Do I need to replace all my instruments?

Designed to be the only interface you need onboard, the beauty of Wayfinder is that it receives data from all your current sensors, so you no longer need the display units filling up your helm.

While iNav4U produce a selection of advanced sensors, we have ensured that you can maintain the use of your currently installed sensors and have them perfectly integrate with the whole platform. Modernize your historical wind/depth/speed sensors with the world’s most advanced front end.

Will it work with older technology? (What protocols does it understand?)

Wayfinder provides connectivity for NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, MODBUS and some USB protocols. For users on proprietary protocols, such as SEATALK 1, we recommend using a readily available after-market adaptor to convert these devices to one of the iNav4U-supported protocols listed here.

Can I trust artificial intelligence?

Wayfinder doesn’t take control of your boat but makes calculated suggestions to back up your intuition and bring you more confidence at the helm. From simple tasks such as monitoring wind state to running regular system checks, our A.I. assesses your surroundings and displays the findings in the reports window.

What happens if it fails?

If it’s good enough for NASA… 

Wayfinder uses the same processor as the Mars Curiosity Rover, which has been functioning alone on the red planet, 140 million miles away, for the last 11 years - 6 years longer than the original mission spec. Being in the middle of an ocean can feel just as remote, so we have developed our hardware to ensure it won’t disappoint you.

However, we are also sailors, so we understand the desire for backup equipment. With this in mind, we offer a secondary server to run alongside your primary system. Should the worst happen and the primary fails, the secondary server will take over, complete with your vessel's historical data.

This process is so seamless that you will receive a notification in the reports window that this change has occurred.

Please find out more about our Lifetime Warranty for complete peace of mind.

Do I need an internet connection?

We understand the challenges of getting a reliable internet connection on any boat, so we developed Wayfinder to run entirely offline. Should you wish to upgrade firmware or download the latest tides and current information, the system does so automatically when an internet connection is available (such as a hotspot or marina WiFi).

A typical firmware update is approximately 60MB; even the most limited phone hotspots can be used for a quick update. And if your internet connection should drop out during a firmware update, don’t worry - Wayfinder will automatically revert to the last working firmware release.

How many tablets can I connect?

As many as you have. And more!

iNav4U doesn’t limit the number of devices that can view and interact with Wayfinder. Every tablet operates independently, allowing for multiple users to explore the various features the platform offers. Currently, we support Apple iPad, Android tablets and just about any device with a browser.

Furthermore, you can set up multiple user profiles to meet the needs of your crew. You can read more about this feature under the Profiles FAQ .

How much power does it draw?

Only 2-7W.

The solid-state architecture and fanless design of Wayfinder mean it won’t present a significant drain on your battery bank. At only 2-7W, we designed Wayfinder as an always-on device, constantly monitoring and notifying you of any changes, onboard or nearby.

How does it know the weather?

While integrated with all your current sensors, iNav4U is continually developing the next generation of smart vessel sensors. The first is the Basic Module - a feature-packed weather sensing module. It includes a thermometer, barometer, humidity sensor and triple axis gyroscopic sensor.

With this advanced sensor data, you can track significant temperature changes and shifts in weather patterns and even predict squalls. With the bonus of a gyro, Wayfinder will accurately display an artificial horizon so you can track the lean of your boat to maximize comfort on board.

Does it have night mode?

The interface has been designed using the regulatory standards of the aerospace industry and in-depth research on the psychology of data perception. While many marine electronics manufacturers have adopted the red or green backlight solutions for their night navigation feature, this often induces an unintended glare that can damage your night vision. 

On the other hand, Wayfinder has been designed from the ground up not to require a separate night mode colour scheme. From the careful colour selection of indicators to the black background throughout, Wayfinder offers maximum contrast on our display devices and any tablet you choose.

What auto helms does it work with?

