Firstly, you should know: In order to use most apps effectively as on-board instruments, special hardware is often required to seamlessly network the individual on-board modules with the software. However, as soon as the connection is established, the skipper has a flexible and cost-efficient overview of all relevant systems. Many device manufacturers also offer specialised apps themselves, which can often be used free of charge with existing hardware.
As a proper practical test of all available apps and their functions is difficult to implement in practice, we have concentrated on analysing the app functions and evaluating app store ratings. This overview should help you to better assess the strengths and weaknesses of the individual systems and make the right choice for your personal requirements.
Display0183M
The Display0183M application is a specialised data viewer for the NMEA-0183 protocol. It converts WLAN data into numerical values or graphical curves. The support of ActiveLook glasses (e.g. Engo), which mirror the data directly in the skipper's field of vision, is remarkable. For the niche of older on-board architectures, the free app remains a functional aid and acts as a cost-effective problem solver: data from existing NMEA 0183 sensors can be transferred to the mobile device without expensive hardware upgrades. While users of modern NMEA 2000 networks usually switch to more graphically appealing alternatives, the app continues to be appreciated by hobbyists and users of corresponding hardware.
- only for iOS
- free of charge
Garmin ActiveCaptain
This central interface for Garmin owners enables the purchase and wireless transfer of nautical charts via "OneChart" as well as the management of all software updates in the on-board network. A highlight is the "Helmet" function, which allows the display of the GPSMAP series to be mirrored on a tablet and operated remotely from there. The app also offers access to community feedback on harbour facilities and self-created "Quickdraw" depth charts. In practice, however, occasional error messages during large downloads (WLAN interruptions) and latencies in the OnDeck remote monitoring system have been criticised. The app itself is free, but charts must be purchased separately.
Lowrance App
Lowrance is positioning the application as a specialised mobile control centre for angling. In addition to the classic sailing parameters, the focus is on high-resolution depth maps (bathymetry). Custom depth shading allows specific depth ranges to be highlighted in colour to make it easier to identify underwater structures rich in fish. Waypoints can be explicitly managed as fishing spots, including detailed notes on bait and fishing conditions. In the user comments, frequent reference was made to the so-called "Entitlement Error", where licences purchased for the chart plotter are not activated in the app. In addition, synchronisation problems in waypoint management occasionally lead to restrictions in on-board use. The pricing is modular: instead of a flat-rate price, annual subscriptions are taken out for specific map regions. The costs depend directly on the size of the area and the level of detail - small inland lake packages are significantly cheaper than large coastal maps with high-resolution premium features. Functions such as offline maps and the AIS display in the app are only activated with these regional subscriptions.
Nauti-Control
Nauti-Control is a specialised retrofit solution from developer Philip Black that primarily controls Raymarine autopilots (via SeaTalk or NMEA 2000) wirelessly using a smartphone or smartwatch. While the app can display manufacturer-independent network data such as depth or speed on individual dashboards, the active control (course corrections +/- 1° or 10°, standby/auto) is specialised for Raymarine systems. For motorboat drivers, the system offers the advantage of being able to correct the course even when away from the fixed steering position - for example, when setting a line or anchoring.
Operation requires a suitable radio gateway from the manufacturer Nauti-Control, which must be permanently installed in the on-board network as an interface. Without this hardware module, no connection to the autopilot is possible.
navCentre
navCenter is purely a subsidiary display for NMEA data and communicates with systems from Garmin, B&G and other manufacturers. A special feature is the support of SeaTalk protocols: If a corresponding gateway is available, the app can be used as a remote control for the autopilot. The software also offers integration for the Apple Watch and the display of classic wind and log data. Compared to current standards, the user interface is perceived by users as outdated and updates are not provided regularly. The pricing model for 2026 provides for an annual subscription for €17.99 or a one-off licence fee of €39.99.
- only for iOS
- Costs: 17.99 per year or one-off purchase for €39.99
NMEA Dashboard
The NMEA Dashboard serves Android users as a flexible display instrument to mirror data from the on-board network via WLAN on a tablet or smartphone. For motorboat owners, the focus is on detailed monitoring of engine parameters such as speed, oil pressure, battery voltage and temperatures, which can be displayed in fully customisable layouts. A key safety aspect is the configurable alarms, which immediately inform the skipper acoustically or visually of critical values, such as a rising cooling water temperature. Even if the design is rather functional and simple, the application impresses with very stable data processing and low resource consumption in continuous operation.
