sailboat navigation software

• Quick Start
• User Gallery

Free Open Source Chartplotter and Marine GPS Navigation Software

Opencpn chart plotter navigation.

Win   Mac   Linux   Raspberry Pi

Concise and robust Chart Plotter Navigation software

Featured image:   "Shades of Blue Waves"   by Dimitris Vetsikas

• Navigating the Seas: The Best Navigation Apps and Charts

In today's digital age, sailing and marine navigation have been revolutionized by the advent of navigation apps and online charts. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice enthusiast, having access to the right tools can make all the difference in your nautical adventures. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of marine navigation and introduce you to the best tools available, including the Navionics Chart Viewer, Sat Nav apps, and free nautical charts.

Setting Sail with Navionics Chart Viewer

What is navionics chart viewer.

Navionics Chart Viewer is a powerful tool that has become a must-have for boaters and sailors. This app provides access to highly detailed nautical charts, making it easier to plan routes and navigate the open waters. With its user-friendly interface, even beginners can use it effectively.

Navionics Chart Viewer stands out with its impressive features, including:

• High-resolution charts : The app offers high-resolution charts that provide a detailed view of the waterways, helping you navigate even the most challenging areas.
• Advanced route planning : Plan your sailing routes with precision, taking into account tides, currents, and weather conditions.
• Weather updates : Stay informed about the latest weather conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable voyage.
• Community-sourced data : Benefit from the collective knowledge of the boating community by accessing user-generated data on hazards, points of interest, and more.
• Compatibility with various devices : Navionics Chart Viewer is compatible with a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and chart plotters, ensuring you have access wherever you go.

Sat Nav Apps: Your GPS on the Water

The advantages of sat nav apps.

Satellite navigation apps are not just for land-based travel. They are equally important for boaters, offering precise GPS positioning, even when you're miles away from the shore. Let's delve into the advantages of using sat nav apps for marine navigation:

• Accuracy : Sat nav apps use advanced GPS technology to provide highly accurate position data, helping you stay on course and avoid hazards.
• Real-time updates : These apps continuously update your position, making it easier to navigate in changing conditions.
• Cost-effectiveness : Using a sat nav app eliminates the need for expensive dedicated marine GPS devices.
• Ease of use : Most sat nav apps feature intuitive interfaces that make them accessible to sailors of all levels of experience.

Free Sat Nav Apps

In the world of marine navigation, there are options for every budget. Here are some noteworthy free sat nav apps:

• Navionics Web App : This web-based application offers a user-friendly interface and access to charts online. It's a great tool for planning your next voyage and is compatible with a wide range of devices.
• Navigation App for Android : Android users can rejoice with a plethora of navigation apps available on the Google Play Store. These apps provide real-time information, including tide and weather updates, enhancing the safety and enjoyment of your journey.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Check out our latest sailing content:

Smooth sailing with marine navigation apps, the versatility of marine navigation apps.

Modern sailors rely on marine navigation apps to streamline their journeys. These apps offer convenience and efficiency, ensuring you stay on course no matter where you sail. Let's explore their versatility:

• Essential Features : Marine navigation apps typically include features like route planning, waypoint marking, and real-time tracking.
• Integration : Many of these apps can integrate with other marine electronics, such as radar and sonar, providing a comprehensive navigation solution.
• Offline Use : Some apps allow you to download charts for offline use, ensuring you have access to crucial information even when you're out of cellular or Wi-Fi range.

Exploring Navionics Apps

Navionics, a leading name in marine navigation, offers a range of apps tailored to different regions and needs:

• Navionics UK App : Specifically tailored for the UK waters, this app provides comprehensive charts and up-to-date information for British sailors. Whether you're planning a leisurely cruise or a challenging offshore passage, this app has you covered.
• Navionics US App : If you're sailing in the United States, the Navionics US App is your go-to resource. It offers detailed charts, including data from official hydrographic offices, making it a reliable choice for navigating American waters.

Online Chart Plotters: Charting Your Course on the Web

Online chart plotters - a boon for sailors.

Online chart plotters have gained popularity for their accessibility. They allow you to plan routes and analyze charts from any device with internet access. Here's why they are becoming a preferred choice for many sailors:

• Convenience : You can access online chart plotters from your computer, tablet, or smartphone, making them incredibly convenient for planning your voyages.
• Collaboration : Online chart plotters often support collaborative planning, allowing multiple crew members to contribute to route planning and navigation.
• Regular Updates : These platforms typically provide regularly updated charts, ensuring you have the latest information about navigational hazards and coastal areas.

Unlocking the Power of Free Nautical Charts

Why choose free nautical charts.

Navigating the seas can be costly, but free nautical charts are a budget-friendly alternative. These charts provide essential information without breaking the bank. Let's dive into the advantages of using free nautical charts:

• Affordability : As the name suggests, these charts are available at no cost, making them accessible to sailors on a budget.
• Comprehensive Coverage : Many organizations provide free nautical charts that cover a wide range of regions, so you can sail in various waters without purchasing multiple charts.
• Regularity of Updates : Free nautical charts are often updated regularly, ensuring you have access to accurate and current information.

Online Charts for Mariners

Online marine charts are a treasure trove of valuable information for sailors. They are often maintained by government agencies and organizations committed to maritime safety. Here's what you can expect from online marine charts:

• Detailed Information : Online charts provide comprehensive details about coastlines, water depths, navigational aids, and potential hazards.
• Ease of Access : You can access these charts from your computer or mobile device, allowing you to plan your routes from the comfort of your home or boat.
• Interactive Features : Some online marine charts offer interactive features, allowing you to measure distances, plan routes, and overlay weather information for better voyage planning.

Navigational Assistance on Your Device

Exploring navigation apps for iphone.

iPhone users can take advantage of a wide array of navigation apps available on the App Store. These apps offer intuitive interfaces and essential tools for sailors. Here are some noteworthy options:

• iNavX Marine Navigation : iNavX is a feature-rich navigation app that provides access to a wide range of charts and maps, including NOAA raster charts. It also offers advanced features like AIS integration and anchor alarms.
• SeaPilot : SeaPilot is a user-friendly navigation app that provides real-time AIS information, route planning, and tracking. It's an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced sailors.

Unlocking the World of Navionics

Navionics App for Android is a powerful tool that caters to Android users. It offers seamless navigation and access to a wealth of data. With features like SonarChart Live and Community Edits, you can contribute to the improvement of nautical charts and benefit from the collective knowledge of the boating community.

Savvy Navvy Reviews: What the Community Says

Savvy Navvy is gaining popularity among sailors. Reviews from the boating community highlight its user-friendly features and reliability. Many users appreciate its integration with other navigation tools. Here are some insights from sailors who have used Savvy Navvy:

• "Savvy Navvy has simplified our sailing trips. The app's intuitive interface and real-time updates have made navigation a breeze."
• "I love how Savvy Navvy integrates with my chart plotter and provides me with up-to-date information on hazards and weather conditions."
• "As a solo sailor, Savvy Navvy is my trusted companion. It gives me the confidence to navigate challenging waters on my own."

In conclusion, the world of marine navigation has undergone a remarkable transformation with the advent of navigation apps and online charts. Whether you're using the Navionics Chart Viewer, exploring sat nav apps, or relying on free nautical charts, these tools make your sailing adventures safer and more enjoyable. Embrace the power of technology and navigate the seas with confidence.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite  sailing destinations.

I am ready to help you with booking a boat for your dream vacation. Contact me.

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Top 8 Apps For Marine Navigation (Judged By A Navigator)

Having spent the last 10 years using sophisticated ECDIS systems on commercial ships, I was curious as to whether I could have a similar experience on my own boat, using just a tablet and a mobile phone.

It quickly became apparent that there were plenty of potential apps that might be able to live up to the challenge.

In the end, I decided to buy 8 of the best, so that I could independently put them to the test, and ultimately compare them to find the best.

I must say, overall I was pleasantly surprised, but I was able to find a winner.

Navionics (Overall Winner)

iOS & Android

Cost: Free app, with in-app purchases for charts. Chart subscriptions include advanced app features.

Navionics is probably the most popular boating app, and for good reason. Chart subscriptions include access to all of the app’s features like route monitoring, currents & tides, NMEA integration, data overlays and additional unique features like community edits, which are only possible due to its immense popularity.

The navigation experience is very pleasant and has clearly been well optimised for use by recreational boaters. You get just the right amount of information around the screen, displayed in a very unobtrusive way.

The main weakness with Navionics is its lack of customisation options in comparison to other apps. Given the obvious thought that has gone into its design, however, you won’t feel like you need to change anything.

Click here to read my full Navionics review.

iSailor (Very Close Second)

Cost: Free app, with in-app purchases for charts and advanced features.

iSailor is the most advanced marine navigational app, with professional-level features included as standard. For example, when passage planning, iSailor was the only app that gave full control over cross-track-distance (XTD) and turn radius on waypoints.

The navigation experience is fantastic, with an optional pull-out at the side of the screen containing all the relevant data you would need for a passage.

The main weakness with iSailor was the additional in-app purchases required to activate all of its features. If you want to add every feature, the app can quickly become very expensive.

Click here to read my full iSailor review.

C-Map (Best Worldwide Value)

Cost: Free app, with an in-app purchase to save charts to your device and activate Premium features.

C-Map is the best value charting application for worldwide use. With an internet connection, you can access worldwide charts for free, then a single in-app purchase will activate Premium features so that you can download up to 1000 charts to your device.

Navigation with C-Map is great because there is excellent chart customisation, and it is incredibly intuitive to create and follow routes. It also felt strangely familiar, having used the same charts on passenger ships. The C-Map app is a great translation of their commercial product to the pleasure boating market.

The main weakness with C-Map is that navigational information on the screen can be hard to read, especially if you are only using a small tablet.

Click here to read my full C-Map review.

iNavX (Most Comprehensive)

Cost: Free app on Android (paid on iOS), with in-app purchases for charts. US charts are free.

iNavX is the most customisable navigational app and the only one that I tested that is capable of displaying almost every NMEA data type imaginable. 

Users in the US will be able to find free NOAA charts, but the rest of the world will need to use the in-app store to buy local charts. iNavX offers a vast choice of charts, easily eclipsing its competition in terms of variety.

The extensive customisation makes navigating with iNavX a fantastic experience, although it can take a while to get it looking how you want.

The main weakness with iNavX is its complexity. Performing simple actions is a lot more complicated than in other apps. With regular use though, you would become familiar with it and find it quick and easy.

Click here to read my full iNavX review.

Cost: Free basic app, with an in-app purchase for the Premium app. Charts are available as additional in-app purchases.

