About
iNavX is the leading handheld chartplotter application for iOS, recognized by Practical Sailor as an 'Editor's Choice Winner' and praised by Cruising Magazine as 'The Standard.' Designed for sailors, fishermen, and cruisers of all experience levels, iNavX transforms your iPhone or iPad into a fully featured marine navigation system. Upon download, users automatically receive complimentary high-resolution NOAA RNC raster charts covering the US West Coast, Gulf Coast, East Coast, Great Lakes, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. Beyond free government charts, iNavX offers access to an extensive In-App Chart Store featuring charts from leading hydrographic offices and cartography companies including Blue Latitude, Explorer, Waterway Guide, and Delius Klasing. Key capabilities include real-time GPS position plotting, seamless chart panning/zooming/rotation, waypoint and route creation, track logging, and data import/export in KML and GPX formats. The app also supports NMEA data over TCP/IP, integration with external GPS and AIS receivers, and connectivity to onboard instruments for depth, speed, wind, and engine data. Additional tools include GRIB weather forecasts, tides and currents, anchor alarm, AIS alarm, and port/navaid search. iNavX is ideal for anyone seeking a reliable, feature-rich backup or primary chartplotter at a fraction of the cost of dedicated hardware.
Key Features
- Real-Time GPS Chartplotting: Plot your position live using the device's built-in GPS with support for panning, zooming, rotating charts including course-up orientation.
- Extensive Chart Store: Access charts from government hydrographic offices and top cartography publishers including Blue Latitude, Explorer, Waterway Guide, and Delius Klasing — all within the app.
- Advanced Navigation Tools: Create waypoints, plan multi-leg routes, measure bearing and distance, and record track logs. Import and export data in KML and GPX formats for use with Google Earth and other tools.
- Instrument & AIS Integration: Connect to external GPS, AIS receivers/transponders, and onboard instruments (depth, speed, wind, engine, batteries) via NMEA over TCP/IP and Wi-Fi.
- Weather & Safety Overlays: Access GRIB weather forecasts, real-time AIS LIVE from SiiTech, tides/currents data, anchor alarm, AIS alarm, and port/navaid search for comprehensive situational awareness.
Use Cases
- Backup chartplotter for offshore and coastal sailing voyages when primary hardware chartplotters fail or lack coverage.
- Route planning and anchorage research before and during cruising trips along US and international coastlines.
- Real-time navigation for competitive offshore racing, with AIS and weather overlays for situational awareness.
- Fishing navigation for locating specific waypoints, tracking drift, and accessing regional nautical charts.
- Waypoint management and data transfer between mobile devices and dedicated marine electronics such as Furuno chartplotters.
Pros
- Free NOAA Charts Included: All users automatically receive complimentary high-resolution NOAA raster charts covering major US coastal and inland waterways, providing significant value at no cost.
- Broadest Chart Provider Selection: iNavX offers access to more chart providers than any competing mobile app, giving mariners the flexibility to use their preferred data source.
- Professional-Grade Features at Low Cost: Delivers functionality comparable to dedicated hardware chartplotters costing hundreds to thousands of dollars, at a fraction of the price on a device you already own.
- Award-Winning & Internationally Trusted: Recognized by leading marine publications and trusted by both casual and professional mariners worldwide, including competitive offshore racers.
Cons
- iOS Only: iNavX is exclusively available for iPhone and iPad, leaving Android users without access to the app.
- Premium Charts Require Additional Purchase: While NOAA charts are free, access to regional and international charts from third-party providers requires separate in-app purchases.
- Device Battery Dependency: As a phone/tablet-based solution, continuous GPS use can drain battery quickly, requiring power management strategies on longer voyages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iNavX free to use?
iNavX follows a freemium model. The app includes complimentary high-resolution NOAA raster charts for US waters at no cost. Additional premium charts from international providers and cartography companies are available for purchase through the in-app Chart Store.
What devices does iNavX support?
iNavX is available exclusively for iOS devices, including iPhone and iPad. It leverages the device's built-in GPS for real-time positioning.
Can iNavX connect to external instruments on my boat?
Yes. iNavX supports NMEA data over TCP/IP via Wi-Fi and can integrate with external GPS receivers, AIS receivers and transponders, and onboard instruments including depth, speed, wind, engine, and battery monitors.
Which chart providers are available in iNavX?
iNavX supports charts from government hydrographic offices as well as leading commercial publishers including Blue Latitude, Explorer, Waterway Guide, and Delius Klasing. All charts are accessible directly through the iNavX In-App Chart Store.
Can I import and export my routes and waypoints?
Yes. iNavX supports import and export of waypoints and routes in KML (Google Earth) and GPX formats, making it easy to share data with other navigation software and devices, including hardware chartplotters.
