{"id":10529,"date":"2025-05-30T10:02:10","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T10:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=10529"},"modified":"2025-05-30T10:02:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T10:02:10","slug":"protecting-your-boat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=10529","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Your Boat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>    Protecting Your Boat<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    <!-- no image --><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><\/p>\n<div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"963\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-3-851x1024.jpg?resize=800%2C963&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"Electronics for protecting boats\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-3-851x1024.jpg 851w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-3-249x300.jpg 249w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-3-768x924.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-3-1276x1536.jpg 1276w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-3-1702x2048.jpg 1702w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-3.jpg 1800w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Today\u2019s connected-boat systems often leverage digital-switching technologies, and satellite communications, and many offer a customized app experience.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Debut Art\/Alex Williamson<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p><iframe id=\"wxuzj5efbz\" src=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.dragonforms.com\/wxuzj5efbz\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>When I was a kid, my \u00adfamily lived about 45 minutes away from our boat on the East Coast. While this wasn\u2019t a big deal\u2014the constant traffic snarls on I-95 aside\u2014we always had to be diligent about ensuring that all switches were off before we disembarked because few things are a bigger killjoy on a much-anticipated cruising day than arriving aboard to discover flat batteries. Fortunately, our attention to detail kept us sailing sans issues, but, given that this was decades ago, the \u00adonly \u201cconnectivity\u201d happening involved the bridles that kept our boat attached to its mooring.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Flash-forward 35-plus years, and even my dog carries an \u00adApple AirTag on his collar. Connectivity is here, and boaters can reap dividends that have the capability to truly enhance their experiences on the water.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While connected-boat technology has existed for more than a decade, today\u2019s systems are more advanced than their predecessors, giving owners the ability to monitor, track and control their vessel from afar using a blend of communication protocols. Also, unlike earlier-\u00adgeneration solutions, today\u2019s connected-boat systems often leverage digital-\u00adswitching \u00adtechnologies and \u00adsatellite communications, and many offer users a customized app experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat with cell-phone connectivity\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Cellular connectivity keeps owners tethered to their boats whenever their vessels are under 4G\/5G umbrellas, but cell service extends only 10 to 20 miles offshore. Enter satellite communications. There are two ways of connecting boats to satellites: either via the vessel\u2019s satcom system or a connected-boat system\u2019s dedicated satellite-communications modem. For example, Navico Group-built tech can leverage a vessel\u2019s Starlink system, which operates on Starlink\u2019s low-earth-orbit satellite network, while Siren Marine customers can buy the dedicated SirenSat offshore antenna, which operates on the Globalstar network.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Aerial-Drone\/adobe.stock<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>If you own a Nest thermostat, a Ring doorbell or a home security system, you\u2019re familiar with the concept of connected technology. It typically consists of hardware, software, and some form of internet connectivity that\u2019s tasked with providing \u00adinformation such as sensor status or video footage, or allowing you to remotely operate systems\u2014for example, adjusting the temperature in your home via an app on your smartphone.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Connected boats employ similar architecture and \u00adthinking: A\u00a0sensor network (or networks) is connected to a processor with a SIM card that reports to a cloud server, which, in turn, reports issues to an app. Like at-home systems, owners can tap the app to remotely check on their vessel.<\/p>\n<p>Most connected-boat solutions allow owners to select a sensor package that best fits their needs. For example, owners can select sensors that detect and alert for things such as high water, low voltage, loss of shore power, unexpected entry, and\u2014given that boats are mobile machines\u2014breached GPS-\/GNSS-guarded geofences. \u201cThis provides peace of mind when you\u2019re not on the boat,\u201d says Andrew Cullen, director of marine connectivity at \u00adYamaha (in 2022, Yamaha acquired \u00adSiren Marine, which has long built connected-boat systems).<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"510\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-2-510x1024.jpg?resize=510%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Connected-boat tech for route planning\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-2-510x1024.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-2-149x300.jpg 149w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-2-768x1543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-2-765x1536.jpg 765w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-2-1019x2048.jpg 1019w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-2.jpg 1239w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Connected-boat tech can help with route planning as well as chart and software updates.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Raland\/adobe.stock<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>Also, system depending, these networks can include systems and instrumentation on the vessel\u2019s NMEA 2000 \u00addata backbone(s).<\/p>\n<p>Aside from deterring vessel theft and avoiding \u00adcatastrophe, connected-boat technology is also about removing worries. \u201cWe want to make boating easier, and to make it a better experience,\u201d Cullen says. \u201cA big benefit of connected-boat technology involves helping owners use their time on the water for its intended purpose, and helping to ensure that there\u2019s nothing wrong with the boat when they arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Say, ensuring that their \u00adbattery levels are up and ready to start the engines. But that\u2019s just scratching the surface.