Using Your Phone as a Boating Tool

Recent news has alerted us that Generation Y is smartphone obsessed. We're not really surprised. But what does surprise us is that many people we know aren't using their smartphone for boating! It's our opinion that if you're going to have your phone on you anyways, you might as well make it a useful boating tool. So here are a few boating apps we know of that could make your life just a little easier:

Regardless of skill level of experience, all boaters can learn from the Boater’s Pocket Reference, an app chock full of information like navigation rules, tips on boat handling, how to tie knots and more. When your boat is out of the water, you can refer to this app for information on trailering and maintenance. Like pictures instead of words? There are a variety of charts, graphs and illustrations in the app that make everything easy to understand. While the app isn’t free – it’s $4.99 – it is highly ranked by iPhone users and includes a search function so you can quickly and easily find the information you need, right when you need it. 

Turn off your VFH radio and stay updated on current weather and tide forecasts with the NOAA Buoy and Tide Data app, which accesses data from NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center. You can search for buoys by name or location and view a range of weather data, including wind speed, gusts and pressure. Tide predictions and moon phases are included as well. The app is $1.99. 

If something goes wrong on your next outing, the free Sea Tow app can come to your rescue. You can contact their 24 hour dispatch center through the app, a handy feature if your radio is on the fritz. In addition, the app contains tide and forecast information, and you can save up to seven locations for continued weather monitoring. Finally, the app features a compass and speedometer so you can pinpoint your location on a map. 

Well we might have gotten a little ahead of ourselves, because before you can use these, you need to get your boat into the water. That’s where Boat Ramps comes in. This free app allows you to search for ramps near your location, by zip code or by city. Once you’ve chosen a ramp, the app will provide you with directions. Reviews for the app, however, lament that it doesn’t provide more information about ramps, like fees (or lack thereof), restroom facilities or bait shops.

What are your favorite boating apps? How has your smart phone enhanced your boating experience, on or off the water?