Anchor Watch Software

[2RSqrd]

I've been reading about some software to monitor your position while anchored and was wondering if anyone has had good experience with this type of software and which would you recommend. I have a 33 ft. Hunter and would be using the software on an Apple iPad. Thanks!!

Ray...

[mottseng]

Originally Posted by 2RSqrd

I've been reading about some software to monitor your position while anchored and was wondering if anyone has had good experience with this type of software and which would you recommend. I have a 33 ft. Hunter and would be using the software on an Apple iPad. Thanks!!

Ray...

Which software are you looking at?

[kas_1611]

I use SailSafe on Android and it works well. I'm not saying it is the definitive best anchor watch app but it is well worth a look and I think there's an iOS version.

Best thing to do is use the free versions to trial them before committing to any particular version and to get used to how they work before you set off. Easier to play around in the garden than try to figure it out the first time you drop the hook and need it to work.

Just make sure you can have the software running in the background and with the screen off to save battery power as you don't want your device running out of juice at 2 in the morning without you knowing about it. You will also need to ensure the app is excluded from any "app killers" or battery extending apps (such as Sony's Stamina for example).

With my 4G & wifi off, Airplane on and screen off my phone will easily last all night with SailSafe running and GPS clicking away every 10secs.

Hope that helps you find something that works for you and gives you a good nights sleep

Keiron

[vtomanov]

take a look at : Weather Navigator

has a free bonus included anchor watch/alarm with very useful Late Set feature

[omc]

Originally Posted by 2RSqrd

I've been reading about some software to monitor your position while anchored and was wondering if anyone has had good experience with this type of software and which would you recommend. I have a 33 ft. Hunter and would be using the software on an Apple iPad. Thanks!!

Ray...

I have Anchor Watch on both my iPhone and iPad. Easy to setup, handy and convenient at the anchor especially over night.

[a64pilot]

Drag Queen is tough to beat, but I also have on on our apple devices an app called just Anchor Alarm, what is neat about that is if your away from the boat and the boat goes outside of the alarm zone, Anchor Alarm sends you an email, and in the email is a link that will show you the exact current location of your boat, on I think Google Earth.
So if you have two phones, you can check the location of your boat when your ashore

[Sulaire]

My vote is with safe anchor, tried the rest.

There is an added advantage to safe anchor, it centres the screen on the boat, not the anchor, so at anytime you can start the app without dropping the anchor,( maybe when you are approaching an anchorage or shallow area) , you will then have your position moving over google earth back ground, which is a great help when you position the ipad next to the plotter ; you get a chart view and google earth in realtime next to each other, allowing you to see the shallows etc. This is a fantastic feature.

Apps that centre on the anchor cannot do this.

Charlie.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[sy_gilana]

All those need batteries, too complicated.
Just anchor properly, and if you really really need to know, like on an iffy bottom, we use a diving weight tied to a long light line, wrapped around a wooden plank spool.

After setting, we toss the weight over the side, and lead the line into the hatch and leave the wooden spool on the cabin sole. Any swing, or drag will result in knock-knock on the sole and wake you. No delay, no batteries, foolproof and failproof.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by 2RSqrd

I've been reading about some software to monitor your position while anchored and was wondering if anyone has had good experience with this type of software and which would you recommend. I have a 33 ft. Hunter and would be using the software on an Apple iPad. Thanks!!

Ray...

In addition to these fine replies, I just did a Google site search of this forum and came up with 10 pages of hits. Try it, you might get even more answers.

I use the track feature of our GPS. Once you're set properly you shouldn't be goin' anywhere.

[2RSqrd]

Some great input. Thanks for all your replies. Now all I have to do is make up my mind which way to go.

Ray...

[Jim Cate]

I'm surprised that no one mentioned open cpn's anchor alarm. It offers features that are quite useful, it is free, and of course, you get a great plotter program along with the anchor alarm!

Jim

[omc]

Jim,
Thanks for Interesting information but Ray said for iPad.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by omc

Jim,
Thanks for Interesting information but Ray said for iPad.

Oh... well, I'm not an "i-person"! But I had the idea that oCPN would run on Mac systems, and that included ipads. If not, then I'll retract that recommendation. Seems a pity, though, for it is sure a good anchor alarm!

Jim

[omc]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Oh... well, I'm not an "i-person"! But I had the idea that oCPN would run on Mac systems, and that included ipads. If not, then I'll retract that recommendation. Seems a pity, though, for it is sure a good anchor alarm!

Jim

No need to retract Jim, it was a great recommendation, I will follow your idea and install this software on my laptop. Always interested with new advices increasing security aboard.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

All those need batteries, too complicated.
Just anchor properly, and if you really really need to know, like on an iffy bottom, we use a diving weight tied to a long light line, wrapped around a wooden plank spool.

After setting, we toss the weight over the side, and lead the line into the hatch and leave the wooden spool on the cabin sole. Any swing, or drag will result in knock-knock on the sole and wake you. No delay, no batteries, foolproof and failproof.

???

How's that work in an anchorage where you already know you will swing 180°?

-Chris