One of the biggest advantages a mobile device has (whether it’s a phone or tablet) over installed hardware is an (almost) always available internet connection. In the last decade navigation apps have matured to the point today where their features and functions rival, and in some cases even beat dedicated hardware. But, as a supplement or backup to dedicated devices, mobile apps deliver impressive capabilities. In my own cruising, I’ve dealt with apps crashing, batteries dying, and overheated iPads shutting down from sitting in direct sunlight. Mobile devices are much more susceptible to moisture, heat, dead batteries, and falling overboard than single-purpose hardware installed on the boat. Each category mentioned here has dozens to hundreds of apps.Īlthough the functionality of mobile apps has reached the point where they are capable of replacing multi-function devices (MFDs) and other equipment, I still believe boats should have at least one dedicated marine-display onboard. The list of mobile apps is extremely long with more coming out every day.
This list isn’t exhaustive and that’s not the intention.
What follows are examples of what’s possible with mobile apps across several categories. Using different chart providers helps avoid falling victim to any issue with your charts. To me, one of the key benefits of mobile apps at the helm is the ability to use multiple brands of charts. Mobile phone and tablet apps for boating have steadily improved and today offer a compelling set of functionalities that can make boating both safer and easier. Smartphones have enough processing power, sensors and capabilities to augment or possibly even replace dedicated navigation equipment onboard your boat. Most boaters carry around an impressively powerful and easy to use computer in their pockets: their smartphone.
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