Sunday, January 2, 2011

Transas iSailor Navigation and Charting App

Application: iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
Function:  Marine Navigation and Charting
Cost: App is free, charts are $4.99 per region
Rating:  ***

I am like a kid in a candy store when I am searching the iTunes App Store for new boating, sailing and navigation apps.  Today I found one that I had not run across or heard of before.  iSailor by Transas Ltd. has updated it's app to version 1.2 as of December 2010. The new version looks promising.
I had never heard of  the company Transas either but after a little research I found out that they are a world wide developer and supplier of navigation systems to the commercial shipping and aviation industry.  Their headquarters in in St Petersburg, Russia with international offices in Cork, Ireland.
The iSailor app is touted as an easy to use charting system for amateur boater. It has the basic features of a GPS navigation and charting program but comes up short of being a full featured program.  I guess I should not be so critical of a free app but I would rather see the company charge a little bit for it and add the features to make it a great app.


Features:
  • The iSailor app is free to download from iTunes
  • Chart sets are purchased for $4.99 to $24.99 each.
  • Chart positioning can use internal GPS or cellular location.
  • Charts are provided by Transas's own vector chart format TX-97
  • Charts are downloaded from within the app.
  • Chart orientation can be changed by twisting you fingers to orient the map anyway you want
  • Panning and multi touch capability are utilized to move around the chart
  • Soft keys on bottom of app include GPS, Info, Measuring, Record Track, Routes and settings
  • Monitors Lat, Long, Course and Speed on a overlay on top of the screen
  • Day and night chart coloring

Pros:
I liked the app but there are a few things that I found lacking when compared to some of the other apps in this class.  The bright spot with iSailor are the charts.  I am impressed with the look and feel of the charts themselves. Depths are shown in gradients with different colors.  There seems to be a lot of detail with lights, wreck and points of interest both on the water and shore.


One tap to the screen brings up the soft keys which allows GPS tracking, an information feature, a measuring feature, a track recorder, routing and settings. Tapping the GPS shows the users location on the chart.  The information features brings up a overlay on top of the screen that shows latitude, longitude, course and speed. Page to the right shows just course and speed. Page right again and it shows the active route.
The measuring feature worked by tapping and holding the pinpoint. The indication of distance and bearing is shown on the display. Track recording is turned off and on by tapping the track soft key a REC indication let you know when the tracking is in record mode. 

The routing function works by tapping and holding your finger to create a new point, continue tapping and holding to create additional points in the route. In the saved routes it also has a handy fuel consumption calculator. You can set your cruising speed and fuel consumption and it will calculate how much fuel will be consumed during that route.

Cons:
One thing that was missing was the ability to create and name a waypoints. This seems like a no brainer but maybe I am missing something here.  You can create points in a route and view those but there seems to be no way to rename them as a waypoint. It does have the ability to save and rename a route.  Within routes you can view the points but you cannot rename them.


I downloaded the app and bought a map region to give it a try. I like what I see so far but hope the authors will add additional features to build on an already slick looking app.

105 comments:

  1. Hi Mark,

    Thanks for the review. You are right: iSailor is the pilot app for Transas on iOS platform. We are trying to apply competence and technologies that we accumulated from professional marine market.

    Could you please express your opinion: What functionality should be added into the next app versions?

    Many thanks,
    Eugene, Transas Technology Ltd.

    PS. Thanks for your note re waypoints naming.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Eugene, I will run through your app again and come up with some recommendations for future enhancements. Any other readers of the review, please feel free to list what you would like added to the app. Transas look like a large company with alot of resources, this could be good!

    Sail On
    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eugene,

    Here is a list of additonal features that would be nice to have in iSailor.

    1. Waypoints, the ability to add and name them.
    2. AIS, allow AIS data to be displayed for surrounding ships.
    3. TCP/IP communications for other NMEA data to display in the app.
    4. Satelite overlays from Google.
    5. MOB, man overboard feature.
    6. Ability to add notes to charts
    7. POI points of interest in the area
    8. Tidal data and charts
    9. Weather

    If anyone else has a suggestion for additonal features, please comment.

