Protecting Your Boat: Why a Home Security System Won't Cut It

Protecting Your Boat: Why a Home Security System Won’t Cut It

In today’s tech-savvy world, where home security systems and ‘smart homes’ are the norm, many boat owners consider bringing these gadgets onboard to enhance security. It sounds like a great plan, but the truth is, it’s not that simple.

As makers of boat security systems, we might be a little biased, but we’re committed to delivering peace of mind when it comes to your boat.

In this article, we’ll talk about the unique challenges involved in securing and monitoring your boat and explain why trying to use a home security system on the water may not be your best option.

Power struggles

Power supply options on a boat are limited, especially when you’re not connected to shore power. Home security systems are designed for constant access to electrical power and can drain your boat’s battery quickly.

Imagine the anxiety when your boat’s battery is drained by conventional security equipment, and you find yourself in a remote anchorage with no way to start your engine. It’s a nightmare scenario, and a home security system might just lead you there.

Solution: Battery bank monitoring

Not only does a boat monitoring system like BRNKL constantly monitor your battery levels, but it’s also designed to not drain it. BRNKL only draws 0.035 amps, and doesn’t need a full-on power supply to keep running.

Buoyant bandwidth

Picture this: you’re out on your boat, surrounded by water as far as the eye can see. It’s a beautiful feeling, but it also means you’re far from traditional internet and phone connections.

Home security systems are built to work with land-based internet and phone connections. Once you venture into open waters, you often lose connectivity, leaving your security system inoperable.

Even if you’re stationed at the marina, when was the last time you actually had good marina wifi?

Simply put, home security systems are meant to stay in one place, and lack the flexibility required for boat owners who are constantly on the move.

Solution: Satellite and global connectivity

BRNKL keeps you connected worldwide with its built-in 5G cellular modem and global SIM card. If you’re planning to go off the grid, it can seamlessly switch to satellite connectivity*. Not only does it adapt to your surroundings, but it also tracks your location, ensuring your boat’s security and your peace of mind, especially in emergencies.

*With a compatible satellite device and a satellite service plan.

Moisture mishaps

Moisture and water intrusion are unavoidable on the water, whether from rain, leaks, or the spray of the sea. Not only is home security equipment not designed for wet conditions, but it won’t help you identify the sources of moisture that can harm your boat.

You might think that adding a water leak sensor can act as a bilge monitor, but as we have seen countless times, water leak sensors will produce false alarms in a damp bilge compartment. Boats aren’t as dry as we think!

Then you might say, “OK, but I can surely find a humidity sensor.” Well, that’s more difficult than it sounds! There are a limited number of smart home products that provide humidity monitoring, and the majority that we found require you to do some custom programming or integration in order to add them to your smart home system.

Solution: Bilge and humidity monitoring

Our boat security and monitoring system goes beyond traditional security systems. It includes bilge monitoring to alert you to rising water levels and humidity monitoring to prevent moisture-related issues, letting you detect leaks and water issues before they become dangerous problems. A home security system might keep your boat safe from intruders, but you risk things like a water leak going undetected for weeks or months.

Sensory overload

Home security systems aren’t built for a floating structure. They lack the necessary environmental sensors to monitor conditions like temperature, barometric pressure, impact and pitch, which are critical for the safety of your vessel.

A home security system isn’t expecting your house to get bumped into by another house, or start listing from waves. On a boat, there’s constant motion. These factors can trigger false alarms and leave your boat vulnerable.

Solution: Comprehensive environmental monitoring

Our boat security and monitoring system provides comprehensive environmental monitoring, including temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. This ensures that you’re always aware of changing conditions and can take proactive measures to protect your boat.

When you do this, you manage maintenance, save costs and even save on insurance.

Dollars and sense

Adapting a home security system for boat use can be complex, time-consuming, and costly, and it really isn’t necessary! The long-term savings and reduced maintenance costs make it a smart investment for any boat owner.

Solution: Simplicity and savings

Installing BRNKL is a breeze compared to the complex process of retrofitting a home security system and hoping it works. It’s not just about simplicity; it’s about cost-effectiveness too. The upfront investment pays off in peace of mind and hassle-free boat security that you know is designed for your vessel.

While home security systems excel at protecting residences, they are not equipped to meet the unique challenges presented by boats. By choosing a marine-specific security solution, you can ensure that your investment remains protected, even in the harshest maritime conditions, and enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your boat is secure, wherever it may be.

Barnacle Chronicle: From Ring Camera Fiasco to Boat Security Success

Herb needed to leave SV Garuda for a couple of days. To keep an eye on it, he set up a Ring doorbell camera to see if someone tried to step onboard. However, this meant leaving the inverter running for the AC outlet to power the camera.

A couple of days later, they lost contact with the boat, leaving them understandably worried. Upon returning, the batteries had drawn down far enough that they automatically shut down for emergency protection. As it turns out, a piecemeal system with Ring and Starlink wasn’t designed for the circumstances on the boat.

He went with a BRNKL system as his next experiment. Not only did it let him stay confidently connected to his boat from anywhere, but it also helped him detect a leak in the shaft seal early on.

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Ready to monitor your boat the right way?

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