The arrival of connected systems has turned the boating world upside down, providing yachtsmen with new possibilities for managing their boats. Thanks to these technologies, real-time monitoring of on-board equipment becomes almost child's play, making energy management, safety and maintenance simpler, even when the yachtsman is ashore.
By combining high-precision sensors and mobile applications, these systems provide greater transparency on the condition of the boat. But far from being mere gadgets, these tools have established themselves as essential allies in optimizing performance, anticipating maintenance needs and guaranteeing greater safety at sea. Let's take a closer look at the essential functionalities of these intelligent systems and some examples of brands that integrate them.
Intelligent monitoring of energy levels
Energy management is one of the main challenges at sea, especially on long voyages where resources are limited. Connected systems make energy management easier and more reliable. Sensors installed on board can monitor energy consumption in real time, whether for batteries or fuel, and immediately alert the yachtsman in the event of a drop or malfunction, as is the case with Garmin's OnDeck system. This type of device enables boaters to better plan their refuelling and avoid unpleasant surprises at sea.
Other solutions, such as Powertrim Assistant developed by Volvo Penta also optimize energy management by automatically adjusting the angle of the engine emabs according to sailing conditions. This significantly reduces fuel consumption, without compromising boat performance.
Preventive maintenance at your fingertips
Boat performance is also enhanced by connected systems that monitor crucial parameters such as engine temperature and oil pressure in real time. In the event of an anomaly, these systems send alerts to boaters, enabling them to prevent any failure before it occurs.
The Raymarine YachtSense system exemplifies this principle by monitoring essential equipment and sending instant notifications when irregularities are detected, ensuring proactive maintenance management. Mercury Marine, meanwhile, with its SmartCraft system, provides detailed diagnostics of each engine, simplifying management and maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns at sea.
Real-time vigilance for safety
Thanks to connected systems, yachtsmen can benefit from continuous monitoring of sensitive areas of the boat, such as bilges and fuel tanks. Sensors can even detect water or gas leaks and immediately alert the skipper, enabling him to intervene quickly to prevent any accident.
At the same time, solutions allow you to geolocate your boat and define safety zones. This is particularly useful for preventing drifting or attempted theft at anchor or in port. Some advanced remote monitoring platforms, such as the Garmin OnDeck system, cover these functions.
Remote activation of functions
Sometimes, remote control of on-board systems goes beyond simple monitoring to enable essential boat functions. Applications such as Simrad App and Raymarine RayControl enable boaters not only to monitor the condition of their boat, but also to remotely initiate actions to solve problems. For example, the boater can decide to switch on the boat's lights remotely, or start the bilge pump to pump out stagnant water, all directly from a smartphone or tablet without waiting to be on site.
These applications integrate advanced functionalities with on-board systems to offer boaters an unprecedented level of control, including the adjustment of navigation parameters and remote safety management. For example, boaters can connect to their chartplotters and monitors, access real-time charts, and intervene directly on critical devices.
These systems, which rely on secure connections and ensure regular data updates, are particularly advantageous for those who regularly sail long distances, or who leave their boat unoccupied in a remote anchorage or harbor.
Data storage for long-term monitoring
Connected systems also enable precise, real-time weather monitoring: a most important tool for navigation at sea. Many devices now integrate weather data into their remote management systems, giving a clear view of atmospheric conditions such as wind strength and direction, as well as alerts in the event of dangerous conditions.
One of the major advantages of these systems is their ability to combine this information with data on the boat's performance. This makes it possible to adapt routes according to the forecast, choosing safer or more economical routes depending on weather conditions. In this respect, the Volvo Penta system distinguishes itself by integrating weather forecasts into fuel management, thus contributing to more efficient driving and optimizing the boat's energy consumption.
There's no doubt that connected systems have profoundly transformed yachting by introducing more precise, proactive boat management. These technologies enable boaters to continuously monitor the condition of their boats, optimize energy consumption and enhance safety at sea. Far from being limited to simple resource management, they pave the way for predictive maintenance planning and offer instant visibility of boat performance. The potential of connected boats has never been clearer, and with the advances to come, the future of yachting looks set to be not only smarter, but more efficient than ever.
