Why Remote Boat Monitoring is Here to Stay:

2017 marked the 7th most active hurricane season on record according to NOAA, with 17 major storms including 6 major hurricanes reminding the marine industry just how volatile mother nature can be. Hurricane Irma and Harvey were particularly devastating to boatowners and marinas. BoatUS estimates list over 63,000 recreational boats as being damaged or destroyed by the 2 hurricanes, and over $655 million in combined boat-only damage.

2018 will hopefully see a less active hurricane season and the chance for impacted boat owners and businesses to regroup, repair, and prepare for the future and whatever weather conditions may come. However, if the hurricane season of 2017 has taught the marine industry one thing, it is that remote boat monitoring technology is more important than ever before and is here to stay.

Satellite vs. Wi-Fi vs. Cellular – Why Satellite Communication is the New Standard:

There are many remote boat monitoring systems available on the market that utilize either WiFi or cellular networks to remain connected to one’s boat. In ideal conditions, these systems can provide boaters the ability to monitor the status of their boats. However, satellite based monitoring systems are an excellent form of monitoring that can ensure boaters remain connected and in control.

If Irma and Harvey have made one fact clear, it is that ensuring reliable, global connectivity for boat monitoring systems is of the utmost importance.  If boat owners want to be able to monitor and control their vessels despite weather conditions, shore power status, or varying signal strength, satellite communication is an excellent option for ensuring constant connectivity and peace of mind.

mazu’s Sentry system utilizes satellite communication to provide reliable global coverage that is not reliant on shore power or cellular coverage. For only $10/month (for active mazu users) or $24.95 for non-active users, boat owners can sleep easy knowing that their boat is being monitored 24/7 and is only a click away from being controlled. Satellite communication does not need to remain an exclusively expensive option that only serves offshore vessels. Rather, satellite communication is the new standard for remote boat monitoring systems, and is the only method of communication that ensures boat monitoring systems can remain functional in any scenario.

Why mazu Sentry – Redefining Remote Boat Monitoring:

Between the threat of storms damaging one’s boat, theft, or shore-based/boat-based malfunctions, there are a variety of factors that pose a risk to a moored vessel. Maintaining a constant connection to one’s boat allows for these risks to be accounted for, managed, and most importantly, controlled. With mazu Sentry, boat owners can go from being reactive in dealing with threats to their boat to being proactive and fully in control.

mazu Sentry – The Latest Boat Monitoring Features:

One of the most powerful aspects of mazu Sentry is the comprehensive amount of boat monitoring features available to users. With Sentry, users can setup and install up to 16 wired sensors or actuators, allowing for complete boat coverage and security.

Some of the most useful Sentry monitoring features include:

• Shore Power Monitoring: If shore power is disconnected, you will know immediately.
• High Water Sensor.
• Contact Sensors.
• Geo-fencing: Set parameters for where your boat can and cannot drift/move.
• Anchor Alarm.

The m2500 Sentry Kit includes the sentry adapter cable, a float switch, magnetic contacts, a tactile sensor, a shore power sensor, and an actuator. Additional cables, sensors, and actuators are available for purchase at www.mazu-marine.com/shop.

Customizable Rules and Conditions – Granting User Control:

The true power of mazu’s Sentry is the ability for users to create customizable rules and conditions that determine how boat status information is relayed to them. Rules can be created following an IFTTT Protocol, also knows as IF THIS, THEN THAT. In other words, boat owners can create different rules that correspond to different conditions. Examples of these rules inlcude:

• IF shore power is disconnected, THEN send me an email alert.
• IF high water sensor is activated, THEN send me a SMS alert.
• IF contact sensor is activated, THEN sound alarm.
• IF boat moves outside my geo-fence setting, THEN send me an email and SMS alert.

These are just a few of the examples of the customizable rulesets that mazu Sentry can provide. Ultimately, the system is designed to be easy-to-use and effective. By providing boat owners the ability to determine their own rules and conditions, mazu Sentry ultimately enhances the flow of information and remote monitoring capabilities.

Easily create custom rules and conditions.

Additional Boat Monitoring Features – Appliance Control:

While providing remote boat monitoring and peace of mind is the number of function of mazu Sentry, granting boat owners control of their vessels is also an important aspect of Sentry. Users can remotely activate or deactivate AC, sound alarms, lights, appliances, or emergency pumps through satellite. Additionally, Sentry can also provide boat owners with daily vessel status updates so they remain aware of their boat at all times.

The ability to activate/deactivate devices is immensely convenient and cost-effective for boat owners. With remote activation, boat owners can:

• Turn on their fridge before arriving at the marina; enjoy cold beverages the minute you arrive!
• Turn on the air conditioning or before arrival.
• Turn off power if high water sensor is activated.
• And many more options!

Maintaining Peace of Mind – The Power of Being Proactive:

By granting boat owners control, mazu Sentry makes it easy to remain aware and proactive. Boat monitoring is especially important for boat owners who leave their boat unattended for extended periods of time during their off season, and Sentry can help boaters maintain peace of mind and security. However, the quality of one’s remote boat monitoring system is only as high as the quality of communication and coverage reliability. Considering the 2017 hurricane season’s devastating impact on marinas and boaters, maintaining a constant connection to one’s boat through satellite communication is more important than ever before.

There are always more exciting mazu updates and features around the corner, so be sure to check back regularly in our News Section or follow us on social media!

Please note that the mSeries System is required for Sentry use. Download the mazu iPad App for free today on the App Store.