to the “Sensors” tab and set the appropriate settings (Primary PS – AIS/NMEA, Heading data – AIS/NMEA, etc.)

On the “Monitoring page” you can check the following data: position, sensor, route and schedule, track recording.

NavLink (iOS)

NavLink is a low cost app designed for use with an iPhone or iPad. It transforms your iPad into a full function chart plotter with detailed electronic charts and an overlay of your boat’s position, track and heading.

This post explains how to receive NMEA data and to display real time AIS targets on Navlink.

Open the app.

Go to the Navlink’s settings menu.

Go to the ‘AIS, GPS & NMEA Link’ menu

Whether you are using an iPad or iPhone, you need to enter the following parameters:

• Protocol: TCP or UDP (UDP allows you to use 7 devices with the WiFi whereas one connection only with TCP. However, a TCP connection is more reliable).

If the NMEA connection is valid and complete, you should start seeing NMEA data sentences streaming in the console indicating that NavLink is receiving NMEA data.

2 – AIS Configuration

After having configured your NMEA connection, you must activate AIS targets.

Go back to the main menu and go to Manage Chart Layers.

Then, toggle the button next to ‘AIS Ship Layer’

Go back to the main menu and go to ‘My Boat Details’ menu to set up your preferences for CPA and TCPA alarms.

Go back to the map, AIS targets will now be overlaid on your charts. Touch a target and touch the ‘i’ to get more information.

After having touched the ‘i’, you will obtain more information about the target including the CPA and TCPA alarms.

Your iPad/iPhone can trigger an audible alarm for the CPA and TCPA alarms that you’ve set before.

Besides editing charts, NV Charts have also developed an Android/iOS/Windows/Mac app.

After having connected your tablet, PC or smartphone to the WiFI of our AIS transponder or NMEA to WiFi server, open the NV Charts app on your device.

Reach the settings menu by pressing the setting button and click on GPS AIS.

Here in this section, as shown in the image below, you can set up the external NMEA source, GPS position and all the AIS parameters.

1 – For GPS source

You can choose to receive the position from the internal GPS sensor or from NMEA. You can receive the GPS data from NMEA if you have a GPS antenna connected to the NMEA to WiFI server.

2 – For AIS

Here you can toggle buttons to show Class B and Class A AIS targets.

3 – For NMEA settings

In this section, scroll down to NMEA and enter the following settings:

• Choose WiFi router: Use a drop-down menu to select whether you want to save one or more routers.
• IP Address: 192.168.1.1

Once you have entered the data above, tap the ‘Connect’ button at the bottom.

OpenCPN (USB)

OpenCPN is one of the most popular marine navigation software packages and is completely Open Source, meaning that Windows, Mac and LINUX users can install and use the software for free!

This section explains how to receive NMEA data in OpenCPN V3.2 or higher from an NMEA to USB adaptor or from a sensor with USB output like our GPS antenna.

1 – Discover the device name

First of all, make sure that the relevant USB driver for your Digital Yacht product, is installed on the computer.

During the “Discovery” process, the operating system will allocate a device name to the USB connection. On Windows PCs these are always “Virtual COM Ports” and will be numbered COM1 through to COM256, while on MACs and LINUX PCs these will be device names “tty.usb1”. Before you can setup OpenCPN, you need to know what device name has been allocated to your Digital Yacht Product and this varies between operating systems:

– For Windows PC , to find out what COM Port number has been allocated, you will need to run the “Device Manager”. The Digital Yacht unit will be displayed as “USB Serial Port (COMxx)” and it is the number (in this example 6) that we are interested in.

– For Macs , in Finder, click GO>Utilities and run the Terminal.app program. Then type “ls /dev/tty.usb*” which will then display the device name given to the Digital Yacht product, in this example “/dev/tty.usbmodem1d11” is our AIT2000 and “/dev/tty.usbserial-FTTQLRK4” is one of our NMEA to USB adaptor cables. Make a note of the device name(s) as we will need to enter this in OpenCPN.

– For LINUX PCs , the exact command you use will depend upon which LINUX distribution you are using but for Ubuntu, click “Applications>Accessories>Terminal”. At the command prompt, enter the command;

ls /dev/ttyA* for AIT1500/AIT2000/AIT3000 and other AIS transponders products ls /dev/ttyU* for all other products such as NMEA to USB adaptor, GPS with USB output, etc.

