About
SeaPilot is a feature-rich nautical navigation app developed to bring professional-grade electronic chart navigation to recreational and semi-professional boaters. Founded in 2011 and acquired by Raymarine in 2018, SeaPilot is available on iOS and Android and uses vectorized S-57 chart data sourced directly from national maritime administrations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with professional standards. The app offers two tiers: SeaPilot Basic (free) provides core navigation including GPS positioning, MOB (Man Overboard) alerts, chart updates by cell, and Social Boating. SeaPilot Premium ($39.99/year) unlocks advanced features such as weather routing, GRIB data visualization, Internet AIS for real-time vessel tracking, route and waypoint management, GPX import/export, NMEA sensor integration (AIS, GPS, heading), CPA collision prevention assist, and multi-device access across up to five devices simultaneously. Nautical charts are purchased separately within the app by country (US charts are free), covering coastal areas, and in some regions, lakes and inland waterways. SeaPilot's Social Boating feature lets users find and track friends on the water, making it ideal for group outings. Whether you are a casual weekend sailor or a serious coastal navigator, SeaPilot delivers reliable, up-to-date charts and situational awareness tools directly on your mobile device.
Key Features
- Digital Nautical Charts: Vectorized S-57 chart data from national maritime administrations, purchasable by country directly in the app. US charts are free.
- Real-Time Internet AIS: Track nearby vessels in real time using Internet AIS, with CPA (Collision Prevention Assist) for enhanced situational awareness.
- Weather Routing & GRIB Data: Access MeteoGroup weather forecasts and GRIB data visualization, plus automated weather-optimized route planning from A to B.
- NMEA Sensor Integration: Connect external AIS, GPS, and heading sensors via NMEA to enrich onboard data directly within the app.
- Social Boating: Find and share your location with boating friends on the water, making group outings safer and more fun.
Use Cases
- Recreational coastal boating and sailing with up-to-date digital nautical charts
- Real-time AIS vessel tracking and collision avoidance for safer passages
- Weather-aware voyage planning using GRIB data and automated weather routing
- Group boating trips with friends tracked via the Social Boating feature
- Integration with onboard NMEA sensors for enhanced navigational data on mobile devices
Pros
- Free to Download: The Basic tier is fully functional for core navigation at no cost, lowering the barrier to entry for new boaters.
- Professional-Grade Standards: Built on commercial shipping navigation standards and official S-57 chart data, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Broad Geographic Coverage: Available in over 25 countries with charts from official national maritime administrations, including free US charts.
- Multi-Device Support: Premium subscribers can use SeaPilot on up to five devices simultaneously, great for crew-based navigation.
Cons
- Charts Sold Separately: Most nautical charts must be purchased individually within the app (outside the US), adding cost beyond the app subscription.
- Advanced Features Behind Paywall: Key capabilities like weather routing, AIS, route planning, and NMEA integration all require the $39.99/year Premium subscription.
- Limited to Marine Use: The app is purpose-built for boating and coastal navigation, offering no utility for land-based or aviation navigation needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SeaPilot free to use?
Yes, SeaPilot Basic is free to download and includes core navigation features. SeaPilot Premium costs $39.99 per year and unlocks advanced features. Most nautical charts are purchased separately in-app (US charts are free).
In how many countries is SeaPilot available?
SeaPilot is available in over 25 countries, with nautical charts sourced from national maritime administrations covering coastal areas and, in some regions, lakes and major waterways.
What is the Social Boating feature?
Social Boating allows SeaPilot users to see their friends' locations on the chart in real time, making it easy to coordinate group boating trips and share the experience.
What does MOB mean in SeaPilot?
MOB stands for Man Overboard. Activating the MOB function immediately marks your current GPS position so you can quickly navigate back to the location where a person fell into the water.
Can I use SeaPilot on multiple devices?
Yes. SeaPilot Premium supports up to five devices simultaneously under a single subscription, so your whole crew can access the same navigation tools.
