Five Boating Apps Worth the Money

by Zuzana Prochazka, Boats.com
The world runs on apps. Some are useful, some fun, some expensive, and some ridiculous. Whatever you can think of, there’s probably an app for that. Boating is no exception and dozens of apps are vying for memory space on your smartphone. Here are five boating apps that are worth the money, especially since some are free.

US Coast Guard Mobile App
The USCG has jumped into the app game with a proprietary version that provides a lot of information as well as useful tools. Via the app, you can create a safety equipment checklist, request a free safety check for your vessel, file a float plan that you can share with friends and family and reference navigation rules on the spot – when you need them. You can also report hazards to navigation, pollution or suspicious activity.

Before you untie the dock lines, check National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) weather reports brought via the buoys located nearby and brush up on the boating safety information and laws in your state. You can even call USCG for emergency assistance right through the app in case your radio is inoperable or get connected to 911. Location services must be turned on for these last benefits to work and the app is free on iTunes and Google Play.

MyRadar NOAA Weather Radar
Arguably, few things are more important in boating safety than weather. That’s why sailors, anglers and powerboaters are obsessed with getting the latest updates and they often check multiple sources, some of which disagree. MyRadar weather can show when a squall or storm is coming, how long it will last and how heavy it will be. Everyone from kite surfers to anglers will appreciate knowing if they need to head back to the dock or just sit out a 20-minute squall.

Developed by Aviation Data Systems, this 5-star-rated is free. Weather severity is color-coded and you can choose a background including plain, roads and aerial imagery. You can even get pushed alerts with real-time winds and temperatures. MyRadar is available for Android and iOS devices.

Three more apps… click here.