8 Boating Apps No Captain Should Be Without

Written by Boatsetter Team

November 27, 2017

Table of Contents

Last Updated on January 14, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Looking for a boat ramp? Need to know how to tie a bowline or a cleat hitch knot? As the saying goes, “There’s a boating app for that.” From safety topics, weather forecasts and marine charts to maintenance tips, recreation and boat ramp locations, every captain should have a few boating apps on hand, here are some of our favorites:

Boat Essentials – USCG Safety Gear

This free boating app features a checklist for required and suggested safety essentials needed on your boat. It is available for Apple devices.

Boat Ramps

From TakeMeFishing.org, the free Boat Ramps app puts more than 35,000 boat ramps and marinas right at your fingertips. Simply input the location, zip code or city. The Boat Ramps app is available for Android and Apple devices.

BoatUS

In the event that you need towing or other such maintenance, this free app helps you connect with boat towers in more than 300 ports. You can also check the weather and find latitude and longitude. The BoatUS boating app is available for Android and Apple products.

Boating Weather

Check wind speed and wave height before or during your trip. Weather data is provided by the National Weather Service (NOAA). Available for Apple devices, this app is $1.99.

Float Plan One

It’s always a good idea to let friends and family know your plans and whereabouts when out on the water. From boat type, vehicle make and model and marina location to departure time, expected arrival and other destination information, Float Plan One lets you easily record important information about every aspect of your trip. Available for Apple devices, Float Plan One is a free app.

iFish USA

The iFish USA app tells you when, where and how to fish. It can even tell you what you’ve caught. It holds information on more than 122,000 lakes and ponds as well as statistics and images of different types of fish. Find the best fishing times and water conditions before you leave the dock. Learn tips, techniques and state rules and regulations. The iFish USA app is $7.99. It is available for both Apple and Android devices.

iKnots

iKnots gives clear descriptions and easy-to-follow instructions on many different types of knots used in boating. If you’ve ever wondered what a certain knot was used for, this is the app for you. It also lists climbing knots. Fishing knots are coming soon. This app is $2.99, and it is available for Apple products.

Snag-A-Slip

The free to use app is the fastest and easiest way to find marinas and rent boat slips online. You can use their interactive map or search by region to see partner marinas, find available slips and book your stay. No need for Google searches, marina phone tag, or guessing games, and most importantly, Snag-A-Slip has no booking fees ever! The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Marine Charts

This boating app is an essential chart plotting tool for trip planning and navigation. Use the Earth View feature to navigate through unmarked channels. The app is $9.99. It is available for Apple products.

Savvy Navvy

Savvy Navvy is the ideal tool for keeping track of your plans. With radar, GPS, and a compass, savvy nav offers all the information you need to know. This indispensable tool is a must-have for sailors who are looking to keep track of their plans so they don’t make any mistakes.

Utilizing apps for boating is a great way to stay connected, improve the experience and follow safety protocols. Have a recommendation of app you love? We’d love to hear from you!

Boatsetter Team

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.