    ~~~Sail On _/)~~~
    Mark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark.. is there a way to have the chart always orient to course up?

      Delete
    2. Chart orientation

      Go to “Settings” layout.

      Go to menu “Location”.

      The “Location” menu item is needed for following actions:

      “North Up” / “Course Up” / “Head Up” buttons – Select the Chart orientation during sailing mode: North Up, Course-Up (by Course-Over-Ground data from internal or external GPS) or Head-Up (at the moment only internal Apple fluxgate compass is supported in Head Up mode);

      Delete
  4. Dear Mark,

    Thanks a lot for your suggestions!

    I would not give any promises right now but we will definetely put this into consideration.

    Dear all, please do not hesitate as well.

    In turn, if you have any questions to us please ask them either here or via the product web site.

    All the best,
    Eugene

    PS. The ability to add (and insert waypoints) exists!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was able to add what you call waypoints in a route but there was no way to rename them. I suppose you could make a route with one point and rename the route. You do allow renaming routes.

    Most apps have the ablility to just make a waypoint at the current location or at a point you select on the chart. I did not find that functionality. I might have missed it. Is there a users guide out yet?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mark, we had an impression that it's better to avoid users guide need for iOS application. However in that case if it's not obvious for the user means that we should improve the usability.

    I guess the problem was you have to enter route editing mode again (in the low toolbar), select "Edit current route". Then you can either add or insert waypoints.

    Waypoints renaming is absent - You are correct - to be implemented.

    Best Regards,
    Eugene

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just downloaded and began playing with it. Looks really great.
    Is there a way to add route (waypoint) by entering coordinates?
    I have some good fishing holes I'd like to store.
    Thanks. CD

    ReplyDelete
  8. Carla

    Thanks for stopping by and taking a look at i-Marine Apps. I posted a comment to the author about this above. They do not allow creating waypoints yet but are working on improvements.
    In iSailor you can create a route to your waypoint using the Route icon second from the right. Just start tapping on the map to create points in the route. Go into setting with the far right icon) and Select Routes to view the Route. It does allow you to rename the route by tapping on the name field.

    Have fun
    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Mark,

    Now in a new version it is possible to give names to the waypoints.

    Regards,
    Yana

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd love to see integration to activecaptain.com. The ActiveCaptain community has created an amazing database of marina, anchorage and related information.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Frank,
    Active Captain would be a great addition. I agree! They have an awesome database of marine POI.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm also a great fan of the app! I've installed it on my
    IPhone. 2 days ago i tool some friends for an
    evening cruise on the bay, an I was very impessed
    with the app - it's very handy with a plotter
    in you pocket

    I have on small question: how do I transfere
    the maps that I've bought to my IPad?

    Kind Regards,
    Gunnar

    ReplyDelete
  13. Gunnar,

    I have the same problem. I bought the iPhone version originally and then bought an iPad. I installed the app on my iPad and no maps. Since they are an in app purchases I don't think you can transfer them. Maybe Transas could help us out. I will look into it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree - I re-installed iSailor on my new iPhone 6S but I was unable to migrate the charts from the old iPhone 4S. I tried to contact iSailor but they refused to reply. I have to re-buy the charts of the UK and Caribeean as it is the only way to use the app. Despite the makers saying that I can copy the charts from iTunes - you can't. So I don't use iSailor anymore and I will try and recover my costs from the courts.
      peter lancaster

      Delete
  14. I have iSailor for the iPhone. It looks promising, and the charts are comparably cheap. However, I'm not very happy with a few basic things:

    1. Is there really no way to enter coordinates? I want to add a waypoint to a known harbour.
    2. Nor can I find any way to search for a name. I want to find 'vinga' and navigate there. Most likely by adding a waypoint.
    3. Missing compass direction for selected or next waypoint. Now, I've not used iSailor at sea, does it show up when close enough to a route? This is crucial!
    4. Zooming out does not use retina display, but switches to larger blocks of graphic too early. Very annoying.
    5. Names disappear too early when zooming out. On a larger scale you can't read even what a city or bay is called.
    6. I bought the Baltic North chart, but it does not contain Mälaren, the whole water district west of Stockholm. There was no way to see this from the chart store, because the preview is too small and the text not detailed enough. Now, this is where I'm going, which makes the app pretty worthless even if it was comparably cheap.

