Using a laptop or tablet for marine navigation offers many advantages compared to spending thousands on an MFD display. I believe this makes it the best GPS for sailboat!
However, using one in an open sailboat cockpit can present additional challenges. Most laptops and tablets are not designed to be exposed to the elements. Water can short them out. Bright sun makes their glossy displays impossible to read.
I supply rugged Panasonic Toughbooks or waterproof Android tablets which make for one of the best GPS for sailboat! Read on below, where I discuss some of their advantages and list some of the models I offer. If you have any questions, you can always contact me.
Waterproof laptop with marine charts best sailboat GPS
- Units are waterproof and have metal cases. They are designed to be used outside in the elements.
- I have supplied over 3000 units for marine navigation in the past 10 years. Close to 1000 of them were for sailing.
- The 10 inch units have a rotating swivel display, converting into a tablet for easy mounting or viewing. This is by far the most popular model for sail boats that aren’t too large.
- Midrange and premium units have bright outdoor viewable screens which can be viewed in direct sunlight.
- I offer native 12V power adapters. No need for an inverter!
- I supply excellent waterproof GPS antennas and AIS receivers with great signal strength and accuracy.
- Marine charts for anywhere are available! I supply a good number for circumnavigation or crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific.
- Yacht racing is also something I’ve supplied a number of units for. You can run Expedition, SquidX, and get GRIB files.
- My units are highly expandable with auto pilot, radar, transducer, wind sensors, and any other NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 devices!
8 or 10 inch waterproof tablet best sailboat GPS
- 8 inch $600, or 10 inch $800.
- Fully capable of OFFLINE operation with no cell phone or WiFi signal needed.
- IP68 and IP69 waterproof.
- Bright displays, suitable for outdoor use.
- Large capacity battery with a long life.
- Android 12, fast performance.
- Large 64GB storage, enough to fit all the charts you could ever need.
- Upgraded 4GB of RAM, very responsive.
- FullHD display which shows excellent chart detail levels.
- Loaded with Navionics marine charts and ready to use.
- High quality GPS/GLONASS high accuracy GNSS receiver with a very strong signal.
Please contact me with any questions, or to order a unit!
Popular waterproof navigation laptop models
Please contact me with any questions, or to order a unit!
Why use a navigation laptop or tablet as a chart plotter?
My navigation laptop systems can be much more affordable than Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Furuno, Humminbird, Raymarine, Si-Tex. They make fancy expensive MFD’s, but not everyone needs that. I will also support the GPS laptop you purchase forever. Furthermore, I believe that some of the commercial chart plotter brands gouge their customers. Large companies force you to upgrade by no longer supporting older units with chart and software updates. In addition, they charge outrageous fees for simple things like a larger screen size. I don’t do any of these things, and never will – guaranteed. In addition to these, please take a look at other advantages as well. A GPS laptop can offer a compelling alternative to major brands! Get in touch with me to have your questions answered.