Securing your iPad on board

A suitable tablet mount should ensure secure attachment to the cockpit, while allowing easy removal to facilitate on-board movement. There are solutions for this!

Why fix my tablet when sailing?

Your iPad is safely protected in its waterproof case, ready with a navigation application and the local nautical chart, and you're ready to sail! But have you thought about securing it on board?

When the weather's fine, you can put the precious device on the cockpit bench or under the companionway cover, but as soon as the going gets rough, as when sailing close-hauled in rough seas, when weaving in and out of a channel, or when starting off on a luff or head-on, the shocks and sudden movements require a solid mounting.

The same question applies to powerboats: how do you keep an eye on the iPad when you're sailing at 30 knots in the waves?

Requirements for a good fixture

The navigator must be able to consult and manipulate the iPad from the helm station, while being able to move around with the device when no longer at the helm, in order to monitor navigation progress or perform AIS watch, for example.

A good mounting system should therefore :

allow one-handed consultation and operation of the iPad from the helm station
allow easy unhooking of the iPad, whether to examine a detail, carry it to the chart table, or simply remove it when leaving the boat
if possible, be repositionable, so you can attach the iPad to different parts of the boat: on both sides of the cockpit on a wide boat, at the chart table, or even near your berth to watch a movie at anchor! A repositionable system can also be easily taken with you on another boat, for example, on charter or for a regatta.
to be totally reliable!

Possible solutions

To meet the above specifications, several options are available:

Put the iPad in a waterproof shell and store it in a cockpit pocket or tote bag, fitting it with a handle for easy gripping and a garcette to secure it. Although this requires the use of both hands to manipulate it, it's sufficient for checking the course and is a method commonly used by solo sailors.
Attaching the iPad to the body with a strap, slung over the shoulder or around the neck, offering total freedom of movement. This method is favored by tacticians in regattas to avoid the fastening system hindering maneuvers.
Install the iPad securely in the cockpit on a removable stand, ideally on an articulated arm, allowing you to adjust the viewing angle to avoid reflections, or to turn it towards you after changing tack. This solution is best suited to pleasure boating.

Here are a few examples:

Boat-mounting solutions

The choice of boat-mounting system depends on the type of support and cockpit configuration.

Suction cup mounting

This is a reliable solution, provided you use quality suction cups and a flat, smooth surface. The single, double and triple suction cup systems sold by iTabNav fit perfectly on any flat gel-coat surface, even vertical. This system has nothing but advantages, as it can be taken anywhere, and dismantled every time you leave the boat.

Tube mounting

To attach to a tube, we use a collar base or a double-U base which is positioned on a tubular support, such as a handrail, to attach an articulated arm. This method is commonly used for wheel brackets or handrails in motorboating. There's also a removable version, the vice-grip base.

Articulated arms

Articulated arms bridge the gap between the attachment system and the iPad shell, and allow the iPad to be oriented for optimum readability. The RAM arms sold by iTabNav are particularly reliable, tightening and loosening with a simple half-turn of the knob. The rubber coating on the support ball provides sufficient grip to ensure that the position is locked even with moderate tightening, making them extremely comfortable to use. They can be mounted alone or on a suction cup or tube support.

Round base

Round bases, sold separately, can be attached to any support using screws. Several bases can be positioned in "strategic" locations on the boat (port cockpit, starboard cockpit, chart table), to which the articulated arm can be attached by turning its knob. The main drawback is the need for drilling, which is not an option on a charter boat. It's worth noting that articulated arms are often marketed with two round bases included (consult the description of each model).

AiShell mounting solutions

The iPad, secured in its case, should be easy to transport or attach to the chosen stand. Andres Industries' aiShell series currently offers the most comprehensive range of mounting solutions.

Quicksnapper" quick-release clip

For every size of aiShell, a special stirrup (Quicksnapper) is available, enabling instant attachment and detachment with just one hand, while guaranteeing completely secure attachment. This is the most convenient system.

Car Cradle" powered bracket

TheCar Cradle powered stirrup is an ingenious bracket that both fastens and recharges the iPad. Each time the iPad is replaced, it recharges while retaining complete freedom of movement and without compromising water resistance.

Strap or handle

AiShell cases can be fitted witha rear or side handle, or a shoulder strap, all of which are easily removable.

Screwed directly to the hull

AiShells are equipped with four inserts screwed to the rear, enabling them to be attached directly to an articulated arm. To remove the iPad, simply unscrew the knob on the arm. However, this solution is not optimal, as one of the plates will remain attached to the shell, making it impossible to lay it flat on a table. The solution with a quick-release clamp or a powered clamp (see above) is much preferable.

Our mounting packages

It's not always easy to determine which parts are needed and how they fit together to assemble a complete boat solution.

That's why we've created packs that include a waterproof hull and a suction cup or tube mount, available in every aiShell hull description.

In addition, a compatibility guide has been drawn up to make your choice easier. :)