    Features I'd also like:
    1. Way made good. I.e the speed and distance for the target vector, compared to actual course. Very informative for sailing.
    2.Bridge clearance displayed.
    3. Satellite picture overlay

    The software is simply not finished yet.
    Regards

    / Henrik

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  16. These comments apply to version 1.4.0.

    After using SeaClear and raster charts for a couple of years, I decided to try out the iPad for navigation. I downloaded iSailor and purchased the chart for lake Saimaa (Finland) yesterday on a whim, thanks to the free software and very reasonable price of the local chart, and I must say that I am very impressed.

    iSailor offers some pretty nice features, such as basic navigation data, useful route planning with import/export, POIs, chart rotation and route up navigation. It does not have the exhaustive navigation data and instrument features of SeaClear, but it satisfies my needs perfectly.

    I would like to see some improvements to the POI feature, such as the ability to create a new point based on coordinates (as pointed out previously) and showing the coordinates of the selected point live on screen during point creation. Also, it would be nice to have a seaparate menu item for POI's and the ability to use them for route creation.

    - Jaakko

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dear Gunnar and Mark,

    Starting from version 1.4.0 the procedure of getting charts on both devices has become even more simple. You have to download Transas iSailor app on your second device, press the "Restore" button.
    You will see all your previously purchased folios in the category "Already paid". Press the "Download" button and install these folios on your device. You will not be extra charged (important! use the same iTunes account).

    Kind regards,
    Yana

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Henrik,

    Thank you for your review.
    We are working on that.

    Yana

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Jaakko,

    All noted, thanks!

    Yana

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sorry, didn't mention in my previous post that "Restore" button is situated in the Chart Store.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I recently bought an iPad and was able to Restore the charts that I had bought on my iPhone to the iPad. This is a great feature which allows to user to access purchased charts on both devices.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Mark,

    thanks for this informative blog!

    I am currently evaluating options for a chart plotting app to take with me on our cruise in the Argolic gulf. iSailor looks very promising to me, and the charts are probably sufficient for our "hobbyist" purposes.

    Has there been any announcement from Transas regarding a feature release schedule? One of the most important use cases iSailor is obviously not supporting in its current version, is entering waypoints by coordinates. Successfully entering the correct waypoint via touching the chart involves too much luck, I think (especially taking into account my not-so-slim fingers and the movement of the boat!). Importing waypoints from a third application is too complicated, unless you intend to follow a fixed itinerary very strictly.

    Felix

    ReplyDelete
  23. Felix,

    I totally agree with you. I like iSailor too by the way it handles waypoints is not good. It is difficult to create the waypoint where you want it and I have not found a way to delete the waypoints or edit the coordinates in any way.

    In Routes you can rename the waypoint and move it around in edit mode but you still can not change the coordinates by typing them in.

    Transas has made some great improvements since I reveiwed it. I can only hope they add the ability to edit the coordinates of the waypoints. Eugene from Transas, if you are listening we want the ability to edit the coordinates of the waypoints.

    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Mark,

    Sorry for the delay, I just noticed your message.

    The new version supporting manual coordinates input will be available very soon - it's ready and awaiting Apple's approval. I hope it would take 1-2 weeks not more.
    I will keep you updated.

    Best Regards,
    Evgeny

    ReplyDelete
  25. Eugene,

    Thanks for the update! It is good to know your out there listening to our suggestions and working to make iSailor even better. Keep up the good work.

    Looking forward to the new release.

    Sail On
    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks Mark!

