SEAiq

I have logged over 10k offshore sailing miles on SEAiq and consider it an essential piece of equipment. I highly recommend it to boaters wanting a highly reliable navigation app, which boasts tons of features in a clean and sensical interface. To start, it is incomparably more versatile than Navionics for plotting routes and waypoints, estimating AIS target crossing range, as well as visualizing vessel data. For the last bit I use a YDWR02 NMEA-Wifi router, which wirelessly transmits all vessel sensor output to SEAiq on my iPads (such as GPS, speed, wind, depth, etc.). Features I especially appreciate include ‘NMEA data smoothing’ (for an easier read on COG/AWS/SOG) and the ability to switch into ‘dark mode’ (to preserve your night vision). The app allows you to modify all kinds of parameters, enable alarms (wind speed, depth, AIS, anchor, etc.) and check tides, to name a few. Similar to OpenCPN, you can also load custom satellite charts (.kap files from GoogleEarth or VentureFarther) which are invaluable when navigating in places where vector charts are inaccurate (ie. Navionics in Fiji) and/or when anchoring around rocks/coral reefs. You can also load vector charts from subscription-based services like ChartWorld or NZ ENC, although I did find it quite complicated to setup initially (‘certificates’ and ‘user permits’ are required for each device). As a result, I often use SEAiq in tandem with Navionics while navigating in coastal waters, as the latter still offers great chart detail in most places. On the other hand, if you don’t plan on leaving US territorial waters, the NOAA charts in SEAiq are free and very easy to load. Furthermore, all chart files and tracks are saved in an easily accessible folder, so you can backup, modify or share them across devices. I have never had any charts accidentally disappear, nor has the app ever crashed on me (unlike Navionics, which does so constantly). Lastly, I am thankful to the developer, who was quick to answer any questions I have had thus far. The only request I would have is to add support for .MBTiles :) Thanks and keep up the good work! Highly recommend.

opfreiSat, Sep 9, 2023

United States

We use SEAIQ and Navionics on a daily basis. Navionics primarily for new harbors in the US due to their sonar charts but we use SEAIQ whenever underway outside the harbor. There is room for improvement but likely features I am interested are geared towards weekend cruises whereas SEAIQ is focused on professionals. I still love it though.

Roadsailor89Sat, Aug 5, 2023

United States

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).

MissingGravitasWed, Jun 2, 2021

United States

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!

fiberman-67Fri, Jul 17, 2020

United States

I have been using SeaIQ for 2 years now. It was used to sail from fort Pierce to the Bahamas loading all Explorer charts (Raster). Then later loading all my vectors charts used on OpenCPN we sailed from the Bahamas to Cayman, Guatemala. Just had some issue with some S-63 charts - but I have the same issue with OpenCPN. The app is very intuitive and easy to learn. We are using it more now than our laptop and as a substitute to our Navionics chartplotter where some charts are unreliable. So far it is the best app for navigation. they could get all stars if I could use better Pacific Charts or my old CM-93 charts that are better than what their charts suppliers are selling! Simply “THE BEST”

PVcatTue, Feb 4, 2020

United States

Great navigation app. Uses NOAA Raster and ENC charts. All the extras like tides and are integrated nicely.

desk_navigatorSun, Jul 14, 2019

United States

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.

Cooper-4-1-6Mon, Aug 20, 2018

United States