Float
How it started
Hi, my name’s Alessandro! I’ve been a liveaboard continuous cruiser for more than two years now, navigating the waterways a few miles at a time. Thanks so much for taking the time to come and learn more about Float.
Over my time on the water, I’ve come to realise how strictly the rules around continuous movement are enforced. Having heard the horror stories from other boaters faced with restricted licences for not being able to prove their pattern of navigation, I quickly made sure to keep good records of all the locations I moored.
Each time I moored at a new spot, I updated my personalised map by adding a new pin. After that, I’d set the new location as my home on Google Maps.
This is how I’ve been keeping track ever since, but in reality it’s a bit of a faff. This led to a lightbulb moment: why not develop an app? After all, I am an Android Developer!
Where we’re at
And so, after hours of spare time dedicated to this project, with the very first line of code written in February last year, Float was born. It’s an app built on the idea of making all our lives on the canals easier.
It's meant to be open, free and driven by the community.
This first version of the app is just the beginning. I may have kicked things off and laid the foundations, but the idea is that all future features will be determined by the requests and needs of the boating community.
The main functions of the first version are:
- Register and create an account, providing relevant information about yourself and your boat.
- Add your current home mooring.
- Add your previous moorings, detailing where you've been.
- Maintain a record of every place you've moored your boat.
- Obtain basic information about your journey, including stops and miles covered.
- Export your data as CSV file.
Special Thanks
A project like Float thrives on passion and collaboration. It's here I must extend my heartfelt thanks to my dear friend, Massimiliano Faustini.
Massimiliano believed in Float and played a critical role in bringing the app to life for iOS users. Developing Float for iOS in his spare time, he has been instrumental in expanding the reach and accessibility of Float, allowing more boaters to benefit from our shared vision.
Massimiliano's dedication and belief in the project have been a beacon of support and inspiration.
What’s next
Float is a free and open-source app built to improve the lives of boaters living on the canals. This project has just begun.
If you are a developer (Android, iOS or anything else) and would like to get involved please get in touch.
If you are not a developer but have ideas or suggestions, we’d also love to hear from you.