Apps: “Binnen Skipper” brings together information on five Bavarian lakes
David Ingelfinger
· 17.08.2026
The app market offers a wide range of providers that collect navigation and weather data and make it accessible via smartphones. On many inland waterways, there has so far been no single platform that brings together this data for multiple areas within a single app. To fill this gap in Bavaria, the provider Skipperfriends has now expanded its app – originally developed for Lake Chiemsee – to cover five Bavarian lakes and released it under the new name ‘Binnen Skipper’.
Offline map with harbour details and anchorages
At the heart of the app is an offline nautical chart, which is stored entirely on the device and is designed to work even without a signal. Depending on the area, it shows harbours, jetties, slipways, crane sites, steamer jetties, shoals, buoys, as well as quiet and protected zones. Your own position is visible at all times and you can check the bearing to the nearest harbour whenever you like.
The free Anchor Guard app is designed to provide greater safety whilst at anchor. It monitors the boat’s position and, according to the provider, triggers a loud audible alarm as soon as the boat leaves the specified area. It runs in the background even when the screen is locked.
Protection in an emergency
Up-to-date weather data is essential for proper trip planning. Although the free version of Binnen Skipper does not offer the full range of features, it does include the most important ones for emergencies: the app provides access to all official severe weather warnings issued by the German Weather Service. Information from the storm warning lights on the five lakes is also available free of charge. The free basic package also includes emergency numbers, contact details for the water rescue service and information on maritime rescue. Current weather conditions with forecasts, the current water level and water temperature are also available.
Logbook
Trips can be recorded for free in the app using GPS. The app records key data such as distance, duration, speed, course and crew size. According to Skipperfriends, all saved trips are stored permanently and are not deleted. However, without the Pro version, only the three most recent trips can be viewed in full. For older entries, the date, distance and duration are still visible, but the detailed view is restricted.
Features of the Premium version
The Pro version of Binnen Skipper costs a one-off fee of 14.99 euros and unlocks all features. As well as access to the more detailed DWD weather models ICON-D2 and ICON-EU, you can also use the wind routing feature. This calculates wind conditions for the current day and warns of approaching strong winds. The home screen widgets display the weather, water levels, water temperature and webcam feed directly on the home screen.
There are also plenty of features for data enthusiasts. The trip analysis provides a weather review for each individual trip. The season summary also allows you to collate all your records over a longer period. Saved trips can be exported as a GPX file or shared as a map. Those who want to compete can also take part in a virtual regatta using Yardstick scoring.
Anyone who would like to try out the app first can use the full range of Pro features free of charge for seven days, once per device. The trial ends automatically with no obligation to purchase. The app is available for iOS from version 15.1 onwards and for Android available.
Motorboats on Bavarian lakes: what is permitted
Anyone wishing to sail a motorboat on one of the five lakes covered by these regulations must be aware of the different rules. On Lake Tegernsee, motorboats with internal combustion engines are generally not permitted. Anyone wishing to use a motorboat on the lake may only do so with an electric boat, for which owners must obtain a permit once a year.
On Lake Starnberg and Lake Ammer, only a limited number of permits are issued for internal combustion engines. On Lake Chiemsee, all motorised boats require a permit from the Traunstein District Office, regardless of whether they are powered by a petrol or electric motor.
You might also be interested in:
David Ingelfinger
Volontär