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>New boats increasingly feature digital-switching systems, which replace analog fuses, circuit breakers, and \u00adswitches with electronic \u00adtransistors. While this allows owners to, for example, control their networked N2K systems and devices from a multifunction display when they\u2019re on board, it also enable control of these systems and devices from afar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConnected-boat \u00adtechnology is generally more of a premium system,\u201d says Kevin Steinbraker, Navico Group\u2019s vice president and general manager of digital systems. (Brunswick owns Mercury and Navico Group, including B&amp;G, Simrad, Lowrance, CZone and C-Map.) \u00adSteinbraker explains that this is because connected-boat technology is greatly enhanced aboard yachts that also carry digital-\u00adswitching systems.<\/p>\n<p>But once digital switching is involved, owners can arrive to find, for example, that their \u00adrefrigeration and HVAC are \u00adrunning, their courtesy lights are illuminated, and their instrumentation is ready to go. \u00adOwners can also use connected technology to enable wireless \u00adentry if, say, a technician needs to perform some work.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Connected-boat systems can often monitor the health and performance of networked engines and motors as well.<\/p>\n<p>Better still, Navico Group has been working to create a seamless trip-planning experience for owners. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of advance planning, checking cartography, planning routes and stops, and looking at previous trips,\u201d Steinbraker says, adding that Navico Group-built technology allows owners to wirelessly briefcase routes and waypoints that they create at home to their Navico Group-built MFD(s) once they step aboard their vessel, using \u00adBluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cartography, software and systems updates are \u00adanother\u00a0 big advantage that today\u2019s \u00adconnected-boat technology can deliver. Updates can be pushed to an owner\u2019s mobile device and\u2014much like remote route planning\u2014briefcased to the vessel, or it can sometimes be sent to the boat via the cloud.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While the existing benefits of connected-boat \u00adtechnology are enticing\u2014especially for \u00adowners with digital-switching \u00adsystems\u2014both Cullen and Steinbraker point to even better over-the-horizon possibilities. \u201cAI is the future,\u201d \u00adCullen says, adding that Yamaha plans to utilize network data in the next several years. \u201cIts ability to \u00adanalyze and process data will be advantageous,\u201d he continues. \u201cWe have equipment on tens of thousands of boats, accessing all data points, so there\u2019s a lot to analyze.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In time, AI should enable \u00adadvanced-level predictive maintenance, rather than the current service reminders.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s the art of the possible because you have access to information, and AI can be trained to provide solutions,\u201d Steinbraker says, noting that he thinks that\u2014in time\u2014connected-boat technology will become more mainstream. \u201cAs it evolves, and as data becomes more available, we\u2019ll find ways to make boating a better experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/how-to-install-boat-security-system\/\">How To Install a Boat Security System<\/a><\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-4-1024x1024.jpg?resize=800%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Cell phone apps for protecting a boat\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-4-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-4-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-4-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-4-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NM525-Connected-4.jpg 1080w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Connected-boat systems have historically focused on monitoring, tracking and controlling, but more recently, maintenance has entered the mix. Instead of rote \u00adcalendar-based service reminders, for example, some connected-boat systems will focus on an \u00adindividual engine\u2019s hours and where those hours unfurled to \u00adgenerate customized maintenance suggestions. \u00adGiven that connected-boat systems trade in big data (e.g., engine hours from myriad boats), this could be an area where AI is used to identify trends and apprise owners and service providers of possible issues.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy adobe.stock<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>Given that connected-boat systems are relatively affordable, this technology offers some major reassurance, and can also deliver insurance-related benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While our family\u2019s sailboats lacked the digital-switching systems that would have enabled us to chill the refrigerator before we arrived with \u00adgroceries for Downeast cruises, or to kill any systems that we might have accidentally left activated, there\u2019s no question that we would have made great use of the ability to check battery, water and tank levels, sans a lengthy I-95 drive. And that\u2019s to say nothing about easing software updates, \u00admonitoring engine hours or, in time, \u00adutilizing AI to dig deep into our onboard data and warn us of any coming headaches\u2014such as the time an aging engine seal failed and filled the bilge with oil.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/gear\/protecting-your-boat\/\">Protecting Your Boat<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/\">Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    David Schmidt<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/gear\/protecting-your-boat\/\">Go to boatingmag<\/a><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Protecting Your Boat Today\u2019s connected-boat systems often leverage digital-switching technologies, and satellite communications, and many offer a customized app experience. Courtesy Debut Art\/Alex Williamson When I was a kid, my \u00adfamily lived about 45 minutes away from our boat on the East Coast. While this wasn\u2019t a big deal\u2014the constant traffic snarls on I-95 aside\u2014we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[126,1758,404,351,489],"tags":[127],"class_list":["post-10529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-boatingmag","category-electronics","category-gear","category-nextmarine","category-safety-and-security","tag-boatingmag"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10529"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10529"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10529\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}