I'm not a follower of the comparative tables for applications, and I already said, so it is difficult to measure and compare completely subjective aspects such as ergonomics, the graphic quality of a user interface, the speed of execution of such and such function. However, a recent comment in a previous article I was sufficiently annoyed that this makes me an attempt of comparison of purely objective aspects, namely the offered functions and prices.
I will limit myself to the three applications corresponding to the "top 3 " from my recent survey (¹) that offer, on the one hand the connectivity functions essential to integration with the on-board instrumentation, on the other hand the storage of information (files GRIB weather and currents, tides). All functions allowing navigation in the high seas. This is the reason why I excluded Navionics Boating, Some functions are accessible by Internet streaming (tides, current and weather streaming) which the therefore essentially intended for coastal navigation, offering no connectivity other than for a few sounders for fishing (²).
The comparison will focus on Weather4D 2.0, iNavX up to iSailor.
Functions
Even on an as objective as the list of functions, There is plenty to discuss. For example, requests GRIB weather files in iNavX are basic, with very simplified choice criteria and a rudimentary display, then Weather4D 2.0 offers extensive selection criteria, and a sophisticated multi-data display. Another example, iSailor offers subscription data for marinas, pompously called Navigation Guide, absent function of the other two applications. But split in a tenth regions priced 9 or 10 € per year and per region, and the low level of quality of the information provided, make rather a subjective than objective. Last example, tide and current provided by subscription in iSailor are very relative precision, based on harmonic tables much less accurate than the tides from the SHOM, proposed with marée.info, or even those provided with AyeTides which have been the subject of a lengthy corrections for several years. To finish, iNavX and iSailor offer the same GRIB weather data from Theyr.com company , but their access streaming requires a robust internet connection to broadband, unusable more than 5 nautical miles far from the coast.
Prices
Seen quickly in the table, a free application is not necessarily the cheapest one. Whatever it is, tariffs involved are ridiculously low, compared to the development work necessary for the design and continuous improvement of these excellent applications on which we increasingly rely our security. Find that an application to 50 € is expensive, When you have the hands on a tablet about 700 € and it sits in a boat that is certainly worth between 100 times and 300 times this price, seems a bit indelicate.
Charting
Perfectly objective test, charting offered by a navigation application is a determining choice for boater.
iNavX offers, through the server X-Traverse, a choice of chart publishers, essentially charts in raster format. But he has pricipalement the vector mapping Navionics more worldwide coverage, divided in large areas. One year term, chart updates require a renewal fee to half the original purchase price.
iSailor only offers its own vector mapping Transas TX-97, also in global coverage divided into many geographical areas, to purchase in-app. It is worth noting that, from the begining no update has been the subject of a fee.
Weather4D 2.0, just like the Weather4D Android version, offers, via the french server Geogarage, charting from a dozen official publishers in raster format using tiled technology (well-known by MaxSea TimeZero users) for a seamless display. These publishers, whose SHOM, The’UKHO, the NOAA, etc,. produce their digital mapping identical to their paper maps. Each annual subscription to an editor allows to benefit from all of the regions it covers. However, to date the coverage is not totally global, certain geographical areas are not, or not enough, covered in detail.
After that choose. And as I could see in the already mentioned survey, nothing prevents you to opt for two different charting in two competing applications. Or choose another application than these three !
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(¹) Survey : which application for which navigation ?
(²) Navionics Boating 9.0 the point about what's new
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For what concerns me, I agree on debates without any legitimacy on the exaggerated price from one application to fifty Euros, When the lower carabiner spi with Swivel cost 15 EUR. It would start to be a little serious…
However I have seen no response to the question that often comes up about difficulties using an application that requires downloading maps which volume is limited et which therefore requires a transition to the internet station. Everyone does not have access to the Internet every day and sometimes not all weeks. Everything depends on the navigation program.
Could we have a clear idea of the question (who can paraitr stupid, but everyone is not computer).
As regards me, It is the only brake that prevents me from having to weather 4 d 20
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Hello Francis , Thank you for this comparison. Actually I use Weather4D and iNavX. However lately unable to download and import the Grib files on enforcement Inavx. Similarly by going directly to the Ugrib software for download. Other browsers friends are no longer. Is there an explanation for this phenomenon ? Is this temporary ? Or how to fix it ? Thanks for your clarification. Cordially
Via X-Traverse queries in iNavX no longer work for a long time. I had pointed out to the former developer. Since the application was bought, new developers appear to meet quite a lot of worries. Anyway the GRIB in iNavX management has always been very simplistic. Completely passed today. So go to Weather4D 2.0 for everything regarding the weather and routing. And as a bonus all the navigation functions !