My colleague Lenny Rudow posted about a boating app for iPhones today.

As an angler, he should appreciate this one called Fishbate, described in detail by Gizmodo. After reading the review, you might not want to let your kids download it.

I downloaded yet another iPhone app that bodes well for boaters with an addiction to their little phone buddy. The NOAA Buoy Data Reader app from Verona Solutions provides the latest update from the nearest data buoy, or from the one nearest to your ultimate destination. Rather than explain what it does, let me show you a screen grab from my phone for my home waters:

As you see, it gives you some basic data to judge your sea state. It is not a forecasting tool. But I tried it on the water this week and it worked well, providing us an accurate picture of waters.

The caveat: Make sure you’re not relying on your cell phone for ANY serious cruising data unless you’re 100 percent sure you’ve got cell phone or wifi coverage where you’re boating.

And if you’re going to whip your iPhone out on the water, for dog’s sake protect it. My favorite case is the Aquapac Phone Case.

The NOAA Buoy Data App costs $2.99 on the iTunes app store.

As an alternative consider the more comprehensive Bombora app that goes for $4.99. (Especially if you like to surf, too.)

Storm clouds that, when seen from the helm, invoke expletives.

Here’s to freak thunderstorms. The ones that make everything in their path vibrate with electric dread. I hate lightning; my biggest fear is being caught in a ferocious storm in an open boat. Fortunately I’m pretty good at avoiding them now that I’m not in my 20s and stupid, and that I have an iPhone.

I use the Weather Channel app to get the general forecast and then hit the “Explore Map” feature to get real-time radar.

For marine forecasts I use the web browser to call up the NOAA/NWS Coastal and Great Lakes Forecasts by Zone.

If the forecast is grim, or I see the impending doom as pictured above with my own eyes, I hit the Yelp app to find the nearest dockside bar restaurant.

*(Overused headline cliche alert.)