This will display the device name given to the Digital Yacht product. In this example below we have an AIT2000 connected that is given the device name “/dev/ttyACM0” and a GPS160USB that was given “dev/ttyUSB0”. Make a note of the device name(s) as we will need to enter this in OpenCPN

2 – Set up a NMEA connection in OpenCPN

With the latest V3.2 and higher versions of OpenCPN you can have multiple data connections and to create a new connection you must click on the “Settings” icon (spanner) and then click on the “Connections” tab. As you can see, we currently have no Data Connections setup and so we click on the “Add Connection” button. Now we click on Serial then on the “DataPort“ drop down list and see what serial ports are available. Find the device name that matches the name noted earlier for your Digital Yacht product and select that device.

The default baud rate (data speed) is 4800baud which is the standard speed for most NMEA0183 devices, but if you are connecting one of our AIS products, you will need to change the Baudrate to 38400 baud.

None of the other settings usually need to be changed and once you are happy that everything is correct, click on the “Apply” button to save the settings and you will see the new connection now in the list. If you wish to test the connection, click on the “Show NMEA Debug Window” tick box and a new window will appear with the raw NMEA data scrolling down the page, showing the time it was received and the connection it came in on.

You can continue to add more data connections i.e. GPS, AIS, Instruments, etc. and once all connections are setup just click “OK” to exit and return to the Chart screen. Assuming that all of the connections are powered up and active, you should now see the Boat displayed accurately on the chart, if an AIS is connected then a series of AIS targets should be displayed on the chart and if you have the Dashboard Instrument Plugin installed, you should be able to display instrument data as well.

Important Notes 1) We have had some reports of customers having to go in to the Input Filtering “Accept Only” options and clicking the “Select All” Sentences button. There does not seem to be any rhyme or reason for this and we recommend only changing the Input Filtering if no data is being displayed and you are sure everything else is set and working correctly.

2) For Mac and LINUX users, if when you click on the drop down “DataPort” menu you do not see the device name that you had found previously in the Terminal program, you will need to manually type the name in to the box. We have seen this on some Macs and LINUX distributions with our AIT1500/AIT2000/AIT3000 products that appear as a USB Modem rather than a USB Serial Port. Make sure you include the full device name for example; /dev/tty.usbmodem1d11

3 – Configure AIS parameters

If you have connected the USB output of an AIS transponder/Receiver or if your AIS is connected to an NMEA to USB adaptor, then you can overlay AIS targets in OpenCPN after having configured the USB connection.

You need to make sure that AIS targets are activated. Go to the top menu bar > AIS and tick the parameters you want.

You can also configure others AIS parameters such as CPA/TCPA alarms and the display of AIS targets in the OpenCPN menu. By configuring CPA/TCPA alarms, your PC can trigger an audible alarm.

If you want to configure those parameters, go to OpenCPN settings > Ships > ‘AIS Targets’ tab.

AIS targets will now be overlay in your charts.

OpenCPN (WiFi)

This section explains how to receive NMEA data in OpenCPN V3.2 or higher from an NMEA to WiFi server or from an AIS Transponder/Receiver with built-in WiFi.

1- Set up a WiFi NMEA connection

This post assumes that you have already connected your computer wirelessly to one of our wireless NMEA products. For more information on setting up a wireless connection, please refer to the User Manual for your Digital Yacht product.

With the latest V3.2 and higher versions of OpenCPN you can have multiple data connections and to create a new connection you must click on the “Settings” icon (spanner) and then click on the “Connections” tab. As you can see below, we currently have no Data Connections setup and so we click on the “Add Connection” button.

Now we select a “Network” Connection by clicking the check box next to the Properties “Network” option. You should now see the window change to the layout shown in below and you need to fill in the following settings:

• Protocol: UDP, TCP or GPSD. TCP protocol is more reliable, allows bi-directional data transfer but only one device to connect at a time, while UDP is a uni- directional, broadcast protocol allowing up to seven devices to all receive the same data.
• Address: 192.168.1.1 
• DataPort: 2000 

None of the other settings usually need to be changed and once you are happy that everything is correct, click on the “Apply” button to save the settings and you will see the new connection now in the list.

If you wish to test the connection, click on the “Show NMEA Debug Window” tick box and a new window will show raw NMEA data scrolling down the page, with the time it was received and the connection it came in on.

Once you are happy that your new wireless connection is working correctly, click “OK” to exit and return to the Chart screen. You should now see the Boat displayed accurately on the chart, if AIS data is coming through then a series of AIS targets should also be displayed on the chart and if you have the Dashboard Instrument Plugin installed, you should be able to display instrument data as well.

Important Note We have had some reports of customers having to go in to the Input Filtering “Accept Only” options and clicking the “Select All” Sentences button. There does not seem to be any rhyme or reason for this and we recommend only changing the Input Filtering if no data is being displayed and you are sure everything else is set and working correctly

qtVlm is a navigation software and iOS/Android app.

