You need to know where you’re going if you’re heading out on the open water on your boat. The last thing you want is to get lost or stranded on unfamiliar waters.
Fortunately, this needn’t require forking out a fortune on high-tech satellite equipment. There are a range of reliable boat navigation apps that you can simply download straight onto your smartphone or tablet to help you plan your next expedition.
Here are the 10 best boat navigation apps to help you find your way through the waters.
Navionics
(Android & iOS)
While this is one of the more expensive boat navigation apps available—£34.99 to be exact, although prices can vary depending on where you plan to boat—it’s still one of the most popular. That’s not surprising when you consider the range of features it has.
The app includes all the navigation charts you need, no matter which UK waters you’re on. It also comes with a shading feature, which allows you to see the depth of the water around you. This makes it ideal for finding areas where you have the best chance of catching some decent fish.
Navionics maps are also available offline.
AquaMap UK
(iOS only)
AquaMap UK is considerably cheaper than many other boat navigation apps on the market.
Again, this app lets you download water maps for offline use, which makes it another ideal choice—particularly if you’re in an area with a poor signal. The app’s design is also very user-friendly, and saving routes for future use is a doddle.
Marine Navigator
(Android only)
Marine Navigator is a good choice for boaters looking for a cheap and simple app that’s easy to navigate.
The best feature of this app is undoubtedly its built-in compass. Displayed on the screen whenever you’re looking at your desired route, the compass makes it super-straightforward for you to get your bearings and set sail in the right direction.
TimeZero
(iOS only)
Unlike many other boat navigation apps, TZ detects the level of zoom you need based on your device. This means your chosen map should load perfectly regardless of the screen you’re viewing it on, saving you precious time fiddling around unnecessarily with zoom toggles.
While the app is free on the App Store, you’ll still need to purchase the individual charts themselves. You can still do this within the app, though, so you don’t have to worry about downloading them elsewhere.
SailTimer
(Android & iOS)
SailTimer is a great choice for people who enjoy sailing. It includes wind data that you can either input yourself or download as you go along. This means you can see how strong the wind is and work out how it’ll impact your journey time—so it’s top-notch from a forward planning perspective.
However, the app is somewhat limited in that it doesn’t provide a precise route plan. That said, the calculations it completes based on wind are valuable to any sailor.
Transas iSailor
(Android & iOS)
This app is ideal for people who regularly sail on the same stretch of water. It’s easy to use and can reverse your route at the touch of a button, so you can easily find your way back too.
However, be aware that you need to purchase and download more charts and maps if you’re planning on exploring waters you don’t normally visit.
Memory Map
(Android & iOS)
Memory Map is another very simple navigational app to use. It’s compatible with maps from both marine providers and onshore maps, so you should have no difficulty making it work with wherever you’ve downloaded your maps from.
To use the app, simply tap where you want your route to begin and end. It will then display all the information you need.
MX Mariner
(Android only)
Although perhaps more suited to people who are more experienced in using boat navigation apps, this is one of the best options on the market. Although only available on Android, MX Mariner is simple, accurate, and has a range of regional charts that aren’t too expensive either.
Once you get used to the interface and options available, you’ll be able to zoom in, out, and swap between saved routes easily.
iNavX
(Android & iOS)
This is the perfect app for anyone who finds the other apps’ somewhat more complex features daunting. It has a clear instrument panel housing all the information you need.
iNavX is also great for those that like to change their routes quickly. You can redraw a route and zoom into areas of interest with minimal difficulty.
iBoating (GPS Nautical Charts)
(Android & iOS)
Pressed for time? GPS Nautical Charts are great if you just want to download something quickly before heading out onto the water. All the charts you need are included in the initial download, so you don’t have to spend any time trying to find any extras.
The great thing about this app is that it can also alert you when you’re going off-route, too. This can be particularly useful if you’re busy manning the boat and are unable to check the app every few minutes.
Specialist boat insurance with Insure4Boats
Knowing where you’re going is one thing; getting there safely is another. If you’re heading out in your boat, you may want to also protect yourself and your boat with specialist boat insurance.
With Insure4Boats, you can build your own bespoke policy, so you’ll only ever pay for what you need. You’ll also receive £3m Third Party Liability cover as standard, no matter what category your boat falls under.
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