Seapilot is a comprehensive marine navigation app, providing a whole range of different capabilities in its Premium version.

The charts look great and have some of the best shadings out of all the apps I tested. You will find scrolling around them is a seamless experience, without overwhelming and distracting data.

The navigation screen is customisable, so you can display most of the data you need in an overlay at the top.

Its main weakness is that it does not display all the data that you need on the main screen, so you will need to open the side menus to get at everything you need.

Click here to read my full Seapilot review.

SeaNav pushes the boundaries of mobile technology with innovative features like its Augmented Reality view, helping you to identify charted navigational features and other vessels in your vicinity.

Its navigation screen is simple, and easily customisable, with plenty of control over the layers that you select on your chart.

The main weakness with SeaNav is that your own boat is quite hard to see on the chart due to its small size and lack of contrast. The same issue applies to the text, although the contrast is much better due to its dark underlay.

Click here to read my full SeaNav review.

Cost: Free app, with in-app purchases for charts and advanced features. Alternatively, you can purchase the UK or US version of the app which comes will charts and additional features.

NavLink is Digital Yacht’s navigation app, which makes full use of advanced features such as its Augmented Reality view.

Its navigation screen is unobstructed, giving a clear view of charted features which are all controllable through an extensive layer selection menu.

The main weakness with NavLink is there is minimal contrast between your own vessel and the underlying chart, making it hard to see, especially in bright light. The same issue applies to text around the screen, albeit to a lesser extent due to its dark underlay.

Click here to read my full NavLink review.

Memory Map (Best For Non-Sailors)

Cost: Free app, with in-app purchases for maps.

Memory Map is a fantastic raster chart app, capable of displaying nautical charts as well as USGS and OS maps. As such, it is a top choice for users wishing to explore their coastline on foot as well as by boat.

In navigation mode, Memory Map will feel familiar for anyone used to navigating on paper charts as it literally places a digital position fix on an image of a traditional paper chart.

Memory Map’s main weakness is that it uses raster charts, which are not well optimised for digital use. Essential navigational information is not always visible because notes on the chart will be beyond the edge of the screen.

Click here to read my full Memory Map review.

Comparing Top Marine Navigation Apps By Price

Winner: iSailor

The easiest comparison to make between the top marine navigation apps is their price.

Unfortunately, it is not quite as simple as it seems. Each app has a different pricing structure.

Some charge for the app, and others charge only for the charts. Often different features cost more as well.

In the end, I decided to just add up what I spent on each app. I shopped in the app stores and purchased each one for a pre-planned sailing trip on the South Coast of the UK.

I did not need any extra features and did not want to go shopping around for discount codes.

I wanted to have cross-platform functionality between my iPad and Android phone, but I was not willing to spend extra to get it.

iSailor came out on top in terms of price, however, that is primarily because their pricing structure means they charge you extra for each feature within the app. 

Other apps include more features within their base cost, but I did not factor that in on this crude comparison of cost per app.

It should also be noted that apps like iNavX may perform better in the USA where charts might be available for free. For me though, I can only compare based on what I spent.

Comparing Top Marine Navigation Apps For Charts

Winner: iNavX

The primary function of a marine navigational app is to display digital versions of maritime charts to assist a user in navigation.

We could compare how each chart performed based on some statistics, but primarily it is about that feeling while using the app itself.

Do the charts feel good when you are scrolling around them, and does that translate into a safer navigational experience for the user?

Therefore, I decided to compare the type of chart, customisation available, and a “feeling” rank for how safe it felt to me based on my industry experience.

The overall winner for charts was iNavX, simply because their chart store allows you to purchase charts from a number of different providers.

For example, you could purchase C-Map or Navionics charts within iNavX if you wanted to.

Customisation between the apps varied considerably, however, more customisation is not necessarily a good thing.

The important thing with marine navigational apps is to be able to clearly see all the information on the screen.

When the screen gets too cluttered, it is nice to be able to customise more layers to make the most important information easy to see.

The apps with less customisation never actually felt too cluttered anyway. I could confidently say that each app does have enough customisation for its own performance.

As for the feeling, most of them felt good and safe to use. The reason that SeaNav and Navlink are rated lower is that both of them felt like they were missing information when I ran the apps.

In both cases, after some tweaking, I did become more comfortable using them, but my first impression was that the charts looked a little sparse. I found it hard to shake that first impression during my test.

In addition to that, SeaNav and NavLink both had the slowest loading charts.

Overall though, all apps did perform well. 

In terms of comparing the different charts, it was just about finding the rather minimal differences between 8 good choices.

Comparing Top Marine Navigation Apps For Passage Planning

To efficiently use a marine navigation app, one of the crucial first steps is planning your passage.

Most of the apps perform the process in the same way, with some offering additional controls over some elements of passage planning.

In the end, I decided to compare how easy it was to complete the passage plan, and what sort of features were included.

In the end, most of the apps performed passage planning in a comparable way.

The stand out winner, however, was iSailor. In iSailor, you get advanced features such as XTD (cross-track-distance) and turn radius, to precisely control your routes.

Admittedly, these are not features that will be used by most users, but they are enough to allow iSailor to clinch the top spot in terms of passage planning.

Seapilot is then slightly above the rest because it offsets the position of waypoints from the position you tap on the screen. This allows you to precisely place the waypoint as you are not blocking your view with your finger.

In last position was iNavX because it was the most complicated for passage planning. All the rest of them allow you to tap along your route to create a series of waypoints. iNavX gets you to first create the waypoints, then pick them from a list to make your route.

For me, there were just too many steps in the process for it to be an efficient way of planning passages.

Comparing Top Marine Navigation Apps For Navigation Ability

Winner: Navionics

The primary purpose of a marine navigation app is to use it for navigation. I want it to clearly show me my position on a chart, along with supplementary information that would be useful for my passage.

To compare the apps for navigation, I rated the visibility of your own vessel as well as additional useful information around the edge of the screen.

The stand-out winner was Navionics because the app displayed my own vessel clearly, as well as all the essential information around the edge of the screen.

iSailor was a close second place, with the main difference between the two being that iSailor displays all the relevant data on a sidebar which takes up some chart space. Navionics places the relevant data in the corners of the screen instead.

Most of the other apps require you to open an additional menu to see some of the data that I would deem to be essential. The extra interaction became a bit of a distraction when I was trying to navigate.

Comparing Top Marine Navigation Apps By Features

While not strictly necessary, extra features are a great distinguishing factor between different marine navigation apps.

I did not buy any app for their extra features, but I understand other users will be likely to use them.

I decided to compare whether each app offered NMEA connectivity, as well as my overall impression of the additional features based on my experience with the app.

The overall winner in terms of features was Navionics. When I subscribed to my local chart area, all features (like tides, currents & weather) were activated as standard.

I found that when the app just gave them to me, I did use them and I did enjoy using them.

iSailor was second because it offers similar features to Navionics, but as additional in-app purchases.

iNavX deserves a special mention because its NMEA interface is the best out of all the apps. It allows you to display almost every possible instrument feed, in-app. The only reason it did not rank higher was its extensive feature set adds a lot of complexity, making the app harder to use.

Comparing Top Marine Navigation Apps By Usability

My final comparison between marine navigation apps was to determine how user-friendly the app is.

To undertake this test, I attempted to do everything in each app without consulting the user manual.

I wanted to know how many features I would be able to find, and how easy I would find using them.

To compare, I decided to give each app a difficulty rating out of 10, with 10 meaning that the app was fully intuitive and optimised for my use, and 0 meaning I could not work out anything in the app.

Ratings are also based on comparison with other apps, just to distinguish which are harder and which are easier to use.

Again, the overall winner was Navionics. It was simple to use, and I discovered a lot of features that I was able to fully use, without needing to look at any of its documentation.

iSailor was a close second place but narrowly beaten because I kept making the same mistake when passage planning. I kept clicking “route complete” when I was trying to “add waypoint”. The user-friendliness of the rest of the app made me place it high in my ranking.

The rest were all very close and overall were very simple to use. The differences were minor and came from trying to discover different features, toggle chart layers etc.

iNavX was the most difficult one to use and was the only one where I needed to consult the user manual. It was mainly because of the way it makes you place waypoints, then create a route by selecting waypoints from a list.

I used to do that on old GPS systems, but on modern charts I have always just clicked along the route, scanning it for dangers as you go.

Overall though, by the end of the testing, I could use all of the apps reasonably confidently.

No matter which app you choose, as long as you practise with it regularly, you will find it easy to use.

• your cart is currently empty

• Regatta & Offshore Racing

Maritime transport

Test our products.

• Our video tutorials
• Setup & Updates

Navigation software Explore the World with us

Regatta & offshore racing.

Cruising & Voyage

Accessible and responsive, we focus on customer satisfaction.

Our Know-How

From first inspiration to ultimate innovation.

The art of success is to surround the bests.

Prepare for safe summer cruising with Adrena

Technical assistance Transquadra 2024

Join the ADRENA team: (M/W) Support Technician

The start of the New-York Vendée – Les Sables d Olonne with ADRENA software

Adrena put to the test in extreme conditions : 10 polar days on the Commandant Charcot !

Technical assistance Cap Martinique 2024

Adrena joins the Wind Ship association 💙

Spi Ouest-France Banque Populaire Grand Ouest: Don’t forget to prepare your courses!

Users Feedback

In this exclusive interview, Marcel van Triest shares his experience with Adrena software and his contribution to the Jules Verne Trophy.

Marcel Van Triest

In this interview, discover how Armel Le Cleac'h got ready for the Vendée Globe 2016-17 with Adrena navigation software.  Click on the image below to watch the interview - Don't forget to activate the subtitles by clicking on the icon "cc" at the bottom right of the video.

Armel Le Cléac'h, Winner of Vendée Globe 2016-17

Charles Devanneaux and co-skipper Matthieu Damerval won the 20th edition of the Pacific Cup race from San Francisco to Hawaii. They had the chance to evaluate their all-new Figaro Beneteau 3 A Fond le Girafon equipped with Adrena software. A swift and predestined victory! (more…)

Charles Devanneaux, Pacific Cup 2018

Alexandre Ozon was the first to reach the finish line, crossing the Atlantic ocean in 13 days 1 hour 14 minutes and 15 seconds. He shares with us his adventure and the precious support provided by Adrena software.

Alexandre Ozon, Transquadra 2017-2018

smart cruising

OCTOPUS software provides a specific solution for cruising and voyage by offering more serenity, comfort and anticipation all along the navigation.