Firstly, connect your PC or tablet/smartphone to the WiFI of our AIS transponder or NMEA to WiFi server .

After, you need to set up an NMEA connection with qtVlm. Go to the Configuration page of qtVlm.

Click on the ‘NMEA connections’ tab.

Then click on Incoming and Network sources.

You can either set up a UDP connection or TCP connection. By setting up an UDP connection, you can connect up to 7 devices to our WiFi whereas with a TCP connection, you can only connect one device to the WiFi.

If you set up a TCP connection, you need to fill in the following:

• Server 1: 192.168.1.1  and in the next cell: 2000

If you set up a UDP connection, you need to fill in the following:

• Port 1: 192.168.1.1 and in the next cell: 2000

You can also set up an outgoing connection if you want to send NMEA data from q tVlm to an autopilot for example.

Once the data are configured, you need to tick next to Server 1 (for TCP) or Port 1 (for UDP).

In the ‘AIS’ tab, you can configure all the AIS parameters such as CPA/TCPA alarm, display, etc.

SailGrib WR  is a complete navigation, routing and weather app for Android devices. Designed by a sailor, it is used by boaters, cruisers and offshore racers worldwide.

SailGrib WR can receive NMEA data from any Digital Yacht  NMEA-WiFi server  such as the  WLN10 Smart ,  WLN30 , NavLink2, old units as well as AIS transponders with integrated WiFi such as the AIT5000  or the  Nomad .

This section explains how to set up an NMEA connection with SailGrib and how to configure the AIS parameters.

Connect your Android tablet or smartphone to the product WiFi network and open the app.

Go to the Menu section, scroll down and click in Settings.

In that menu, you can configure if you want to use the built-in GPS of your tablet/smartphone or want to use the GPS position from an external source (if a GPS antenna is connected to the NMEA to WiFi or if you have an AIS transponder with WiFI). You can also configure the NMEA and AIS settings.

After having selected your GPS source, please go to ‘NMEA Settings’

In that menu, scroll down the NMEA and AIS connection, then tick to activate NMEA and AIS connection then scroll down and click NMEA Source.

A pop up will come up so just select Digital Yacht. After having selected Digital Yacht as your NMEA source, the protocol, server IP address and Server port cases will be filled in.

When you have selected Digital Yacht as a source, some NMEA sentences will be displayed under the NMEA source section.

You can also now display NMEA data in the app. In the main menu, make sure you have toggled the GPS button and then in the app, click on the Green boat at the bottom and a panel will appear on the right hand side displaying navigation data in real time.

After having configured an NMEA connection, you can now configure the AIS parameters such as which targets to display, CPA/TCPA alarms , share your own data, etc.

To configure AIS parameters, go to the main menu > Settings > GPS NMEA AIS > AIS Settings

In the first page of this menu, you can choose if you want to receive AIS targets over internet (which we do not recommend). If you have an AIS receiver/transponder and the data are sent over WiFi, then you do not need to tick AIS over internet.

After, you can enter your Own ship MMSI and ship name and you can select to share AIS data and own ship data over the Internet. A device running SailGrib WR or Weather4D, receiving AIS and meteorological data from the boat instruments can publish these data over the Internet. AIS data are shared on AISHub where the boat acts as a mobile AIS base station. Meteorological data are shared with the other users of SailGrib WR and Weather4D.

Afterwards, in the AIS Settings menu, scroll down and you can select if you want to display stopped boats and Class B AIS targets (leisure boating) and the bottom of the menu, you can select if you want to show vessel names or not.

Scroll down to configure the CPA and TCPA alarms. The app alerts you in case of potentially dangerous situations in case CPA and TCPA is under a given threshold. You can active your tablet/android to play sound in case of an alarm.

Go back to the app and AIS targets will be displayed but also CPA and TCPA.

ScanNav is a PC navigation software. Open the software and go the settings.

Click on the GPS tab and push the button “++” just above Port.

Now, enter the following details:

• Choose WiFi Protocole TCP/IP
• Numéro de port: 2000
• Adresse IP: 192.168.1.1

Once this is configured, go the ‘AIS’ tab to make sure that AIS targets are activated.

SeaPilot is an Android/iOS app. It is based on the functionality and design of commercial shipping standards for electronic navigation with digital nautical charts. SeaPilot was acquired by Raymarine in 2018 and is a complete navigation app.

To receive external NMEA data and to display real time AIS targets, you need to subscribe to SeaPilot premium.

This post explains how to receive NMEA data and to display real time AIS targets on the SeaPilot app with our NMEA to WiFi server or AIS receiver/transponder with built-in WiFi .

