Best method to share location with friends

[cnsutter]

I sail along the New England cost, rarely far enough from shore to lose cell signal. I'm looking for a cell phone app that allows me to email or text friends a link where they can watch our boat position live. I have played with a couple that don't seem to work quite right. I don't need Iridium or other offshore networks, though that's kind of what I'm looking for but using a phone app. Just curious if anyone is already using something.

[sailormed]

IOS or Android?

[HopCar]

Even if you usually have cell coverage you might want to look at the DeLorme, now Garmin, In Reach. I followed my friend Richard across the Atlantic twice and was able to exchange text messages with him the whole way.

It's not horribly expensive.

Here is a magazine article about it: GARMIN INREACH EXPLORER+ | Boating Magazine

This is Richards track: https://share.delorme.com/dauntless

[StuM]

Sharing with Google Maps: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/7326816

or here's a bunch of apps: deadspin-quote-carrot-aligned-w-bgr-2

[hafa]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Even if you usually have cell coverage you might want to look at the DeLorme, now Garmin, In Reach.

+1 for the InReach; ~$200 for the DeLorme branded units on Ebay and ~$30 per month, as you need it, pause whenever you like. The Earthmate app runs via bluetooth on Android and IOS and allows full integration with all InReach features, including messages, tracking, History, account, weather and SOS functions.

The units work just about anywhere in the world and are dead simple to use.

[cnsutter]

Thanks for the input guys. StuM, I also found that list and have been trying a couple of them out. Google Maps might be the best option for me.

I will also look into the InReach.

[lamadriver]

Farkwar

friends of interest can subscribe to your positon if they really want to know where you are!

[cnsutter]

Glympse seems to do exactly what I wanted. Farkwar is interesting though and I signed up and will try it out.

[Cormorant]

I haven't used it, but isn't that what ActiveCaptain Locations does?

https://activecaptain.com/locations/

[AedanC]

The Boat Beacon App can get your boat and the last 24 hour track up on MarineTraffic.com. Please note though that contrary to claims made it is NOT an AIS transmitter and your vessel will not be detected by other local vessels with AIS receivers.

[Bruce S]

You could look at www.skipr.net. We use it to allow family and friends t follow our journey whilst coastal cruising. It costs nothing to be a registered user and is simple to use.

[Gudgeon]

Doesn't google maps require some type of data connection (cell service) ?

[Scrimshaw4]

I also highly recommend you check out the Garmin InReach! It provides an very large range of capabilities at a nominal cost. I've been using mine for THE PAST Three years both on my own boat as well as on deliveries. My shore contacts have truly appreciated the information and security features it provides. JMHO

[alctel]

Could also look into getting an AIS transponder - helpful for traffic avoidance too.

[CShawn]

I use MotionX-GPS for running that has live updates via Facebook, Email, Twitter or Map. Not sure how it would handle battery life for extended periods.
Runkeeper has "Broadcast Live" but I have not tested it.
GPS Locator has a send option via SMS or mail, but I don't see an automatic method. If you remember to update, it looks pretty simple.