WaterNav

WaterNav

Connecting The Community

6 ratings
62 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • March 10, 2021
  • June 25, 2026

Features

WaterNav screenshot #1 for iPhone
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WaterNav screenshot #9 for iPhone
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About

This app provides offline waterway maps and navigation tools, displaying points of interest, locks, bridges, and closures. It offers route planning with customizable journey times and speed, and includes special features for River Canal Rescue members.

Offline map access
Real-time GPS location tracking
Points of interest display
Waterway information (locks, bridges, closures)
Route planning with customizable options
Exclusive RCR member features
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What's New in WaterNav

3.0.17

June 25, 2026

Like a well-run lock, WaterNav is always being fine-tuned behind the scenes. Keep updates on to enjoy the latest improvements.

User reviews

Genuinely useful, if a little rough around the edges

Really, really useful for a new boater, save that it inexplicably requires a (admittedly free) account. There are a few areas it could do with a little more polish, but the sense of humour in the loading screens more than makes up for that. Oh, and there’s a weird bug where map updates often fail to download, but that wasn’t really an issue on our short trip.
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Very useful, needs W3W

The app is very useful but I would encourage the developers to add What3Words location info as this is now preferred by the emergency services.

No downloads

Im trying to download England and wales for planning a route but the download stops at 40% consistently. I have decent cell service with 3 bars of 4G. Surely that should be sufficient.

Without a download the app is completely useless as far as I can tell

Also I’m sure I had downloaded at one point and have no idea it went away until I launched the app again to demonstrate.

UPDATE
Now that I have a boat I’ve been using the app more. I think it’s biggest drawback is the need for RCR membership to add notes and whatever other options are available.

I mean, it’s the app I’m interested in not the RCR (no offence)
A modest fee for the full app usage would be appropriate.
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New upgrade loses functionality

I’m on iPhone 16 pro max iOS 26.5. Route search never finds anywhere and I keep getting asked re icon size but I have no icons at all. Only usefulness is route which does work with pin. Otherwise reverting to other apps

Decent

Hmmm is this meant to work or is it one of those “”beta”” versions?

Developer apps

FAQ

What does WaterNav do?

WaterNav provides offline access to waterway maps, displaying thousands of updated points of interest like pubs, shops, and moorings, along with essential waterway information such as locks, bridges, and canal closures. It uses your phone's GPS to show your precise location on the map, acting as a companion for those enjoying the waterways.

What are the key features of WaterNav?

Key features include offline map access after downloading, real-time GPS location tracking, display of numerous points of interest and waterway infrastructure, and route planning options. River Canal Rescue members also receive exclusive features like membership details, callout logging, and engineer tracking.

Is WaterNav free to use?

Yes, the WaterNav app is free to use. Creating an account for enhanced route planning options is also free with no obligations. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

What devices is WaterNav compatible with?

The app monitors your location using the phone's inbuilt GPS, suggesting it is designed for smartphones and potentially tablets that have GPS capabilities. Regular updates are recommended to ensure you have the latest features and issue resolutions.

Who would benefit from using WaterNav?

WaterNav is an essential companion for boaters, ramblers, cyclists, and anyone else who spends time on or around waterways. It helps users navigate, find points of interest, and stay informed about waterway conditions, even without an internet connection.