Software · Fair stack-up · cast-off scores
Pick 2–4 apps and see our editorial scores. Same plain question as the directory: does it help you cast off — or pile on another login?
Fair Boat Day stack-up (we score ourselves the same way). Not affiliate rankings, not invented partner density. Owners free forever. Safety never joked about.
| What we score | Garmin ActiveCaptain Garmin | Navionics Boating Garmin / Navionics | Marinas.com Marinas.com | Dockwa Dockwa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| More boat daysGets you on the water | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Worth-it daysDay quality once underway | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Clears adminLess phone-tag & surprise | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Adds clutter ↓Lower is better | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Safety supportNever joked about | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Overall fitTypical recreational owner | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Confidence | high | high | high | high |
| Pricing | freemium | subscription | freemium | freemium |
Short editorial verdicts — best for / skip if — not star ratings. When you're done stacking up, Go Today or open My boats.
Clears sync friction for Garmin owners and adds local intel that can raise day quality. Low burden when it replaces a separate review app; less essential without Garmin MFDs.
Best for: Garmin chartplotter owners.
Skip if: Non-Garmin glass and you already use Navionics + Dockwa.
High worth-it and safety confidence when charts are current — classic cast-off enabler. Burden is mainly subscription and sync hygiene, not admin sprawl. Pairs cleanly with Boat Day as the nav layer while Ownership OS stays on My boats.
Best for: Most US recreational owners who need reliable charts and depths.
Skip if: You already have an MFD with current charts and never leave familiar waters.
Helps pick better stops (worth-it) without much burden. Pair with a booking app for actual reservations.
Best for: Trip planning and marina reconnaissance.
Skip if: You only need one-tap booking.
Burden-clearing champion for cruising weekends — more days happen when the slip is booked. Complements Boat Day itineraries; doesn't replace Passport/TCO.
Best for: Coastal and ICW cruisers booking overnight docks.
Skip if: You only use a private home dock and never travel.
Sense
Evals stay here; the point is more days on the water. Find them online · their sites · ≠ founding. Owners free forever.
