Most boaters know cell phone coverage can be hit-or-miss (and often is miss) when out on the water. We would never recommend depending solely on your phone and its apps when on the water. However, many boating apps can make life better for boaters.
These days, just about everyone has a phone at the helm and USB ports scattered throughout the boat. Let's look at a few popular choices from five categories of boating apps.
Marine Navigation Apps
1. KnowWake
Almost everyone has a go-to GPS and navigation app they like to use in the car - whether that's Google Maps or a crowdsourcing tool like Waze. And the same is true for many boaters.
KnowWake delivers reliable GPS and more by creating a real-time community of boaters across North America, Canada, parts of the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand, covering coastal waterways and more than 350 inland lakes and rivers.
KnowWake provides its users with an easy way to explore dockside and waterfront locations available by boat. Features include:
- See What's Ahead In Real-Time
- Plan And Route Your Trip With Point To Point Navigation
- Find Friends And Share Your Location
- Local Depth, Wake Zones, And Channel Markers
- Report Hazards, Marine Life, And Other Information
- See, Save, And Share Your Trips
Users will find everything from local restaurants, marinas, fuel docks, boat ramps, dive sites, snorkel areas, and more.
Price: Free
2. iNavX
A powerful marine navigation app designed for sailors, cruisers, and fishermen, iNavX stands out for its robust features and the ability to integrate with various chart providers, making it a favorite among boating enthusiasts worldwide. Features include:
- Extensive Chart Coverage
- Advanced Navigation Tools
- AIS Integration
- Weather Overlays For Wind, Wave, And Weather Forecasts
- GPS Tracking For Accurate Location Data
- Customizable Interface
- NMEA Data Integration
- Offline Functionality
- Active User Community And Customer Support
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
3. Navionics
Navionics is one of the most popular and comprehensive marine navigation apps available. Loved for its detailed nautical charts and user-friendly interface, it is a top choice for boaters, sailors, and fishermen alike.
Navionics offers numerous features that cater to all your navigational needs, making it easier to plan trips, navigate waters, and discover new destinations. Features include:
- Detailed Nautical Charts
- Sonarchart™: High-Definition Bathymetric Maps
- Dock-To-Dock Autorouting
- Customizable Map Display With Overlays
- Real-Time Updates From Fellow Boaters
- Sync Data Across Multiple Devices
- Connect App With Compatible Plotters
- Detailed Weather Forecasts & Tide Predictions
Price: Free with In-App Purchases (for additional charts and features)
Learn More: Marine Navigation: How to Navigate a Boat
4. Argo - Boating Navigation
Argo is a comprehensive boating navigation app designed to enhance your boating experience by providing reliable navigation tools and a vibrant boating community. It offers a range of features to help you navigate safely and discover new destinations.
Features include:
- Navigation and Routing
- Community Sharing
- Points of Interest
- Real-Time Weather
- Tide Information
- Automatic Logbook.
Argo combines advanced navigation tools with a social platform, making it a valuable app for both navigation and community engagement.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
Fishing Apps
5. Fishbrain
With over 14 million verified catches, Fishbrain is a must-have app for fishing enthusiasts, offering a social platform combined with advanced fishing tools. It helps anglers of all levels discover new fishing spots, track their catches, and connect with a community of over 12 million users worldwide. Features include:
- Detailed Maps
- Catch Log
- Community Interaction
- Ai-Powered Fish Species Recognition
- Weather And Tides
- Fishing Forecasts
- Gear Recommendations
- Challenges And Tournaments
Fishbrain enhances your fishing experience by combining practical tools with an active community.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases (for additional features like depth maps, advanced forecasts, and more.)
6. FishTrack
FishTrack is an essential app for serious anglers who want to maximize their chances of a successful catch. It provides advanced tools and data to help you find the best fishing spots and plan your trips efficiently.
Features include:
- Sea Surface Temperature Charts
- Chlorophyll Charts
- Detailed Weather Forecasts
- Ocean Currents
- Waypoints And Routes.
- Offline Mode
- Tide Information
- Custom Overlays
FishTrack provides anglers with strategic information to improve their fishing strategy and increase their catch rates. With its comprehensive data and user-friendly interface, FishTrack is a valuable tool for any fishing trip.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases (for additional features and premium content)
7. Terrafin
Terrafin is an app for anglers looking to enhance their fishing strategy with advanced satellite imagery and oceanographic data. It provides valuable insights to help locate productive fishing spots and improve catch rates. Features include:
- High-Resolution Satellite Images
- Temperature Breaks
- Chlorophyll Maps
- Custom Overlays
- Daily Updates
- Waypoints And Routes
- Offline Access
- Weather Data
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
8. ANGLR
ANGLR is a comprehensive fishing app designed for serious anglers. It offers tools for planning, recording, and analyzing fishing trips. By providing detailed insights and data, it helps you keep track of your fishing activities and improve your strategies.
