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BoatNerd

BoatNerd

Great Lakes Ship Tracker

6 ratings
4 reviews
✈️ Travel
🗺️ Navigation
Free

Details

Released
June 23, 2026
Updated
September 17, 2026

Features

Developer

Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online Inc
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About

Track live vessel traffic on the Great Lakes and beyond with real-time AIS data. View ship positions, speed, destination, and detailed profiles. Ideal for enthusiasts, photographers, and maritime professionals.

✓Live AIS vessel tracking
✓Interactive maps
✓Real-time vessel data
✓Detailed vessel profiles
✓ETA waypoint tools
✓Vessel passage history
✓Free nautical charts and weather layers
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What's New in BoatNerd

1.0.1

September 17, 2026

A little maintenance below deck. •⁠ ⁠Fixed several bugs affecting vessel tracking and map interactions. •⁠ ⁠Improved app stability and performance. •⁠ ⁠Polished a few rough edges across the app. •⁠ ⁠Various other fixes to keep BoatNerd running smoothly. Fair winds and following seas.

More

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Limited Coverage

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway only. You’ll need another app if you want to track vessels elsewhere.
JJackwacker1

Amazing resource!

Amazing app.
CCallMeCrumb

Simple and outstanding!

With the “demise” of the Marine Traffic app, this fills that void and does so 100x over! Well done!
TTenncoastie

Amazing!!!

I’ve been using boatnerd since I started spotting ships a long while ago and it’s amazing, my favorite of any ais or ship site, and I am so stoked that it’s an app now
CDCharlie Corbin D

FAQ

What is BoatNerd?

BoatNerd is a free navigation app that provides live AIS vessel tracking across the Great Lakes and other waterways. It allows users to monitor real-time ship positions, speed, and destination information.

Is BoatNerd free to use?

Yes, BoatNerd is completely free to download and use. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, making it a fully free experience for all users.

What devices does BoatNerd support?

BoatNerd is available for iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is optimized for mobile use with an easy-to-understand interface.

How accurate is the vessel tracking in BoatNerd?

Vessel tracking accuracy in BoatNerd depends on AIS signal availability and coverage. Some areas may experience limited or delayed data, but the app strives to provide the most up-to-date information possible.

Can I see past vessel movements with BoatNerd?

Yes, BoatNerd features a Vessel Passage Section that allows you to view both past and future passages of vessels. This provides historical context and helps in planning.

Does BoatNerd offer offline maps?

BoatNerd provides free US and Canadian Nautical Chart Layers, as well as weather and buoy layers. While these layers enhance navigation, the live tracking functionality requires an active internet connection due to its reliance on AIS data.

How often is BoatNerd updated?

BoatNerd is updated frequently, powered by AIS data sources. The app was last updated on June 23, 2026, with version 1.0, indicating ongoing development and data integration.

What kind of vessels can I track with BoatNerd?

With BoatNerd, you can track a wide variety of vessels including freighters, tankers, tugboats, and passenger vessels. The app provides real-time information on their positions, speed, course, and destination.