This app
- Shows users where other users are
- Shows users where the other users were
- Shows users where the other users might be
- Alerts you about possible collisions with other users
- Shows you your 500m split and Distance Traveled
- Allows you to see other rower’s boat type and Split
The name of the Application is My Boat Tracker. Development started in 2022 and has been used by several master’s and collegiate rowers on some of the lakes of Central Florida in the United States. The mobile device that runs the app requires data connectivity and location permissions.
My Boat Tracker is already available for Android and Apple devices and for sale on both the Google Play and Apple App stores.
After some people used the application for a while – they have told me they are using the application in different ways:
Some of the users are using the app simply by putting it into a dry-bag at the bottom of their shell – and allowing the Collision Avoidance audio alerts to notify them about a possible collision – this is by no means a substitute for safe boating practices – but it is an added help.
Some of the users look at where boats are on our lake to plan out ‘pieces’ – the app allows you to see much further than the human eye – and it lets you see around bends and past tall-grasses. These users plan their pieces to avoid other boats.
Some of the users are coaches – and they are looking at the splits of the boats they are following in their launch – allowing them to see splits during a piece instead of asking the boat after the piece is over.
Some of the users use the app when fog drops in unexpectedly. The app shows them where they are and allows them to row back to the boat house, or shore, without the disorientation effect that sometimes comes with these conditions.
Some of the users are using the app to assist in navigation in other ways. There is a satellite view option, and these users are using that view to show them where they are on the lakes in relation to large patches of grasses and/or the canals on the lakes.
During warm-up days at large regattas, the app was used to track where boats were and how close they were to returning to the docks – allowing for coaches to get ‘helpers’ to the dock – in-time to help crews get off the water.
If you are interested in purchasing the app – here are the links to the app stores
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Below are some screen shots of the application, some links to video of the application in use and some pictures of some rower’s boat setups.
Screen Shots
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Links to Videos
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This video shows the My Boat Tracker application tracking multiple boats – where they were, where they are and where they might be going. The black line shows where they were. The markers (Green is the device user, Red is other users) show current locations. The red-lines are the predicted path. |
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This video show the My Boat Tracker application being run on an iPad. It includes all of the setup screens, permission grants etc. |
Rower’s Boat Setup
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Rower’s Single – SpeedCoach holder changed to Hook/Latch (Velcroã) |
Rower’s Single – Mobile Device in Clear dry-pouch. Hook/Latch on back of dry-pouch |
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Rower’s Single – Speed Coachä and Dry-Pouch. Lanyards Attached to D-Ring. 3M Dual Lock used on Foot Stretcher and Stern Bulkhead |
Rower’s Single – Speed Coach and Dry-Pouch attached with 3M Dual Lock |