Our top smartphone app recommendations for boating in the UK

Did you know that 92% of mobile users in the UK now own a smartphone? We asked the team at Val Wyatt to share their top smartphone apps for boaters this summer.

The world we live in has changed dramatically since the new millennium, accelerated by the growth of the internet and the new technologies accompanying it. This has profoundly impacted how we go about our daily lives, from the way we work and communicate with our friends and families (laughing emoji, anyone?) to the way we shop and enjoy our spare time.

This rapid pace of change can be clearly illustrated in the world of boating. For many centuries, wood was the only choice of material when building a boat, and the compass was the most innovative tool in a sailor’s possession. When you consider that Christopher Columbus – perhaps the most famous explorer in history – left Europe with just a compass, sandglass, astrolabe and a quadrant, it’s astounding to compare that to today’s advanced technology.

Many modern boats are now equipped with chartplotters, autopilot, radar, AIS, and their crew have weather apps, navigation apps and a host of other digital tools that make sailing safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable. The leap from basic navigational aids to sophisticated digital devices highlights how much technology has transformed the boating experience.

While not all dayboats are equipped with all of the latest technologies, the vast majority of people using them do have access to smartphone apps. This provides boating enthusiasts with increased connectivity, access to a wealth of information and apps that can enhance their boating experience. Here are our top smartphone apps for boat owners to use this summer:

Navigation Apps

savvy navvy:  This fast-growing app calls itself “Google Maps for boats” – and with over 1.8 million downloads, it is certainly popular. savvy navvy provides essential marine information with a clean and easy-to-view interface. It includes GPS tracking, weather information, allows you to track vessels around you, and incorporates intelligent route planning. 

Navionics: This Garmin-built app offers detailed marine and lake charts, including advanced features like auto-routing, sonar charts, and depth shading. It’s a valuable tool for navigation in UK waters.

Garmin ActiveCaptain: Connects to Garmin chartplotters, offering detailed maps and navigation tools tailored for UK waters. It also allows for trip planning and sharing routes with friends.

Weather and Tides Apps 

Met Office Weather: The UK’s national weather service app provides accurate and detailed weather forecasts, crucial for planning safe boating trips. This app is useful for inland waterways, but you will require more dedicated boating apps for coastal boating.

UK Tides: This app provides tide times and predictions specific to the UK, ensuring you can plan your trips around safe tide levels. It provides tide stream velocity and direction at over 1,000 UK coastal locations.

PredictWind: This app offers detailed wind and weather forecasts, specifically designed for marine environments. It provides high-resolution maps and tools to plan your trips around the best weather conditions.

Windy: Windy is a professional weather app, created for water and wind sports: sailing, surfing, fishing, etc. Get detailed weather forecasts, live world wind maps, and local weather reports.

XCWeather: This is a simple website that allows you to quickly check the weather and wind speed/direction in your chosen location.

Imray Tides Planner: Tides Planner is called an “essential companion” for anyone taking part in activities near the sea. The app contains tidal predictions, currents, sun and moon information and more.

Safety Apps

RYA SafeTrx: Developed by the Royal Yachting Association, this free app tracks your journey and alerts emergency contacts if you don’t arrive as planned.

MarineTraffic: An app that allows you to track vessel movements in real-time, helping you avoid collisions and navigate busy waters safely.

Social and Community Apps

River Thames Guide: This app is a comprehensive guide for boaters navigating the River Thames. It provides information on moorings, facilities, navigation advice, and local attractions along the river.

PLA Tidal Thames: This app provides live and forecast tidal data for 12 different locations on the river, the latest notices to mariners, an events calendar, as well as visitor mooring information.

If you’d like to know more about onboard technology, or our recommendations above, speak with our team.