The attached pics are taken from an iPad. The settings for Android are very similar with just some minor differences.

Before opening the app, connect your tablet or smartphone to the WiFi of the AIS unit or NMEA to WiFi server.

Open Seapilot and go to Own vessel settings. Bottom bar left end.

Scroll down and go to the NMEA menu.

Click on Use NMEA. If you want to use the built-in GPS of your tablet/smartphone, after having configured the NMEA connection, you need to turn on ‘Use GPS’ in the ‘Own vessel settings’.

Now, you need to enter the following parameters:

Then, click on Connect. The status will now change to “Connected” and the NMEA connection is now set up.

You can now select which data you want to receive such as AIS data, position, depth data, etc. With a GPS compass you will also get Heading presented as an endless heading line beside COG/speed vector. Depth is also possible to receive and it is presented in the instrument window.

After having set up the NMEA connections, you can now configure AIS parameters such as AIS target name, your own MMSI number, CPA alarm , etc.

Now, please click on the settings button in the bottom right corner.

You can select if you want to display AIS targets from Internet but best is to receive AIS targets from an AIS receiver/transponder.

Scroll down and click on the AIS menu.

In this section, you can choose to display target name, vector, etc. but you can also configure the  CPA alarm . Your tablet/smartphone can set up an audible alarm for the CPA alarm.

Go back to the map and AIS targets will now be overlaid on your charts. Touch a target to get detailed information.

SmarterTrack

SmarterTrack is the ideal PC marine navigation software for anyone who has a dedicated chart plotter that uses Navionics Gold, Platinum or Platinum+ chart cartridges or who is new to electronic charting and wants simple to use PC navigation software with good AIS support.

You can receive AIS and NMEA data on SmarterTrack from an NMEA to USB converter or from an NMEA to WiFi server .  You can set up 2 nmea connections (NMEA 1, NMEA 2) meaning you can connect for example an NMEA to WiFi server to the software and in the meantime a GPS antenna with an USB output.

After having plugged your NMEA to USB adaptor to your PC or having connected your PC to your NMEA to WiFi server, open SmarterTrack.

Click on the boat at the top left of the software.

Then click on Configuration and a windows will pop up.

In the configuration windows, click on the ‘NMEA-1’ or ‘NMEA-2’ tab to set up your first or second NMEA connection. In the drop down list, you can choose which devices you have such as an AIS transponder, an NMEA Multiplexer (NMEA to WiFI), etc.

You can also choose if you want to output NMEA data such as sending NMEA data to an autopilot.

In the first example below, we have set up an NMEA connection with our NMEA to WiFi WLN10 and in the second picture below, we have set up an NMEA connection with our NMEA 0183 to USB converter adaptor.

For setting up an NMEA to WiFI connection with an NMEA to WiFI server or an AIS receiver/transponder with built-in WiFi, please add the following parameters:

• TCP/IP: 192.168.1.1 

For setting up an NMEA to USB connection , please add the following parameters:

• Com Port: Choose the USB port number which has been allocated by your PC (you can find out the number in the Device manager).
• NMEA Speed: Select either Standard NMEA (4800) if you only receive instrument data or select NMEA(HS) 38,400 if you receive AIS and instrument data.

When you have configured your NMEA connection, please click Apply and reboot the software. It you set up two NMEA connections, you need to make sure that the two sources NMEA1 and NMEA2 should not be set to the same COM port or wireless connection.

If NMEA1 or NMEA2 is not being used set it to COM Port “NONE”.

In the top main menu, go to ‘AIS’. You can choose which targets you want to display such as Class B (leisure boating), Class A (commercial), etc.

If you click on the ‘AIS Properties’ button, you can configure other AIS parameters such as CPA/TCPA alarms , stop the AIS transmission of your AIS transponder, the voyage data if you have connected a Class A AIS Transponder, which data you want to display, etc.

TZ iBoat – MaxSea & TimeZero

TZ iBoat is a powerful app for coastal sailing designed by MaxSea (also design the powerful software TimeZero). This app is only available on iPhone/iPad. If you have a WiFi Furuno radar, you can overlay radar within the app. There are some in-app purchases to display AIS and GPS data but also to use the Radar functionnality.

Before all, you need to connect your iPhone/iPad to your NMEA to WiFi server or AIS receiver/transponder with WiFI. 

Firstly, select the menu icon on the top left of the TZ iBoat screen. It is three horizontal lines. Then, select “Initial Setup” from the list. Then, select “Connect To NMEA Gateway” which will bring up a network configuration window and type in the information parameters:

• TCP/IP or UDP: TCP protocol is more reliable, allows bi-directional data transfer but only one device to connect at a time, while UDP is a uni- directional, broadcast protocol allowing up to seven devices to all receive the same data. If you using many devices, we recommend you choosing UDP.
• IP Address: 192.168.1.1 (do not need to enter that if you choose UDP).
• Port Number: 2000

After having entered those parameters, you should start to see NMEA data streaming in the square. Click Ok.

