If you are looking to add some new boating apps to your tablet or smartphone, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best boating apps to help you navigate, plan, share and socialize on the water this year:
- Windfinder is a forecasting tool that’s a must when planning your boating trip. This app allows you to see the wind, waves and weather across the globe in real time, and it’s been very accurate in our testing. Windfinder is available for free (iOS and Android), or you can purchase the ad-free pro version (iOS and Android).
- INavX: This “best choice” app lets you download high-res marine charts from various boating regions throughout the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, onto your smartphone. Functions include the ability to plot your position in real time; pan, zoom and rotate charts and display instruments like speed, course, bearing and waypoints in real time. In-app purchases and subscriptions help enhance this tool. Available on iOS and Android devices.
- USA Tides: If you boat and/or fish in saltwater, having the latest marine tide information at your fingertips is invaluable. USA Tides is available for both iOS and Android and displays tide information for all stations in the US. Honorable mention: AyeTides is a strong contender with readings for many local harbors that are unavailable elsewhere.
- MYRADAR NOAA WEATHER RADAR: MyRadar weather can show when a squall or storm is coming, how long it will last and how heavy it will be. Every boater will appreciate knowing if they need to head back to the dock or just sit out a 20-minute squall. Weather severity is color-coded and you can choose a background including plain, roads and aerial imagery. You can even get pushed alerts with real-time winds and temperatures. MyRadar is available for free for Android and iOS devices.
- Sea Tow: This app gives Sea Tow members an ultra-easy way to call for a tow or fuel drop on their smartphone without even having to provide your location (the app does it for you). The free Sea Tow app also is useful for non-Sea Tow members as it provides tide charts and weather forecasts. Available for free on iOS and Android devices.
- Boatrax lets you keep detailed records of your boat while capturing and sharing your moments with family and friends. The app not only lets you track your boat’s location (for example, if you are letting family or friends use it), but it also helps you keep detailed logs of your boat’s engine and sensor data. You can share your location and photos with friends and the boating community. Available for both iOS and Android.
- MarineTraffic: If you go boating or fishing offshore at night and want help in avoiding commercial vessels, this is the app for you. Even if you don’t, it’s a pretty cool tool! Utilizing AIS technology, it provides near real-time positions of ships and yachts in most major ports and shipping lanes around the world. Available on iOS ($4.99) and Android ($5.99).
- Dockwa allows boaters to view marinas in their location, select a destination and request a slip or mooring, all from their mobile device. Once the marina approves the reservation, payment is processed seamlessly through the app. Dockwa hopes to be the Opentable of boating. Check out Dockwa on iOS or Android.
- Fishbrain: This highly popular app provides fishing forecasts and intel and helps you to discover new fishing hot spots, baits, and tackle. You can track your catches and share them with other anglers – or not – it’s your choice. Available for free on iOS and Android device.
- Camera App: Last, but certainly not least, make sure you use your camera app to document all your boating adventures this year and share it with the world on Facebook and Instagram!
