# Virtual Buoys — MR340 River Navigation

> River navigation app for MR340 race, tracking channel and speed. (iPhone/iPad app by Dennis Smith.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-buoys/id1619247977 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dennis Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/490518026)
- Category: Navigation, Health & Fitness
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 4 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-04-20
- Data updated: 2026-08-08
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-buoys/id1619247977/reviews.md

## What is Virtual Buoys?

The fastest current is in the river channel on the Missouri River, and the fastest way from Kansas City, Kansas to St. Charles, Missouri is to use an app that will help you stay in the channel.  Virtual Buoys does that.  In addition, Virtual Buoys keeps track of how close you are to the Reaper and how fast you must paddle to stay ahead of the Reaper.  In short, Virtual Buoy helps you complete the MR340.

## Key features

- River channel navigation
- Speed tracking
- Race progress monitoring
- MR340 completion aid
- Fastest route guidance

## Chart rankings

- #182 in Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)


## Frequently asked questions about Virtual Buoys

### What is Virtual Buoys?

Virtual Buoys is a navigation application designed to assist users in navigating the Missouri River channel, specifically for the MR340 race. It helps users stay in the channel and track their speed relative to a 'Reaper' element.

### How much does Virtual Buoys cost?

Virtual Buoys is a paid application, available for $4.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all its navigation and tracking features.

### What devices support Virtual Buoys?

Virtual Buoys is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS users.

### Is Virtual Buoys suitable for all ages?

Virtual Buoys has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The content is generally appropriate for younger audiences.

### How often is Virtual Buoys updated?

The latest version of Virtual Buoys is 5.0, last updated on June 3, 2026. While this indicates a recent update, the frequency of future updates is not specified.

### What is the user sentiment for Virtual Buoys?

Based on available data, Virtual Buoys has a rating of 4.0 stars from 2 ratings. This suggests a generally positive reception from its current user base.

### Does Virtual Buoys have ads?

No, Virtual Buoys does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an ad-free experience for its users.

### Can Virtual Buoys be used offline?

The provided data does not specify whether Virtual Buoys supports offline navigation. For critical race conditions, it's advisable to ensure a stable internet connection.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.4 — 2026-07-21

Version 5.4 improves the accuracy of location services.  
It also lists hazards on the navigation screen if they are designated as such in the event file.  
It improves the presentation of crossing buoys.
Audio alerts have been shortened slightly to eliminate as much surplus speech as possible.
Version 5.4 doesn't eliminate any known bugs, because there were no known bugs.

### 5.2 — 2026-06-09

Version 5.2 eliminates a bug that did not provide audio updates on the "Actions" screen.

### 5.1 — 2026-06-04

5.0 This version introduces the concept of "crossing buoys".  These are the Virtual Buoys where the navigation line of the river starts turning in the opposite direction.  
The speed presented to the user is the speed along the navigation line, not the absolute speed on the river.
Heat warning have been added so that the user can be aware when his or her device is becoming too hot to operate.
You can now require reminders to be acknowledged to keep better track of reaction to the reminders.
5.1  Bug fixes

### 5.0 — 2026-06-03

This version introduces the concept of "crossing buoys".  These are the Virtual Buoys where the navigation line of the river start turning in the opposite direction.
The speed presented to the user is the speed along the navigation line, not the absolute speed on the river.
Heat warnings have been added so that the user can be aware when his or her device is becoming to hot to operate.
You can now require reminders to be acknowledged to keep better track of reactions to the reminders.

### 2.0 — 2023-01-18

Speed and distance now refer to channel speed and distance.  This gives a more accurate indication of how you are progressing down the river.
Other minor updates have been included.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-08.*