Customized routing calculation

Grib files download online and by email up to 16 days, mooring assistance graphic module, safety tools ensuring high-secure navigation, try our software, compare our software, download our catalog, adrena support service, your satisfaction is our priority. we provide a responsive and reliable service to all of our users., training session, technical support, partnerships.

OC Sport Penduick

Route du Rhum

Vendée Globe

Transat Quebec

Transat AG2R La Mondiale

Transat Jacques vabre

Transat Bakerly

Rallye des Iles du Soleil

Pôle Finistère Course au large

Ocean Masters

Ocean Drivers

Generali Solo

FFF Voile Equipe de France

Transquadra

IMOCA NY-Vendee

La Solitaire - Urgo - Le Figaro

Adrena Navigation Software

Express Delivery

Secure Payment Service

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources
• Ultimate Boating Giveaway

Navigation Apps You Can Take for a Sail

• By David Schmidt
• Updated: September 30, 2021

Among the big challenges when planning a long-distance ­passage can be knowing when to leave, how to take advantage of the best weather windows along the way, and what waypoints to set to get you there the quickest or with the least ­exposure to unpleasant points of sail or conditions. Thankfully, the cruising navigator has a bevy of tools from which to choose, including weather-­routing and passagemaking apps, and software and services that have been developed and refined to take advantage of the computing power found in laptops, smart devices and chart plotters.

While these digital tools typically aren’t free to use—and usually require some form of connectivity and product familiarity to deliver the best results—once ­downloaded (and mastered), sailors can ­enjoy better weather, more-comfortable ­conditions, faster transit times and greater situational awareness of what might lie ahead. Generally ­speaking, these navigation aids are ­designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, and ­depending on which you choose, will work with communication ­devices ­ranging from ­satellite phones to skinny-bandwidth transponders such as Iridium’s Go or Garmin’s inReach and, of course, ­full-on FleetBroadband or very small ­aperture terminal satellite systems. Some of the tools are even available to boats equipped with old-school ­single-sideband radios.

But how one gets their weather data is often less important than the quality and timeliness of that information, which usually comes in the form of gridded ­binary, or GRIB, files. While third-­party weather-routing ­companies commonly leverage GRIB files with their proprietary ­algorithms to create weather ­forecasts and routing ­advice, the raw data contained in GRIB files usually comes from official government meteorological offices. Two common sources include the ­National Oceanic and ­Atmospheric ­Administration, which ­releases its Global Forecast ­System four times a day, and the ­European Union, which produces European Centre for Medium-Range ­Weather ­Forecasts—considered the global gold standard—twice daily. As with all pieces of time-sensitive information, cruisers who can access the internet to either download fresh GRIB files or to run their routing on a service provider’s cloud or website will usually experience better, faster and smoother passages than those relying on old data.

These weather-routing and passagemaking tools ­typically use one of two ­strategies for computing the best ­departure times and routing ­options. ­Traditional PC-based ­software, such as TimeZero or Expedition , require outside information (GRIB files or some other weather forecast), which the software then ­crunches ­locally on a navigator’s ­laptop or chart plotter to create the best itinerary. Another ­option involves app-, cloud- or website-­based products that oftentimes give cruisers access to a server, which performs this computing remotely and then sends the results to the crew aboard the boat.

While the net result is ­often similar, each has its ­upsides. Onboard passagemaking and routing software means that the information and the means to process it are close at hand should outside communications go down, or if users want to run any offline route planning to weigh alternatives. Cloud and website services, on the other hand, usually have access to a range of weather forecasts and GRIBs, so the crew needs to download only the resulting routing information, which can be as simple as a series of waypoints, rather than the significantly bigger weather files. This means less airtime or consumed ­data for anyone using satellite ­communications.

“The software uses weather-­forecast-model data to find the optimal route for a given passage by evaluating all available routes for that passage,” says Jeremy Waters, who built and actively uses ­ FastSeas , a website-­based passage-­planning tool that resides on an Amazon Web Services-­supported cloud and relies on GFS GRIB files.

Users create an online ­account that includes their vessel’s specifics, including its polars, and they tell the website where they want to go, along with other trip parameters and preferences. The ­website generates and then sends the boat GPX files, which they can download using some form of long-range communications system such as a satphone, Iridium Go or Sailmail in the case of SSB operators.

While FastSeas doesn’t offer an app with a built-in GRIB viewer, anyone with ­internet access can look at ­animated weather maps, ­courtesy of windy.com, on the ­FastSeas webpage. ­Alternatively, ­FastSeas can ­also send ­simple ­routing ­updates via text ­message containing waypoints and ­simple forecasts at different waypoints to a Garmin ­inReach satellite ­communicator. “The ­Iridium Go and Garmin inReach ­provide ­economical satellite-­communications ­options to offshore sailors, and FastSeas is designed to provide ­updated route data while working ­within the device’s technical limitations,” Waters says.

Other app- and ­web-based tools deliver even more ­in-depth weather and weather-­routing information. “­PredictWind’s weather router uses a complex algorithm to give sailors the fastest—or safest—passage from A to B based on their boat’s expected performance in the ­forecast weather and ocean ­conditions for the specified period,” Nick Olson says. He is one of ­PredictWind’s two principal developers.

PredictWind offers two apps: PredictWind and ­PredictWind Offshore. The offshore app also gives ­users access to Global ­Maritime Distress and Safety System forecasts, observations and satellite imagery, and, if the boat carries a compatible and properly networked GPS tracker, allows the skipper to view detailed forecasts from six different global weather models. These include GFS, ECMWF, SPIRE and ­UKMO, as well as PredictWind’s ­proprietary PWE and PWG forecasts, the latter of which are created using ECMWF and GFS data (respectively) and PredictWind’s proprietary algorithms.

A boat owner uploads their vessel’s polar information to PredictWind (either via the app or website) so that the ­service can create a bespoke routing solution. “Avoiding bad weather is a key element to safety and enjoyment in any passagemaking,” Olson says. “We also have a departure-­planning tool that can aid in choosing the best time to leave for a passage.”

In addition to parameters such as vessel polars, destinations and passage dates, some weather-routing services also allow the navigator to stipulate the maximum acceptable windspeed and wave height, as well as maximum time on a particular point of sail that they wish to encounter on their passage.

While weather routing is an invaluable tool for passagemaking, so too is the ­ability to plan a passage at home and then seamlessly share this routing information—­complete with weather ­updates—with onboard chart plotters. Numerous options exist for this, in the form of apps and  software.

“Sailors can plan every ­aspect of their passage in the Navionics Boating app, then seamlessly sync their routes and waypoints to a compatible chart plotter over Wi-Fi via the Plotter Sync feature,” says Dave Dunn, Garmin’s ­senior director of marine sales. Garmin acquired Navionics in October 2017.

“By simply running the Navionics Boating app and connecting their mobile ­device to a compatible chart plotter, sailors can transfer routes and markers, update chart layers, and activate or renew their chart subscription.”

Navionics also offers ­daily and hourly weather ­forecasts, including wind and tide ­information, which can be used to monitor conditions; ­however, it’s important to understand that these forecasts cannot currently be used for weather-­routing ­purposes. “With an active internet ­connection, the Navionics Boating app provides sailors with real-time weather data and GRIB files for wind forecasts via NOAA updates, but sailors who aren’t connected to the internet won’t be able to see this information,” Dunn points out. “However, sailors can still view tide and current predictions without connectivity because those are part of downloadable, ­offline Navionics charts.” Sailors can also download weather forecasts (out to 72 hours) for offline use, but this of course comes with the ­caveat that the weather can—and often does—change over that extended period of time.

“You should expect the ­forecast for this afternoon to be pretty reliable, but the forecast for three days from now to be less reliable, and five days from now even more ­unreliable,” Waters says.

Others agree. “Passage ­planning is really about ­having the best data on hand in a ­digestible format so you can compare the data to aid in ­decision-making for a safe ­passage,” Olson says. “One important and key feature is the PredictWind weather ­router, which calculates your ­optimal route on the PredictWind ­servers. This is a game-­changer for low-bandwidth ­connections because the PredictWind Weather routing can calculate your route using all the data available over multiple atmospheric and ocean models—potentially 50 to 100 megabits of data and a billion calculations—and deliver this data into the Offshore app in a small 10-kilobit file. This also means that GRIBs are needed on board only as a visual aid to accompany the weather routes.” As anyone who has ­attempted to download GRIB files on a slow offshore connection knows, this can save a lot of airtime and onboard frustrations.

The bottom line for all this: Given the relatively low cost of the software-, cloud- and website-based ­applications ­discussed in this article, there’s little downside or reason not to have these capabilities on board. But, as with any new piece of technology that’s ­being integrated with a nav station, sailors are advised to spend time using it alongside their long-range communications equipment before ­casting off. Then, odds are more in their favor to enjoy a smoother, ­safer offshore passage, while ­also having access to better forecasting information while ­underway.

David Schmidt is CW ’s ­electronics editor.

The Virtual Navigator

Given that this is 2021 and one’s Tesla can chauffeur them to the marina or yacht club in autopilot mode, it should come as little surprise that some of today’s navigation software can formulate a route between a home mooring and a far-flung anchorage, even in another country.

Navionics, now owned by Garmin, pioneered this technology, dubbed Dock-to-Dock Autorouting, in late 2015. As with several of the weather-routing products discussed, to take advantage of Dock-to-Dock, a boat owner will need to enter their vessel’s parameters into their Navionics Boating app ahead of time, and they are highly encouraged to manually ­review the auto-calculated route before committing to it.

“When planning longer bluewater passages, auto-routing might not offer much more than ETA over a given distance,” Garmin’s Dave Dunn says. “However, for near-coastal and ­Intracoastal Waterway passages, auto-routing offers significant advantages when paired with up-to-date charts.” This ­latter bit matters greatly, given the shifting nature of some seafloors; Dunn explains that Navionics releases in the ­ballpark of 5,000 cartography updates daily.

While Navionics is no longer the only player offering ­auto-routing capabilities, the addition of ActiveCaptain’s community chart layers (also now a Garmin-owned entity), which users can switch on and off, gives Navionics users other integrated advantages. Dunn advises: “Crowdsourced features such as ­Community Edits and ActiveCaptain Community layers are not only useful, they’re necessary. Both offer useful insight not found in any other resource or chart by way of community feedback, ratings, additional data, missing chart objects and hazards, or more-timely navigation changes that chart sources have not yet reflected.” Garmin now also allows ActiveCaptain users to upload photos. This, Dunn says, lets “other users see what dock slips, hazards, important points of interest, and other relevant local knowledge actually looks like in the wild.”

