Taking your iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or Android phone out on your boat where it can be exposed to sea spray, rain, and the sun may seem at first like a risky idea. But with a world of boating apps such as powerful navigation chart apps, entertainment apps, communication and more, you know mobile devices can make your boating experiences better for yourself and for others on the boat.
Thankfully, there are numerous products on the market that can keep your devices safe, giving you the peace of mind to get the most out of your mobile devices every time you go boating.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
Lycan tablet mount at the helm (on the left, outlined in red.)
Waterproofing
The first and most obvious consideration is protecting your iPad from water due to rain or splashes. In the past, I found the LifeProof Nuud cases for phones and tablets to be best for my devices. They’re not cheap, but they provided complete waterproof protection and provide a tough rubber frame to protect against drops.
I’ve kept two iPads, an iPad II and an iPad Air, in LifeProof cases and I’ve been saved from damage dozens of times. And when my son’s boat capsized, because his phone had a waterproof case, he was able to call me and I was able to use the Pro Charts app to let the Coast Guard know exactly where he was.
Update: I’m not seeing Nuud cases for some of the latest mobile devices. Want more options? Search Amazon for waterproof iPhone case, waterproof iPad case, waterproof Android phone case, and waterproof Android tablet case and you’ll find waterproof cases like the Diverbox and Transy cases above.
Note: we have no relation to these products and we’re using direct Amazon links, not affiliate links. We don’t receive any money for promoting the products you see here. We just want to help you find waterproof cases and other helpful items to make your boating better :).
Combatting Glare From the Sun
The glass screen on your iPad is fine indoors, but it’s like looking into a mirror out in the sun. Even under a T-top, you just get too much glare from the brightness behind you. Installing an anti-glare screen or film is absolutely essential unless you’ll be using your iPad in an enclosed cabin on your boat. If you’re using a LifeProof case, it voids the warranty if you install an anti-glare screen that fits under the rubber gasket seal – but that’s exactly what you want.
The LifeProof seals against the glass screen of the iPad so I guess they worry that it won’t seal as well against the film. That seems rather far-fetched, but I certainly understand that they can’t be responsible for other company’s products to they have to give themselves an out on the warranty.
Be that as it may, I’ve had full-sized anti-glare screens on my iPads for years under a LifeProof case and the iPads haven’t had any problem staying completely waterproof. I certainly can’t endorse or suggest you do the same, but to me, it’s worth the risk. It’s been a while since I’ve looked, but by now there are probably anti-glare films available that fit inside the LifeProof frame so you don’t have to put it under the gasket.
Search Amazon for “tablet anti-glare screen protectors” and “phone anti-glare screen protectors.”
Keeping Devices Cool In The Sun
iPads and iPhones are also prone to overheating in the sun. When this happens, they shut down until they’ve had a chance to cool down – not good when you’re in the middle of navigating.
If you can keep your iPad in the shade of a cabin, bimini top, or T-top, you should be fine even on the hottest days. If not, and your iPad is out in the sun, you’ll need to throw a t-shirt or towel over it from time-to-time to keep it shaded and cool.
Mounting Devices Securely on Boats
The last consideration is how to mount your iPad securely so it doesn’t bounce off your console onto the deck or worse yet – overboard. The easiest and cheapest solution is to get a strip of sticky-backed Velcro from your local hardware store so you can Velcro the iPad to your console assuming you have space. If space is limited or you need more flexibility in the mounting location and angle, you’ll want to consider a fixed cradle-mount device.
The issue here is that most of the mounts and cradles on the market are designed for a bare iPad – not one in a case. There are a few available with flexible arms or tabs that will fit both scenarios, but be careful you don’t get one made of molded plastic that won’t hold your iPad securely in heavy seas.
I actually designed and produced a heavy-duty aluminum cradle mount of my own a few years ago when there were no others available.
Lycan tablet device mount for boats
An Amazon search for “tablet marine mount” offers a list of possible options with various types of methods for securing the arms to your surface. Some are clamps, some require screws. This Lycan boat helm rail holder mount product has a clamp designed for tubular rails.
Make The Most of Your Devices On The Water
As long as you’ve got your mobile tablet or phone in a good waterproof case and mounted securely, there’s no reason to fear taking it on your boat every trip.
You can then open yourself to the world of marine apps, such as the Pro Charts app that turns your mobile device into a powerful marine navigation system, entertainment apps and more.
