Staying on Course When You’re Sailing
It’s no secret that tablets and smartphones have transformed the way that sailors navigate. Before marine navigation apps were widely available, most sailors relied on a chartplotter or their MFD, and before that, compasses and paper maps. But today, the use of this technology is largely eclipsed by the more convenient modern alternatives.
Using a marine navigation app is just one of the precautions you can take to help you stay on course when you’re sailing. You can also look into downloading the TotalTide app if necessary, and make sure that you’re properly covered for any accidents and damages that might occur. Thankfully, we offer a wide range of bespoke yacht and boat insurance policies, including sailing yacht insurance.
Best Marine Navigation Apps to Download
There’s a huge range of marine navigation apps to choose from, including several options that are completely free, premium paid apps, and those free to download but with optional in-app purchases. If you are wondering “What is the best boat navigation app?”, don’t worry. We round up the best boat navigation apps in more detail below, including the best free boat navigation app.
#1 Navionics
Available for iOS and Android
Navionics Boating Marine & Lakes is undoubtedly one of the best navigation apps out there, and its wide selection of features makes it a great choice for fishing and water sports too.
The auto-zooming function is a frontrunner compared to other sailing apps on the market, and according to app store reviews the GPS is far more accurate than Google Maps. Plus, you can share your live location direct from the app, so your contacts can track your whereabouts. Navionics isn’t free to download, but the tech you get is well worth the investment.
#2 iSailor
Available for iOS
This is one of the cheapest navigation software apps available, with the premium subscription starting from just $4. iSailor has all the standard features you’d expect – like AIS Live and data overlay – but also offers NMEA integration, and several other features which can be purchased separately, so you only need to pay for what you actually use.
#3 C-MAP
Available for iOS and Android
If you’re looking for detailed charts, automatic routing and a super intuitive interface, C-MAP is a great choice. This app offers worldwide coverage and a high level of accuracy, with charts fed by regularly updated precision data from several different sources. The only downside is that C-MAP isn’t currently able to connect directly to an AIS device, which is a dealbreaker for some sailors.
#4 Seapilot
Available for iOS and Android
Seapilot is arguably the best free marine navigation app for the UK – it costs nothing to download, but you can upgrade with a subscription to get access to additional features. You can download charts for offline use, use the route tracker, and get real-time positioning data – plus Seapilot also functions as a sailing weather app with accurate forecast information.
#5 iNavX
Available for iOS and Android
Lastly, iNavX had to make the list of best map apps for boating. As well as all the necessary functions, there are some advanced features too, like the opportunity to use charts from different providers – including several that aren’t available on other similar apps. The display is also very customisable, so you can see the data you need fast. The only downside with iNavX is the complex user interface, which can be tricky to find your way around.
#6 Garmin Marine Apps
Garmin offers a wide ecosystem of marine apps. The ActiveCaptain app helps boaters plan trips and manage navigation data. Users can access charts from anywhere and create routes before leaving shore. The app then synchronises this information with a compatible chartplotter.
ActiveCaptain also provides reviews and comments about marinas, anchorages, and other points of interest. This helps users gather useful local knowledge before starting a trip. Garmin also runs the ActiveCaptain Community. This free network allows boaters to share information about locations, hazards, and useful cruising areas.
Members contribute local insights that can help other sailors plan routes and avoid potential problems on the water.
#7 Savvy Navvy
Available for iOS and Android
Savvy Navvy focuses on simple route planning and an easy-to-use interface. The app places key information within easy reach and allows users to switch chart layers and navigation data on or off.
One of its most distinctive features is its routing algorithm. The system calculates sailing routes using both wind forecasts and tidal current data. The app then generates a clear course to steer.
Users can also change departure times to see how wind and tide conditions may affect the journey. This feature helps sailors plan passages more effectively.
The chars use a clean visual style. Some users appreciate this design, although others may prefer more detailed chart information.
The routing system also has limitations. The app predicts wind patterns from GRIB (Gridded Binary) weather files, which provide forecast data used by many marine navigation tools.
Savvy Navvy also relies on fixed performance polars for boats, which are charts that estimate how fast a boat sails at different wind speeds and directions. Users cannot adjust these values to match their own vessel, which can reduce the accuracy of route predictions.
Despite these limits, Savvy Navvy offers a polished experience and strong planning tools. Many sailors use it to explore route options and review passage plans before leaving harbour.
FAQs
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What’s the best marine navigation app for iPads?
For use on an iPad, the best marine navigation apps on the market are Navionics, i-Boating, C-MAP and TX iBoat. All these apps offer a user experience compatible with the bigger interface of an iPad.
How do marine navigation apps work?
Marine navigation apps use a combination of pre-downloaded charts and GPS to provide functions like real-time positioning data, route tracking and live location sharing, even when a mobile device is offline.
What’s the best marine navigation app for Android?
There are plenty of different marine navigation apps available on Android devices, but according to reviews from sailors, the best options are C-MAP, Navionics and iNavX. You can explore other apps on the Google Play Store.
What’s the best marine navigation app for iPhones?
There are several different high-quality marine navigation apps available for download on iPhones, but according to reviews, some of the top-rated are C-MAP, Navionics, Seapilot and iSailor.
Is there a marine navigation app for a Mac?
There’s a range of marine navigation apps available for Macs, including i-Boating and several others. You can discover your options by searching in the Mac app store.
How do sailing apps get updates at sea?
Many smartphone sailing apps offer direct integration into AIS Live, so boats sailing inside the range of the MarineTraffic network can get updates via AIS receiving stations.
Is there a free marine navigation app?
Yes. Some navigation apps are free to download. Seapilot and C-MAP offer basic navigation tools at no cost.
Can you download free nautical charts?
Some marine navigation apps allow users to download nautical charts. Many apps include free charts or provide trial chart access.
Does Navionics work in the UK?
Yes. Navionics charts cover UK coastal waters, harbours and inland waterways. Many sailors use the app for route planning and navigation.
Is the Navionics app free?
You can download the Navionics app for free. However, most chart data and navigation tools require a subscription.
Can marine navigation apps work offline?
Yes. Most sailing apps allow users to download charts before leaving shore. The app then uses GPS to track your location without internet access.
What features should a marine navigation app include?
A good navigation app should include:
- GPS positioning
- Nautical charts
- Route planning
- Weather and tide information
- Offline navigation
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