In the Initial Setup menu, you can also choose if you want to use the Internal GPS of your iPhone/iPad or an External Source. If you have a GPS antenna connected to the NMEA to WIFI server then you can select NMEA Gateway.

You can now overlay AIS targets in TZ iBoat.

Weather 4D is an iOS iPad/iPhone app best known for its fantastic animated weather displays with the ability to download global weather and present animated, multi day forecasts of pressure, wind, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover etc. This app is mightly impressive and a valuable addition to your app toolbox if you’re a keen sailor.

Weather 4D has a full function NMEA interface compatible with Digital Yacht NMEA to WiFI servers and our wireless AIS systems like the AIT5000 and Nomad .

Set up is easy – Firstly, connect to the Digital Yacht Wi-Fi point and close all your apps in the background and open Weather4D.

1 – Set up an NMEA to WiFI connection

Click on the Settings button in the top hand right corner and then go the NMEA Settings section.

In this section, fill in the following:

• Protocol: UDP or TCP (we recommend UDP)

You can also choose to rece ive the GPS position from the built-in GPS of your device or from an external source (i.e. a GPS antenna connected to our NMEA to WiFi server). You can also configure the NMEA inputs and outputs if you want to output data to an autopilot for example.

When it is all configured, toggle the button next to Enabled and if the connection is right, some NMEA data will start streaming under NMEA.

If you go back to the Settings, you can go to the AIS Settings section to configure all the AIS parameters including the ability to overlay internet sourced AIS data.  This is dangerous for real-time navigation as there’s often a delay (you’ll see a ship you’ve just passed right in front of you!) or coverage can be poor but it’s fun for use at home looking at other ports or checking on your vessel’s AIS status.

You can also optionally set the iPad to upload your local AIS data to the internet if you want to be part of the crowdsourced data gatherers. This can also include local wind data which will offer real-time data to other users – interesting!

Through the settings, you can also configure MOB and CPA/TCPA alarms. Your iPad/iPhone could trigger an audible alarms.

Webinar on 4G and 5G Internet routers for your boat.

Webinar on Digital Yacht AIS Transponder Range

Webinar on Net Protect – NMEA2000 Cyber Security Tool

Which AIS transponder from Digital Yacht do I need?

Receiving NMEA 2000 on a navigation software & app

The navigation software ScanNav released an update a few weeks ago as it now accepts raw NMEA 2000 data from our iKonvert or NavLink2 . A list of PGNs ( Message format and parameter group numbers) is preconfigured for commonly used instruments (GPS, COG & SOG, wind, depth, compass, loch, AIS, environmental sensors…), and it is possible to extend this list by adding potentially any PGN to the configuration file.

ScanNav is a very complete French navigation software that allows you to perform all the necessary tasks for navigation. For a complete overview, please visit their web site here: https://www.scannav.com . Note that you can test all the functionalities by requesting a free temporary license.

NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000

Navigation apps & software can mostly only read and transmit NMEA 0183 data. So traditionally, NMEA 2000 Gateways (like NavLink2 or iKonvert USB ) have converted NMEA 2000 data into NMEA 0183 data which is simple ASCII coded (human readable) data:

$GPRMC,181408.000,A,5051.3136,N,00108.0826,W,0.00,325.50,240319,,,A*77

NMEA 0183 was developed when boats were simpler with less equipment onboard and only a subset of data is available in NMEA 0183 compared to NMEA 2000. So most of the Navigation, Instrument, AIS and GPS information is available in NMEA 0183, but engine data, electrical switching data, entertainment data, AC generators/inverters and DC battery system data is not available in NMEA 0183.

NMEA 2000 (CAN bus) data is communicated in binary packets and to decode the data you need to buy expensive specification documents from the NMEA organisation and develop clever data parsing libraries that can read and use the data. For this reason, many app developers only support wired or wireless NMEA 0183 data and accept that there is a limit to the data they can process and the functionality they can offer.

If you have a NMEA 2000 network on board, you can use our iKonvert (USB) or NavLink2 (WiFi) NMEA 2000 gateway and they will connect directly to your NMEA 2000 network and will convert the data into NMEA 0183 and then will transmit the data to your navigation software and apps.

