This app, Anchor Alarm 219, aims to provide peace of mind to boaters when their vessel is anchored or moored and unattended. It's designed to function as a remote anchor watch, alerting the owner via SMS message if the boat drifts outside a pre-defined safety zone. The core purpose is to mitigate the risks of anchor dragging due to weather, tides, or equipment failure, and to provide early warning of potential theft.
The app boasts several key features that contribute to its functionality. The ability to send SMS alerts is crucial, as it addresses a common scenario where internet connectivity is unavailable on the boat. The automatic GPS accuracy filtering improves reliability by discarding inaccurate readings. The dual anchor setup methods (Over Anchor and Bearing to Anchor) offer flexibility depending on the boater's preference and available equipment. The inclusion of activity logs provides a record of anchor status and movement, potentially valuable for insurance purposes or post-incident analysis. The GPS loss alarm is a useful safety net, alerting the user if the GPS signal is interrupted. The integration of NOAA charts (for US waters) offers visual confirmation of the boat's position and alarm settings. Finally, the automatic allowance feature, which dynamically adjusts the safety margin, helps to minimize false alarms caused by GPS drift.
Anchor Alarm 219 is most useful in situations where a boater needs to leave their vessel unattended for extended periods, such as overnight stays at anchor, short trips ashore, or while moored in a marina. It can also serve as a backup to existing onboard anchor alarms.
The target audience for this app is boat owners and operators who frequently anchor or moor their vessels and desire an extra layer of security and monitoring. It's particularly suitable for individuals who may not always be physically present on their boat but still want to be alerted to potential problems. Given the NOAA chart integration, the app is especially relevant to boaters operating in US waters.
Overall, Anchor Alarm 219 appears to offer a comprehensive set of features for remote anchor monitoring. The reliance on SMS alerts is a significant advantage in areas with limited internet connectivity. The inclusion of features like automatic GPS filtering, dual anchor setup methods, and activity logs enhances the app's reliability and usability. The one-time purchase model, following a 7-day free trial, is a reasonable approach. However, the 0/5 rating on the Google Play Store is concerning and warrants further investigation. Potential users should carefully consider the reviews and user feedback (if available) before committing to the purchase.
Review published on October 25, 2025