Customer Reviews (131)

Captain Bill Sheridan • 2025-02-18T13:07:34-07:00

This is my first stop before I take the boat out 100% of the time! Great for anticipating the big picture overview including wind and waves…direction and strength. Often my go/no go decisions start here!

bambam31248 • 2025-01-20T06:38:09-07:00

It’s like a copy and paste from the NOAA website, but much easier to navigate and more streamlined I love it. I do a lot of passage planning and I use this app, I double check noaas website every now and then and it’s always been pretty much word for word. I can’t recommend it enough

Venomroy • 2024-12-07T21:20:06-07:00

It’s alright

NOAA Marine Forecast & Weather App Review Analysis

1. Summary of Key Insights

This app generally receives positive feedback, with many users finding it a valuable tool for marine weather forecasting. Its primary strengths lie in its ease of use, accessibility of NOAA data, and perceived accuracy (although accuracy is a point of contention for some). The major weaknesses revolve around occasional inaccuracies in forecasts (particularly wave height), limitations in feature set (lack of favorite locations, specific time forecasts, and wave period), and user interface issues. Overall sentiment is positive, but addressing the identified pain points could significantly improve user satisfaction and retention.

Overall Rating: Calculated average rating is approximately 4.01 stars (based on the provided score distribution).

Score Distribution:

  • 5-star: 55.73% (73 reviews)
  • 4-star: 8.40% (11 reviews)
  • 3-star: 9.16% (12 reviews)
  • 2-star: 5.34% (7 reviews)
  • 1-star: 21.37% (28 reviews)

Key Strengths:

  • Ease of use and navigation
  • Accessibility of NOAA data
  • Generally accurate forecasts for many users
  • Clean and simple interface

Key Weaknesses:

  • Inaccurate wave height reporting for some users
  • Lack of wave period information
  • Lack of ability to save favorite locations
  • Limited forecast granularity (day/night only)
  • User interface issues (map sensitivity, small font)
  • Occasional data loading issues

2. Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 131 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly specified, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (1.3).
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Implicitly performed by noting the distribution of star ratings and categorizing review content as positive, negative, or neutral.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identified recurring themes and issues by manually analyzing the text of the reviews, focusing on frequently mentioned features, problems, and suggestions.

3. Key User Pain Points

  • Inaccurate Wave Height: Several users reported significant discrepancies between the app's wave height forecasts and actual conditions or other sources (including NOAA itself). This is a critical issue due to safety implications.
  • Lack of Wave Period Information: Experienced boaters emphasized the importance of wave period for assessing sea conditions, and its absence is a significant drawback.
  • No Saving of Favorite Locations: Users expressed frustration at the inability to save frequently accessed locations, requiring them to re-select the location each time.
  • Limited Forecast Granularity: The day/night forecast granularity is insufficient for some users, who desire more specific hourly forecasts.
  • User Interface Issues:
    • Map Sensitivity: Users reported accidentally selecting locations when trying to move the map.
    • Small Font Size: Some users found the font size for the current day's tide information too small to read.
    • Lack of Landscape View (iPad): iPad users specifically mentioned the lack of landscape view as cumbersome.
  • Data Loading Issues: Some users experienced the app hanging while loading data.
  • Missing Offshore Zone Forecasts: Some users reported the app not showing offshore zone forecasts.

4. Frequently Requested Features

  • Wave Period Information: The most frequently requested feature.
  • Hourly Forecasts: More granular time-based forecasts.
  • Saving Favorite Locations: Ability to save and quickly access frequently viewed locations.
  • Water Temperature: Display of water temperature for specific locations.
  • Weather Radar: Integration of a weather radar feature.
  • NOAA Marine Forecast Discussion: Access to the full NOAA marine forecast discussion.
  • Landscape View (iPad): Auto-rotation and landscape support on iPads.
  • More Tide Buoys: Include more tide buoys and allow user selection.
  • Notifications for Advisories: Push notifications for warnings and craft advisories.

5. Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users praised the app's simplicity and ease of navigation.
  • Accessibility of NOAA Data: Users appreciate the convenient access to NOAA marine forecasts.
  • Generally Accurate Forecasts: While some users reported inaccuracies, many found the forecasts to be accurate and reliable for their locations.
  • Clean and Simple Interface: The app's interface is generally well-received for its clarity and simplicity.
  • Tide Information: The inclusion of tide information is a valuable feature for many users.
  • Speed: Some users noted the app was fast and didn't hang.

6. Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighInaccurate Wave HeightInvestigate the source of the wave height data and implement measures to improve accuracy. Compare against other NOAA data sources and consider user-reported conditions.
HighLack of Wave Period InformationAdd wave period information to the forecast display. This is a critical feature for experienced boaters.
HighData Loading IssuesInvestigate and resolve the data loading issues that cause the app to hang. Implement error handling and user feedback during loading.
MediumNo Saving of Favorite LocationsImplement a feature to allow users to save favorite locations for quick access.
MediumLimited Forecast GranularityProvide more granular (e.g., hourly) forecast data.
MediumMissing Offshore Zone ForecastsEnsure offshore zone forecasts are available for all regions.
MediumUser Interface Issues (Map Sensitivity)Improve map interaction to prevent accidental location selections.
LowUser Interface Issues (Small Font)Increase the font size for the current day's tide information. Consider allowing users to adjust font sizes.
LowLack of Landscape View (iPad)Implement landscape view support for iPad users.
LowMissing Tide BuoysAdd missing tide buoys and allow users to select which buoy to use for tide information.
LowAdd Push NotificationsAdd push notifications for weather and small craft advisories.

7. Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyperlocal Marine Weather Service: A premium service offering highly localized and accurate marine weather forecasts, incorporating real-time data from user-submitted reports and sensor networks. Could focus on specific activities like surfing, fishing, or sailing.
  • Marine Weather API: An API providing access to historical and real-time marine weather data, including wave period, water temperature, and other parameters not readily available in free services.
  • AI-Powered Marine Route Planning: An app that uses AI to optimize marine routes based on weather forecasts, vessel characteristics, and user preferences, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency.

8. Trends and Observations

  • Accuracy is Key: Users prioritize accuracy above all else. Even a visually appealing or easy-to-use app will be rejected if the forecasts are unreliable.
  • Experienced Boaters Need More Detail: Experienced boaters require more detailed information, such as wave period, than casual users.
  • Localized Issues: Some issues, such as missing tide buoys, may be localized to specific regions.
  • Value Proposition Questioned: Some users feel the paid app doesn't offer enough value compared to free alternatives.

9. Conclusion

The NOAA Marine Forecast & Weather app is a valuable tool for many users, particularly those seeking a simple and accessible way to access NOAA data. However, addressing the identified pain points, especially improving forecast accuracy and adding wave period information, is crucial for enhancing user satisfaction and retaining customers. By prioritizing the recommendations outlined above, the developer can significantly improve the app's value proposition and solidify its position in the marine weather forecasting market.

10. Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/noaa-marine-forecast-weather/id1242115154?uo=2