Receiving raw NMEA 2000 data

However, iKonvert and NavLink2 also have a “RAW Mode” where NMEA 2000 data can be read/written to using a simple serial data format that we publish on our  Github site . That means that a software could receive the raw NMEA 2000 data and not the converted NMEA 0183 data. Only a few navigation software packages currently support raw NMEA 2000 (TimeZero, Coastal Explorer, Expedition, ScanNav, OpenSkipper).

Digital Yacht’s raw mode has attracted the interest of a number of developers and iKonvert & NavLink2 are also already compatible with the Signal K Node Server , OpenCPN, NMEARemote (iOS), WilhelmSK (iOS), OpenPlotter and now ScanNav.

The benefits of software and applications reading the raw NMEA 2000 data natively (not converted) is access to more data types, faster data update rates and being able to switch between multiple sources of the same data.

For the developers

An app developer that invests the extra time and effort to support RAW NMEA 2000 binary data and learns more about NMEA 2000, will be able to offer much more functionality, get faster data update rates and be able to support new technologies as they become available in NMEA 2000, like electric propulsion, 9 axis attitude sensors, bow thrusters, etc.

There are a few “flavours” of RAW NMEA 2000, from different manufacturers, but what they all provide is the binary PGN packet data in HEX or base64, with details of what device it came from. Digital Yacht’s RAW NMEA 2000 format looks like this….

!PDGY,126720,7,4,255,1879.446,5ZhIGQICAwMBAQMPCP8PAKUWuxwBEoYK

This serial protocol we use in our iKonvert wired gateway and NavLink2 wireless gateway is fully documented on our GitHub site: https://github.com/digitalyacht/iKonvert/wiki

To decode the binary PGN data the developer will need to buy the NMEA 2000 Appendix B from the NMEA organisation or use an existing NMEA 2000 library like CANBoat or CANBoatJS that converts the data in to JSON. However, integration of iKonvert does not require special libraries or proprietary code: https://github.com/canboat/canboat &  https://github.com/canboat/canboatjs

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“Easy to use PC navigation software compatible with Navionics charts. Powerful features and AIS enhanced displays.”

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KEY FEATURES

SmarterTrack is the ideal PC marine navigation software for anyone who has a dedicated chart plotter that uses Navionics Gold, Platinum or Platinum+ chart cartridges. Also, for anyone who is new to electronic charting and wants simple to use PC navigation software with good AIS support.

Planning at home, monitoring from the chart table or similarly as a self contained independent backup system, SmarterTrack turns your PC in to an invaluable navigation tool. As a result, it will display your GPS position and the location of all the surrounding AIS targets on the accurate and detailed Navionics electronic charts.

AIS support includes; colour coded targets, user selectable labelling of targets, fully configurable CPA and TCPA alarms, visual indication of CPA and AIS targets drawn to scale. Many other other settings and features also make this software ideal for displaying AIS data.

Moreover, entering the route you wish to sail, checking the tides, overlaying weather (GRIB files), confirming depths or nav-aids on the chart and a whole host of other routine navigational tasks can be performed simply and effortlessly with SmarterTrack.

SmarterTrack is delivered as a digital download and comes with a licence for up to two concurrent PCs.  A licence key will be emailed to you with a link for the download.  The licence can also be transferred to other PCs using an uninstall process. Smartertrack can be used on any PC running a Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 operating system. A fully NMEA 2000 compliant version is also available with a USB to NMEA 2000 interface.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Simple yet powerful Marine PC Navigation software
• Supports Navionic’s Gold, Platinum or Platinum+ electronic chart cartridges – NOTE ONLY charting features supported not 3D capability of Platinum
• Excellent AIS support
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• Displays all NMEA instrument data
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• Will display wireless NMEA data from Digital Yacht’s WLN10, WLN30, Navlink2 and AIS transponders with built-in WiFi

SmarterTrack Quick Start V1 00 Pdf

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iKonvert – NMEA 2000 to USB Converter

Nomad 2 – Portable AIS Transponder

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Why Every Sailor Needs a Marine Navigation App

In the age of digital innovation, the marine navigation app has emerged as an indispensable tool for sailors of all levels.

From novice boaters to seasoned mariners, these apps offer a multitude of features that enhance safety, efficiency, and overall enjoyment on the water.

This blog post delves into why every sailor needs a marine navigation app and highlights the transformative impact of these tools on modern sailing.

Enhanced Safety and Security

Real-time gps tracking.

A primary feature of marine navigation apps is real-time GPS tracking. This capability allows sailors to constantly monitor their exact location on the water, ensuring they stay on course and avoid hazards.

Knowing your precise position at all times is crucial, especially in unfamiliar or treacherous waters. This level of accuracy can be a lifesaver in emergencies, enabling prompt assistance from rescue services.

