9 Apps You Need to Know Before You Go Boating

Boating offers a unique sense of adventure, freedom, and connection with nature. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a newbie setting off on your first maritime journey, having the right tools at your disposal can significantly enhance your experience and, more importantly, keep you safe on the water.

Thanks to smartphones and tablets, navigating the open seas has never been easier. Gone are the days when sailors relied solely on physical maps or traditional chart plotters. Now, a simple app can give you access to charts, weather conditions, safety alerts, and much more—right in the palm of your hand. In this article, brought to you by Dealnew, we explore nine essential boating apps that every boater should know before they embark on their next aquatic adventure.

C-Map Boating/Marine Charts: Your Ultimate Chart Companion

C-Map Boating is one of the most versatile navigation apps for boaters. Whether you're sailing along a coastline or exploring a remote island, C-Map has you covered with comprehensive marine charts. What makes C-Map special is its integration with Navico devices, allowing seamless syncing between your devices for a professional-level navigation experience.

This app provides not only charts but also real-time information on AIS (Automatic Identification System) targets, harbor data, and weather conditions. It comes with a free version offering online maps, though the full set of features is available via subscription. With C-Map, you can plan routes, find your location with high accuracy, and be confident in the data you're using, knowing it's up-to-date and reliable.

A great feature for coastal cruisers is that C-Map integrates with satellite imagery, giving you a better understanding of the landscape. This can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in unfamiliar waters or complex harbor environments. The easy-to-use interface and the richness of the data provided make C-Map a top contender for boaters looking for an all-around tool to aid their adventures.

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Marinetraffic: OnCourse - Sharing and Tracking with Precision

For those of you who are all about tracking your movements and sharing your location with friends and family while out on the water, Marinetraffic's OnCourse app should be on your radar. This app provides a real-time view of AIS targets (ships, yachts, and other vessels around you), ensuring you’re aware of nearby traffic and potential navigational hazards.

OnCourse is particularly useful for coastal boating or areas with dense vessel traffic, where keeping track of your surroundings is vital for safety. Although the data is only available when online, the app's free service makes it accessible to a wide range of users. It’s an excellent addition to your digital toolbox if you’re boating in waters with active marine traffic.

The app doesn’t just show others; it allows you to share your position in real-time with others, making it easier to coordinate if you’re traveling with a group of boats. Whether you’re enjoying a day out with friends or venturing far offshore, OnCourse is a valuable tool for keeping everyone connected and safe.

Navionics Boating: The King of Navigation Apps

If you’ve been in the boating community for a while, chances are you’ve heard of Navionics Boating. Considered by many as the gold standard for boating apps, Navionics offers a full suite of tools for navigation, route planning, and weather forecasting.

One of the standout features of Navionics Boating is its extensive chart database, providing detailed and accurate maps of waters worldwide. It's also user-friendly, allowing even those new to boating to navigate complex areas with ease. What’s more, Navionics supports AIS integration, giving you critical information about the vessels in your vicinity.

Navionics Boating isn’t free, but its subscription-based service unlocks a host of premium features, including offline charts, weather overlays, and tide forecasts. For serious boaters, the cost is more than justified by the quality and comprehensiveness of the data provided. With seamless syncing across multiple devices, Navionics has earned its place as a must-have app for navigation.

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NV Charts GPS Navigation AIS: Tailored for the North Sea and Baltic Sea

NV Charts is an app tailored for sailors who frequent the North Sea and Baltic Sea areas. This app is particularly popular among European boaters, thanks to its detailed and localized charts for these specific regions. The app offers real-time AIS tracking and even includes a harbor guide, which is especially handy when planning stopovers at various ports.

For those who prefer a blend of traditional and digital tools, NV Charts allows you to activate paper charts that you’ve purchased. The app's subscription model gives you access to comprehensive navigation tools, but the ability to integrate physical charts is a unique feature that sets it apart from other apps.

