Do I need my GPS? or is there an app for that?

Hi Guys,
I'm just thinking of our upcoming trip to the BVI. Last time (10 years ago) I hauled my trusty Garmin marine chart plotter down with all the charts and waypoints ready to go. Today I pulled out my current Garmin and I am thinking there must be a lighter weight option. So, after looking briefly at the app store I see there are many options. So many that I'm just going to ask.... What works for you folks? Most of you go to the BVI enough that you know what works and what doesn't. Since I'll be taking my iPad anyway, which app works well?
I'd like something I can import waypoints into or at least input them before I go. I'll check with the charter company, because the boat probably has a chart plotter already on it, but I still like a backup that I know I can trust.
Thanks,
Robert

I have navigated around the USVI and SVI with an iPhone, but I also had my Garmin GPSMAP CSX760 and the chart plotter on the charter boat. I was using the iPhone and verifying accuracy with the other two units (and paper). It works pretty well.

EarthNC Marine charts is what I've been using.
I download all the charts of interest in advance over WiFi so I don't need a connection when away from land.

most boats will have chartplotters now, 10 years ago not as many. We also have a hand held Garmin and Navionics on our iPad. The last time I looked at the Garmin was ion a cruise last year.

Twanger,
Thanks, I'll check them out. See, I knew you folks would know.
Robert

Lately I've been using iSailor on my iPad. I also have Garmin BlueChart, but prefer iSailor as it is (shocker) more tailored to sailing.

Technical note: You must have an iPad equipped with cellular data capability to get GPS - although the cellular data does not need to be activated with a carrier.

I also use - and have liked - Garmin Bluechart (after using Navionics before). Purchasing and downloading charts is easier. You can map out routes on your iPad and then transfer everything to the iPhone for backup. We chartered a new Lagoon 450 last year from CatCo and I was surprised that it did NOT have chartplotter at the helm. My iPad and a RAM mount worked great. Enjoy!

I use the cruising guide and paper chart the comes inside it. Except for Anegada, you can pretty much see everything you're heading to...

I downloaded Navionics and the BVI area chart before I left last month....not super cheap, but glad I had it...it was fun to have "palm size". Our 2016 Cat did not have navigation at the helm so it was nice to have iphone plugged into "candybar" charger...allowed me to track everywhere we went to then download and show fam/friends stateside....

Love the Carib bottle-cap avatar! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

no chartplotter at the helm would be a deal breaker for me.

I use iSailor on my phone. It is easy to learn, accurate, and a good value. It is a great tool for trip planning as well since you can preset your routes and input your anticipated boat speed (we charter PCs where this is more certain). We know the area well, but my daughters drive a lot and it is helpful for them to have the guidance of the chart plotter.