Marine navigation apps

Our selection of "nav" applications for boats in all its forms!

WEATHER4D ROUTING & NAVIGATION

54.99€ iOS with GFS weather models (+ 37.99€ optional subscription for 38 weather and ocean current models)

Weather4D Routing and Navigation is the most advanced edition in the Weather4D app range. In addition to the weather and routing features of earlier editions, it also offers access to marine mapping and a connection to onboard instruments. Thus, it transforms into an extremely comprehensive navigation application, ideal for planning your route, during navigation, and even for analyzing recorded tracks after reaching your destination.

Here is a list of the main features:

Weather and routing: same functions as the Weather4D Routing app, with the ability to compare different weather models (and therefore different routings) on a split screen
Mapping: access to various exclusive raster map catalogs from major international hydrographic services, including SHOM. Access is via a subscription on the Geogarage site, as described here. Ability to view multiple types of maps in split screen, with different zoom levels (for example: an expanded view of weather conditions, a detailed view of the marine chart)
Connection to instruments: display of NMEA data from a WiFi transmitter, with the ability to control the autopilot from navigation data. Fully customizable dashboard for instruments. AIS support
Native support for Iridium GO!™ for direct downloading of weather models from Weather 4D servers. Also handles requests via SailDocs with the Iridium GO! and other satellite phones.

The app is packed with ergonomic tips: moving the map under a cursor for very precise waypoint positioning, ease of modifying a route (adding or removing waypoints), representation of the boat on the map with its progress vector and apparent wind, synchronization with the Apple Watch, etc. Additionally, several improvements are offered: tracking and automatic filling of a logbook in particular, in interface with the Navygatio service allowing the recording of all navigation data.

Note: complete and free multimedia user manuals are available for download via the Apple Books app.

iNAVX MARINE CHARTPLOTTER

4.99€ iOS (+ in-app purchases: AIS Live, weather, mapping)

Free Android (+ in-app purchases: iNavX Pro 5€/year for all navigation options, mapping)

The iNavX™ app, designed for marine navigation on iPad/iPhone, supports waypoints, routes, track recording, as well as measuring distances and bearings. It displays navigation data on a dynamic instrument panel overlaying the map, with either digital zoom or an analog dial. iNavX™ makes it easy to visualize animated weather files GRIB directly on the charts and display AIS targets with an AIS receiver or transponder.

It interprets NMEA data received via a NMEA-WiFi gateway and displays it either on the map or on a dedicated page. The application can also control an autopilot using its navigation data.

It offers the ability to export and import tracks, waypoints, and routes for backup or exchange between applications, which is essential for optimizing routes in the application's Weather 4D Routing module.

iNavX™ supports various chart formats from different publishers, including global C-Map vector charts available for in-app purchase. The cost is affordable; for example, the annual subscription to the global C-Map chart is €60 on the Apple Store. However, it is only accessible with an internet connection, and while downloading is possible, it seems unusable as of today (tested in November 2021).

iNavX™ includes a French translation by Francis Fustier, and a multimedia tutorial in French by the same author is available on the iBook Store under the title "Navigating with iNavX 5.0".

SAILGRIB WR

free or €59.99 - Android only

SailGrib WR (Weather Routing) is a comprehensive navigation and weather routing application that integrates all the features of SailGrib (see SailGrib in the weather apps).

Marine charts are available for in-app purchase (Navionics charts or SHOM/UKHO charts), and Navionics charts are provided for free if you already own them via Navionics Boating Sea and Lakes. A free download of an atlas of all NOAA charts is also offered.

On the weather side, the application provides access to Grib files from NOAA, Météo France, Great Circle, Météo Consult, My Ocean, Open Skyron, GMN, as well as tide forecasts for major global ports and an atlas of tidal currents for European coasts. It allows the acquisition and display of isobaric charts (NOAA and MetOffice). With native support for Iridium GO!™, users can directly download weather models.

The application offers a navigation panel, isochrone routings, over 400 polar charts, NMEA data, and an AIS with alarms.

