Recommendations for remote monitoring of a boat?

[vt97john]

Hello All,

I'm interested in remote monitoring of my boat while its in the slip. I mean video at least, but maybe also bilge alarm or other useful things that folks may have already thought of. Any recommendations for a good setup (i.e. specific products etc)?

Thanks

 

[NautiTug]

Timely topic. I just started looking at both BoatCommand and Siren Marine for my C-28. Would love to hear from other RT and Cutwater owners their experiences with each. Neither have cameras and i am sure it is possible but just seems like a lot of work to add a camera system as I will be on a mooring and not plugged in to shore power.

From my initial research:

BoatCommand:
Pros:
costs less,
good reviews from what appears to be non biased sources.
Cons:
Everything needs to be wired in.
I am a little concerned about long term prospects of the company (i have no knowledge of their business dealings but at the same time do not want to invest in a system and then the company stop offering the service).
No battery Backup. Battery dies no more alerts

Siren Marine:
Pros: Wireless and Wired modules
Battery back up
Slicker interface
Cons:
Pricey $$

 

[Cutwater28GG]

boat command also trade under RVCommand. they have been around for a while. but I can't get behind a product that requires the monthly subscription.

If you have a wifi connection at the boat you can build the same thing with a raspberry pi pretty easily.

 

[Eric R]

I leave an Apple TV in my boat connected to the marina WiFi, and use HomeKit sensors and cameras. Works great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[vt97john]

Thanks all.

Eric, could you share what camera and sensors you are using with the AppleTV?

 

[seadot]

I've had Boat Command on my Cutwater 28 for three years now. Install is simple although my back still hurts from running the wires through the boat to the batteries.

I installed the device underneath the electrical panel, behind the fuzzy access panel near the thruster fuses.

System works great. Initial investment and annual fee is nominal compared to other similar products.

Customer service has been responsive to all of my requests, even responding on a weekend.

 

[SassyRed]

We have Siren Marine in our boat and have been very happy with it. We initially installed a temperature probe to monitor the engine compartment temps. The main unit monitors battery voltage by default, which gives us shore power monitoring since if the shore power fails the battery charger drops off line. And the monitor has GPS fencing as well. Alerting is by text message and email. We have just ordered two additional wireless monitors. One will monitor cabin temperature and we will set one up as a high water monitor. If the wireless monitors work, they will be a big advantage over stringing wire.

I really like being able to see temperature and voltage over the entire day or week as is shown in the app by the way.

Whichever way you go, I am sold on a remote monitor. Last year something tripped our ELCI during one of the cold snaps. We got a voltage alert right away and reset the breaker within an hour or so. I doubt the cold would have caused serious damage since we had antifreeze in the fresh water and black water systems, but I could see the fridges running down and maybe ruining the house batteries if we hadn’t caught the issue for a week or more.

Anyway, good luck. Happy to talk more about Siren. Their customer service has been outstanding.

Kevin

 

[NautiTug]

Thanks for the feedback. and went ahead and ordered siren marine. found a website that had it much less then anywhere else and included first year of monitoring free.

I will install the basic set up but eventually would like to add the relay to switch a light on as well as tie directly in to the bilge pump to get bilge alerts. need to do some more research on how to splice in to the bilge wiring and light switch (esp when the house battery switch is off)

 

[gwishon]

For the past couple of years I’ve been using the Honeywell Lyric water leak detectors in my home. Have one in each bathroom, the kitchen, and the garage (under the water heater). Paired with the Honeywell Lyric mobile app, they provide remote monitoring of temp, humidity, and water leak via push notifications and real time viewing of temp and humidity . My home WiFi extends to my dock, which allows me to place a detector on the boat. Not really needed for leak detection (since the boat is on a lift) but now I have accurate readings of temp and humidity. The app records the readings, so there’s also historical data available.

Gordon