Vendor List

Expedition: expeditionmarine.com ; from $1,300

FastSeas: fastseas.com ; free for basic service, $60 per year for premium service

Navionics: navionics.com ; free trial, then from $15 per year

PredictWind: predictwind.com ; from $250 per year for weather-routing ­service

TimeZero: mytimezero.com ; from $500

• More: Gear , navigation , print sept 2021 , safety at sea

Mustang Survival’s Quadra Dry Suit

AquaChocks: Secure Tender Storage, Simplified

Pro-Grade Sailing Eyewear

PredictWind Introduces PredictCurrent App

Galápagos: A Paradise Worth the Paperwork

Around Alone

Grease the Wheels of Your Boat: A Guide to Proper Lubrication

A Bowsprit Reborn: A DIY Renovation Story

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Navigation for the modern boater

" Automatic Rerouting is a groundbreaking enhancement to Sail Routes "

View review >

" An attractive and intuitive user interface "

" Orca’s stand-alone sail routing capabilities are uniquely capable and easy to use "

" Weather routing works amazingly well and quickly "

The ultimate navigation display. Made for sunshine.

Advanced boat integration. Pinpoint accuracy. Total control.

The latest updates

Many small improvements make for a big update

Improved functionality and new experiences have arrived in Orca.

Better weather forecasts. Better routing.

New weather models and routing upgrades make planning easier and more accurate.

A Better Weather Experience in Orca

Faster, easier to use, and with much more details.

How can we help?

Contact us by phone, chat, or email – or learn about Orca with guides and articles.

2024 © Orca. All rights reserved.

Desktop App Login

Navigate, Explore, Connect.

Argo is a free easy-to-use navigation and social boating app that helps you find and route to new destinations, share local knowledge, and connect with other boaters..

4.9/5 • 5,000+ App Ratings

See What the Internet is Buzzing About!

Free to Download, Free to Use

With Argo you get easy-to-use navigation and routing, local boating knowledge, and social boating features all in one app!

Available on iOS and Android phones and tablets. Argo coverage includes the United States, Canada, and Caribbean. 

Boating Made Easy

All the navigation features you need.

Navigation Capability

Find and route to new destinations within the U.S. and Canada with our clean, easy-to-use interface.

Customized Chart Data

You control what you see on your map. From map data to points of interest you are in control!

Community-Focused Boating

Get local boating knowledge and share your experiences with friends in your social feed.

Custom Autorouting

Plan your trip before you get out on the water. Simply let Argo know where you want to go or just tap the map and go. Argo will calculate the shortest and safest route customized based off your boat’s draft.

Captain’s Log

Automatically save places you’ve visited or trips you have taken. Add reports, places, photos and comments along the way. Then share with friends and family so they can see where you went or follow your same route.

Popular Destinations

Find the best spots to visit on or near the water with recommendations from other boaters. Places are continually updated with reviews, current pictures, descriptions and comments. These include local beaches, anchorages, marinas, restaurants, dock bars and more.

Real-Time Reporting

Get the latest on water hazards, weather and other potential issues to put you on the safest route. Create your own or comment on other reports to ensure accuracy. Customize your map so you only see pins that are most important to you.

Connect with Boaters

Connect with other boaters by adding your current friends and meeting new ones. Message them on the water, create or comment on a post, and share your trips and experiences with the boating community.

Get More With

Argo premium.

• All FREE Argo Features
• 7-Day Weather, Wind, Tides
• Offline Charts
• Custom Depth Shading
• Captain’s Log Reports
• Import/Export GPX Files
• Multiple Vessels
• Display Routes/Tracks

COMING SOON:

• AIS Traffic

See why Argo is trusted

By over 300,000 boaters, “best boating app”.

This marine navigation app is the easiest & amazingly totally free! Give it a try, I know you’ll agree the ease of use and clean interface will meet your needs.

“Perfect App!!”

Everything I really wanted for a simple GPS-based smartphone app with nautical chart integration. Highly recommend!

“User Friendly”

Love the app! Easy to learn, visually clear with several layout options for customizing info, terrain views, etc.

“Best New Boating App”

I love the intuitive autorouting function and my wife enjoys the social/community features for connecting with other boating friends.

“Best App for Daily Boaters for Just Occasional Fishers”

My father takes very frequent trips on his boat for the past 5-6 years and I showed him this app a few days ago & he LOVES it. He hasn’t stopped using it.

“Simple, Great Features, Excellent Support!”

 It’s straightforward, uncomplicated, has a clean interface/display that isn’t overloaded, is easy to learn, and performs reliably. 

“This App Beats All the Others!”

This app needs to be in every boaters arsenal. I absolutely love it. What a service the creator has done for us and for FREE!

New at Argo

September 12, 2024

Argo Boater Story: Argo Made Ms. Race Navigation Easy

Boater Community

July 30, 2024

Argo™ Releases App Update That Increases Loading Speed 10x

July 22, 2024

A Journey to Proper VHF Radio Etiquette

Boat Better Together

Argo is an easy-to-use navigation & boating app., partnerships.

Copyright © 2024 Argo Navigation, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Release Notes . Privacy Policy . Terms of Use .

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Best Navigation apps for sailors: Seapilot

• November 16, 2021

Best Navigation apps for sailors tested. This time we take a look at Seapilot and compare its pros and cons.

Seapilot app on a phone

Modern sailing increasingly relies on apps on your phone or tablet to find your way. We have tested the latest and best navigation apps on the market.

This app is based on some features of the professional ECDIS charting systems and in many ways has some of the best features – but while some will not agree, personally I found it unintuitive to use.

The significant issue, however, is that the autozoom on its charting detail just doesn’t work in many regions. Until I zoomed in to a small area (maybe five square miles) there was so much clutter on the screen that there was not much that could be done. Even when zoomed in, information about navigational marks would often be overlaid on spot depths, making both impossible to read. Seapilot acknowledges that some regions suffer from this as an issue due to the use of ECDIS data and hopes to rectify it going forward.

The app also uses ECDIS warning symbols for some hazards, which leisure sailors won’t be familiar with.

Downloading GRIB files for wind was ponderous due to large file sizes, but once completed the data as a result was detailed and easy to use and clutter such as spot depth was automatically removed for clarity. Tide data is available at various points, but no current strength or direction.

The app has a great MOB feature which instantly marks the casualty’s location, showing distance and bearing. Other apps might well copy this.

MOB feature Ability to connect to NMEA data from boat AIS overlays with internet connection

Not the most intuitive to use Auto detail on charts poor No tide or current information No distance and bearing tool

Get Seapilot app from the Apple App Store Get Seapilot app from the Google Play Store

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Read our full list of the  best navigation apps

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

• Coastal Explorer
• Nemo Gateway
• Rose Point ECS

The New Rose Point ECS

Simply Better

TZ Navigator: recreational software that fits all types of marine navigation

Make the most of your marine navigation with the right software.

What can TZ Navigator do for you?

If you navigate with a motorboat, then you will want to equip yourself with Advanced Route Planning, Security Cone, and AIS features that are all available within TZ Navigator. They will transform your sailing trips into the peaceful getaways that you envisage. All that is left, is to update your weather forecast and start planning. Find out about all the advantages of TZ Navigator below.

If you navigate with a sailboat, then gear yourself up with the Weather Routing (module) and Advanced Route Planning features. These tools will make your voyage more precise and more prepared than ever before. All you need to do is update your weather forecast, enter your boat polars and create your route. Find out about all the advantages of TZ Navigator below.

If you navigate for regattas, the Weather Routing module is indispensable. You can set it up to your own style of navigation and decide on how detailed you want the weather forecast to be such as whether to include currents. The algorithm will automatically calculate the best options at your disposal and provide you the edge you need to get in front of the pack. Find out about all the advantages of TZ Navigator below.

Why should you choose TZ Navigator?

Weather & tides, route planning, targets & pois, the latest generation of user interface, your safety matters, security cone, furuno advanced compatibility, do you only accept the best, see a full list of available modules for each timezero software, what system is required for timezero, system requirements.

• Video Board:

Accessing the best manual and user guide for your TIMEZERO software is not optional!

Access tz navigator official manual and user guide here, visit our web store.

Best Marine and Boating Navigation Apps

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

For almost everything you do today, there’s an app that will support, enhance or complement that activity. Recreational boating is no exception, and there are dozens of boating apps to help you enjoy time on the water.

Arguably, marine navigation apps are some of the most common—and the most useful—available to boaters today, with a range of options to suit different needs. Some boat GPS apps, for example, utilize NOAA raster charts, which are essentially scanned paper charts incorporated into their systems. Some apps offer vector charts, providing electronic charts that allow for scrolling and zooming in for enhanced detail.

The convenience of downloading these apps to your iPhone, Android, or tablet enables you to have them readily available regardless of the boat you’re on,  significantly enhancing your navigational capabilities.

Best marine navigation apps ( with GPS )

These are our top recommendations for boating apps that are great for marine navigation and offer GPS. Most of the apps are free to try.

1. Navionics

A perennial favorite is Navionics because it’s easy to use and comprehensive in scope. Navionics mimics a standard chartplotter experience and in some cases can connect to an onboard plotter via WiFi. Creating waypoints and routes, measuring distances and understanding depth contours and aids to navigation is pretty straight forward with this app.

Once downloaded, the charts stay on your device and can be used offline which is great when you’re cruising in areas with little coverage. Bonus functionality includes weather and tide information and dock-to-dock routing that helps you set a viable course based on your vessel’s parameters like draft.

• Price: Two-week free trial, then subscriptions starting at $14.99
• Click here to learn more and download.
• Get the app from Google Play Store or iOS store

Easy to confuse with Navionics (especially when downloading the app), iNavX is a whole different animal. There’s a $5 charge to download the app, and then you can download NOAA raster charts for free and vector charts (powered by Navionics and C-MAP) for a fee.

Beyond navigation, details on marinas, fuel docks and other facilities are also available. Weather data overlays and additional features like engine data and AIS collision avoidance information can also be viewed, but the app can get technical in a hurry and may take longer to learn.

• Price: $4.99, plus an annual subscription

C-MAP is the primary other choice besides Navionics for the underlying charting information that many apps use with their own user interface. The new C-MAP Embark was designed to be intuitive so after a few minutes, you won’t really be looking for the manual to manage the basics like waypoints, routes and nav aids.

A funky feature includes the app changing color based on your environment, so the charts are always easy to read regardless of the surrounding light. The basics include a free download, but chart additions and weather data will be in-app purchases.