Weather Updates and Alerts

Marine navigation apps provide up-to-the-minute weather updates and alerts. Sudden changes in weather conditions, from heavy storms to fog and high winds, can pose significant risks at sea.

These apps offer detailed forecasts, radar images, and severe weather warnings, allowing sailors to make informed decisions and avoid dangerous situations. By staying ahead of the weather, sailors can plan safer routes and ensure smoother voyages.

AIS Integration

Automatic Identification System (AIS) integration is another critical feature found in many marine navigation apps. AIS allows sailors to track the movements of nearby vessels, enhancing situational awareness and reducing the risk of collisions.

This is especially useful in busy waterways and during night-time navigation. AIS data, combined with real-time GPS tracking, provides a comprehensive view of the maritime environment, ensuring safer navigation.

Convenience and Accessibility

User-friendly interfaces.

Marine navigation apps are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible to sailors of all skill levels. Intuitive controls and clear displays ensure that critical information is easy to read and understand, even in challenging conditions. This accessibility allows sailors to focus on the journey rather than grappling with complex navigation tools.

Comprehensive Toolkits

Many marine navigation apps come equipped with comprehensive toolkits that include features like anchor alarms, trip logs, and tidal information. These all-in-one solutions eliminate the need for multiple devices or software, streamlining the navigation process. By consolidating essential tools into a single app, sailors can manage their voyages more efficiently and effectively.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Investing in a marine navigation app is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing standalone GPS devices and chart plotters . With a wide range of apps available, sailors can choose options that fit their budget while still accessing advanced navigation features. The affordability of these apps makes high-quality navigation technology accessible to a broader audience.

Technological Advancements

Integration with onboard electronics.

Modern marine navigation apps can integrate seamlessly with onboard electronics, such as radar, sonar, and autopilot systems. This integration allows for a more cohesive and efficient navigation experience, where all systems work together to provide the best possible data and control. The ability to sync with existing equipment enhances the overall functionality and usability of the app.

Regular Updates and Improvements

Developers of marine navigation apps regularly update their products to include the latest technological advancements and user feedback. These updates ensure that the apps remain current and continue to meet the evolving needs of sailors. Continuous improvements mean that users can always access the best features and most accurate information available.

Augmented Reality and Advanced Visuals

Some advanced marine navigation apps are incorporating augmented reality (AR) to provide enhanced visual aids for navigation. AR can overlay critical navigation data onto the real-world view seen through a device’s camera, offering intuitive and immediate information. This cutting-edge technology takes situational awareness to the next level, making navigation even safer and more precise.

Final Words

The adoption of marine navigation apps is a game-changer for sailors of all levels. These apps offer unparalleled safety, efficiency, and convenience, transforming the sailing experience in numerous ways.

Whether you’re a novice boater or a seasoned mariner, a marine navigation app is an essential companion that enhances every aspect of your sailing adventure.

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NavLink2 – NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi

$ 279.95

“NavLink 2 is an easy to fit NMEA 2000 to Wifi server designed to make NMEA 2000 navigation data available for apps on smartphones, tablets, iPads and PCs.”

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KEY FEATURES

NavLink 2 is an easy to fit NMEA 2000 to Wifi server designed so that NMEA 2000 navigation data can be made available for apps on smartphones, tablets, iPads and PCs. Installation takes seconds as a result of direction connection to the NMEA 2000 back bone and self-powered from the data network.

Once installed, it creates a local WiFi network for devices to connect or can be programmed to join an existing wireless network if one is already installed.  This is ideal for devices like the Furuno wireless radar which require operation through their own dedicated network but require NMEA 2000 data integration for charting apps.

NavLink2 creates a secure, password protected, local Wi-Fi network which allows all NMEA 2000 data to be sent to popular iOS and Android apps such as Navionics, AquaMap, iSailor, Weather4D, SailGrib, iNavX, TimeZero and more.

NavLink2 supports both UDP (for multiple connections) and TCP/IP interfaces for maximum compatibility with apps so you can be using a PC at the chart table with an iPad on deck. It’s also bidirectional so apps can control an autopilot if they enable this function.

CONFIGURATION

You can configure the NavLink2 through its own simple web interface, just open your web browser, enter the NavLink2’s IP address and you can filter NMEA sentences, change network name & password or even merge the WiFi to an existing WiFi network on board. So no complicated programming software or app required.

You can also choose a specific mode for the Navlink2, for instance, you can choose Raw NMEA 2000 mode or the AIS mode to only send AIS and GPS data to get a better result with an app that can only accept AIS & GPS data, such as Navionics. You can even view the received NMEA data in the web browser, for easy fault finding of issues.

