# VesselView Mobile vs iHoy Captain

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iHoy Captain at 100% against VesselView Mobile's 47%. iHoy Captain also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). VesselView Mobile's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 16.6). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. iHoy Captain sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. VesselView Mobile asks for nothing beyond the download.

VesselView Mobile ships an update every 3 months, iHoy Captain weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VesselView Mobile | iHoy Captain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.1 (146 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vesselview-mobile/id1167532720/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **146** | — |
| Positive reviews | 46.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 96 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Mercury Marine LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1777822540) | [iHoy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720531982) |

## What reviewers say

### VesselView Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vesselview-mobile/id1167532720)

Monitor your Mercury Marine SmartCraft® engine data in real-time, track fuel consumption, and receive maintenance alerts. Connect wirelessly for full functionality or use basic tools like a speedometer and map without the module.

**Highlights:** Live engine data monitoring, Fuel usage tracking, Fault alerts and descriptions, Maintenance reminders, Speedometer tool, Map with points of interest, Location-tagged moment capture

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📊 Comprehensive engine data display
- 🎯 Easy setup and installation
- ⚡ Fast synchronization with module
- 🔧 Useful for maintenance tracking
- 💰 Cost-effective alternative to analog gauges

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent Bluetooth disconnection issues
- 📵 iOS compatibility problems (especially iOS 18)
- 🔌 Unreliable connection stability
- ❌ Limited engine data from expensive module
- 🎨 Basic, outdated interface design

**Reported bugs**

- App won't connect after iOS updates
- Bluetooth disconnects constantly
- App crashes on startup
- Touchpad unresponsive after iOS 18
- Freezes when opening or switching apps

**Requested features**

- Landscape/portrait orientation support
- Trim and tilt angle display
- Dial/analog gauge options
- Apple Watch app integration
- Simulation mode for setup


### iHoy Captain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihoy-captain/id6474068271)

Control your boat's autopilot and navigate with nautical charts directly from your mobile device. Enjoy features like remote maneuvering, motion control, and dual screen modes for a user-friendly experience. It also provides essential weather information for your trips.

**Highlights:** Nautical chart access, Mobile autopilot control, Remote boat maneuvering, Motion-based steering, Dual screen display options, Meteo information, Multi-user functionality

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Montenegro Folio | $9.99 | per year |
| Germany Folio | $9.99 | per year |
| United States Folio | $9.99 | per year |
| Brazil Folio | $19.99 | per year |
| Tonga Folio | $19.99 | per year |
| Niue Folio | $19.99 | per year |
| Tokelau Folio | $19.99 | per year |
| Samoa Folio | $19.99 | per year |
| Colombia - Caribbean Sea 2 | $39.99 | per year |
| Colombia - Pacific Ocean 1 | $39.99 | per year |
| Colombia - Caribbean Sea 3 | $39.99 | per year |
| Colombia - Pacific Ocean 2 | $39.99 | per year |
| Colombia - Pacific Ocean 3 | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VesselView Mobile free?

VesselView Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iHoy Captain free?

iHoy Captain is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do VesselView Mobile or iHoy Captain have ads?

Neither VesselView Mobile nor iHoy Captain shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VesselView Mobile or iHoy Captain?

VesselView Mobile ships an update every 3 months, and iHoy Captain weekly. Most recently, VesselView Mobile was updated on October 11, 2026 and iHoy Captain on October 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*