Knows the Water.

Much of today's chart data is 30–40 years old, and even with NOAA's latest efforts—AI satellite imagery, green sonar lasers, and saildrone surveying—updated U.S. coastal maps won't be complete until 2041. That's a lot of coastline to worry about. fills the gap with real-time, crowd-sourced reports from boaters like you—so you always have current conditions before you leave the dock.

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provides situational awareness only. This is NOT a routing or charting app.

does not route a path or chart waypoints. Our focus is real-time, crowdsourced waterway reporting and alerting — not charting or routing. Other apps and chart plotters handle that well (you've probably already paid for one). Because we don't worry about depths, channels, or boat type, stays free and globally relevant.

bolo map view — Sydney Harbour, Australia
🌍Used Worldwide

From Annapolis to Sydney Harbour

Boaters around the globe use bolo to share real-time conditions on the water.

How it works

Three steps. Everyone on the water benefits.

Step 1

Spot it

See a hazard, a manatee, a packed sandbar, or a fuel price worth sharing? Open bolo.

Step 2

Tap to report

Long-press the map to drop a pin at the exact spot, pick your report type, then tap submit. Takes seconds. No other boating app is this simple.

Step 3

Boaters nearby get alerted

Mariners in your radius see it on the map and get a proximity alert — so they know before the bow hits.

See in Action

Watch how boaters use to stay informed and keep each other safe on the water.

Report Types

What bolo Tracks

With , it's easy to be a good samaritan on the water. Long-press the map at the exact spot, pick a category, choose what you saw, then submit. No other water app is that easy! The examples below show the kinds of things boaters share — debris in the channel, a crab pot to steer around, a dolphin sighting, or the fuel price at your marina. Every report helps the community stay safe and informed.

Hazards

Tap Hazards to report physical risks on the water — floating debris, an obstruction, or shoaling — so fellow boaters can stay aware.

Observer+
Floating Debris
Observer+
Obstruction
Expert
Shoaling

Underway Activity

Tap Activity to flag crab pots, fishing gear, heavy boat traffic, or a speed / no-wake zone — operational awareness for whoever's coming behind you.

Observer+
Crabpots / Fishing Gear
Observer+
Congestion
Observer+
Speed / No-Wake Zone

Conditions

Tap Conditions and pick what you're seeing — rough seas, poor visibility, strong wind, or strong current. Crowd-sourced and time-stamped.

Observer+
Rough Seas / Visibility / Wind / Current

Social

Tap Social to share where the fun is — a sandbar gathering, a raft-up, or a dock party. Find one or start one.

Observer+
Sandbar Party
Observer+
Raft-up
Observer+
Dock Party

Wildlife

Tap Wildlife to log a dolphin, whale, shark, sea turtle, or manatee. bolo also supports oyster reef sightings to help restoration projects track reef health in real time.

Observer+
Dolphins
Observer+
Whales
Observer+
Sharks
Observer+
Sea Turtles
Observer+
Manatees
Observer+
Oyster Reefs

Fuel & Services

See marinas, fuel docks, water taxis, bridges, locks, and seamarks on the map. Contributors can add fuel docks, ramps, anchorages, moorings, and pump-outs; tap a restaurant label to highlight it. Update fuel prices for everyone.

Contributor+
Fuel Dock
Contributor+
Marina
Observer+
Restaurant
Business
Water Taxi
Contributor+
Bridge
Contributor+
Lock
Contributor+
Mooring
Contributor+
Anchorage
Contributor+
Boat Ramp
Contributor+
Rentals / Charter
Contributor+
Dinghy Dock
Contributor+
Chandlery
Contributor+
Boatyard
Contributor+
Pump-Out
Contributor+
Starboard Marker
Contributor+
Port Marker

Reputation System

Level Up on the Water

Your reputation grows as other boaters confirm your reports. Higher levels unlock more report types, map editing, and carry greater weight in 's confidence system.

Newcomer
  • No account required — available on first launch
  • View the live map
  • Confirm existing reports
Observer
  • Create an account & verify your email
  • Submit most hazard, condition, social & wildlife reports
  • Highlight restaurants on the map
  • Submit tips for marinas, bridges & locks
  • Search locations
  • Proximity alerts & weather banners

Shoaling and strong-current reports require Expert.

Contributor
  • Add fuel docks, anchorages, boat ramps & pump-outs
  • Update fuel prices
  • Reports carry extra weight in confidence scoring
Expert
  • Report shoaling — the most critical depth hazard
  • Report strong currents
  • Highest community trust weight

Points are earned when your reports are confirmed by other boaters. Confirming others' accurate reports earns points too.

FAQ & Support

Find answers to common questions about .

Still need help?

Our team is here to assist you.

Email us at support@bolo.boats
bolo

Get — free

Real-time waterway awareness

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