Navigation Options on the Rideau: iPad, MAPTATTOO, or Garmin Chartplotter?
When cruising the Rideau Canal and Rideau Lakes, navigation needs are a bit different than open water boating. You’re dealing with narrow channels, shallow areas, locks, swing bridges, and long no-wake stretches. For Lucky Enough, we looked at three popular navigation approaches: using an iPad with Navionics, a MAPTATTOO handheld unit, and a permanently installed Garmin chartplotter. Each has strengths, and each fits a slightly different role onboard.
Navionics on an iPad
Using Navionics on an iPad is one of the most flexible and powerful navigation setups available. The charts are detailed, colorful, and easy to explore, making it excellent for both trip planning and real-time navigation. Depth contours, markers, routes, waypoints, distances, and ETAs are all easy to work with on a large screen.
For the Rideau, this is especially useful when planning longer days that include multiple locks or winding lake sections. Being able to zoom out and see the whole day’s route at once is a big advantage. Offline charts mean navigation still works even when cell service disappears.
The trade-offs are practical ones. An iPad is not waterproof, can be difficult to read in bright sun without help, and needs regular charging. With the right mount, a good case, and some sun protection, however, it becomes a very capable navigation tool.
MAPTATTOO Handheld Navigator
MAPTATTOO is a very different approach. It’s a dedicated navigation device with an e-ink style screen designed specifically for outdoor use. In direct sunlight it remains extremely readable, and the battery life can last for days rather than hours.
The interface is simple and focused. It shows your position, track, waypoints, and basic chart information without distractions. That makes it excellent as a primary reference while underway or as a rock-solid backup navigation device.
Where MAPTATTOO falls short is in planning and advanced features. Routes are usually created elsewhere and loaded onto the device. Chart detail and on-screen tools are more limited compared to Navionics or a full chartplotter.
Garmin Chartplotter
A Garmin chartplotter is the most traditional and most “marine-grade” option. It is designed to live at the helm, remain powered all day, and be readable in full sun. Waterproof construction and physical buttons (on many models) make it easy to use in rough or wet conditions.
Modern Garmin units offer excellent chart detail, reliable GPS positioning, and strong route planning tools. Many models integrate depth sounders, AIS, engine data, and other onboard systems. For consistent navigation while actually driving the boat, this is often the most confidence-inspiring setup.
The downside is cost and flexibility. Chartplotters are more expensive up front, less portable, and not as convenient for couch-side trip planning as a tablet.
Sunlight and the iPad: Is There a “Sunscreen”?
There isn’t a sunscreen you apply to an iPad screen, but there are very effective ways to improve visibility in bright sun. A combination of a matte anti-glare screen protector and a fold-out or hood-style sun shade can make a dramatic difference.
With a proper shade blocking direct sunlight, the iPad becomes far more readable on bright Rideau afternoons. Many boaters also mount the iPad slightly lower or under the canvas edge to reduce glare even further.
What Makes Sense for Lucky Enough?
For our style of cruising, there is no single “best” answer. Each tool fills a different role:
- iPad with Navionics: Best for trip planning, exploring charts, and flexible navigation.
- Garmin Chartplotter: Best for dedicated, always-on navigation at the helm.
- MAPTATTOO: Excellent as a sunlight-readable backup or minimalist primary device.
Many experienced cruisers ultimately run a combination setup. A chartplotter handles real-time navigation at the helm, while the iPad is used for planning, route review, and backup. On the Rideau, that balance provides confidence, clarity, and redundancy — all without overcomplicating things.