Leave a Review SEAiq
Daily driver
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.Show lessopfrei
My favorite for beyond harbor
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.Show lessRoadsailor89
Good for S-63 charts
This app is one of the very few that supports official hydrographic charts (S-63).
The setup process is the simplest I have seen.
I have logged a bug about it and the team was responsive.
I would personally like to see it become a bit easier and more fully to use like Navionics although I do understand it is targeted at marine pilots and their needs.Show lessgregluck
Not user friendly
Instructions for chart installation and initial setup are not very helpful. So much time wasted trying to work out simple things that should be easy or at least have simple easy to follow instructionsfrustrated seaiq user
Great navigation program
This is a great navigation program for displaying official ENCs and the backup assistance is great, I had an issue with getting to display the ENC correctly when I changed over to another device, I sent an email describing the issue and included a screenshot and the tech guys email me within an hour and provided a solution, very happyShow lessIrishskipper
Please Add MBTILES Support
Works well on iPad, but it’s sadly lacking MBTILES support.Kevin Hiscox
Blown away!
Impressive number of professional-grade nautical navigation tools right on your personal device, and the ability to import your own ENC charts. Great product - very well done!eh3twenty
Only “real” navigation app out there
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).Show lessMissingGravitas
Good app
It is the only chartplotter app that allows you to use your own charts. It doesn’t support CM93 which some users may find a problem. It also does not support mbtiles which is also annoying. Other than that it is a good free app that supports a lot of different charts.Bunybunyfghhgrcvnjjrrwawsdfgjk
Good
Thanks youNovzaw