• Price: Free, with available in-app purchases

4. SeaPilot

SeaPilot sets an ambitious agenda for itself: it’s a basic navigation app (which has a free three-day trial) but it ramps up from there. You’ll need to upgrade to the premium version so you can add various chart areas, weather forecasting and routing capabilities. Beyond that, you can connect to Facebook to find nearby boating friends.

For sailors, there’s a database of polar diagrams which are graphs of the theoretical top speeds attainable by over 300 kinds of sailboats.

• Price: Three-day free trial, then starting at $7.99

5. i Sail GPS:NOAA USA Charts

For barebones basics, iSail is a great choice because it’s inexpensive and you can skip sign-ups and pop-ups. Measure distances to your waypoint, upload waypoints and routes and get quick ETAs to your next intermediate or final point.

iSail uses NOAA raster charts which are downloaded to the device so they can be used without Wi-Fi or out of cell range. There are few advanced features, but this app gets the job done when you need the basics. It’s for iOS only.

• Price: $7.99, with available in-app purchases

6. KnowWake

The best way to describe KnowWake is to compare it to a road-based app you’re probably already familiar with–Waze. Like Waze, KnowWake is crowd-source and will provide information on congested waterfront locations–coastal and on 350 inland waterways.

On a bustling weekend, you can see how busy marinas, restaurants, boat ramps, fuel docks, and dive and snorkel sites are. You can use it in North America, on the Great Loop and in Canada as well as in parts of the Caribbean. The app uses real-time updates and it has location-sharing between users so you can find friends.

• Price: Free!

All the boating apps above vary in price, complexity and focus, and although some are free, advanced features generally come at a price. Some take a bit of time to learn, but they’ll all put some peace-of-mind in your pocket the next time you slip the dock lines.

Bonus Apps: Boatsetter

Did you know Boatsetter has an app? Make that two! We’re proud to offer the largest peer-to-peer boat rental app that connects boat owners and boat renters, so you can get on the water without committing to boat ownership. Rent one of over 17,000 boats in 600 locations. Boatsetter isn’t the only private boat rental app , but it offers an exclusive partnership with BoatUS and Geico for insurance.

• Price: Free! (Boat owners should also check out our Boatsetter Owner’s app , perfect for stress-free boat rental management and easy communication with renters).
• Click here to download for iOS ; or click here to download for Android .

Browse Available Boat Rentals in All Locations

Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

Browse by experience

Explore articles

Plan Your Next Trip With RVshare

3 HOT Snorkeling Spots in St. Pete Beach, Fl

3 Unique Electric Boats Available for Rent on Boatsetter Right Now

9 Best Sandbars in Florida

The 9 Best Marine Navigation Apps for Boaters

If you have a boat (or you're considering buying one) and a cell phone, you're probably interested in learning all about the best boating apps . And among the many available boating apps, marine navigation apps are some of the most useful. Top-tier marine navigation apps can turn your phone or tablet into a full-blown chartplotter, which means you have a valuable backup to the electronics at your helm and can carry your tech with you even when aboard small boats with no electrical systems.

Keep reading as we explain the features of each app and why the boating community champions it.

Navigating the Waters: Best Marine Navigation Apps for Every Boater

1. aqua map.

Aqua Map is a well-known marine navigation app that uses survey data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Waterway Guide. With Aqua Map, you can easily access detailed charts, connect with other boaters, and make informed decisions on the water.   Features include:

• Navigation : Offline charts, weather, tides, route planning, track recording.
• Integration : Connect boat instruments, AIS, and display data on the app.
• Safety : Anchor alarm with remote monitoring and marine weather forecasts.
• Community : Live sharing, chat, and data exchange with other users.

If you're looking for an app to combine route planning, navigation, and connecting with fellow boaters – Aqua Map checks all those boxes.

Price : Free with In-App Purchases and subscriptions available.

2.  Argo

Argo is an excellent marine navigation app that allows you to make precise navigation and connect with fellow boaters. It's popular due to its position as a navigational guide made by boaters for boaters and a way to dive deeper into the nautical community.

Features include :

• Navigation : Safe and reliable route planning, custom and manual routes, track recording, and captain's log.
• Local Knowledge : Report and view hazards, local advice, marine life, and reviews.
• Social Platform : Connect and share experiences, real-time location sharing and messaging platform.
• Premium features : Offline charts, extended weather forecasts, customizable depth shading, multiple vessel support, and more.

From charting your course to connecting with others via their modern social platform – Argo offers everything you need for a fantastic day on the water. Price : Free with In-App Purchases. 

3. C-Map 

C-Map has a long history of creating digital charts and developing marine navigation apps – and is known to be a fan favorite. When designing this app, the goal was to make it user-friendly, simple, and easy to use. And that's one of the reasons why we love it! Boaters say it takes just 30 seconds to figure out how to accomplish essential navigational tasks like going from point A to point B.  Features Include:

• Charting : Customizable charts, simple route planning, auto-routing, high-resolution bathymetry, and custom depth shading.
• Planning : Comprehensive weather and environmental forecasts.
• Safety & Community : AIS integration for boat tracking.

Price : Free with In-App Purchases and subscriptions available. 

iNavX is one of the best marine navigation apps due to its easy-to-use interface and plethora of resourceful features. But our favorite part? It seamlessly integrates with many other chart providers – which is beyond helpful for boaters.   Features Include :

• Chartplotter : Real-time GPS, chart control, instrument display.
• Navigation : Waypoint creation, route planning, track log, data import/export.
• Versatile Instrumentation : NMEA support, instrument connection, MacENC compatibility.
• Essential Toolkit : Weather, tides, alarms, search, and more.

Sailors and fishermen love iNavX for its reliable charts and ability to do more than simple navigational tasks with hundreds of advanced features. Price : Free with In-App Purchases and subscriptions available.

5. KnowWake

Think of KnowWake live your Google Maps or Waze for your car – but for your boat. This marine navigation app covers 350+ rivers and lakes inland and coastal waterways – all through real-time user-generated data.

• Real-time boat navigation app for coastal and inland waterways.
• User-generated content provides points of interest, hazards, and marine life sightings.
• Wake Zone identifier indicates safe boating speeds based on color-coded zones.
• Community-driven platform for sharing information and experiences.

With KnowWake, users can easily navigate waters and locate various local businesses, including eateries, marinas, fuel stations, boat launches, dive spots, snorkeling spots, and more.

Price : Free.

6. Navionics

Navionics lays claim to being the most popular boating app available, and its navigational features and functions are comprehensive. In fact, it offers many features that some modern chart plotters can't match! Features Include : 

• Charting and Navigation : Accurate nautical charts, high-definition bathymetric maps (Sonarchart™), dock-to-dock auto-routing, and customizable map display.
• Community : Real-time updates from fellow boaters, sync data across multiple devices, and connect the app with compatible plotters.
• Environmental : Detailed weather forecasts and tide predictions.

Boaters and anglers love the app's simplicity and detailed nautical charts covering large portions of the world. Price : A 15-day trial comes free, then uses a subscription model. 

7.  OpenCPN

Another of the best marine navigation apps is OpenCPN (Chart-Plotter Navigation), which uses GPS software for people exploring open waterways. Boaters cherish it because it was crafted by sailors who put it to the test during their own adventures, resulting in high-quality chart-plotter software.

Features Include :

• Charts & Weather : Robust worldwide charts and GRIB/GRIB2 weather data input and display.
• Navigation : Route planning with tidal support, weather routing plugin, waypoint navigation, and autopilot output support.
• Safety : AIS target tracking and collision alerts, MOB alarm with tracking, and anchor watch/alarm.

Whether you're looking to use it underway or as a planning tool , Open CPN is consistently a top-runner for the best marine navigation apps.

8.  Ramp Assist

Simplify your boat launching with Ramp Assist , the user-friendly app that makes launching and retrieving boats at ramps a breeze for all experience levels. Focused on safety and convenience, Ramp Assist streamlines the entire process, reducing stress and maximizing efficiency. Key Features :

• Ramp Locator : Discover and bookmark the best ramps nationwide with satellite views and up-to-date information.
• Ramp Details : Access ratings for cleanliness, difficulty level, and available amenities like parking and restrooms.
• Ramp Traffic : Monitor real-time boat ramp traffic and occupancy levels using satellite data and AI.
• Weather & Tide Monitoring : Get alerts for current weather conditions and tide levels at your chosen ramp.
• Trailering Assis t: Receive AI-driven guidance for safely loading your boat, with real-time feedback on distance, angle, and speed.

Pricing : Free with in-app purchases available.

9. Wavve Boating

Wavve Boating came onto the marine navigation app scene back in 2018 and has become a staple for many boaters and fishermen across the U.S. Like many of the others, it also features a community-based aspect to share routes and experiences with friends.

• Charts : Custom depth data, extensive chart library, real-time depth updates, and tide predictions.
• Weather : Multi-day forecasts with wave height and visual warnings for adverse conditions.
• Navigation : Route planning, trip recording, auto-routing with obstacle avoidance.
• Community : Connect with other boaters and discover popular boating spots.

Users especially love that this marine navigation app updates depths with tide changes, and it's known to have a user-friendly interface.

Price : Free trial for 14 days – subscription-based app.

Marine Navigation Apps: Upgrade Your Boat Day with Technology

When choosing a marine navigation app, make sure it has charts for your location, is affordable, and has all the safety features you need for your trip. All these above are our favorites, but more and more are popping up on the marketplace daily!   And hey, you anglers, wait a sec – don't put that phone back into your pocket just yet because it's good for more than just navigation when you're out fishing . Also, check out the Best Apps for Fishing to catch more fish the next time you hit the water.

Join Our Newsletter!

Get community news, buying bargains, and how-to guides at your fingertips.

The best navigation and sailing software available.

Expedition has been used in multiple volvo ocean race, america's cup and grand prix events and is the most advanced and usable software available., official supplier to the volvo ocean race, americas cup, sail gp and many other events., expedition has been in development since the mid 1990s by veteran volvo ocean race navigator and whitbread winner nick white., v12.0.23 available now for windows 11 or 10.

Key Features

Chart-plotter that seamlessly selects, mosaics and rotates charts, advanced weather display and tools, simply the best weather routing available, start display and advanced buoy racing functions, instrument connectivity with all popular instrument systems, other features, system requirements.

Windows 11 or 10. Windows 11 is recommended. Expedition 4D requires OpenGL.

iNavX: Marine Navigation 4+

Sailing & boating chartplotter, navx studios llc, designed for ipad.

