SEAiq ٤+

SEAiq is what I consider to be the only real navigation app around for iOS. The chart tool functionality (multiple EBLs, VRMs, and other markup functions) mean you can, if needed, perform similar operations that you might be used to on paper charts. I’ve added danger bearings, marked out anchorage areas, even plotted a running fix with it. (That last just involved creative use of a handful of EBLs.)

The AIS functionality is also incredibly useful; the course vectors and rate of turn indicators make it very easy to visualize crossing situations. Also useful is the ability to attach a VRM or EBL to AIS targets.

If you’re in the US you have free future access to all the official NOAA charts, and the tiling is handled reasonably well. I’ve also loaded New Zealand ENC charts as well as purchased others from Chartworld.

My workflow involves planning and plotting on the laptop, then transferring the files to phone and iPad for reference underway. I see the same notes on every device. What could be improved is the overall app speed, and being able to use purchased charts across devices (I know that last is more a problem of the chart suppliers).

This the best nav software by far. It is ready apparent that it is coded by people who use it, and really know software. Navionics, TZiBoat, iNavX, this one is far better and its free no nonsense goodness! It does have few obtuse bits like downloading charts the first time. The chart updater is great. Thanks for the good coding!

Downloads, at least from the NOAA site, are excruciatingly slow in comparison to direct downloads from the site. Plus the app needs to be on screen with the iPad awake for downloads to complete. Any switching away can cause one or more chart downloads to fail, and you, rather than the app have to retry the update to pick up the missed charts. Lazy software design yields a poor user experience. The premium features would be worth the money but presumably the quality of the free version matches that of the paid version so no thanks.