Whether you’re onboard or sitting on your living room sofa watching a football game, an amazing assortment of devices and software allow you to monitor and in many cases control electrical, mechanical and other functions aboard your boat miles or states away. Last week we rolled out the first batch of six monitoring & control devices, described by their manufacturers as multifunction. We finish up that category this week with an additional six.
The lineup is part of an exercise we do every year at Marine Electronics Journal that we call the Best & Brightest Boating Electronics. We ask manufacturers to name the one model in a particular category of boating electronics—from autopilots and electronic charts to fishfinders and radars—that they consider to be their best. It’s not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest or the one with the most whistles and buzzers, but rather the model they rate highest in that category for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters. In some cases it has proved itself over the years as the go-to device.
Our monitoring & control section consists of four subcategories: multifunction, engine/electrical/fuel, safety and survival. Next week, we’ll tell you about devices that are specific to the electrical, mechanical and fuel systems.
The MBB300C is a vessel monitoring and control black box computer ruggedized for marine use. It includes Maretron’s award-winning N2KView software. This device runs only N2KView software, making it extremely stable and dedicated to monitoring and controlling your vessel. The MBB300C connects to a monitor using a VGA or HDMI cable while the touchscreen connects through a USB or serial port. Alternatively, users can control the N2KView software through a touchscreen including keyboards, mice, or track balls. In addition to the two completely isolated CANbus connectors for simple connection to single or redundant NMEA 2000 networks, the MBB300C has an ethernet port for connecting IP cameras for viewing video within the N2KView software or connecting to a compatible MFD.
Unlike other telematics companies, Boat Fix provides its own monitoring with Boat Fix advisors tracking alarms along with assistance around the clock, worldwide. Additionally, membership provides free telephone access to Boat Fix technicians providing unlimited assistance for all mechanical problems. The Boat Fix device is supported by a free, user-friendly app. Designed for vessels of all types, ages and sizes, the Boat Fix service offers remote monitoring of all vital functions such as battery, bilge pump, shore power and engine hours. The system also enhances vessel security with its anti-theft device for outboard motors and GPS geofencing functionality, which protect boats against theft or unauthorized use in the water or on land and can also be used as an effective remote anchor watch.
Get NMEA 2000 engine data onto iPads, tablets and smartphones and monitor key parameters like RPM, temperature, pressure and electrical data. Usable on any connected device with a web browser and run alongside your favorite nav and charting app with EngineLINK. Also provides AIS (Automatic Identification System), depth and GPS data from the NMEA 2000 network.
The new Marine Gateway from Dometic lets boaters connect, monitor and control multiple devices and digital systems, whether they are onboard the vessel or away from it. Dometic’s Marine Gateway empowers boaters to monitor critical data such as battery status, tank levels, bilge pump status, shore power connection status and more. The device also tracks movement and provides security against intrusion and theft via a range of sensors securing doors, hatches, windows, and other entry points. A special security loop secures outboard engines, MFDs (Multi-Function Displays), deck boxes and other valuable equipment, providing the operator with instant alerts anywhere in the world. Seamless integration with Dometic DCM Digital Switching makes it easy to connect and control a variety of onboard systems using Dometic’s companion mobile app.
The Siren 3 Pro makes the boating experience better and more secure than ever. Siren Marine’s smart-boat monitoring system allows boaters to remotely track their boats’ location, engine, temperature, bilge pump activity, battery levels, water levels, shore power status and more. Control lights, A/C and other systems and access digital switching with the touch of a button so that your boat is at your fingertips. Together with the easy-to-use Siren Marine mobile app, the Siren 3 Pro connects you to your boat anywhere, anytime. Have peace of mind and enjoy stress-free boating.
Build an ecosystem of Xantrex products with Xantrex Gateway. Gateway allows you to conveniently monitor and control all your Xantrex products via a wireless Wi-Fi connection using your smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s configuring the transfer relay on your inverter, troubleshooting your inverter/charger, checking your battery status, or turning your inverter off to save power, Gateway helps you do it all. Monitoring and configuring settings on your Xantrex devices have never been this easy: wirelessly configure all your Xantrex product settings on one device; receive alerts from your Xantrex product for troubleshooting; and a user-friendly web app interface.