Best Boating Apps
Thanks to modern technology like phones and tablets, boating and exploring has become far easier and more convenient. These days, there’s limited boating equipment that can’t be replicated by the powerful device in your pocket.
The challenge is selecting the apps you like from the sea of thousands. Without prior experience, it can be quite difficult to determine which ones work well and which ones are a flop. If you are looking to add some new boating apps to your tablet or smartphone, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of awesome apps to help you navigate, plan and stay safe on the water this year.
If you’re looking for a new vessel to put these amazing apps to the test, check out our selection of new and preowned boats for sale.
Navionics
Navionics is the world’s most popular marine app. Built by Garmin, an industry leader in GPS technology, Navionics has become a favourite among cruisers, sailors, fisherman and divers. The app has become one of the best available because of its extensive coverage, with different price points depending on the type of maps you want. It’s also extremely user-friendly with a pleasant interface, which allows boaters to customize their maps and mark destinations and points of interest.
Argo
Argo is navigation app that’s available in a free and premium version that integrates multiple features. Navigation is the key component, which displays offline charts with customization options, plus the app provides information on weather, tides, and wind. There’s also an added social component, as the app allows you to connect with other boaters to share tips and experiences.
Marine Traffic
Marine Traffic displays near real-time positions of ships and yachts worldwide. With both free and premium features, the app provides crucial real-time data about barges, tugboats, and other ship traffic in the area. Connected to the largest network of Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers, the app covers most major ports and shipping routes. Browse the map, see the wind forecast, search for vessels and ports, manage your fleet, and see what’s near you.
Big Wave Dave
This is not an app, but it is a website trusted by boaters on the west coast. Big Wave Dave provides marine weather for windsurfing, kiteboarding, boating and kayaking in Victoria, BC. The website features webcams, wind reports, stats, forums, photos and more.
Travel Boast
Travel Boast is a fun way to both document and share your travel stories with friends. While not used exclusively for boating, the app has over 20 million downloads worldwide and allows you to create stories about your travels, complete with interactive maps and animations. From within the app, you’ll be able to create shareable content for your social media profiles.
Snag-A-Slip
When you’re on the boat travelling from destination to destination, anchorage will be a major part of your planning. Snag-A-Slip allows boat owners to easily book a private boat slip from Canada to the Caribbean. With their easy-to-use reservation system, everything can be done online – including payments.
YachtWave
Maintenance and upkeep are something that every boat owner needs to stay on top of, whether you’ve got a small speedboat or a mega yacht. Keeping track of all those maintenance tasks and schedules can be confusing if you’re relying on a physical notepad or your memory. YachtWave helps you stay on top of all maintenance. After inputting information about your engines, generators and other equipment, YachtWave will keep all the maintenance info safe in one place, which is easily shareable with other boat owners or managers.
Ramp Assist
If you’re launching and retrieving your boat with a ramp, Ramp Assist is an app that simplifies the process. The app allows boat owners to not only locate ramps, but view important info about them including cleanliness, traffic, and difficulty. You’ll also get real-time feedback on distance, angle and speed as you navigate the ramp.
C-Tow
A Canadian Marine Assistance app is now available! This app provides a fast, effective way to contact C-Tow for 24-hour marine towing and assistance services. To help provide you with a stress-free boating experience for you and your family. C-Tow Marine Assistance has been providing “Peace of Mind Boating” for Canadian boaters since 1984. Now with 30+ tow boats serving Ontario and BC, they’re on 24 hour standby ready to assist.
Animated Knots
Animated Knots is the world’s favourite website and app for learning how to tie knots, including boating knots, fishing nots, and even other knots used for climbing, surgery, and more. The app acts as both a teacher and reference tool for boaters. With step-by-step instructions the app teaches you to tie knots at your own pace. It was also named “the best knot-tying app” by Outside Magazine!
Wavve
Knowing the tides is vital for safe and efficient boating. Tide times and heights will help you plan routes, save fuel, and strategize your docking while avoiding underwater hazards and strong currents. Wavve is a robust app with accurate tide information from around the world. Basic app features are free, plus the premium version allows boaters to extend tide forecast and access data offline.
Camera
Last but not least, the camera app is an essential while out boating to capture the memories to last you a lifetime! Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or submit it to our Boating Lifestyle Gallery to be featured on our website!
