Boat Monitoring/Alarm

[Steve_Jones]

I have just come across an ad in the Jan 2005 edition of PBO (Christmas over already??!!) for the "Yacht Watch" boat monitor. This looks like a cool product at a price that appeals even to me. There are similar products out there I have looked at but most come in around £800+. Not that I'm cynical, but either this is very well priced or I am missing something. Anyone got any experience or thoughts on this before I part with my hard-earned?? More details at http://www.controlyourproperty.com and follow the marine products link.

<hr width=100% size=1>"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."

 

[Howardnp]

You might want to have a look at www.call25.co.uk for alarms/tracker units. Not got around to getting one yet but will do as the cost is low enough to give it a good try.

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[Velorum]

I like the look of the 'Vixen' (well I like the price!) - I suppose that it could be connected to a sensor attached to the cabin doors etc to warn you of intruders.
Leaving my boat moored on the Thames whilst off shopping / at the pub causes me a great deal of anxiety!
Anyone know where you can buy sensors?

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[hightech]

If you could have the ultimate alarm for your boat, just what would you want it to be able to do and more importantly why?

How much would your budget want to accomodate?

Would add-ons at a later date be important or would you want an all up front system

I ask as I am looking into designing and marketing an alarm system and the views of the end user is critical to getting the product to do what YOU, the user wants.

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[Velorum]

Idealy I would like something that would alert me via mobile phone in the event of either of the following happen:

a) A break in
b) The boat being cast adrift

I cruise mainly on the inland waterways (with an occassional excursion on to the tideway) and when away from my secure marina berth moor on towpaths / public moorings etc. I do worry about people breaking in though try not to get too neurotic about it! My main strategy is to give the impression that the boat is still occupied when I leave it - radio 4 on, lights on at night etc.
I also carry a chain and padlock for securing the boat when a suitable securing point is available.
I figure that if a sensor was fitted to the cabin doors and then to a transmitter as detailed in the above links I could receive a warning via my mobile and return to the boat very quickly (Im never far away when it is moored as above).
The 'casting' off warning is a little more tricky. I guess a discreet lightweight line attached to the boat and bank could activate and sensor should the main lines be undone and the boat drift away.
For some kind of systen that included a say a couple of sensors I would be happy to pay up to £150. (Wishful thinking I guess as the market often seems geered to people with large wallets!)

I am not sure whether a unit that sends texts would be best as sometimes it takes ages for them to come through to my phone (Vodaphone network) so perhaps activation of the mobile via 'telephone call' may be more reliable.


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[ashley]

There is absolutely no need to pay almost a thousand pounds for the equipment you are after.
Everything you need is available at RS or in my case Farnell components for a fraction of the cost.
At the end of the day you will have to wire up your whole boat so there is nothing to gain by paying a grand for a system that may not satisfy your requirements anyway

Below are costings for a system I am specifying at the moment;

This is a comprehensive alarm with panic alarms, hatch sensors and foil tape around the windows. The only thing missing is the "brain" which needs not be clever and is available for £17.

To inform you of a problem onboard you need a sms dialler. Look on ebay for a "sms alarm" <A target="_blank" HREF=http://search.ebay.co.uk/sms-alarm>here</A> at £40 today
This is triggered by the alarm and sends you sms to inform you of problems.

<hr width=100% size=1>A truly wise man never plays leapfrog with a Unicorn

 

[Velorum]

Thanks Ashley
It certainly looks as though a system that suits my requirements could be assembled within my budget - I would probably need a good deal of assistance to put it all together and get it functioning though!


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