Apps for sailing: How to turn your mobile device into an on-board instrument
David Ingelfinger
· 12.01.2026
In order to use apps effectively as on-board instruments, it is often necessary to install a WLAN gateway that seamlessly networks the individual on-board modules with the software. As soon as the connection is established, the owner has a flexible and cost-efficient overview of all relevant systems. In this context, it is also worth taking a look at the hardware manufacturers' apps: many offer specialised applications that can often be used free of charge with existing hardware. However, as the stability of the connection is not the same for all apps in practice, it helps to take a look at the user reviews in the app stores and sailing forums.
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.
Eleven apps for using mobile devices as an on-board instrument:
AirmarCAST
AirmarCAST is a specialised tool for performance sailors who have hardware such as the "Smart Sensor" DST810 installed in the hull. The unique selling point of the app is the precise calibration of the log, taking into account different heel angles. This level of detail in data correction is rarely achieved by conventional chart plotters. The app remains an essential calibration tool for regatta sailors who rely on precise basic data. The application requires Airmar hardware. In practice on board, the stability of the Bluetooth connection is occasionally discussed, as the signal transmission through the hull does not always work smoothly. The app itself is available free of charge.
Display0183M
The Display0183M application functions as a specialised data viewer for the NMEA-0183 protocol. It converts WLAN data into numerical values or graphical curves and offers a dedicated sail display. The support of ActiveLook glasses (e.g. Engo), which mirror the data directly into the skipper's field of vision, is remarkable. The free app remains a functional aid for the niche of older on-board architectures. 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
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. The user interface is perceived as outdated compared to current standards and updates are not provided on a regular basis. 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
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, "checksum errors" during large downloads (WLAN interruptions) and latencies in the OnDeck remote monitoring system are occasionally criticised. The app itself is free, but maps must be purchased separately.
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. According to users, the lack of image rotation on iPads also reduces ease of use. The basic version is free of charge. Options for remote monitoring cost between €175 and €280 per year.
B&G App
As a logical addition to the Zeus and Vulcan systems, the B&G app is aimed specifically at demanding cruising and regatta sailors. The centrepiece is the SailSteer dashboard, which bundles data such as wind direction, tides and course over ground in a single graphic. This is supplemented by regatta timers and weather forecasts focussing on gust potential and wave heights. As with the other manufacturer apps, users repeatedly report synchronisation problems between hardware and software. They also criticise the sometimes inadequate resolution when mirroring on modern retina displays. While the basic functions for planning and mirroring are free of charge, the premium subscription for professional weather data and AIS overlays costs €49.99 per year.
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. While the basic version is free of charge, access to professional features and the AIS display requires a subscription for €49.99 per year.
WilhelmSK
WilhelmSK is a powerful tool for owners who want to transform their iPad into a modern cockpit. The free visualisation of ship data allows parameters such as wind, depth, engine data or tank levels to be arranged individually on the display. Map layers such as OpenSeaMap or Navionics can be displayed for orientation, but do not replace dedicated navigation apps. A key advantage in 2026 is the customer-friendly pricing model: a one-off payment of €22.99 means the app does not require a subscription. One challenge is the technical set-up, which requires a Wi-Fi gateway or a Signal K server as well as appropriate network knowledge. As this is an individual project, the scope of support is limited.
- only for iOS
- Costs: One-off payment of €22.99
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. Regatta sailors benefit from specific modules for start timers and the calculation of performance values based on polar data. 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
Orca
Orca combines the computing power of mobile devices with specialised hardware. The system uses vector maps, which enable the maps to be zoomed and panned without delay. While the Plus package (€49/year) offers worldwide offline maps, only Smart Navigation (€149/year) unlocks weather-based routing as well as AIS and instrument integration. In conjunction with the optional Orca Core hardware (€549), the tablet becomes a fully-fledged display including autopilot control. The global pricing model often seems oversized for regional skippers. In addition, cancellation leads to the immediate loss of all offline maps.
NMEA Dashboard
NMEA Dashboard is the functional counterpart for Android users who want to flexibly mirror their ship data on mobile devices. The app receives NMEA 0183 data via WLAN and allows the user to create completely customised display layouts for parameters such as wind, depth, course or speed. The target group is primarily skippers who want to use their Android tablet as an inexpensive second display in the cockpit or at the chart table. The very functional, almost old-fashioned design is often criticised, but this is offset by extremely stable performance and low resource consumption. The pricing model is fair: A free basic version allows you to test the connection, while the ad-free Pro version with full functionality can be unlocked for €5.99.
- only for Android
- Costs: One-off payment of €5.99
