PassageMaker vs Boat Innovation
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PassageMaker
Access a wealth of information for trawler enthusiasts and long-range cruisers. Discover resources for purchasing and building various boat types, and stay informed about the latest in marine technology and events.
- Offline reading of downloaded issues
- Customizable reading modes (light, dark, sepia)
- Adjustable font sizes
- Interactive table of contents
- Bookmark saved articles
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PASSAGEMAKER is the trusted authority for 30+ years for trawler enthusiasts and long-range cruisers who live to venture beyond the reef. Rely on resources for purchase and building traditional or custom trawlers, plus multihulls, pilothouse, and bluewater motorsailers. Stay updated with the latest in engines, electronics, gear, and events. Site: https://PassageMaker.com FEATURES: -Optimized for Your Device: Enjoy a smooth, browser-friendly experience. -Offline Reading: Download issues to your device browser to read anytime, even without wifi. -Bookmarks: Save articles to revisit later. -Text View: Switch to a responsive reading view for comfort. -Reading Modes: Customize background (light, dark, sepia, gray) and adjust font size. -Interactive Table of Contents: Easily jump between articles. NOTE: When purchasing a subscription or single copy of this title, you agree to the privacy and policy and terms of use which can be viewed at http://Firecrown.com/Privacy-Policy and http://Firecrown.com/Terms-of-Use. PASSAGEMAKER publishes 8 issues a year, but reserves the right to change the number of issues in an annual term, including discontinuing any format and substituting and/or modifying the manner in which the subscription is distributed. Apple iOS Subscriptions: Subscription(s) will automatically renew via your Apple Account prior to the end of your subscription term. You can turn off the Apple auto-renew feature up to 24-hours before the end of your subscription by going into Apple Account Settings. Subscriptions cannot be cancelled during the active subscription period.
Boat Innovation
Automate the deployment and retraction of boat fenders with a single button press. This system stores fenders discreetly and adjusts their height for various docking situations, enhancing safety and convenience on the water.
- Automatic fender deployment and retraction
- Single button operation
- Under-railing fender storage
- Adjustable fender height
- Solar-powered with rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth control from anywhere on the boat
- Unique username and password for security
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Climbing on a boat deck to deploy fenders is the #1 boating annoyance and a significant risk. The Automatic Fender™ deploys or lifts bow fenders with a single push of a button without the need to climb on the boat bow/deck. The fenders are stored horizontally under the railing, almost invisible eliminating the need for fender baskets. Fender height from the water is set to support different height docks and rafting/tethering (boat to boat) tying. Installing an Automatic Fender™ takes about 30 minutes and only requires connecting three clamps (no drilling). No electrical connection to the boat is required, the Automatic Fender™ comes with maintenance fee rechargeable battery that stays charged using a solar cell and communicates using Bluetooth. You can always control the Automatic Fender™ from any location on the boat. Delivered with a unique username and password to prevent unauthorized operation and deter theft. The Automatic Fender works with different size center (through) hole fenders. Designed and manufactured in Silicon Valley, California. Features and functionality: * Deploy fenders to dock or rub rail level. * Lift to store. * Pre set dock and rub rail height. * Automatic notifications, for example while accelerating when fenders are still deployed. * And much more.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Boat Innovation at 100% against PassageMaker's 7%. Boat Innovation also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 47). PassageMaker's advantage is ratings volume (52 vs 5) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). 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
Both are free to download. PassageMaker sells 47 in-app purchases, starting at $27.00 per year. Boat Innovation asks for nothing beyond the download.
Boat Innovation holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PassageMaker has 52 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 7% of PassageMaker's written reviews are positive against 100% of Boat Innovation's.
PassageMaker ships an update every 3 months, Boat Innovation every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PassageMaker | Boat Innovation |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (52 ratings) | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 6.7% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 52 — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 89 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Flying Media Group, LLC | Arditi Holdings LLC |
Customer experience
PassageMaker
Boat Innovation
In-app purchases
PassageMaker
- 1 Year | PassageMaker1 Month trial$27.001 Year
- April 2014 Issue$5.99
- May/June 2014 Issue$5.99
- January/February 2018$5.99
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- 2020 03 Mar/Apr$5.99
- September 2020$5.99
- October 2020$5.99
- January/February 2021$5.99
- 2021 March$5.99
- 2021 April$5.99
- 2022 March$5.99
- March 2023$5.99
- July August 2023$5.99
- 2023 Oct$5.99
- January February 2024$5.99
- November December 2023$5.99
- May June 2023$5.99
- 2026 March$5.99
- 2022 April$5.99
- January/February 2026$5.99
- 2025 October$5.99
- 2024 October$5.99
- 2025 September$5.99
- 2024 September$5.99
- 2023 Sept$5.99
- May/June 2019 issue$5.99
- July/August 2025$5.99
- July/August 2022$5.99
- May/June 2020$5.99
- July/August 2018 issue$5.99
- May/June 2018 issue$5.99
- October 2016 issue$5.99
- January/February 2027$5.99
- November/December 2026$5.99
- July/August 2021$5.99
- 2026 October$5.99
- September 2019$5.99
- January /February 2023$5.99
- July/August 2017 issue$5.99
- April 2017 issue$5.99
- 2026 September$5.99
- 2026 April$5.99
- July/August 2024$5.99
- May/June 2026$5.99
- 2021 October$5.99
- November/December 2018$5.99
- May/Jun 2026$7.99
Boat Innovation
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PassageMaker free?
Is Boat Innovation free?
Which has better reviews, PassageMaker or Boat Innovation?
Do PassageMaker or Boat Innovation have ads?
Which is updated more often, PassageMaker or Boat Innovation?
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