• #162 in Navigation
• 4.8 • 19.3K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Marine navigation is made easy with iNavX - the world's #1 handheld Chartplotter. Access marine charts, maps, weather, AIS and more! iNavX is the only app to give you complete worldwide chart coverage, from all your favorite charts providers, including the ALL NEW iNavX Professional+ Chart series! Fully enabled with one-touch access, iNavX gives users access to the broadest set of marine charts and maps from multiple providers including: • iNavX Professional+ Charts • Blue Latitude • CHS • Explorer • Theyr Weather • Waterway Guide • … and more How does iNavX take handheld marine navigation to the next level? • Sailors - Plan sailing routes with waypoint and route management. Get proactive sail management with GRIB weather forecasts and then keep watch with AIS overlays and integration with your onboard systems. Plus, you can remember your great sailing locations by geotagging photos. • Boaters - Stay up to date on boating conditions with forecasts that include currents, winds, and swells. Manage your boating equipment with nautical instrument integration and then save great boating routes to share with the track log. • Anglers - Discover new fishing spots by scouting out holes and inlets. Locate the best fishing conditions by identifying cold fronts and save your best fishing spots with unlimited markers. Advanced features - iNavX is the most feature rich app available for all sailing and boating needs at a great price: Advanced Chart Plotter • Plot your position in real-time using your device's built-in GPS • Pan, zoom, and rotate charts (including course up) • Print detailed charts to use in combination with the app Advanced Navigation • Create waypoints and plan routes to navigate between them • Track log allows you to record your route • Import/export data in KML (Google Earth) or GPX format Advanced Instrumentation • Supports NMEA data over TCP/IP (using Wifi) • Integrates with external GPS, AIS receivers & transponders • Connect nautical instruments: Depth, Speed, Wind, Engine, Batteries, etc. Essential Toolkit • GRIB weather forecast • Tides/currents • Anchor alarm • AIS integration • Port/navaid search Download iNavX TODAY and automatically receive a complimentary copy of the official and up-to-date high-resolution NOAA RNC United States marine raster charts. REVIEWS “iNavX is the original and still one of the best navigation apps.” – Practical Sailor “The most full-featured navigation app around and viewed by many as the standard” – Sail Magazine "The #1 recommended marine charting app" - iMarineApps iNavX is Compatible with: Theyr Weather, Waterway Guide, AIS, Brookhouse, DigitalYacht, ShipModul, vYacht, Vesper Marine, NMEA 2000, Chetco and more. NEW CHART STORE Purchase all your favorite charts. Chart subscriptions vary by chart and provider from $9.99 to $199.99 annually, charged to your iTunes Account, which will automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Auto-renew can be turned off anytime by going to your Account Settings in iTunes after purchase. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. NOTE: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. MORE INFO Website: http://inavx.com/ User's Guide: http://inavx.com/help/ Terms of Use: http://inavx.com/terms Privacy Policy: http://inavx.com/privacy

Version 5.6.34

New charts available: Venezuela - North West Venezuela - Central West Venezuela - Central East Venezuela - North East Turkey - North Turkey - North West Turkey West Turkey - South Turkey - Northern Cyprus Peru

Ratings and Reviews

19.3K Ratings

Is it worth it?

Everywhere you look you would think you can use Navionics Maps - nope, no longer available. Oh, how about C-Maps? These are even listed on recent advertisements - Nope, no longer available. But, you can purchase the INavX maps subscription for $60, in addition to the cost of the app. Or, you could go straight to Navionics and use their maps for $20 with their free app, or go to C-Maps and use their maps for $15 with their free app. Oh, but INavX does let you use the old NOAA raster maps for free, but then so does pretty much every other free app out there. Might be a good app - don’t know, not going to pay 3 to 4 times more for their maps than the extremely highly rated and industry standard Navionics or C-Maps. Knowing this in advance I would have never purchased this app.

Decent Charts, Clunky User Experience

I recently tried out the iNavX app on both my iPhone and iPad, primarily attracted by its high-resolution charts. Unfortunately, the overall user experience didn't measure up to competitors like Navionics and Navily, which I find to be much more intuitive and user-friendly. The charts on iNavX are indeed of good quality and detail, which is a strong point for the app. This might be particularly appealing for those who prioritize visual clarity and precision in marine navigation. However, when it comes to ease of use, iNavX falls short. The interface feels less intuitive, and navigating through the app is more cumbersome compared to the smoothness of Navionics and Navily. Given my experience, I'll continue to rely on Navionics as my primary navigation tool. iNavX, while having its merits in chart resolution, will only be used on an as-needed basis due to its less user-friendly setup. For anyone considering iNavX, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve if you're already accustomed to more streamlined apps like Navionics.

Exceptional!

I really cannot understand the recent (and few) negative reviews... I am slipped in the Santa Cruz, California small craft harbor. I have 20 year old integrated Raytheon electronics (fish finder, radar, chart plotter) and following the tsunami that hit our harbor, I lost the chart plotter functionality. Knowing that to replace my integrated system would cost me over 10K, I 'rolled the dice' and downloaded INavX to 'temporarily' replace the plotter as I was not prepared to haul out, $$$, etc. Well, over two years later I still am not planning a haul out for electronics as... I now am very satisfied with my IPAD/INavX next to my radar and fish finder. I currently have all my fishing and important navigation coordinates loaded and adding new ones regularly with a tap of the stylus. In actuality, don't even miss my old chart plotter... Thank you INavX... Captain Rich Bonny-Matit

Subscriptions

App privacy.

The developer, NavX Studios LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• User Content

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish

• Navionics+ USA/Canada (iPhone) $29.99
• Theyr Premium Weather $49.99
• Navionics+ USA/Canada (iPad) $79.99
• AIS Live $99.99
• iNavX Professional+ USA Canada $59.99
• iNavX Professional+ USA $29.99
• Navionics+ Caribbean (iPad) $79.99
• Navionics+ Caribbean (iPhone) $44.99
• C-MAP World Chart $59.99
• Theyr Premium - Mobile (Monthly) for iOS $9.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

You Might Also Like

i-Boating: Marine Charts & Gps

PRO CHARTS - Marine Navigation

Aqua Map Boating

Wavve Boating: Marine Boat GPS

C-MAP: Boating

savvy navvy: Boat Navigation

Copyright © 2024 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Blue Jacket 40 Used Boat Review

Catalina 270 vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Ericson 41 Used Boat Review

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

How to Create a Bullet-Proof VHF/SSB Backup

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Polyester vs. Nylon Rode

Getting the Most Out of Older Sails

How (Not) to Tie Your Boat to a Dock

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

What Do You Do With Old Fiberglass Boats?

Boat Repairs for the Technically Illiterate

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Stopping Holding-tank Odors

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

Sailing Gear for Kids

What’s the Best Sunscreen?

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

R. Tucker Thompson Tall Ship Youth Voyage

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

On Watch: America’s Cup

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

Dear Readers

• Safety & Seamanship

Navigation Software

The newest versions of four products all do just about everything you need for navigation. nobeltec's visual series is our favorite, though we're sure that the capn voyager and maxsea have their staunch supporters. the capn first mate is more limited, but a good value..

A couple of years ago, rating navigation programs was much easier than it is today. We were able to downrate programs that were unable to transfer waypoints to or from a GPS, and we could complain about the quality of the charts. But the software has gotten better—a lot better. Now, they’re all capable of downloading coordinates, and most of their charts are clear and crisp to the eye. What truly makes evaluating these software packages difficult is their dizzying array of capabilities: cruise planning, course plotting, chart printing, GPS and autopilot interfaces, float plan preparation, log keeping, tide and current displays, weather displays, vessel equipment operation and maintenance record-keeping, radar overlays, and a host of other bells and whistles. Displays now typically include the capability of showing photos and bottom contour charts (supplied on CD-ROMs). 

As the feature list fattens, so do the operation manuals: Nobeltec’s Visual Series comes with a 160-page manual, The CAPN provides a 72-page, large-format manual, and MaxSea has a whopping 265-pager. (The CAPN and Nobeltec commendably supply their manuals in printed form with the software package. MaxSea makes you read it from the monitor screen—not a pleasant option for most of us—or print it yourself.)

We had to decide which features and factors are most important to the largest number of our readers. The first question to be answered is where the software is to be used. A computer program requires a computer, and computers—in terms of space available on most boats—are big. Few boats have enough space available at the helm station for even a small laptop. Unless you have a fairly spacious chart table belowdecks, we suspect that the computer may have to live on shore (probably a good idea, anyway, considering the usual effect of salt air on electronics). This means that the computer’s capability of providing a real-time position display is apt to be less useful than its ability to exchange information with a handheld GPS. Happily, recent versions of all the programs we’ve seen do this nicely.

Ability to print clear, detailed charts is desirable. At one time we felt that this was a more important factor than we do now. These programs after all are not intended to replace printed charts, but to supplement them. Clarity of the charts displayed on the monitor is more important, but all that’s absolutely required is sufficient clarity to plan routes effectively—a slightly fuzzier image may be less pleasant to work with, but it’s not a fatal drawback.

What it comes down to, effectively, is convenience and ease of use. Today’s navigation programs are all very capable and can do just about anything that’s demanded of them. The best program is the one that’s the simplest to use and offers the least opportunity for confusion or mistakes.

Raster Charts Electronic charts—the heart of any navigation program—fall into two general types: raster or vector. They may look similar but are fundamentally different. A raster chart is, effectively, an electronic “photograph” of a paper chart, produced by scanning an existing paper chart or using the same digital data that produces a government chart in the first place. Raster charts are relatively cheap and simple to make, and obviously they’re as accurate as paper charts. They do, however, have some limitations.

A raster chart is made up of pixels, or tiny colored dots. Since any given square inch of a raster chart contains the same number of pixels, whether or not there’s anything of interest in that particular square inch, a raster chart represents a lot of pixels. And since each pixel is a specific bit of information, raster charts require a lot of disk storage space and computer memory to use. Another problem occurs when you zoom in or enlarge a section of a raster chart. The image is enlarged, but the number of pixels is unchanged, resulting in a less-crisp image with fuzzier lines. Then, too, paper charts are not always the same size and orientation, and are drawn to different scales. When you pan to the end of a simple raster chart, you “fall off” the chart’s edge and have to call up the next chart to continue.

Some software designers have addressed this problem through a process called “quilting.” When two charts are quilted, the computer adjusts the size, scale and orientation of the individual raster charts so that they give the illusion of one continuous seamless chart. Quilting is a considerable convenience, especially when you’re working with areas that require moving through several charts. On a long cruise, when you tend to stay on one large-area chart for much of the time, quilting offers no real advantage. Quilting tends to degrade the quality of the chart somewhat, and can slow things down annoyingly if you don’t have a fast computer. In the past, we’ve encountered some strange graphic effects from quilted charts, though we didn’t see any on this round of testing.