    The version 1.5.0 is available in AppStore for download.
    What's new:
    - Completely redesigned interface with multiple layouts;
    - Free cursor / Locator tool;
    - Waypoint monitoring: XTE and ETA parameters are added;
    - Additional Electronic Range and Bearing Line tool referenced to own ship symbol;
    - Support of long time track recording;
    - Manual input of coordinates for Waypoint and User info objects;
    - Support of GPX for import and export;
    - The problem with chart disappearing due to limited device memory space has been fixed.

    For sure we will continue further enhancements and new features are already in our plan since iSailor is a full ahead ongoing project for TRANSAS.

    Many thanks and Best Regards,
    Eugene

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Eugenie,
    Your 1.5.1 is a big improvement thank you. We tested it today in our yacht and while it is more useful there is one more improvement which needs to be made. The ETA assumes that the yacht heading is the same as the bearing to the waypoint. This is not always the case especially for a yacht which is tacking into the wind. This could be improved if you take the cosine of the angle between the bearing and the heading and apply this to the calculation for the ETA.
    Regards

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear AI,
      Thanks a lot for the positive and constructive feedback. The only correction I would mention that the cosine should be taken between the bearing and the COG. Anyway personally I agree there is a common sense. We will check and fix the behavior in one of the nearest updates.
      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
    2. Dear Eugene,
      Thank you very much.
      Regards
      Al

      Delete
  28. Please can I use this software in my lap top !

    Brgs.Albseaside

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Lorenc Rexhepaj

      Not yet, however we do have some new products in the roadmap.
      What type of laptop do you have? MacOs or Windows based?

      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
    2. Hi just a little suggestion

      There are some expensive charts (as south america + caribe) can you breack them in parts? For an instance i only need ecuadorian chart but it can only be obtained in a $24 package

      Delete
    3. Hi Anonymous

      Noted, Thanks

      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
  29. hola: en chile aun no se han actualizado las cartas a que se debe el motivo ya han pasado varios meses y nada aun, gracias.

    ReplyDelete
  30. hello: in Chile have not yet updated the cards that is the reason it's been several months and nothing yet, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anonymous,

      The charts are typically updated 2-4 times per year depending on the region. The next update for Chile comes in December - early January.

      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
  31. Will you offer an Android version in the near future?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anonymous,

      It's under consideration, but concrete plans are not fixed yet.

      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
  32. Yes Android would be great, ipads are ok in small doses, I spend my time on windows/android.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks for the info

    ReplyDelete
  34. Yes Android please, its promising software.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have just started to look at iSailor and it does look promising.
    I have Imray Charts app which has some nice features but in my opinion is seriously flawed because it uses raster charts which would be fine if it could seamlessly join them. Navigating around the charts is rubbish. So Vector charts are better and isailor's appear to be good. Immediate thoughts. NMEA input via WIFI or blue tooth because one of the big problems with built in GPS is the battery drain and putting an ipad in a sealed case makes external power difficult, and maybe being able to stream AIS data through WIFI would be fantastic. How about a compas? Certainly agree with AL that ETA to waypoint must be a true ETA based on the speed of approach not the SOG, bit of a no brainer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Richie,

      You are right, vector charts have many advantages over raster charts. Take a look at my other iSailor review of version 1.5. Transas has made many new improvements making it a real contender.
      http://i-marineapps.blogspot.com/2012/09/transas-isailor-release-15.html

      Become a follower to keep up on all the great app reviews.

      Sail On
      Mark

      Delete
    2. Hello Mark, Hello Richie

      Just a brief comment from my side recently.
      AIS data through WiFi is planned to be released in January. ETA correction will be also there.

      Best Regards and Merry Christmas!
      Eugene


      Delete
    3. Eugene,

      Thanks for the Christmas update. That will be a nice addition to the app.

