How to Build Your BRNKL Boat Security and Monitoring Kit

Remember that line from Pirates of the Caribbean? ‘It’s not just a keel and hull and a deck and sails. That’s what a ship needs. But what a ship is… what the Black Pearl really is… is freedom.’

Well, just like how a ship is more than its parts, a boat means a lot to its owner. It’s a valuable investment and a source of cherished memories. And today, technology lets us protect our boats in a way that feels just right.

While we might not all be sailing the open seas on a pirate ship, customizable boat security and monitoring give you peace of mind and freedom during whatever adventure you choose.

Read on for three simple steps to build your own BRNKL security and monitoring system. It’s simple, effective, and grows with you.

Should you desire a more personalized touch, our security and monitoring experts are just a call away.

Step 1: Start with the Foundation – The BRNKL Base Unit

At the core of your boat’s security and monitoring system lies the BRNKL base unit. Think of this as the heart of your system. It’s the starting point – simple yet powerful. Once installed on your boat, this unit communicates with all the sensors you choose to add later, and enables communication to your smartphone, tablet or computer for real-time alerts.

Built-in to the base unit is monitoring for your boat’s location, temperature, humidity, pitch, heel, impact, batteries, and bilges. Geofencing lets you monitor your vessel’s location and set virtual boundaries to receive alerts if it leaves the designated area. All of these data points are tracked in graphs so you can see trends over time, and get notifications for anything out of the ordinary.

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Step 2: Add Accessories – Security and monitoring on your terms

Here’s where the fun begins. If your boat could speak, what would you want it to tell you? If someone is trying to get in when they shouldn’t? If there’s suspicious activity inside the cabin? If your shore power was disconnected?

This is where you add sensors and accessories that make your boat even smarter. These are the top sensors we recommend:

Punching well above its weight is the shore power sensor, a silent but crucial guardian of your boat’s well-being. While you’re docked and connected to shore power, this sensor monitors your boat’s electrical health. It monitors the flow of power, ensuring a safe and consistent supply. Should anything go amiss, you’re promptly alerted.

Next up are wireless door and window sensors. These stand as the first line of defence should someone try to gain entry. Whether it’s a curious passerby or an unwelcome intruder, these sensors keep you informed. Wireless door and window sensors can be connected to your BRNKL base unit by way of the BRNKL Mate – an add-on to your base unit that enables connection to wireless sensors.

To add an audible layer of security, consider including a siren. A siren serves as a vocal warning, piercing the air with a sharp sound that’s impossible to ignore. When triggered by a door sensor, it sends a clear message: ‘Intruders not welcome.’

For a visual dimension to your boat’s security, a camera helps keep eyes on your boat. Capture visual evidence of activity inside your boat on demand, and take a photo when a door or window sensor is triggered.

To figure out what you need, start by asking yourself these questions:

Where are the potential entry points on my boat? (Doors, hatches, windows, etc.)
Are there any specific areas that require extra monitoring? (Cockpit, engine room, storage compartments, etc.)
Is boat theft a concern in my area?

By starting to understand the security vulnerabilities on your boat and what’s important for you to monitor, you can decide what areas require monitoring and what kind of alerts would be most beneficial.

Step 3: Expand Gradually – A Cost-Effective Approach

When you start with a base unit and essential sensors, you have the freedom to expand as needed over time. This incremental approach is cost-effective, letting you prioritize your security needs and invest in additional sensors when your budget allows.

It’s like building your boat’s superpower step by step. Maybe you go for the door sensors this month and decide to boost your security with a laser sensor next month.

Some popular upgrade options shown below include laser sensors, motion sensors, or simply multiples of what you have already bought (ie. more door/window sensors for different access points).

Ready to monitor your boat?

Whether you’re protecting your boat while you’re away or just making sure no one messes with your floating paradise, customizable boat security and monitoring lets you have the kind of safety you want.

We’re happy to walk you through the BRNKL app, the installation process, and help build a system suited for your boat. Fill out the contact form below, or give us a call: 1-877-552-7655