NV Charts is an excellent choice for those who sail in Northern Europe, offering all the navigational essentials, plus a bit more. It’s focused on a niche area but excels in providing precise and highly useful data for these waters.

Orca: The Marine CoPilot - The New Kid on the Block

Orca has recently entered the scene as a newcomer, but it's already making waves in the boating community. Orca features a sleek interface with highly visual displays that make navigation easier to understand. This app integrates AIS and weather routing, so you’re not just getting basic charts—you’re getting smart tools to help you plan the best and safest route possible.

Although Orca is free to try, a subscription or specific hardware purchase is required to unlock the full range of its features. The display is especially appealing for those who are visually oriented, offering dynamic, easy-to-read information.

With Orca, you get a blend of beauty and functionality. Its intuitive design and powerful routing features make it ideal for boaters who want the most out of their navigation tools without sacrificing aesthetics. As a newcomer, it’s one to keep an eye on.

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SafeTrx of the Sea Rescuers - Safety at Your Fingertips

One of the most important concerns when you’re out on the water is safety, and this is where SafeTrx shines. Developed by maritime rescue organizations, SafeTrx allows users to input their planned arrival time at their destination. If you’re late, the app automatically notifies your designated emergency contacts, making it a crucial app for anyone venturing out alone or on longer journeys.

In the event of an emergency, the app makes calling for help straightforward. The simplicity of SafeTrx makes it an indispensable tool for both casual boaters and those who undertake long, solo voyages. Whether you’re just heading out for a day trip or planning a long offshore journey, SafeTrx gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.

For boaters who prioritize safety, this app is a no-brainer. It’s free to download and easy to use, making it accessible to everyone who wants an extra layer of security during their boating adventures.

Sejl Sikkert - Boating Safety in Danish Waters

For boaters who frequent Denmark’s waters, Sejl Sikkert is a must-have app. Developed by Danish authorities, this app is focused on providing critical safety information, including daily notices and weather forecasts. While the app is only available in Danish, it’s still accessible to non-Danish speakers through translation tools.

The app provides comprehensive coverage of Denmark’s waters, including safety guidelines and real-time updates that could be life-saving in certain situations. If you’re boating in this part of the world, it’s worth downloading Sejl Sikkert to stay updated on the local boating conditions and safety recommendations.

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Skippo (fd Eniro På Sjön) - Scandinavian Boating at Its Best

Skippo is a well-known app among boaters in Sweden, but it has expanded its offerings to include official charts for other Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, Finland, and Norway. What makes Skippo unique is its integration of archipelago charts, which are invaluable for navigating the beautiful but sometimes tricky waters of the region.

If you’re planning a boating trip to Sweden or the surrounding Scandinavian countries, Skippo offers all the tools you need, including charts, AIS tracking, and real-time data on weather and tides. It’s an excellent choice for both local and visiting boaters alike.

While some features are free, the premium version unlocks even more comprehensive charts and services, making it an essential app for boating in Northern Europe’s stunning waters.

Watersports - Navigating Friesland’s Waterways with Ease

If you’re headed to the Netherlands, especially the Friesland area, the Watersports app is an essential companion. Focused on the intricate waterways of Friesland, this app offers route maps, real-time data, and even the ability to request bridge openings directly from the app. The Friesland waterways are a major attraction for boaters, and having real-time information about navigation is a huge plus.

Watersports is designed for boaters who want to explore inland waterways and provides precise route planning tools for this unique region. From canal routes to water levels, the app gives you all the necessary information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through the waterways.

The app is specialized but very effective for those who boat in Friesland, offering unique features like bridge opening requests that make it one-of-a-kind for this area.

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Final Thoughts

As the boating world becomes more digital, these apps offer an incredible range of tools to enhance your experience on the water. From safety and navigation to real-time tracking and local guides, they cater to all levels of boaters.

Before you head out on your next trip, make sure you’re equipped with the best apps to stay informed, safe, and connected on the open seas. With recommendations from Dealnew, you can confidently download the right tools to ensure smooth sailing every time.