      Merry Christmas!
      Mark

      Delete
  36. Hi Eugene, has been sick and have not had time updates of Chile, have come new cards and data, the time you think it will be possible ...
    from already thank you ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! Sorry for the delay
      The updates for all the chart folios have been prepared however we just uploaded Europe and Asia only onto our servers due to enormous amount of chart updates downloads. Americas including Chile will follow as soon as the Europe pick value is passed, within the next week we will do definentely. Sorry once again for the delay and any caused inconvenience!
      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
  37. WISH they did it for android. Best nav ap on my ipad, but need it on my android phone too!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Eugene, for there came Chile updates, but missed the charts
    new that have come, when those one ..... thanks Luis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Luis,
      Yes, the _existing_ chart set has been updated to the newest charts version.
      There are some other charts as well for Chile that could potentially complement the chart folio.
      Please write to our support team via email about the area for your primary interest - we will revert with approximate date for possible inclusion.
      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
  39. Android, Android, Android, ANDROID!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would really like to see this on Android. I am cruising Saimaa in Finland this summer and from a previous comment you obviously have charts for that.

    All the marine apps on Android seem to just support the NOAA charts which is fine if you live in the US but what about the rest of us.

    Android is now 3 times bigger than apple on phones and is about to overtake them on tablets. Android should be a priority for you given the market.

    Does anyone else have suggestions for apps with Saimaa charts on Android?

    Stuart

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Navionics has world wide coverage on Android phones & tablets

      Delete
    2. You have to buy the whole of Europe though which is not worth it for me when I just want a small part of Finland.

      Stuart

      Delete
  41. Agree with Port it to Android...Port it to Android... How soon can I get it on Android?

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi this seems to be a very competitive software I hope though that NMEA signal will be possible to read, is that in the plan right now or an option to wait for?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Dear Friends,

    1. Android version is under consideration.
    2. NMEA data support will be available within 2013.

    Best Regards,
    Eugene

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andriod would be fantastic! It's a great app as it is but tides and current information would be brilliant. Along with a weather info overlay would make this one of the best on the market.
      Current and tidal overlay on the map would be a killer feature for me.

      Dan

      Delete
  44. Another vote for an Android version. I already have iSailor on my iPod Touch but the GPS functionality on the iPod Touch in iOS 6 has become problematical.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Please Android before we're brainwashed from Apple.If you buy Apple you're forced to "go to bed" with that company, so please let us have the possibility to choose:-)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love Transis Isailor but I do have some issues. The latest update excludes any new features for those of us who use an earlier apple device. I have an Ipad1 and no longer get the latest changes to the app, its very disappointing. I am having to consider updating my iPad just to keep it functional.
    On that point i will also jump on the android bandwagon as It will be a whole lot easier for me to use an android tablet cost wise providing I can utilize my paid for maps.
    Any comments Eugene?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello Slam,
    Thank you very much for the kind words and a good question.
    Sorry for this and I fully understand your frustration however all iOS app deveolpers are forced to follow Apple policies and restrictions. With iOS7 introducing Apple issued new development tools those you have to use for publishing new apps with no choice, and these tools are not compatible with old iOS versions and devices including iPad1 accordingly.
    We consider launching Android version in mid 2014 - not within recent season in Australia. During this season we definetely issue some new versions of iSailor for iOS with additional and essencial features.
    If you'd like to jump to Android anyway, I'd suggest to stick to some well known and widely used brandname and up-to-date hardware since it has much more chances to be supported and regularly tested by us when launching iSailor for Android. Do not stick to any noname and low-end gadget.
    Hope this helps a bit.
    Best Regards,
    Eugene

    ReplyDelete
  48. Android version would indeed be would be very useful, Galaxy Note 3 s-pen opens up many possibilities.already own ios version now need android. you already have customers waiting . Good Job keep it up!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Triying to import kml waypoint files created on google earth. I email them to my Ipad, then open with Isailor. When clickung to import always same problem : "no objects were found in import files". Same happends with gpx or kmz files.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Joan,

    Welcome to the blog! iSailor does allow import of kmz files through email or through iTunes. Check out the user manual here http://isailor.us/faq/i/Transas_iSailor_User_Manual.pdf

    It sounds like you are doing it correctly. Try deleting the app and reinstalling the latest version, there appears to be some issue with the app.

