The best GPS boat speedometers, sea apps - 2023 for Android / iOS

Many sailors, boat owners are once faced with the question of choosing equipment such as speedometers, compasses, gyroscopes, etc. All of these functions are often combined in a mobile phone. It is also important to choose not only the device itself, but also the software that will be easy to use.

The apps listed below are excellent for installing on the built-in computer of the boat as well as for downloading to the phone. Almost all of the options listed have additional functionality suitable for use on Fishing boats, dinghy boats, cabin cruisers, etc.

Before installing, keep in mind that accuracy depends not only on the app itself, but also on your device. If it works with hiccups, the speed may not be detected correctly either. In general, count on a 5-10 km error during a high speed trip.

iNavX: Marine Navigation

iNavX is a chartplotter for fishermen and travelers. The app displays not only maps, but also the weather and the current speed of the boat.

The main functions of the app:

• Routes planning and management
• Saving places to favorites using geotags
• Weather forecast for selected region using Theyr Premium Weather services
• Chart-plotter: View your current location and get real-time route details
• View detailed maps of the area
• Getting data about the current location: depth, current speed,
• Boat data: battery and boat engine status, speed

Maps are available in high resolution (NOAA RNC) and free for the app subscribers. Other maps from state hydrographic agencies are also available.

Argo - Boating Navigation

Argo is a top GPS navigation app for boats. It allows you to improve safety and well plan your route using detailed terrain maps. First of all, this app will be useful for North American users. It is available for iPhone and iPad as well as Android.

App features:

• Keeping a log with the ability to save the route of the trip.
• Getting data about the current weather conditions (tides, current tide, sea weather forecast for the coming week)
• Use of marine, satellite-derived offshore charts of North America
• Current boat speed, engine status
• Tracking current boat location
• Sightseeing within a 100 km radius and useful points: refueling docks, harbors, piers, anchorages

BoatSpeed

BoatSpeed is a boat speedometer with an extremely simple interface. There are no unnecessary animations and factors that burden the phone when using it. The main screen immediately shows the direction and speed (in knots by default). Sometimes the movement can be displayed even if the device is stationary - then you may need to calibrate.

Under "navigation" all the same data is displayed on top of the map. The maps themselves can be selected in the settings. Functions such as route saving and navigation, anchor alert and compass are available. In the settings section, you can change the measurement system, maps, position format and full-screen mode of the app itself.

Without geolocation enabled, the app simply won't launch, so even if you want to download and just check it works - you'll have to give all the necessary permissions.

There are no paid features, which is a definite plus for many users.

C-MAP - Marine Charts

C-MAP is a navigation and speedometer app for your boat. It allows to display charts, plan routes, display the weather forecast for today and other days of the week. The app will be useful for fishermen, sailing enthusiasts.

App features:

• Displaying nautical off-line charts for the area
• Use phone's GPS sensor to manage your routes and display your current location
• Track record with subsequent import and export to navigation apps
• Measurement of distance and depth of the lake, sea, ocean within a radius of 100 km
• Information about the nearest piers, marinas and anchorages.

The premium version C-MAP has no limitations, you can download any number of offline maps for 70 regions and use additional services to receive summaries of weather conditions. An annual subscription costs $14.99.

A trial period of the full version of the app is available.

Ulysse Speedometer

Ulysse Speedometer has a different boat speedometer design, stylized as speedometers on cars.

When you first run the app will give a warning about the impact of constant display of information on AMOLED and OLED screens. To prevent the issue, it's worth following the instructions and going into the settings. This is especially true if you intend to use the app as a car speedometer and will not dim the screen.

In the center of the main screen you can see the boat speedometer with an accuracy of 5 km / h. There you can also turn on the route recording. It also has compass, GPS accuracy, and average speed. What is very convenient is the date and battery percentage on the main screen.

The menu opens by tapping on the center of the screen. There you can turn on night mode, turn on profiles, adjust units of measurement, open the settings menu, and more.

Through the settings menu you can view counters, screenshots taken, and very importantly, feedback from the developers.

Advertising in the app is present in the form of a small, permanent banner on the main screen.

Speedbot

Speedbot has the most elaborate interface of all the provided apps. It is suitable for those users who are bothered by low-quality pictures or too bright arrows on the boat speedometer.

On the main screen is the speedometer, designed like a car speedometer. In the center is the location on the map, the level of communication and phone charge. The interface of this app is ideal for installing on a built-in car navigator.

On the left side are data on the start of the route, the duration of the trip, the maximum and average speed. Clicking on the special icon just below the speedometer will open the map.

To use OBD, you will need to connect your device to special sensors.

Advertising in this app is in the form of a small banner at the bottom, which does not interfere with or overlap any content. Premium subscription allows you to get rid of ads completely.

Sail Expert

One of the best sailing apps available on Android. The design is styled like old maps, looks very nice and has a huge functionality.

The first time you start it, you will get a detailed instruction on how to use all the functions, so here we will consider only the most basic.

On the main speedometer screen you can view the speed of the boat, the distance traveled and the direction of travel. There is also data from the phone's tilt sensor. You can set up an anchor warning if you want, and you can also view a map with your location, also adapted for boats.

There are no ads in the app, but some features are only available through premium. You can evaluate them immediately through the demo, which is a huge plus for the app. Premium features include sea weather viewing and a route planner function.

GPS Speedometer and Odometer

This is a trial version, but it works fine. This app is the most minimalistic and undemanding in the list. There is no complicated design and unnecessary functions, it does only the work of the speedometer. Suitable both for measuring the speed of maritime transport, and for cars.

The main speedometer screen shows the current speed, the distance traveled by the boat, the average and the maximum speed of the trip. Also there is the distance traveled, the maximum speed. And it's worth noting that the meter of this app is much more accurate than the previous ones.

Advertisement is present in the form of a banner which sometimes pops up before launching and can interfere if you need urgent access to the speedometer.

Other boat apps

Note also the following boat apps:

• i Sail GPS : NOAA USA Charts (iOS)
• SeaNav
• Boating Marine & Lakes (Android)
• Savvy Navvy : Boat Navigation (Android)