Comparison

Skipper vs ChatSea

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

Head to head
About

Skipper

Record your boat trips with real-time GPS data, weather, and crew information. Securely store your boating history and relive your adventures with detailed maps and statistics. Import/export GPX files and manage your logbook with powerful search and filtering options.

Highlights
  • Real-time GPS trip recording
  • Log weather, crew, and boat details
  • Access trip statistics
  • Review adventures on maps
  • Search and filter logbook entries
  • Import/export GPX files
Read full description

Skipper is a simple yet powerful boating logbook app for iPhone and iPad. It allows you to automatically keep a permanent record of all your activities at sea and to securely store all your trips on your device to protect your entire boating history. If you love sailing or boating, Skipper is the perfect app! Features of Skipper: • Record your boat trips with your iPhone or iPad*: real-time GPS position, course, speed, duration, distance, track and more • Auto start recording your trips as soon as you leave your initial position • Log everything: weather, sea state, crew members, boat, departure/arrival places, sails used, engine hours, incidents, repairs, and more • Access accurate stats like distance, duration, average/top speed and more • Relive your adventures review your chronicles over time with beautiful maps • Search your logbook for name, notes or place and filter by crew member, boat, weather (wind force and direction) • Import/export GPX files • Nautical, metric and imperial units of measurement support Notes: • *Only the Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads have a built-in GPS, the Wi-Fi only iPads don't have a built-in GPS. • Skipper cannot be used as replacement for Automatic Identification System (AIS). • Continued use of GPS running in the background can decrease your device’s battery life: it is recommend to connect the device to a power outlet when possible. • GPS is completely independent of any Wi-Fi or Cellular data connection. • An Internet connection is required to download weather forecast and maps. • Maps provided by Apple. • Weather is provided by Apple. --- The first three recorded or imported activities are completely free of charge. Skipper+, an optional in-app subscription, unlocks unlimited activities. Development and ongoing maintenance are supported by Skipper+ subscribers. Thank you! Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage your subscription or turn off auto-renew by going to your App Store account settings after purchase. Cancellation of the current active subscription period is not allowed. • Privacy: https://skipper.alpennec.com/privacy • Terms and Conditions: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula

About

ChatSea

Read full description

Ch@tSea combines end-to-end encrypted 1:1 messaging with trusted maritime safety information, including navigational warnings and marine protected areas displayed directly on the map. Built on international maritime standards, Ch@tSea uses device-based certificates to verify users and protect communications, ensuring privacy and authenticity by design. Whether you’re sharing messages, exchanging locations, or staying informed about safety services from trusted providers, Ch@tSea helps you communicate with confidence—ship to shore.

Screenshots

Skipper4 screens
ChatSea4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ChatSea at none against Skipper's 13. On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Skipper sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. ChatSea asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Skipper versus ChatSea: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSkipperChatSea
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (36 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews79.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings36 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysEvery 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.5
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB41 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperAxel Le PennecAIVeNautics Corp.

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Skipper

Subscriptions8
  • Skipper+ Weekly$5.997 Days
  • Skipper+ Weekly$7.997 Days
  • Weekly2 variants$8.997 Days
Show 5 more
  • Skipper+ Yearly$29.991 Year
  • Yearly$35.991 Year
  • Yearly$44.991 Year
  • Yearly2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time3
  • Skipper+ Lifetime$14.99
  • Skipper+ Lifetime$99.99
  • Lifetime$124.99
None

ChatSea

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Skipper free?
Skipper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ChatSea free?
ChatSea is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Skipper or ChatSea have ads?
Neither Skipper nor ChatSea shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Skipper or ChatSea?
Skipper ships an update every 9 days, and ChatSea every 9 days. Most recently, Skipper was updated on October 26, 2026 and ChatSea on October 25, 2026.

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