    Contact iSailor with the issue if it persists. Good luck.

    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hello Mark, Hello Joan,

    You're correct.

    Most probably the kml file contains no routes and tracks but only isolated waypoints information that is supported starting from 1.6.0 version. The version is already under Apple approval recently.

    Please liaise with iSailor support (you can do it directly from the iSailor app, Settings/Feedback) and attach your kml file for our verification. We will check that in new version your waypoints are imported properly.

    Best Regards, Evgeny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Evgeny,

      Thanks for the feedback. I was able to import a .kml file from Google Earth through email. I think I am running version 1.5.7. Appreciate you providing some comments.

      Mark

      Delete
    2. Hello Mark,

      In case your kml file contains track or route data - it's imported properly.

      If it contains only isolated geo points (waypoints, POI etc.) - those cannot be imported in 1.5.7, only starting from 1.6.0.

      Best regards, Evgeny

      Delete
  52. I rarely comment or post on blogs or anything but I wanted to chime in say that, after WEEKS of exhaustive research (with alot of help from this blog) and experimenting, iSailor is DEFINITELY one of the best Marine Charting apps on the mobile market. The charts are fantastic, as good as any Navionics (at least here in South Florida), the charts are constantly updated from within in the app. No bizzare third party websites to separately buy charts and subscribe to "data services" (you know exactly which one I'm talking about).

    ISailor definitely does it right, combining all the good of in-house apps by the chart company themselves (like Navionics) with all the actual GPS functionality of dedicated charting apps (like iNavx and SeaIQ). Absolutely fantastic.

    I'm still getting the hang of all the ins and outs (I found it hard to create a route) but definitely super pleased with this app. Its stunning because it isnt mentioned NEARLY as much on all the blogs and forums as the other big 2 (iNavx and Navionics) yet I think it is truly better than both. And the app itself is free and the chart for my area was 5 friggin dollars!

    Navionics native app would be a definite contender if it wasnt so lackluster in actual GPS functions. iNavx would be the supremo if it weren't so bizarrely complicated and obscenely expensive. This is THE dark horse in the marine charting wars, poised to easily become the best as it goes on.

    Definitely going to need to be able to import Waypoints as simply waypoints (as opposed to just routes) but thats already coming in 1.6 (which is out soon apparently according to Eugene). After that, the sky is the limit. So so so pleased with this app, it's a crime so much attention is paid to those other 2 while this one is so often over looked.

    For the record, I think SeaIQ is another fantastic app if you want to use NOAA charts (better at it than iNavx).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jorge,

      Thanks you for you comments. I too have been a fan of iSailor since I first reviewed it over 2 years ago. They have come a long way and have added many new features over the years.

      The developers continue to add functionality. They have been active and helpful on this blog answering questions and providing comments. Thanks Euguene! I have other reviews of some of the versions over the years. Simply search for iSailor in the Search this Blog box in the right column.

      Your comments about the charts are very true. Make it easy to purchase, download and update. Keep it simple, KISS!

      I am sure iSailor will be around for years to come and I expect development will continue. I will do my best to keep you all updated on the new developments.

      Mark

      Delete
    2. Dear Jorge, Dear Mark

      Thank you very much for the warm words! The team EXTREMELY needs such a feedback and support.

      The version 1.6.0 has been released a couple of days ago. Please let us know if any help is needed with it.

      Further improvements and new features are coming soon.

      Thank you very much again
      Best regards, Eugene

      Delete
  53. Hi, is there an android version soon? I will NOT buy any apple products!!

    Patrick

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Patrick

      Yes, it's in our plans, scheduled to the end of 2014 - beginning of 2015.
      Please follow our Facebook page and subscribe our news to be among the first to know.

