Comparison

Practical Boat Owner NA vs SailsSearch

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Practical Boat Owner NA

Access expert advice, DIY projects, and essential marine knowledge for boat owners. Explore maintenance guides, gear reviews, and sailing insights in a convenient digital format. Start navigating with confidence through coastal cruising and offshore adventures.

Highlights
  • Expert boating advice
  • DIY maintenance guides
  • Marine gear reviews
  • Sailing and navigation insights
  • Second-hand boat listings
  • Digital magazine format
Features
Read full description

Practical Boat Owner is the trusted magazine for global boating enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their boat. Now in a convenient digital version, it delivers expert advice, DIY projects and essential marine knowledge straight to your device. Inside every issue: - Practical guides on maintenance, repairs & upgrades - Insights into marine services, gear, and second-hand boat listings - Expert advice on charts, weather and offshore sailing - Clear, hands-on knowledge for every owner From coastal cruising to offshore adventures, Practical Boat Owner INT is the smart sailor’s companion—wherever you are in the world. Download now to access your free trial and start navigating with confidence. ------------------- Once you’ve downloaded our app, you will need to take a free trial or purchase a single issue or subscription to access our in-depth content. We also publish specials and guides - browse our publications, read what interests you most, and get inspired. Back issues, specials, and future issues are available for purchase within the app. Subscriptions are available on various monthly and annual terms, and auto-renew until you decide to cancel it. Check inside the app for current pricing. *** Please Note: Our digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with the print edition *** • The free trial offer is only available to new subscribers. If you have previously subscribed then payment will be taken immediately. • You can cancel at any time during the free trial period and you will not be charged. Simply turn off auto-renew in your Apple account subscriptions page at least 24 hours before the auto-renew is due. • Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. • You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, for the same duration and at the current subscription rate for that product. • You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase . • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. This does not affect your statutory rights. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. • We will be collecting information about your use of the app both when you are online and offline. To find out more please see our privacy policy. The subscription will include the current issue if you don't already own it and subsequently published future issues for the duration of your subscription period. ------------------- By purchasing a subscription or downloading an app you agree that you have read and accept Future Publishing Ltd's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/ www.futureplc.com/terms-conditions/

About

SailsSearch

Features
Read full description

SailsSearch is a sailing platform for discovering, creating, and organizing yacht trips, crew opportunities, regattas, and sailing courses worldwide. Find verified sailing activities, connect directly with captains and organizers, or create your own sailing event to manage participants and keep your group better organized. With SailsSearch, you can: • Discover yacht trips and sailing experiences Browse available sailing activities, routes, boat details, prices, and trip formats. • Create and organize sailing activities Captains, sailing schools, and organizers can create yacht trips, crew opportunities, regattas, or training activities, share details with participants, and manage group communication in one place. • Contact captains and organizers directly Ask questions, confirm details, and plan your sailing experience without unnecessary barriers. SailsSearch currently does not add a platform commission to traveler bookings. • Find crew opportunities Join crews for yacht trips, yacht deliveries, mile-building, regattas, and other sailing adventures. • Explore regattas and training Find sailing events, courses, and learning opportunities from experienced providers. • Make more confident decisions Use verified profiles, trust signals, and real user reviews to better understand who you are sailing with. SailsSearch is designed for travelers, beginner sailors, experienced crew members, captains, sailing schools, and regatta organizers. Whether you want to book a yacht trip, join a crew, create a sailing activity, organize a group, learn to sail, or take part in a regatta, SailsSearch helps you connect with the right people and get on the water with confidence. Set sail with SailsSearch.

Screenshots

Practical Boat Owner NA4 screens
SailsSearch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SailsSearch at none against Practical Boat Owner NA's 10. SailsSearch also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Practical Boat Owner NA sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. SailsSearch asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Practical Boat Owner NA ships an update every 5 months, SailsSearch every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Practical Boat Owner NA versus SailsSearch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPractical Boat Owner NASailsSearch
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (21 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews45.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings21 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB66 MB
Age rating9+17+
DeveloperFuture plcDmytro Igonkin

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Practical Boat Owner NA

Subscriptions3
  • 1 Month Subscription$8.991 Month
  • Practical Boat Owner Subscriptions Alt$9.991 Year
  • 1 Year Subscription1 Month trial$39.991 Year
One-time7
  • PBO Skippers' Handbook 2014$2.99
  • Essential Maintenance Guide North America$5.99
  • Essential Maintenance Guide 2016$6.99
Show 4 more
  • February 2015$9.99
  • Summer 2015$9.99
  • August 2016 na$9.99
  • Practical Boat Owner Project Boat Handbook 2015$9.99
None

SailsSearch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Practical Boat Owner NA free?
Practical Boat Owner NA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SailsSearch free?
SailsSearch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Practical Boat Owner NA or SailsSearch have ads?
Both Practical Boat Owner NA and SailsSearch show ads.
Which is updated more often, Practical Boat Owner NA or SailsSearch?
Practical Boat Owner NA ships an update every 5 months, and SailsSearch every 6 weeks. Most recently, Practical Boat Owner NA was updated on November 1, 2026 and SailsSearch on November 4, 2026.

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