For routing, users can set many parameters, such as the wind force multiplier coefficient, a theoretical route, the date and time of departure, as well as 140 speed polars for the most common sailing boats, with the possibility of adding their own sailboat's polar. It evaluates the effectiveness of the polar on a beat and a run for different wind strengths, the wind limit values for beating and running, the minimum upwind angle for cruising comfort, and the loss of efficiency during the night (safety risks, no spinnaker, etc.). Mixed routing under motor and sail is possible, but only users of the paid version can load tide current forecasts for the Atlantic coast for free.

The application includes an interface for tracking and automatically filling out a logbook, linked to a web service called Navygatio, which allows recording all navigation data. This web service is shared with Weather4D Routing & Navigation.

The free version is limited to 48 hours of forecasts, the GFS weather model at 0.5°, one day of tide, and a routing of 50NM.

NAVIONICS BOATING SEA AND LAKES

Free iOS / Android (+ in-app purchases Navionics+ with a map of your choice)

Easy to use, it is undoubtedly the most user-friendly maritime navigation application.

The free version offers a 10-day trial before purchasing your first map, which includes the additional modules of Navionics+ (Navigation, SonarChart, Autorouting Dock-to-dock, Weather and Tides, AIS, Plotter Sync, Community Edits, to be renewed annually after the subscription expires). The Navionics+ subscription and mapping are available on iOS and Android.

It offers the ability to overlay a satellite view, tide and current information for 3 days, weather forecasts for 3 days, and multiple details about points of interest (harbormaster numbers, services, shops, etc.). It now integrates the ActiveCaptain community database and allows information sharing between users. However, some features require an internet connection, so a high-speed 3G/4G cellular network is necessary.

Note that this application does not allow for the integration of GRIB weather data or connection to instruments except for a WiFi AIS.

ISAILOR

Free - iOS / Android (+ in-app purchases for options and maps)

Update on 09/25/24: the Android version has been removed from Google Play - archive still accessible on Apptoide

The iSailor app is remarkably user-friendly for vector charting. The Transas TX-97 charts, covering the entire world including waterways and inland navigation routes in Europe and the USA, are divided into numerous cells, available at an average cost of €11.50 to €21, updated annually.

It includes practical features such as importing/exporting waypoints, routes, and tracks, an NMEA interface for visualizing AIS targets, NMEA options for external GPS and compass, as well as tools for calculating distances and headings. An ingenious side drawer with tabs provides access to settings, displays navigation data, and manages waypoints and routes.

Although the app is free, purchasing maps and several essential features is required: €8.99 for NMEA AIS data processing, €4.99 for NMEA GPS data, plus subscriptions like €24.99/year for online weather data. The Playback Options feature, priced at €9.99, allows users to record and share navigation tracks with other iSailor users.

Despite some minor display issues on the map at different zoom levels, the app boasts excellent ergonomics and is quite easy to use.

A multimedia tutorial by Francis Fustier is available in French on the iBook Store under the title "Navigating with iSailor".

TZ iBOAT

Free iOS (+ in-app purchases for AIS module, Furuno Radar module, mapping)

Created by the most famous French publisher of PC navigation software, TZ iBoat stands out for its quality design and ergonomics. The application offers the ability to combine aerial images and maritime charts, with a superimposed 3D relief display, but this is limited to certain areas and requires an internet connection (satellite images cannot be downloaded).

The recent "Logbook" feature records navigation data and allows users to add photos, thus maintaining a detailed history of voyages. It is also possible to share this information with other users by adding them as followers. However, TZ iBoat has limitations compared to reference applications such as Weather4D Routing & Navigation, iNavX, or iSailor, with NMEA support limited to AIS/GPS (option at €9.99) and very basic weather forecasts. Support for the Furuno DRS4W Radar is available (for €49.99).

TZ iBoat uses raster charts from the MapMedia MM3D catalog of MaxSea and C-MAP vector charts. Access to certain data, such as terrestrial imagery and weather, requires an internet connection, which may limit its usefulness. Charts are available for purchase directly through the app (€50.99 for the first year and then €25.49/year for the raster charts, and starting from €66.99 for the C-Map for the first year, then 50% off in subsequent years). Note: raster charts take up considerable space, so ensure you have enough storage memory on your device.

