Float - Canal & River Logbook
Float is a free, open-source navigation and logbook app for canal boaters on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the manual effort of tracking 14-day mooring limits and monitoring waterway closures, which are critical for CRT regulatory compliance.
For Canal boaters and continuous cruisers who require tools for navigation, regulatory compliance, and journey logging.
What does it look like?
Key features
Visual indicator showing remaining days at a location, color-coded by proximity to the CRT 14-day limit.
Push notifications triggered 4, 2, 1, and 0 days before the 14-day mooring limit expires.
Live map overlay displaying CRT stoppages, restrictions, and advisories updated hourly.
How much does it cost?
Float operates as a free, open-source tool with no monetization, ads, or tracking.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentnew contentUX improvementsShow more...
The app exhibits a maintenance-level development cadence, with only one distinct version released in the observed window. The latest release focused on content integration by surfacing articles from UK waterway sources. Development appears stable but infrequent, with no evidence of a high-velocity feature pipeline or recurring live operations. The current pace of roughly one update per month suggests a focus on incremental improvements rather than rapid iteration.
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for Float - Canal & River Logbook
How's the Navigation market?
Float occupies a specialized niche within the navigation category, providing targeted regulatory compliance tools for UK canal boaters. Its open-source, ad-free model differentiates it from commercial navigation apps that rely on ad inventory or subscription gates.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
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Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Float - Canal & River Logbook
Where is it heading?
The canal navigation market is consolidating around specialized tools that offer real-time regulatory compliance. Float is well-positioned to maintain its user base by focusing on its core utility, provided it continues to integrate accurate, real-time CRT data.
- The latest release added a news aggregation tab, signaling active feature investment rather than simple maintenance.
- The 26-day update cadence indicates a steady, predictable development pace that supports long-term app stability.
The SWOT
- 14-day mooring tracker provides a specific utility for regulatory compliance
- Open-source, ad-free model builds trust with the boating community
- Automated deadline notifications create a high-frequency retention loop
- Community-driven feature requests could guide development of new navigation tools
- Integration with additional UK waterway data sources could broaden utility
Next best moves
Audit waterway data sources because the closures map is a core retention lever → maintain high data accuracy
The counter-intuitive read
Float's lack of monetization is a strategic advantage…
Read the full takeBottom line
Float provides essential compliance utility for continuous cruisers, and its open-source, ad-free model secures a loyal user base. Maintaining data accuracy for waterway closures is the mechanism that will keep the app relevant against general-purpose navigation rivals.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Float free to use?
Does Float work for continuous cruisers?
Does Float provide real-time waterway updates?
Sources
- [1] App Store
Report last updated