Vector Charts An alternative to the raster chart is the vector chart. Instead of storing the color and position of a vast number of pixels, a vector chart breaks the chart into lines and stores only the beginning, length and direction of the line. Result? Much less information to store. While this compactness was the primary reason for vector charts when storage was limited and computers were much slower than they are now, it’s become a secondary consideration today. While all the information (shapes, aids to navigation, depth information, landmarks, etc.) on a raster chart is fixed on that chart—a pixel doesn’t care what information it’s displaying—a vector chart’s data can be stored and displayed in layers, and only the layers of interest need to be displayed at a given time. Thus, buoy identification labels, which can clutter a chart when you’re trying to study depth contours, can be turned off. The basic shoreline might be in one layer, depth data in another and lights in a third. The improvement in clarity can be impressive.

When you zoom in on a vector chart, there’s no fuzziness or loss of clarity. And when you zoom out, the computer can suppress some of the details that are of importance only in small-area charts. A vector chart can keep text and numbers legible and visible regardless of zoom level and, unlike the situation with raster charts, can keep the text and numbers in the correct orientation no matter whether the chart is viewed in a north-up or a course-up mode.

In theory, at least, it should be possible to have a single vector chart of the world, with the capability of zooming into an area of interest to display as much detail as is required, with no quilting and with a sharp display regardless of zoom level. This hasn’t been achieved yet, though some land-based road map programs have come close. (There’s a much larger potential market for programs aimed at automobiles than there is for those devoted to boats.)

Is there a downside to vector charts? Sure. A vector chart has to be “hand-made.” All of the details have to be selected and placed by humans, using human judgment and skill. Obviously, there’s a great deal of automated work, too, but historically vector charts have varied in quality from abysmally dangerous to very accurate and intelligent. The difficulty has been to know where along that scale our purchases are falling.

The second downside, given all that human labor, has been cost. A vector chart, initially at least, is a more expensive proposition than a raster chart, particularly if it’s a highly detailed one.

We’ve noted some major differences in detail and quality between vector charts supplied with different programs; we’ll point these out in our reviews of individual programs.

Photos/Topo Views One relatively new trend is the inclusion of photographs (usually of selected harbors) with raster charts. These can provide a reality check on the accuracy of a calculated course.

A potentially more useful feature is a graphical representation of bottom contours. What you get is a “wire-cage” representation of the bottom, synchronized with a chart. An icon of your boat moves on the chart and on the contour chart, pointing out when you’re approaching skinny water, or showing you when you’re following an underwater trough or ledge. We suspect that this feature may be of value primarily to fishermen.

What We Tested We evaluated four programs from three of the major software companies: Nautical Technologies’ CAPN Voyager and CAPN First Mate, Nobeltec’s Visual Navigation Series (6.5 version), and NetSea, Inc.’s MaxSea (8.4 version). We would have tried Maptech’s Offshore Navigator, but the company urged us to wait until an updated version hits the market in March. Expect a review of this program in an upcoming issue.

Throughout our evaluation of these programs, we used Maptech raster charts, which are accompanied in Maptech’s Digital Chartkit with a very basic software program called Chart Navigator. It’s essentially an at-home plotter that can exchange coordinates with a GPS but cannot provide you with real-time GPS position or vessel track. All the others have this capability.

We ran each program through its “normal” paces. We planned trips, developed and stored routes and uploaded waypoints into a handheld GPS. We checked out bearings for the waypoints selected. We checked out tide and current information. We checked out dead-reckoning as a means of planning a course. We modified the routes we developed, adding and moving waypoints. We marked places of interest, set up alarm zones to tell us when we might be approaching a danger spot, and spent a fair amount of time zooming in and out, observing the quality of the monitor display. We printed our own customized charts.

CAPN Voyager CAPN Voyager is the latest version of a program that’s long been one of the leaders in the field. It has an astounding number of features in addition to a complete navigation and planning package. These include a display of a battery of instruments (depth sounder, anemometer, water temperature and electronic compass), celestial navigation capabilities, maintenance and inventory logs, a world port index, and the ability to import and export tracks. Nautical Technologies, the publisher of the CAPN programs, believes in the accuracy and detail of scanned raster charts and avoids both vector charts and the possible errors inherent in chart quilting.

Chart images are commendably sharp, except for some fuzziness that occurs when you zoom in too far. Chart selection has been simplified by means of an automatic chart selection feature, but you’re still aware that you’re dealing with separate charts. The Coast Guard apparently likes the Nautical Technologies approach: The CAPN Voyager has been chosen by the USCG for use on its vessels.

The CAPN Voyager (CAPN is a cute acronym for Computerized American Practical Navigator) comes with a reasonably clear, well-indexed manual. This is a good thing, not because the CAPN is difficult to use—it isn’t—but because you’re not apt to learn its many features without some guidance. Some features we particularly like are the capability of displaying two different scale charts on a split screen, and of synchronizing the two views. Another neat idea is the ability to use “turn points” as an alternative to waypoints. Turn points don’t have the position labels that waypoints do on your display, and can help avoid a cluttered appearance on the screen or printed chart. They’re particularly handy when plotting a twisty harbor entrance channel with many tight turns.

The CAPN Voyager comes with small-scale charts covering the world and a certificate for a free set of homeport area charts. The program is compatible with most available raster chart formats, including Softchart (a proprietary format), Maptech chart pack, NDI/CHS and Maptech Chartkit (formerly BSB/NOS). The program can also display a graphical representation of bottom contours, obtainable from Softchart. It won’t read the bottom contour and photo displays available from Maptech.

CAPN First Mate CAPN First Mate is a lower-priced ($199 vs. $495) version of the Voyager that is very similar in operation and appearance, but without some of the Voyager’s more esoteric functions. If you can live without the CAPN Voyager’s graphical instrument display, tide and current displays, alarm zones, celestial navigation features, maintenance and inventory logs and some other advanced features, the First Mate is a first-class navigation program at an economy price. Unfortunately, Nautical Technologies didn’t include the turn point feature, though First Mate does support split screens. First Mate uses the same chart formats as does the Voyager. It can’t handle bottom contours or photo displays.

MaxSea Navigator 8.4 MaxSea Navigator is a navigation program that does many of the same things as the two Nautical Technologies products, but has a distinctive flavor. It’s a fairly straightforward program that’s intuitively simple, trading off some of the features for ease of learning (and remembering). A major advantage, in our opinion, is MaxSea’s quilting feature for raster charts. Moving from one chart to another is automatic, with the program taking care of differing chart scales and orientations. This works quite well, although we encountered a brief pause when we reached the end of one chart before the otherwise seamless continuation to the next chart appeared on our monitor screen.

MaxSea arrived on a single CD-ROM, with no printed manual. There’s a fairly extensive manual that can be downloaded, but downloading is very slow and expensive if you print the whole thing. It took an inkjet printer about four hours to finish the job, at an estimated cost (for ink and paper) of over $13. And what we wound up with was a stack of pages printed on single sides that still had to be punched and bound. We know all about printing costs, but we still think that any reasonably expensive piece of software should come with printed, durably bound documentation, particularly if it may be used onboard.

MaxSea supports a good variety of domestic and international raster chart formats (Maptech chart pack, Maptech ChartKit, Mapmedia, and ARCS) as well as vector charts from C-Map. It doesn’t support photographs, and the version we tested doesn’t support bottom contour displays, although a fisherman’s version of the program does.

The C-Map vector charts provide a clear display that we found to be somewhat cluttered when we zoomed in tight—there’s no “layering” provision to remove unwanted information from the screen. In at least some areas, C-Map large-scale vector charts were less detailed than the corresponding ones from Nobeltec. Raster charts were somewhat fuzzy, though quite legible.

We had some trouble getting MaxSea to work properly on our PC, a Pentium 4 PC running Windows ME, though we’re not at all clear whether the software, the operating system or the computer was at fault. We found MaxSea’s technical support to be very good, though, and MaxSea offers a 60-day free trial, which should be plenty to find out if you’ll have problems. There’s a good demo supplied that walks you through the program’s major features.

Nobeltec Visual Navigation Series 6.5 Nobeltec’s Visual Navigation Series doesn’t restrict itself to unquilted raster charts. You can pick from raster charts (Nobeltec’s RasterPlus, Softchart, NDI or Maptech), Nobeltec’s own vector Passport World charts, and photo and topographic charts from Nobeltec or Maptech. Raster charts can be viewed either quilted or unquilted, and split-screen capability lets you display any combination of chart type or chart scale you choose. You can also display the charts in course-up, north-up or leg-up orientation, which is also possible with the MaxSea and the CAPN products. The Nobeltec program also displays the text and depth numbers right-side up, which you can’t do with the others.

The vector charts used in the Visual Series are a far cry from the crude outline drawings we’ve seen in past programs: They’re crisp, detailed and very clear. They achieve much more of a vector chart’s potential than the C-Map vector charts used by MaxSea, in that land masses, shore and underwater features, soundings, buoys, labels and virtually everything else are in separate layers that can be displayed or hidden in any combination you wish. This versatility is characteristic of the Nobeltec approach. The program provides a lot of tools, and lets you decide how you wish to use them. The chart can be viewed in a choice of color schemes, and with a choice of symbols (ECDIS or NOAA). The result is a truly customizable display. We find the Nobeltec vector charts clear and easy to work with—always keeping in mind the potential for inaccuracies, always keeping paper charts at hand. You can, of course, use the Visual Series with raster charts only, or, for a belt-and-suspenders approach, you could split the screen and show a raster chart in one window and a vector chart in the other. The Visual Navigation Series doesn’t support turn points per se, but it achieves the same goal by permitting you to hide the waypoint labels.

Nobeltec’s program supports both photo and bottom contour displays. If you wish, you can display both, as well as vector and raster charts simultaneously on a four-windowed screen, but this is more of a stunt than a really useful way of doing things. There’s even a “de-clutter” control for soundings so that you can display a smaller number of soundings in a larger font when appropriate. Add to this a full complement of weather, logs, celestial navigation capability, and interfacing options, and you have a system that’s apt to be able to do considerably more than you’ll ever need. As a sort of icing on a many-layered cake, Visual Suite can even be configured to give you audible reports at intervals you select. These audible reports cover time, position, COG, SOG, heading, boatspeed, cross-track error, VMG, time to go, range to active waypoint, bearing to active waypoint, ETA, set, drift, depth, and all sorts of weather information—and you can pick which of these you want to hear.

