No need for chart plotter with this app, 6 Stars!

I was contemplating buying a lowrance hds 7 and gofree module in order to integrate an ipad into my setup. This would cost well over $1500. I decided to try some chart plotting apps on my ipad and see if i could do as well as lowrance chartplotting. This app is awesome. My setup consists of an Ipad mini with broadband in a lifeproof nuud case with RAM mount next to an old garmin fishfinder. While i am sure that this app on the mini would allow you to navigate in the pitch dark with fog it really is not my intention. My use of the app is to see depths, run tracks, and mark waypoints where i catch fish, drop pots, etc.
My favorite part of this app is the ability to share your waypoints between devices. I can mark a waypoint on the mini (or on my iphone for that matter) and then fill in the pertinants later on either device while i am at home. Try doing that with a $3000 lowrance HDS12 Gen2. You can even add a picture to your waypoint.

The other reason i like the idea of using an app like this compared to a dedicated chartplotter is that they spend years developing and upgrading the software for a dedicated chartplotter while an app like this can be very dynamic. As an example you could submit a feature request to Skipper and they can create an update and publish it in a very short period of time where the dedicated chartplotter would probably not be updated until you spend $3000 more on your next device. I think this is a fantastic advantage and the fact that i can check my email and do 1,000,000 other things on the ipad makes this a great alternative or "upgrade" to a dedicated charplotter.

I am 1000% satisfied with Skipper. The subscription is a bit of money but i think the ability to share data between devices is totally worth it.
Also downloading maps for offline use is a great feature that is well done in the software, you simply find the area you want and hold down on the grids you want to download.

I am in the Pacific Northwest and the charts are totally on point for the areas i fish out of from Seattle to the San Juans. This reminded me of the other feature i like in that you can select base maps . If you select satellite imagry for a base it will overlay the charts as slightly see through so you can read the chart and actually see the satellite imagry underneath.

All in all this app is a great piece of software that makes your Ipad rival the big dogs chartplotters in many way and exceeed them in key areas.

Mean Mike Dean about Skipper ~ NOAA Marine Charts, ActiveCaptain, Nautical Weather, and Tides