It is easy to figure out why boating is so popular when having the wind in your hair, and the strum of the wake against the hull. It is also easy to feel over-your-head when it comes to maintaining your vessel. That is because boats are a bit of a queer fish in the automotive world, especially if you are a landlubber. Thanks to the Internet of Things, you can become more aware of what is happening with your vessel, whether you are docked or sailing the seas. Most major problems boat owners encounter are the result of a situation that could have been prevented. With Monnit and the Internet of Things, boat owners can monitor their vessels from anywhere at any time, avoiding costly repairs and even theft.
The Internet of Things (IoT): the network of physical objects (“things”) embedded with sensors, software, electronics, and network connectivity, which enables them to collect and exchange data.
For a long time, the available solutions to monitor boats were too expensive and difficult to use. This has since changed with Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring solutions, which makes it easy to monitor various aspects of your boat at once, preventing surprises before setting sail and giving you peace of mind. Here are just a few of the common ways you can use Monnit Wireless Sensors with your boat or yacht to improve your sailing experience:
Problems Facing Bilge Pumps
Bilge pumps are a crucial piece of your boating experience and keeping your vessel afloat. A bilge pump’s primary job is to clear water from the bilge. These pumps are often forgotten about and rarely get the respect they deserve, as they can get very dirty at times. However, having a dirty bilge is a sign of poor boat keeping. Bilge pumps are just like the other pieces of your boat and require regular maintenance.
There aren’t many things that can go wrong with a bilge pump due to its limited components, so keeping it clean is the top priority. However, it is not uncommon for trash or debris to get into your bilge and clog your pump. Oil can also be hazardous and form sludge in your bilge and prevent your pump from working properly. A defective automatic float switch or a corroded electric connection may also become a problem. Often time’s maintenance is limited to the strainer and clearing it of debris. You will know if there is something wrong with your pump as water will build up in your hull, and can quickly leave you castaway.
With Monnit, you can know immediately if the water in your bilge reaches a certain level and the pump has not turned on, indicating an issue with your pump.
View Monnit Wireless Water Detection Sensors
Monitor Your Boat Battery
The key is in the ignition, and your sights are on the open waters ahead, but you turn your key and hear nothing. This is most likely an issue with your battery. Like most things on your boat, inspect and clean the battery often, and replace wiring when needed. It is also a habit for many boaters to drop the anchor, turn up the music and drain the battery.
Monnit wireless sensors allow you to monitor battery levels (voltage) so you can have enough power to ensure a startup when needed.
View Monnit Wireless Voltage Meters
Prevent Boat and Equipment Theft
Boating has increased in popularity across the globe, with over 75 million boaters in the U.S., which means more boats, equipment, electronics and other personal items are being stolen more often. Whether you leave your boat on a trailer or at the dock your property is being targeted by non-honest people. There are different ways to prevent theft, but thieves are becoming more efficient in working around common obstacles. Alarm systems are too expensive, and you can defend yourself against theft by installing an asset monitor on your boat and sensors on your cabin doors.
View Monnit Wireless Asset Sensors
View Monnit Wireless Open/Close Sensors
View Monnit Wireless Infrared Motion Sensors
Ensure Safe Temperatures in Your Cabin
You are not alone if you enjoy spending time with your pets and even bring them along on your boating adventures. This is one reason why monitoring the interior temperatures of your cabin is so important. Your furry friends can quickly succumb to heatstroke which can put their health at serious risk. While you may be forced to leave your pet behind for a few hours, with a temperature sensor you can monitor the inside temperature of your boat while you are away. Interior temperatures can rise 34 degrees in less than 30 minutes. Remember to stay close by so you can rescue your pet if there’s an emergency.
View Monnit Wireless Temperature Sensors
Enhance Your Boating Experience
Remote monitoring systems are still relatively new, so most boat owners don’t know about them, or just haven’t implemented them yet (primarily because they haven’t found a cost-effective solution that meets their needs). Focus on what’s important and eliminate unexpected maintenance with Monnit Solutions.
Monnit Solutions for Boat Maintenance Include:
» Ensure your boat sensors stay connected with a Cellular Gateway »
» Detect if there is an excessive amount of water in your bilge with Wireless Water Sensors »
» Maintain optimal temperatures for your boat cabin with Wireless Temperature Sensors »
» Know the life of your battery from anywhere at any time with Wireless Voltage Meters »
» Receive alerts if a door, window, etc. is opened or left open with Wireless Open/Closed Sensors »
» Prevent boat or equipment theft with Wireless Asset Sensors »
» Detect access on or around your boat with Wireless Infrared Motion Sensors »
» Ensure safe humidity levels in your boat with Wireless Humidity Sensors »
» Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning on your boat with Wireless CO Meters »
Start Protecting Your Boat
The Internet of Things provides an enormous opportunity to protect your boat and equipment. Now you have a better understanding of how you can use Monnit and the Internet of Things to give yourself peace of mind and prevent surprises before heading out on your boat.
The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market.
For more information about monitoring solutions for boats and yachts, visit our website.
“We are so glad we found your products! The system was so easy to install and it does exactly what we were looking for. We couldn’t be happier!” – Sean B., Raleigh NC