PredictWind’s App Joins a Growing Field of Tools to Help Prevent Drag-Related Incidents with Real-Time Alerts and Monitoring.
Anchoring overnight or leaving a boat unattended can be one of the most stressful parts of boating — but a growing wave of technology is giving boaters greater peace of mind than ever before. The latest addition to this space is Anchor Alert, a standalone iOS app developed by marine weather tech company PredictWind. Anchor Alert is designed to immediately notify boaters if their anchor begins to drag or if the vessel shifts beyond a safe radius.
PredictWind, best known for its high-resolution marine weather forecasting and routing tools, created Anchor Alert as a natural extension of its onboard safety suite. Whether you’re asleep, ashore, or simply relaxing on deck, the app ensures you’ll be the first to know if your anchor is no longer holding.
The Log recently spoke with Jon Bilger, founder of PredictWind, to learn more about the app and how it helps modern boaters stay safer and more informed while anchoring. According to Bilger, what sets Anchor Alert apart from other apps is its direct integration with a vessel’s instruments via the PredictWind DataHub, providing high-precision monitoring, real-time NMEA 2000 data, and customizable smart alerts. “Unlike most competing apps, it offers customizable smart alerts for anchor drag, excessive swinging, wind speed/gusts, apparent wind angle, and minimum depth,” Bilger explained. The app’s remote monitoring capabilities, which send instant alerts to your phone even when you’re ashore, are a key feature not commonly found in other apps.
Anchor Alert uses precise GPS tracking to continuously monitor a vessel’s position in relation to its anchor drop point. If the boat drifts beyond a user-defined radius, the app triggers audible and visual alerts. Swing and scope alerts help detect more subtle signs of anchor failure, giving boaters time to respond before drifting becomes dangerous.
In its free version, the app uses your mobile device’s GPS to monitor position and provide drag and swing alerts. A Pro version, available as a standalone purchase or included with a PredictWind Professional subscription, adds features such as real-time alerts for scope, wind speed, direction, and depth, plus full dashboard integration with NMEA 2000 data. “The Pro version also enables remote monitoring and alerts through the DataHub connection,” Bilger explained, “leveraging your boat’s GPS and sensors for higher accuracy.”
Bilger noted that many boaters have already praised Anchor Alert for its easy setup and peace of mind. “We’ve had users describe the app as ‘fantastic’ and ‘essential,’ particularly highlighting its remote monitoring and reliable alerts,” he said.
For those seeking full functionality, a PredictWind DataHub connected to the boat’s NMEA2000 network and instruments (such as GPS, wind, and depth sensors) is required. With an internet connection through systems like Starlink, high-speed Wi-Fi, cellular service, or Iridium GO exec, boaters can receive alerts and monitor conditions remotely. However, the app still works independently for basic anchor alarms using a smartphone’s GPS.
While Bilger acknowledges that some boaters still rely on instinct or basic onboard alarms, he advises that modern tools provide a level of safety and real-time data that older methods cannot. “It prevents false alarms and provides real-time, reliable information for safer, less stressful anchoring,” he added.
Not the Only Anchor Alarm on Deck
While Anchor Alert introduces new features and integrates seamlessly with PredictWind’s broader ecosystem, it’s part of a growing field of mobile anchoring tools helping boaters feel more secure.
Ankeralarm (available at ankeralarm.app) is a popular app that also tracks anchor drift using GPS positioning. Designed to sound an alarm as soon as your boat moves beyond a safe distance, Ankeralarm is a streamlined, user-friendly solution for quick anchor monitoring.
Anchor Pro, available on iOS, similarly monitors your position at anchor and alerts you if your vessel begins to drift. One standout feature of Anchor Pro is its secondary phone notification, which allows you to receive alerts on another device — ideal for crews or couples wanting multiple points of awareness. Anchor Pro is praised for its simplicity and reliability, particularly for coastal cruisers looking for a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Another strong contender in the anchoring app market is AquaMap, which includes an integrated anchor alarm feature as part of its broader navigation platform. With AquaMap, the app constantly compares your current GPS location to your original anchor drop point. If you drift too far, it not only sounds an alarm but also displays an on-screen warning. For boaters already using AquaMap for navigation and chart plotting, this built-in anchor alarm is a convenient and logical add-on.
Choosing the Right Tool
Each app brings unique strengths to the table, and the best choice often depends on your cruising style, gear setup, and desired level of control. Anchor Alert stands out for boaters who already rely on PredictWind’s weather tools and want an anchor alarm that integrates with remote onboard systems like the DataHub. Meanwhile, Anchor Pro and Ankeralarm offer simple, intuitive drag-alert solutions that don’t require extra equipment. AquaMap’s alarm feature is ideal for those who prefer an all-in-one navigation and safety app.
With today’s technology, there’s little reason to lose sleep while anchored. Apps like these are making it easier than ever to monitor your boat, respond to danger before it escalates, and enjoy your time on the water with confidence.