Features include:
- GPS Trip Tracking
- Custom Waypoints
- Catch Log
- ANGLR Bullseye Integration
- Gear Management
ANGLR enhances your fishing experience by combining practical tools with detailed analytics, helping you become a more successful angler.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
Apps for Sailing
9. ASA Sailing Challenge
The ASA Sailing Challenge app is designed by the American Sailing Association to help sailors improve their skills through interactive simulations. It's ideal for both novice and experienced sailors.
Features include:
- Interactive Simulations
- Sailing Learning Modules
- Realistic Scenarios
- Skill Challenges
- Progress Tracking
- Certification Prep
The ASA Sailing Challenge app combines fun and education to enhance your sailing skills, making it an excellent tool for all levels of sailors.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
10. SailFlow
This app gets rave reviews from sailors who want to monitor wind speeds in specific locations. SailFlow is a premier weather app designed specifically for sailors, providing accurate and reliable wind forecasts to ensure safe and efficient sailing.
It offers many tools and features essential for planning your trips and navigating waters. Features include:
- Detailed Real-Time Wind Forecasts.
- Interactive Maps
- Custom Alerts And Notifications
- Live Wind Reports From Over 50,000 Weather Stations Worldwide.
- Tide Information
- Customizable Settings
SailFlow provides sailors with the critical weather information needed to make informed decisions on the water, making it a valuable tool for both casual and professional sailors.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
Weather Apps
11. Weather Channel
The Weather Channel app is a classic comprehensive weather tool that provides detailed forecasts and weather information to help you confidently plan your boating trips. It's a trusted source for accurate and up-to-date weather data. Features include:
- Hourly, Daily, And 15-Day Forecasts.
- Interactive Radar
- Severe Weather Alerts
- Tide Information.
- Customizable Weather Reports
- Video Forecasts
The Weather Channel app will keep you informed about the weather conditions, making it an essential tool for safe and enjoyable boating.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
12. WeatherBug
Another top-rated weather app is WeatherBug. It's a reliable weather app that provides detailed and accurate weather information, making it an excellent tool for boaters who must stay informed about current and upcoming weather conditions. Features include:
- Current, Hourly, And 10-Day Forecasts
- Lightning Alerts
- Interactive Radar
- Wind Data
- Severe Weather Alerts
- Live Weather Cameras
WeatherBug helps boaters make informed decisions by providing comprehensive weather data, ensuring safer and more enjoyable trips.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
General Boating Apps
13. BoatUS
The BoatUS app is an essential tool for boaters. It offers a range of features to enhance your boating experience and ensure your safety on the water. Developed by the Boat Owners Association of the United States, it provides access to vital services and information.
Features include:
- 24/7 Towing Assistance
- Weather and Tides
- Location Services
- GPS Tracking
- Trip Planning
- BoatUS Membership
The BoatUS app is designed to keep you safe and connected, offering valuable resources and assistance whenever you need it.
Price: Free
14. Sea Tow
A must-have for adventurous boaters, SeaTow has some basic tide and weather data, but the primary purpose is to be able to signal for a tow. Developed by Sea Tow Services International, it offers peace of mind with reliable assistance and useful tools. Features include:
- 24/7 on-water towing and assistance
- GPS Location
- Weather Reports
- Tide Information
- Navigation Tools
- Locate Services
- Membership Benefits
The Sea Tow app gives boaters access to vital services and information, keeping them safe and prepared for any situation on the water.
Price: Free with Membership
15. Waterway Guide Marinas
The Waterway Guide Marinas app is a simple resource for boaters. It offers comprehensive information on marinas and waterfront services. It helps you find the best marinas, plan your trips, and access essential details for a smooth boating experience.
Features include:
- Marina Directory of the U.S., Bahamas, & Caribbean
- User Reviews
- Navigation Tools
- Fuel Prices
- Marina Amenities Search
- Marina Contact Information
The Waterway Guide Marinas app helps boaters find the best marinas and plan their trips efficiently, providing detailed and up-to-date information at their fingertips.
Price: Free
16. Ramp Assist
Simplify your boat launching experience with Ramp Assist, an innovative app designed to help boaters of all experience levels navigate the often challenging task of launching and retrieving boats at ramps. With a focus on ease of use and safety, Ramp Assist offers features that make ramp usage more efficient and stress-free. Ramp Assist offers the following key features:
- Ramp Locator: Find and save the best ramps nationwide, with satellite views and daily updates.
- Ramp Details: Access ratings on cleanliness, challenge level, and available services like parking and restrooms.
- Ramp Traffic: View daily boat ramp traffic and occupancy levels using satellite data and AI.
- Weather & Tide Monitoring: Receive alerts for weather conditions and tide levels at any ramp.
- Trailering Assist: Get AI-driven guidance for safely loading your boat with real-time feedback on distance, angle, and speed.
Price: Free with In-App Purchases
Conclusion: Use Boating Apps to Enhance Your Day on the Water
We must stress that boaters should never rely 100 percent on a cell phone for tasks like navigation and communications at sea. However, every one of these apps can make your day of boating a better experience.