      Best Regards, Eugene

      Delete
  54. ISailor is excellent. Have used it for journey to Madeira from UK and it was the best chart software we had. Better than Navionics on Raymatine chart plotter as much better screen info on IPad and easier to zoom and position ship on screen so can see what's ahead. Please continue to develop it and Android version would be wonderful.
    Ed

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ed,

      Thanks for the feedback and welcome to the site. It is always great to hear from boaters who are using it on an everyday basis rather than just testing It out.

      The comment above by Eugene from iSailor says that the Android version is in the works and will be out by the end of the year or early 2015.

      Thanks for your comments and please share the link to my blog with all your sailing friends. Spread the word to help support the site. Become a follower to keep up with all the latest posts.

      Regards,
      Mark

      Delete
  55. Hi, when in the fifties as I am, I need reading glasses to see that incredible small characters showing depth and so on. This information is saved on it's own layer in vector charts I understand. Why isn't it possible to change the character size as a user?

    Regards
    Lars A.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello Lars, noted - I will discuss with the team. Meanwhile please try a workaround - change system font size in iOS accessibility settings, this shall also affect spot soundings text size. Best regards, Eugene

    ReplyDelete
  57. I have been trying to connect my Xgps150A with iSailor nav software since 2 days ago but has not been succesful till today. The problem with iSailor is that its did not allow gps data transmitted from a bluetooth gps transmitter to connect to it software.

    Appreciate if Transas could rectify this so that iSailor users using bluetooth gps can have more option in chosing gps device that they want to use to get their position more accurately.

    Rgds
    Fauzi

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    Replies
    1. Dear Fauzi,
      iSailor does work with Xgps150A fluently. Please contact our support service via 'Settings\Feedback\Report a problem'. They will help you o connect your device.
      Best Regards,
      Eugene

      Delete
  58. Hi, I am struggling thru the plethora of apps to decide which to choose in the Nav world. Having a chartplotter (Raymarine), I'm attracted to the Navionics direct app due to their mapping, but can you tell me what sells your maps above/compare to that of Navionics, Cmap etc?
    Also, as an app, what does isailor give above that of inavX/Navionics etc (I notice a lot of comparisons from 2+ yrs ago, but all apps have come a long way, inc sonar for current Navionics etc. I appreciate inavX is absurdly priced to the competition but views? My main issue is the lack of chart support for Australia as opposed to the U.S, or if not at annoyingly expensive prices...
    Thanks

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    Replies
    1. PhantomBJ,
      Thanks for your comments and questions. I am the blog owner and I developed this site to help folks understand the variety of marine apps available and explain how they work. I do not work for any of these app companies.

      If you already have a Raymarine chart plotter you are familiar with the look and feel of the Navionics charts. The Navionics app is adequate if you want to use it as a backup on your iPad or iPhone. It provided GPS tracking, waypoints, tracks, routes and basic weather. The Australian charts cost $16.99 for the iPhone.

      Apps like iNavX, SEAiq, SeaNav and iSailor have additional features such as NMEA instrument data via WiFI, autopilot control, Active Captain POI and AIS ship position data. If you don't want or need these functions go with the basic Navionics app. These other advanced features are available but at a price. The more features you need the more you will have to pay.

      There is no prefect app for everyone. Some people just want a basic app at a cheap price. Others want all the bells and whistles and don't care what it costs. There are plenty of options out there for everyone.

      There are a wide variety of apps with many features. Check out my link to the Best Marine Charting Apps. http://i-marineapps.blogspot.com/p/best-marine-charting-apps.html

      Thanks for checking out the site. Share it with your friends!
      Mark

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    2. Hi Mark, appreciate your reply & help! I think I was just curious with thoughts/verdicts since your reviews were a few years ago, & most apps have gained functionality since then?
      I hear what you're saying about going with Navionics for a simple option, Ideally to add to the chartplotter already. We don't have a chartplotter at the helm, hence researching the iPad and/or computer options for future lengthier cruising. My issue with Navionics which brought about reviewing the more powerful apps, is that the current iPad Navionics is now a whopping $65+au (a huge difference when it used to be $15 same as iPad originally!). Because of this, I feel like the other contenders are worth a look, but all seam similar give or take layout functionality, choice of charts etc. do you have an updated review of 2014- as such? Cheers

