For anyone who spends time on the water, reliable marine weather forecasting can mean the difference between a smooth passage and a dangerous situation. PredictWind has long been a trusted name among sailors and mariners worldwide, and its latest app redesign raises the bar even higher. With a completely overhauled interface, live location tracking, and faster performance, the PredictWind App now puts professional-grade forecasting within easy reach of every boater, from weekend cruisers to seasoned ocean racers.
This update is not just a cosmetic refresh; it is a fundamental rethinking of how users interact with weather data on the move. By consolidating maps, graphs, and alerts into a single dashboard and letting the forecast follow the boat’s GPS position, PredictWind eliminates the friction that once made marine weather planning a multi-step chore. The result is an app that feels intuitive, responsive, and genuinely built for life on the water.
What is PredictWind?
PredictWind is a marine weather forecasting platform that delivers high-resolution wind, wave, current, and rain forecasts to sailors, fishermen, and other mariners. Founded in 2010 by Olympian and two-time America’s Cup winner Jon Bilger, the service has grown to serve over two million users worldwide. It compares data from eight global weather models, including its own proprietary PWG, PWE, and PWAi models, to provide some of the most accurate and granular forecasts available.
The PredictWind App is the mobile and web interface for accessing these forecasts. The latest redesign introduces a unified forecast dashboard, automatic location-based updates, and improved map navigation, making it easier than ever to get the information you need without digging through menus. Whether you are planning a day sail or a transoceanic passage, the app aims to be your single source for weather intelligence.
What Stands Out
Live Location Forecasts
The new My Location feature is a game-changer for boaters on the move. Instead of manually setting a forecast point at each anchorage or waypoint, the app now uses your device’s GPS to automatically update the forecast for your current position. This means you always see the conditions right where you are, without any extra taps.
All-in-One Forecast Dashboard
The redesigned dashboard brings together today’s forecast, hour-by-hour graphs, a 10-day outlook, and alerts for wind, waves, rain, air temperature, and tide times. Everything is on one screen, so you can quickly assess conditions at a glance without switching between tabs.
Improved Synoptic Maps and Navigation
Isobar maps now clearly label pressure values directly on the lines, making it easier to identify high and low pressure systems. Dedicated maps for wind, wave, current, and rain simplify navigation, and a new expandable time slider shows the day, date, and time together for precise playback.
Faster Performance and Full-Screen Maps
Forecast data loads faster, and map views now fill the entire screen, giving you a clearer picture of weather systems. The app also allows quick location switching directly from forecast maps and automatically places a pin on your precise position when you set a forecast location.
Who It’s For
The PredictWind App is designed for anyone who operates a boat, from casual day sailors to professional mariners. The free features—including the new dashboard and My Location—make it accessible to weekend cruisers who just want a quick look at local conditions. For more serious passage planning, the Standard and Professional subscriptions unlock tools like Weather Routing and Departure Planning, which are invaluable for offshore sailors and racing teams.
While the app is clearly built with sailboats in mind, powerboaters, fishermen, and even kayakers will find the detailed wind and wave data useful for trip planning. The redesign’s emphasis on simplicity and speed means that even less tech-savvy users can quickly get the information they need.
What Makes It Worth Considering
PredictWind has always been known for its forecast accuracy, but the new redesign addresses the biggest pain point for users: usability. By removing the need to manually set locations and by consolidating data into a single dashboard, the app saves time and reduces the mental load of interpreting weather information. The free availability of the core features is also a strong draw, as it allows users to test the service before committing to a subscription.
The app’s reliance on multiple weather models, including PredictWind’s own proprietary models, gives it an edge over competitors that rely on a single source. This multi-model approach often results in more reliable forecasts, especially in areas where standard models struggle. For boaters who take safety seriously, having access to this level of detail in a user-friendly package is a compelling proposition.
Verdict
PredictWind’s biggest redesign yet successfully marries professional-grade weather data with a streamlined, intuitive interface. The live location tracking and unified dashboard are standout features that make the app feel like a natural companion on the water. While some advanced tools require a paid subscription, the free tier offers substantial value for everyday boaters. For anyone who relies on accurate marine forecasts, this update makes PredictWind an even more essential tool.
Frequently asked questions
It is a marine weather forecasting app that provides professional-grade wind, wave, and weather data for sailors and boaters.
Yes, the new forecast dashboard and My Location features are available to all users, including those on the free plan.
Yes, the My Location feature uses GPS to update the forecast for your live position as you move.
The PredictWind App is available as a free update on iOS and Android, and also on the PredictWind website.
Some advanced tools like Weather Routing and Departure Planning require a Standard or Professional subscription.
PredictWind compares forecasts from eight global models, including its own proprietary PWG, PWE, and PWAi models.
PredictWind was founded in 2010 by Olympian and two-time Americau2019s Cup winner Jon Bilger.
