Boater Suite app

C

Carvervirgin

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Is anyone using this and if so, what is your opinion. Boating magazine recommended it but the online reviews were less than stellar. I trust this forum however! Happy Holidays to you all.
 
I used an earlier version, but found it was easier to use a spreadsheet linked via dropbox to my various devices (laptop, phone, tablet).
 
I use the older version and really like it. I allows you to sync to iCloud so the date is available on all your devices. I bought the newest version but was really happy with the old one and never got around to take the time to transfer all my data. I use the log book on every trip and find it really nice to review all the trips I have taken over the years and wo has been out with me. I also use the fuel log and maintenance logs which is also really useful.

The only downside is that is brings reality into how much you are using your boat when life gets bus.
 
I just searched for the app in the App Store and it is not coming up. Is the correct name?
 
I like the app's concept, but from what I can tell, and the problem I have using it, is that it doesn't sync across devices with iCloud. You can backup and restore, but that is different than a sync. I want to enter information on either my iphone or ipad and have that data on both devices. Maybe I am missing something???
 
It's called "Boating Suite" in the app store. Search for it as an iPhone app.

As KGD mentioned, the original version from BoatingCafe was iCloud compatible. It worked great for me, but the developer had a lot of problems with the reliability of the cloud functionality. He then partnered with another developer and they re-wrote the entire app with a freshened look and w/o iCloud.

I really like the app, but I miss the syncing feature. If they don't re-integrate it into the new app, I might go back to the original.
 
Just downloaded it. Looks great but I agree, it should update via the cloud. Thanks.
 
Too bad you can't still download the old version. iCloud is great for using with multiple devices.

Kind of nice to have all your data wit you all the time.
 
quote:
Originally posted by kgd

Too bad you can't still download the old version. iCloud is great for using with multiple devices.

Kind of nice to have all your data wit you all the time.

Click to expand...


Hello all,

Sorry for being late to the discussion. I am the creator of Boating Suite and thought I would chime in with a couple of updates.

First, and most important, we are adding back iCloud sync as we speak. It will likely be another 4 weeks before it goes live because we need to do a lot of testing. The new data model in our app generates dynamic fields based on the user's boat configuration and syncing dynamic fields is not trivial. That was the main reason for us pulling iCloud sync last year. Our original app had a structured/fixed data model and syncing field-to-field was relatively straightforward.

Second bit of news is that we now have a FREE version of the app. We did a soft launch last week to make sure there weren't any bugs and plan an official announcement in a couple weeks. Here's the link....be sure to pass this on to all of your (cheap) boating friends :-)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id738127009?mt=8

The free version is intended to build our user base while having the possibility of revenue through in-app upgrades. It's also a proof of concept for us as we try to prove the value of the so called "freemium" model in the marine market for apps. The free and paid versions are identical except the we have locked the Fuel, Maintenance, Expense, To Do and Shopping Logs in the free version. The users can purchase each module for $0.99/ea or get them all for $4.99. The Log Book and Vessel Log are always free and we're perfectly ok with users not upgrading because it builds our user base and the user gets an excellent and free Log Book....it's a win-win in my opinion.

I am very active on other forums but I am new here and hope to join in where I feel I can add value.

Thank you talking about our app!

Rob Anonen
President/Founder
Boating Suite, LLC
 
Rob, you made my day! Thanks for the info and good (great) news about iCloud syncing.
 
Hello Rob, if you want to stay around you need to cut the link and direct mention of Boating Suite out of your sig. Otherwise, welcome.
 
Rob,

Thank you, thank you, for listening to users. I used the old suite, but after losing iCloud, I was forced to use an auto maintenance app. Will re-download Boating Suite.
Scott
 
quote:
Originally posted by jmeirhofer

Is this the same app as what used to be the boating cafe?

Click to expand...


Yes and no... I introduced the original app back in March of 2010 under the Boating Cafe name. I originally created the app as a hobby but when I turned it into an actual business I rebranded as Boating Suite, LLC and we were forced to discontinue the old app and start from scratch. It's complicated but much of it was Apple's rules.
 
Thanks. I did have that app and did try it our for a bit. It was before the cloud was popular and I decided I did not want to have to retype stuff each time I upgraded devices. So I went with BoatLog. It does do about the same thing. One feature I like is that it will track you via GPS and allow you to keep that record as well. And it is on the cloud. It also allows photos like the Boating Cafe did. One thing I liked about the boating cafe was that you could do a maintenance item and take a picture to attach to it. What I was doing was taking a picture of the receipt for the parts and attaching them.

For only $5 I may have to download your new version just to see how I like it now
 
quote:
Originally posted by jmeirhofer

Thanks. I did have that app and did try it our for a bit. It was before the cloud was popular and I decided I did not want to have to retype stuff each time I upgraded devices. So I went with BoatLog. It does do about the same thing. One feature I like is that it will track you via GPS and allow you to keep that record as well. And it is on the cloud. It also allows photos like the Boating Cafe did. One thing I liked about the boating cafe was that you could do a maintenance item and take a picture to attach to it. What I was doing was taking a picture of the receipt for the parts and attaching them.

For only $5 I may have to download your new version just to see how I like it now

Click to expand...


Sounds great. Our new app still supports photo attachments to entries in all of the modules.
 
quote:
Originally posted by randalnh

Rob - any plans to offer the app in an android-based version?

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We do not have any immediate plans for an Android version. The main reason is that Android is not cost effective for small developers like us. I am not being judgmental but Android users (for the most part) tend lean toward free apps. It's hard to provide development and support for free :-)
 
Cool we have a boating app and designer here.
Talk to Les. Maybe you can integrate boatered forums too!
 
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