      Delete
    3. PhantomBJ,

      I did review iSailor again in August of 2014. I covered some of the new features and upgrades.

      http://i-marineapps.blogspot.com/2014/08/transas-isailor-17-update.html

      I can't believe Navionics is that expensive in Australia. Another one of my favorites is SEAiq. It was written by a guy who sailed his 53 Amel around the world. His SEAiq Open version allows you to download charts to the app. Check it out.

      http://i-marineapps.blogspot.com/2014/02/seaiq-35-update-and-ais-sharing-bazinga.html

      http://i-marineapps.blogspot.com/2013/04/seaiq-25-revision.html

      Mark

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  60. Hi again Mark, any thoughts/views of the chart detail of the Transas maps verses Navionics or Cmap? At $32 for Southern Oz chart, I think I'm going to give Isailor a try, but the lack of demo view map makes me skeptical verses the current HD details of Navionics particularly with sonar view?
    Cheers

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  62. Just downloaded local maps for isailor couple of days ago. Really impressed. Have compared against my Navionics, and it is so refreshing to not be "downloading base map" every time I open the app/chart area!!!!! Also really happy with the visual look of the Transas maps also. Great work, keep it up Transas.

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    Replies
    1. PhantomBJ

      Glad to hear you are happy with the iSailor charts. They have a clean fresh look that appear uncluttered and easy on the eyes.

      Mark

      Delete
  63. I really like iSailor and was planning to use it for upcoming Chesapeake to Florida sail, but I am wondering why iSailor charges $25 for the weather subscription and $10 for tides when SEAiq and Skipper both are $10 for both of these. $35 vs. $10 seems significant. Is there anything unique about iSailor’s weather subscription to warrant the expense. I am looking at SEAiq and it seems excellent - as does Skipper. But I would prefer to stay with iSailor (but not pay an unnecesary $25)

    Thanks
    Stuart

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  64. hi Stuart, I to struggle with the pricing structures that have been introduced on new features within iSailor, particularly with other apps that even have it included...

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  65. I love the app. I like the simplicity - and ease of use. I fish the Northern California ocean coast and most of the other marine apps do not take into account how hard it is to handle small menus and buttons on a smartphone. Where I fish, most of the time there is no cell phone signal. So all the other bells and whistles are a nice touch but really useless when you're out there with no signal.

    The other features that I REALLY like:
    - ability to have the coordinates displayed on the screen
    - ability to move the crosshairs around the screen with the coordinates changing as the crosshairs move! Most of the apps I've tried do not have this feature. It makes it easier to search for given coordinates, even faster than inputting them (Navionics, are you listening??)

    I have a question: why are the Head up, COG up and Route up soft buttons all greyed out?

    Again, thanks for a great app!

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  66. Isailor continues to improve, but any chance of satellite overlays and POI as previously mentioned? I planned and plotted a trip recently, and it took me forever to discover where my final destination was without zooming in and out to the detailed map 500 times. I eventually had to utilise navionics to compare locations due to the frustration of identifying coastline.
    I am also eager to buy the nmea options, but since we are using the boat so little, justification is difficult at present when the AUD $ of all options to integrate is over $65! A lot compared to other apps with it built in. Is there a possibility of 'bulk' group discount when choosing all the nmea option together?
    Keep up with the improvements!

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  67. Mark,
    It's been a few years since your original review of the apps under this discussion, any plan for an update consisdering the many updates to all the competition?
    OR, any view change in preferences in recent?

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    Replies
    1. Phantom,

      I have done several post over the years on updated features since my original post in 2011. Search for iSailor in the Search this Blog box in the right column of my blog.

      I did posts in 2014 and 2015. Here is a link to one:
      http://i-marineapps.blogspot.com/2014/08/transas-isailor-17-update.html

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    2. Thanks Mark, just wasn't sure if there had been further development of recent to compare. Cheers

      Delete
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