Conclusions Any of these programs will allow you to plan a cruise, interface with your GPS, and track your progress if you have a computer onboard. As with all too many things in life, you don’t get what you don’t pay for, and the CAPN First Mate program, the least expensive of the bunch at $199, is also the most limited. It can be a good choice if you’re willing to handle record-keeping chores the old-fashioned way—with a pencil and logbook—and don’t mind dealing with unquilted raster charts.

The CAPN Voyager has the disadvantage of being limited to unquilted raster charts also—no problem on a long cruise, but a nuisance if you’re planning a trip that requires frequent chart swapping. Aside from this, we found little to complain about. The CAPN Voyager is an extremely full-featured, well-documented program and might be the easiest to use for fast plotting underway. That’s probably why the CoastGuard prefers it.

We’d like MaxSea better if we hadn’t had so much trouble running it on our computer. We think that the 60-day free trial period is a great idea, though. We liked the quilting feature and found that it was the easiest of the bunch to learn to use, though it lacked some of the features of the CAPN and Nobeltec’s Visual Navigation Series.

The three testers who worked with with these programs were unanimous about their favorite—it was Nobeltec’s Visual Navigation Series. We were particularly impressed by its flexibility and by the clarity of its vector chart display. Documentation was very good, which is lucky, because there are so many options that it’s difficult to remember them all. Like the CAPN, Nobeltec’s program can do just about anything you’d ever think of asking it to do. We think that Nobeltec’s huge step forward in the use of vector charts makes the program an excellent contribution to any navigation scheme.

Sailors with smaller craft may well find themselves planning their cruises at home or at the dock and uploading the waypoints to their GPS. If this is the way you’re going to operate, many of the advanced features of the CAPN Voyager and Nobeltec’s program will be wasted on you. It may be better to go with the CAPN First Mate or Maptech’s free Chart Navigator.

One last time: Regardless of the temptation to rely entirely on the speed and convenience of any of these programs, remember that they’re intended to be supplements. Paper charts, simple plotting tools, careful observations, and learned skills are at the root of safe navigation.

Contacts— MaxSea, 3821 Falmouth Rd., PO Box 940, Marston Mills, MA 02648-0940; 877/563-1177; www.maxsea.com/ . Nobeltec, 14657 SW Teal Blvd., #132, Beaverton, OR 97007; 503/579-1414; www.nobeltec.com/ . The CAPN, Nautical Technologies, 381-4 Old Riverhead, Rd., Westhampton Beach, NY 11978; 631/288-0263; www.thecapn.com/ . Maptech, 1 Riverside Dr., Andover, MA 01810; 888/839-5551; www.maptech.com/ .

Also With This Article Click here to view “Value Guide: Charting Software.”

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Safeguarding Sailors via Passage Guardian

need some tech advice on how to transfer info from a max c flsh drive to a simrad unit

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

Cabo Rico 34 Boat Review

Super Shallow Draft Sailboat: The Leeboard Sharpie

Hans Christian 41T – Boat Review

Seven dead after superyacht sinks off Sicily. Was the crew at...

Latest sailboat review.

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

You are either using a browser that does not support JavaScript, or you have disabled JavaScript. OpenSeaMap uses JavaScript for its maps.

VAR 3.5°5'E (2015)

ANNUAL DECREASE 8'

• Map with JOSM Remote

• Tidal Scale
• Aerial photo
• Coordinate Grid
• Elevation Profile
• Marine Profile (1:920.000)
• Marine Traffic
• Compass Rose
• Depth contours (beta)

• Water depth

• OpenCPN (Kap)
• Navico (Lowrance, Simrad, B&G)

• Trip Planner

• Bridges/Locks

It's like Google Maps for boats.

Charts, weather, tides... Everything you need in one place.

Over 2 Million Downloads

4.7 out of 5 Over 5,000 5 Star Reviews

RAD NAV APP

I use Savvy Navvy daily for all my inshore fishing here in south Texas. Great for current conditions, including tides and wind direction. It’s like Google maps for boaters. Plan routes, mark your fishing spots and return to the dock in one piece. Every time! Great App 5 stars.

2 weeks ago during the heatwave, we were on the Solent and the temperature fried all our instruments including the GPS plotter. Thank god we had Savvy Navvy as it worked perfectly for the entire weekend and allowed us to do everything we wanted. People say these kind of apps aren’t meant to replace the instruments on board, well I can confirm that when they instruments on board all fail, this was an absolute lifesaver. Can’t wait to test it in other countries.

Great and simple to use

I sail with friends and families and this app is a great way to illustrate “dads” boring chart work through a much more teenage friendly platform. I use both for cross reference and find it pretty accurate. Considering the price of charts it is extremely good value.

Award winning navigation app

British Marine Excellence in Exporting Award 2024

Tech SouthWest MarineTech Business of the Year 2023

British Marine Business of the Year 2023

Great British Entrepreneur Awards Scale-Up of the Year 2022

Seedrs Entrepreneur of the Year 2019

It's free.

No credit card required., powerful tools to supercharge your navigation., savvy charts.

We licence UKHO, NOAA and other official hydrographic office charts from around the globe. Our designers build savvy charts from the ground up to show essential marine information with a clean and easy-to-view interface .

Over the Horizon AIS (OHA)

Enhance safety with greater awareness of vessel movements around you. Using your phone’s internet connection we stream vessel data such as speed, distance, MMSI, position, COG and destination.

GPS Active Tracking

View your live position and check your Course Over Ground (COG) and Speed Over Ground (SOG) in real time. Concentric circles around your position quickly show the distance between you and key features around you.

Marine Weather Forecast

We don’t expect you to be a metrologist to get the most out of your weather data. That’s why we use ECMWF technology to combine multiple weather forecasts for a more comprehensive forecast. Scroll through the coming days to view the changing wind direction, intensity and weather conditions.

Clouds and Rain Overlay

Use this overlay to view changing weather patterns within your area. This handy tool helps you avoid those pesky squalls and rain showers.

Intelligent Route Planning

Easily cross-check traditional navigation for greater peace of mind. We plan your route based on your departure time, boat details, chart data, wind, weather and tidal data, giving you a comprehensive passage plan.

Estimate Your Arrival Time

For those who don’t like to be late! Plot a route from A to B to get a quick and easy estimation of your distance to travel, fuel requirements and time of arrival. You can then share your chosen route with friends and family so they know when to expect you.

Fuel Efficiency

No one likes that feeling of potentially running out of fuel. That’s why our custom boat settings let you estimate fuel usage for your intended route based on your engine cruising speed and boat fuel efficiency.

Schedule departure time

Pick the best time to leave the dock for a better day on the water. Simply plot your route and scroll through the departure times to see the effect on your route, then choose the one you like best! Check out the demo .

And Many More Amazing Features!

Import markers.

Import your markers from other navigational tools to view all your saved locations within your savvy app. This ensures your valuable data will continue enhancing your boating experience while enjoying the savvy features you love most! Boat smarter, not harder.

Course To Steer

Savvy routing provides you with an automatic Course to Steer, taking into account tide, weather and chart data. Thanks to preview mode you can also review every stage of your journey before you set off.

Marina & Anchorage Information

Boat like a local with key information on tap! Select the marina and anchorage icons to view essential information on seabeds, weather protection, amenities, number of berths, maximum boat length, contact information, and more. Boat global, think local.

Save Your Favourite Locations

Love that secluded bay? Got a restaurant on that island you just don’t want to forget? Save pins at your favourite locations so you never forget those special places.

Anchor Alarm

Sleep like a baby with the savvy anchor alarm. This easy-to-use tool lets you set your safety parameters and happily sets off an alarm should you drift outside your comfort zone.

Satellite Mode

Get nosy when investigating the perfect spot with satellite mode. This handy overlay lets you take a more detailed look at marinas and anchorages so you can be sure you pick the best one.

Offline Charts & Weather

Wander where the WiFi’s weak with savvy offline. Download chart packs and weather data to your device so you can continue to use the features you love, even when you’re off-grid.

Export Routes

Plot your route with savvy navvy then export your route to a GPX file. This can be used with your onboard chart plotter for active navigation.

Share Routes with Friends

If you’d like your friends and family to meet you at your destination, or boat alongside, why not share your route so they can come along too? Sharing is caring as they say.

Dedicated Customer Support

We have a dedicated team on-call within the savvy navvy app to answer any questions you have, wherever and whenever you need us. We are not robots, our team love to help!

Discover How savvy navvy Makes Navigation Simple.

Watch our quick demo video of the main features of savvy navvy.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Have questions? We’ve answers. If you can’t find what you're looking for? Check out our knowledge base or feel free to get in touch

Chart Coverage.

Get access to all savvy charts, without paying anything extra. Check whether we have coverage in your boating area.

We partner with industry experts who share our passion and values. Get in touch if you'd like to collaborate.

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It.

Hear from our users, professionals and leisure boaters alike.

I’m learning navigation and after i’ve plotted my route I check with savvy navvy and can see whether there’s a big difference. It’s like having someone check your homework!

The main theme behind our conversation today has been around unravelling some of the mystique behind trips out into the maritime and coastal environment and the more tools that people are able to pick up and use to help them understand that environment the better.

Tools like the savvy navvy app, and the information provided through the application is unbelievably useful to help people on that journey.

An excellent way forward and definitely my number one planning and checking tool.

I signed up as a Founding Member as I could see the great benefits of savvy navvy. The data is out there and I believe this application will bring it together to provide a useful route planning tool.

Savvy navvy has the weather, it has the tide, it has the charts, it just does it for me.

Already a must-have navigation tool for sailors!

It’s a great idea to have an app like savvy navvy that enables people to cross-check their plans to ensure they haven’t made any mistakes.

A potential life-saving app. The product creation and subsequent business model development has been inspiring.

savvy navvy is hands down the best in the market, I have been using it since it first came out as Beta and that is why as soon I knew you guys were opening paid subscribers, I jumped in.

savvy navvy simplifies a whole range of different tasks that, as a skipper, you need to do. As soon as you test it, you just realise how easy it is to use, and how valuable it is!

I love it! First I do normal navigation on charts, then I use savvy navvy as a second check to give me a good idea of the best tacks to do, subject to tide, which I understand is coming soon! I even use it just to see the wind direction at home to assess what the mooring is like!

We Have Been Featured In.

Looking for something to wear?

We have a range of merchandise to suit the whole family, on or off the water.

Ready to Take Your Boating to the next Level?

Download savvy navvy boat app for iOS or Android today with a 14 day free trial.

Download savvy navvy boat app for iOS or Android today.

iOS & iPadOS.

Download savvy navvy, to start your free trial.

Download today, it’s free!