- only for Android
- Costs: one-off payment of €5.99
NMEAremote
NMEAremote focusses on the stable processing and display of complex data records within an on-board network. The app is considered one of the most reliable tools on the market and processes standard values as well as Navtex messages and AIS lists. Motorboat owners benefit from the precise monitoring of critical system data such as engine temperature, engine speed or oil pressure, which can increase safety on board, especially during long passages. The ActiveLook integration, which makes it possible to display data such as course and speed directly in AR data glasses, is technologically remarkable. However, many users also criticise the user interface and the app's convoluted configuration. In addition, the application does not offer a map display and only functions as an instrument display. The licence is available for a one-off payment of €22.99.
- only for iOS
- Costs: One-off payment of €22.99
Raymarine App
The Raymarine app acts as a digital extension of the Axiom series and enables a second control station to be set up via a tablet. Thanks to the 1:1 mirroring, the chart plotter can be operated completely remotely. The range of functions includes the management of LightHouse nautical charts, a dashboard for wind and depth data and the synchronisation of waypoints. In conjunction with the "YachtSense Link" hardware, remote monitoring of the battery voltage is also possible. The application has been heavily criticised for the so-called "login loop": as the app often requires internet verification at the start, but the tablet is logged into the internet-free on-board WLAN, access is often blocked.
The pricing model makes a strict distinction between local use and remote monitoring: while mirroring the plotter on board is free of charge, a paid premium subscription is required for remote access. This transforms the app into a security system that allows owners to check battery levels and bilge pumps from home or activate anti-theft protection via geofencing. The costs vary considerably depending on whether you only want to monitor a single boat or a small fleet and whether you prefer monthly flexibility or a discounted annual subscription.
Simrad App
Simrad is positioning the application as a digital extension for motor boaters and owners of cruising yachts. The focus is on seamless integration with Simrad chart plotters and the use of high-resolution C-MAP chart material. The app enables convenient trip planning from home, with waypoints and routes being automatically synchronised with the on-board unit. Especially for users of newer systems (such as the NSX series), the smartphone serves as a fully-fledged second station including AIS display and detailed weather overlays. However, user reviews regularly criticise the so-called "entitlement error", where chart licences that have already been paid for are not correctly recognised between the plotter and the app. In addition, occasional synchronisation problems in data management lead to restrictions in on-board practice. However, the pricing is complex: while the basic version is free of charge, the costs for premium features and maps vary considerably depending on the region and model. Annual subscriptions range from €32.99 to €55.99, while access to individual regions usually starts at €29.99, but can also cost up to €44.99.
VictronConnect
If you have Victron components such as battery monitors (BMV/SmartShunt) or solar charge controllers on board, you should take a look at the manufacturer's own app. It provides the exact charge status of the batteries and the current power consumption in real time via Bluetooth or the VRM portal. This enables precise energy monitoring when anchoring without an additional NMEA network. However, points are often deducted in the app stores for unstable Bluetooth connections and technical problems after software updates. As this is a proprietary solution, the application has no function without the appropriate Victron components.
David Ingelfinger
Volontär
Weit entfernt von den Küsten im Rhein-Main-Gebiet aufgewachsen, fand David Ingelfinger erst im Alter von elf Jahren auf den niederländischen Gewässern zum Segelsport. Was als Familienurlaub ohne großartige Vorkenntnisse begann, mündete in einer steilen Lernkurve, aus der die dauerhafte Leidenschaft fürs Segeln entsprang. Seine praktischen Erfahrungen festigte er über die Jahre mit dem Erwerb des SKS und zahlreichen Meilen als Skipper auf Charteryachten im Ijsselmeer, der Nordsee sowie im Mittelmeer. Nach seinem Studium der Publizistik schlägt er nun die Brücke zwischen dem journalistischen Handwerk und der Praxis auf dem Wasser und bringt seine Begeisterung für den Sport als Volontär in die Redaktion der YACHT ein.