At iNav4U, we have worked tirelessly to bring you integration with all popular NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 auto helms. Further to the standard heading and wind modes offered by most auto helms on the market, Wayfinder introduces an innovative, industry-leading semi-automatic mode. The interface graphically indicates the required helm changes when set to semi-automatic to maintain the desired course or wind angle. Should your auto helm fail for any reason, iNav4U will automatically switch to this mode to reduce fatigue and error at the helm.

For vessels with redundant auto helms installed, Wayfinder can support any number of these with automatic fail-over to ensure you stay on course and are notified if such a change occurs.

What do the colours on the screen mean?

To maximize the speed that you are notified of any changes, Wayfinder utilizes a simple three-colour notification system:

Blue: general information; no immediate action required

Yellow: notification warning, a growing concern that may require attention shortly

Red: alarm, immediate action should be taken to avoid potential danger

*Thresholds for these three levels are user-configurable.

This simple colour scheme has been developed with colour-blindness considerations and ensures that any user can perceive these notifications without confusion. Also, note that all messages have user-configurable voice prompts for when you are away from the helm - Wayfinder can audibly inform you of any changes in your surroundings.

Why should I have a subscription?

Unlike most marine equipment manufacturers, iNav4U does not seek to sell you a new piece of hardware every year. We are more about intelligence than circuitry. With constant innovations, iNav4U aims to deliver regular firmware updates packed with new features. With an annual membership, your system gets smarter the longer you have it, from automated system backups, ensuring you never lose your vessel data to direct lines of support, should you have any questions or concerns.

Is the lifetime warranty real?

Absolutely. iNav4U offers a Lifetime Warranty on hardware, and it is precisely that. Wayfinder are designed to outlive any other electronics you have onboard. But should the worst happen, and the server becomes damaged (through a lightning strike, for example), our Lifetime Warranty means your hardware is replaced with a brand new product free of charge. 

Furthermore, with our subscription, we aim to repopulate your new Wayfinder with a cloud backup of all your vessel data so that you don’t miss a beat.

What sensors can I use?

Wayfinder interfaces with all standard marine sensor protocols. With native NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and MODBUS connections, your current wind, depth, speed, compass, GPS, AIS and auto helm can all be readily displayed. 

Furthermore, iNav4u has a growing selection of intelligent sensor modules developed to enhance the monitoring capabilities of your system beyond anything else on the market. These can be viewed in our online store.

Does it require professional installation?

With only a minimum of power and NMEA cables, Wayfinder can be installed in under five minutes. While some users less confident in the wiring of their boat may still desire the comfort of an installation engineer, most users should find the system as simple as plug and play.

iNav4u has developed a simple step-by-step setup process to make configuration a breeze. In minutes, answer the on-screen questions using your iNav4U display or tablet to have a fully functioning intelligent vessel assistant.

What kind of boat is iNav4U designed for?

Wayfinder carefully encompasses the needs of all vessel designs, from weekend powerboats to multi-deck super yachts, coastal cruisers to racing yachts and even charter fleets to circumnavigating sailing vessels. Wayfinder scales with your needs, delivering the information required to stay safe and reduce maintenance bills. 

Not only can you integrate unlimited sensors, but if redundancy is key to your needs, you can even employ automatic fail-over server architecture to bring complete peace of mind to any marine environment.

Can I customize the reports/alerts?

The beauty of Wayfinder is in its simplicity. Almost every element being displayed can be interacted with. Further information can be found with a simple tap, and a tap-and-hold on any parameter allows for customization and configuration.

Users can customize their reports by setting desired thresholds at which notifications will be issued, entering text to be displayed, and even customizing the associated audio prompt.

Can I have more than one user profile?

Yes. Wayfinder allows for multiple levels of users, from engineers to admirals. The user profiles are customizable to ensure that your crew only has access to the functionality you allow and their given preferences are stored. Perhaps your second watch uses imperial measures for depth, while you prefer metric. A simple change of profile will automatically adapt the primary navigation display to that user's preferences.