Finally, The NavLink2 supports TCP and UDP network protocols for maximum compatibility with apps. If you want to have full bi-directional control of an autopilot, with guaranteed data integrity or you want to be the only person receiving the data, then select TCP. If however, you want to receive the same data on multiple devices, for instance a PC at the chart table and an iPad on deck, then select the UDP broadcast protocol.

SPECIFICATIONS

• NMEA 2000 to WiFi server
• Self powered from NMEA 2000 bus – fits in seconds
• Supports TCP/IP and UDP connection modes
• Provides AIS, navigation and instrument data to apps
• Compatible with all popular apps like iNavX, TimeZero, Weather 4D, Navionics, SailGrib, NavLink , iSailor, SeaPilot, AquaMap etc
• Up to 7 connected devices
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, MAC OS, iOS and Android
• Easy web interface for programming
• Password protected
• Can act as dedicated wireless server or rather can connect to an existing wireless network
• Diagnostic data display mode and LED status lights
• Internal hi gain WiFi antenna
• Super-fast 230KBs operation
• Optional raw data mode for developers and likewise advanced users
• Supplied with NMEA 2000 cable

NavLink2 Quick Start Guide V3.10

All you need is to connect the NavLink2 to your NMEA 2000 backbone. It will take its power automatically from your NMEA 2000 network.

Our WLN10/WLN30 & NavLink2 have a built-in web interface and create a password protected WiFi network. With your tablet, PC or smartphone, if you scan for wireless networks, you should see a wireless network called “DY-WiFi-xxxx” where xxxx is a four-digit code unique to the product. The WiFi network might change according to your product version.

Make your device join this network and you will be asked to enter a password which is “PASS-xxxx” where xxxx is the same four-digit code as in your network name. You can change both the network name and password in the unit’s web interface.

For example, if your product creates the WiFi network: NavLink2-D4B6 then your password is PASS-D4B6

All configuration can be done through a simple web interface, just connect to the product’s Wi-Fi network then open your web browser, enter the product’s IP address (192.168.1.1) and you can set baud rates, multiplexing mode, network name, password and join an existing network.

We keep up to date reviews on our news blog at www.digitalyacht.net – search for Best Marine Apps for Android or iOS. Popular apps include Navionics, iNavX, TZ iBoat , iAIS, NavLink, iSailor, SeaPilot, Weather 4D, MaxSea TimeZero, SailGrib and literally 100s more.

Our products are also compatible with navigation software on PC/Mac/Linux.

We keep on our blog a list which explains how to configure all the popular navigation apps & software. This list explains how to configure a NMEA connection (UDP/TCP) on the app/software but also how to configure the AIS settings.

To see the list, please click here: https://support.digitalyacht.co.uk/how-to-configure-apps-software/

Up to 7 devices can connect using UDP. TCP/IP is a one to one connection format. PCs, MACs, Android, Linux and iPhone/iPad are all compatible.

Yes! You can program this through the web interface so you just have one Wi-Fi network on board with our product linked directly to your other Wi-Fi network as a client.

This works well as well with Furuno WiFi radar installations.

No internet connection is required. Many consumers get confused and automatically associate wifi with internet. The product creates a wifi network and the local iPad or tablet users searches for this in the same way they search for a wifi hotspot.

Once connected, NMEA data is sent over the local link created on board the boat.

The Wi-Fi will typically footprint a boat up to 25m LOA. Contact us if you need a bigger footprint or have a steel or carbon vessel.

Our iKonvert/NAVLink2 gateways make implementing NMEA 2000 much easier, with no old, proprietary libraries, just a simple serial protocol that is published online at…

https://github.com/digitalyacht/iKonvert/wiki/4.-Serial-Protocol

The gateways take care of all of the complicated address claiming, network discovery and NMEA 2000 network management, simplifying and speeding up your software implementation. Here is a link to our iKonvert Developers Guide on GitHub…

https://github.com/digitalyacht/iKonvert

You will need a copy of the NMEA 2000 Appendix B in order to decode the NMEA 2000 PGN data, which is available from the NMEA organization.

If you have not already developed software to read and write NMEA 2000 data, then you might want to look at the  open source CANBoat software , which supports our iKonvert as detailed in the CANBoat Wiki, see link below. The developer Kees, has over a number of years, reverse engineered the NMEA PGNs and the data is translated in to a more simple and open JSON format.

https://github.com/canboat/canboat/wiki/ikonvert-serial

• 1m NMEA2000 drop cable
• WiFi antenna built-in

You may also like…

AIT1500N2K – AIS Transponder with built-in GPS & NMEA 2000

NMEA 2000 cabling kit

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