# WaterNav — Connecting The Community > Offline waterway navigation and points of interest for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. (iPhone/iPad app by River Canal Rescue.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/waternav/id1554872132 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [River Canal Rescue](https://appshunter.io/developer/1166619647) - Category: Navigation, Travel - Price: Free - Rating: 3.20/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 61 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15 · 74 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2021-03-10 - Data updated: 2026-08-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/waternav/id1554872132/reviews.md ## What is WaterNav? WaterNav is unique in that it has been developed so that you can access all date even without an active internet connection. (It works offline once the maps are downloaded) It monitors you location using the phones inbuilt GPS, giving your precise location on the map. The maps display thousands of continually updated points of interest (such as pubs, shops, vets, diesel, moorings, etc), as well as all the waterway information such as locks, bridges, turning points, etc, and canal closures. It is the essential towpath companions for boaters, ramblers, cyclists, or anyone else enjoying the waterways. The route planning options and enhanced options are available once you create an account (no charges or obligations) and with options of picking location, searching for a location or using your own current position it provides lots of flexibility. You can also chose journey times, lock delays and speed. River Canal Rescue members will automatically be granted access to a special RCR interface that will offer exclusive features. RCR members will be able to access their membership details, see their RCR history, log callouts, book services, and request additional works. They will also be able to utilise a new arrival aid system which will allow them to track their engineer in real time. The WaterNav App is in ongoing development (our inhouse developers will respond to all requests or issues - just remember it can take time to get issues updated). There are new updates and development of new features and we are resolving issues continually. ( so make sure you regularly update, and let us know if we can make things easier for you) ## Key features - 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 ## Recent user reviews (10 of 61) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/waternav/id1554872132/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Very useful, needs W3W *2026-07-15, version 3.0.17* 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. ### 3/5 — No downloads *2026-06-22* 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. ### 2/5 — New upgrade loses functionality *2026-05-29* 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 ### 3/5 — Decent *2026-05-06, version 3.0.8* Hmmm is this meant to work or is it one of those “”beta”” versions? ### 5/5 — Much better *2026-05-05* Downloaded the latest version and there were issues, contacted app support and with in two days a new patch had been released fixing the issues. The app is now much better than it originally was. An essential tool for anyone on the UK Canal network. ### 1/5 — Unusable *2025-11-04, version 1.6.5.1* The app requires you to sign up but that is impossible as you can only use letters and numbers, there is no option at all to choose the @ sign ### 2/5 — Unusable *2025-08-20, version 1.6.5.1* Can’t use the route planning function as you have to sign up using an email address. But the email address box only allows letters and numbers, no @ or . can be entered. ### 2/5 — Unable to download region *2025-07-17, version 1.6.5.1* Had to reinstall the app but after doing so am now unable to download the region. Used to use it all the time but is currently unusable. ### 1/5 — Broken but good when working *2025-07-14, version 1.6.5.1* Asks you to download the relevant data pack then the button just doesn’t work, needs fixing asap ### 3/5 — Not good *2025-06-15, version 1.6.5.1* This app will not let me create an account as cannot get the @sign up to put in my password. Not sure why this is. It will only bring up numbers with letters underneath like on a really old mobile. ## Frequently asked questions about WaterNav ### 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. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.0.17 — 2026-06-25 Like a well-run lock, WaterNav is always being fine-tuned behind the scenes. Keep updates on to enjoy the latest improvements. ### 3.0.16 — 2026-06-21 Like a well-run lock, WaterNav is always being fine-tuned behind the scenes. Keep updates on to enjoy the latest improvements. ### 3.0.15 — 2026-06-19 Like a well-run lock, WaterNav is always being fine-tuned behind the scenes. Keep updates on to enjoy the latest improvements. ### 3.0.14 — 2026-06-11 Like a well-run lock, WaterNav is always being fine-tuned behind the scenes. Keep updates on to enjoy the latest improvements. ### 3.0.13 — 2026-05-29 Like a well-run lock, WaterNav is always being fine-tuned behind the scenes. Keep updates on to enjoy the latest improvements. ## Apps similar to WaterNav | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [OS Maps: Walk, Hike, Run, Bike](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/os-maps-walk-hike-run-bike/id978307846) | 4.7 (431) | Free | Navigation | | [Aqua Map Boating](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aqua-map-boating/id919552329) | 4.7 (13,477) | Free | Navigation | | [Orca: Boat GPS, Charts, Routes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orca-boat-gps-charts-routes/id1514423198) | 4.6 (352) | Free | Navigation | | [Savvy Navvy: Boat Navigation](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/savvy-navvy-boat-navigation/id1479182650) | 4.7 (7,760) | Free | Navigation | | [UK Waterways Map](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uk-waterways-map/id6738012734) | — | Free | Navigation | | [Canals.UK](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canalsuk/id1588058538) | 4.8 (52) | Free | Navigation | ## More apps by River Canal Rescue - [RCR SOS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rcr-sos/id1306899963) All apps by River Canal Rescue: https://appshunter.io/developer/1166619647 --- *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 2026-08-10.*