C-MAP CHARTS AND WEATHER

Free iOS - Android (+ in-app purchases)

With high-quality C-Map vector nautical charts and all the essential information for navigation, such as traffic and weather, you have all the tools you need to plan your next outing at sea with peace of mind.

Customize your charts, save your routes, waypoints, and tracks, and access them anytime, even without a connection. Add your comments and photos to preserve memories or share your experiences with friends and family.

Online access to the charts is free, and the Premium option offers map downloads via regional annual subscription, ranging from €30 to €60 depending on the region. However, as with iNavX, downloading can be extremely slow and sometimes unusable.

IMRAY NAVIGATOR

Free - iOS (+ in-app purchases for maps)

The Imray marine mapping application for iPad and iPhone uses the renowned "Blueback" raster charts, as well as recently, those from other publishers like SHOM. However, their handling is complex: navigating between charts of different scales is inconvenient, and there are missing detailed charts in certain areas.

In addition to standard features (waypoints, routes), the application offers interesting options such as daily tides (predictions require the purchase of Tides Planner), real-time currents, a magnetic compass, and NMEA and AIS functions via the complementary Boat Instruments app (€7.99).

Although the app is free, it only includes a general map of the English Channel, with other charts available for purchase in the integrated "ChartStore" for about €45. Getting started can be challenging.

NAVILY

Free - iOS / Android (+ in-app purchase €19.99/year)

Navily is a participatory coastal guide that offers various services to boaters in France and Europe, such as quick port reservation with partner ports, detailed community information on anchorages and moorings, as well as targeted weather forecasts for 72 hours with the Premium option.

In 2021, the network included 615 partner ports, mainly in the Mediterranean, and continues to grow. Over 10,000 anchorages are listed, covering a large part of the Mediterranean (France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Tunisia, Morocco) and the Atlantic (France, England, Spain, Portugal).

The information provided is detailed, including protection from wind and swell, seabed quality, landing facilities, etc. Comments from sailors on each anchorage provide an accurate assessment.

All information and the associated mapping are accessible with an internet connection. The Premium option offers additional features such as downloading for offline viewing, extended three-day weather forecasts, personalized data filtering, a distance calculator, and automatic routing (to be used with caution) as well as ad-free navigation.

COMPASS EYE

4.99€ iOS / 6.49€ Android

Developed by Pocket Mariner, this app allows you to record multiple bearings in augmented reality using the compass and camera of the iPhone/iPad.

It offers extremely useful features beyond just displaying the compass: instant bearing input by tapping on side icons, representation in the form of green, red, and yellow lines for precise triangulation, with a digital display of angles. It is possible to move the bearing lines with a simple swipe of the finger. The app also allows you to enter the approach angle of a vessel to determine if its bearing indicates a risk of collision. Screenshots are taken by tapping on an icon, and the app displays speed (GPS) and Lat/Lon position, offers suitable lighting for day and night, as well as zoom up to 8x.

It's a very practical and economical application in many ways.

CELESTIAL

19.99€ iOS / 22.33€ Android

(Updated 25/09/2024: the Android version seems to be removed - you can try this alternative Celestial Navigator)

The Celestial application, available in French for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, facilitates the calculation of intercepts, the plotting and intersection of lines of altitude to determine position. It solves sights, calculates astronomical points, displays them graphically, manages sights over multiple courses, and assists in planning observations. It allows you to memorize, consult, organize, or delete the list of observations made during various navigations.

Celestial includes the ephemerides of the Sun, Moon, planets, 57 important stars for navigation, Aries, and the North Star until 2099. It also incorporates a star identifier and the rising and setting times of celestial bodies.

The French translation was done by Francis Fustier, and contextual help in French is available for each interface of the application (only on iPad/iPhone).

Note: The information provided above generally comes from the Appstore and Google Play. The applications have not always been tested. Price indications may be incorrect, as prices change very often on the stores due to promotions. Feel free to share your opinions and comments regarding the usefulness of the applications you have tested, or to suggest other applications via our contact email.