BoatSafe Sentry FAQs

What makes BoatSafe Sentry a leader in wireless marine monitoring systems?
How can I purchase a system?
What is the monthly service fee?
Can I install your systems myself?
How do I know exactly what I need?
How much current does your systems draw?
What is geofencing?
How long will it take to receive my BoatSafe Sentry?
How do I enter my contact phone numbers?
Why does my security system send alarms?
How many sensors can I install on my boat?
How long do the batteries last in the sensors?
Does the system include a Light/Siren alarm?
How do I connect my Light/Siren to the system?
What does the Loss of Power sensor do?
What is the difference between your Basic and your GSM systems?
How do I chose between Basic, GSM and Satellite service?
Do your systems need a source of power?
What does the basic package for the YachtGuard® System include?
Will your system call satellite phones?
What is the range of the wireless sensors?
If I decide to buy now can I add sensors or features later?
What makes YachtGuard security systems different from traditional security systems?
How do I become a licensed Re-Seller?
What are 12 reasons I should buy the BoatSafe Sentry system?
How do you guarantee the data is secure on your website?

Answers

What makes BoatSafe Sentry a leader in wireless technology?

BoatSafe Sentry provides wireless mobile data collection and highly automated communication techniques, equipment and services. We offer wireless convergent services that combine personal communications systems including, Wi-Fi, ZigBee GSM, GPRS, GPS, and Low Orbit Satellites in the collection and control of data from remote locations. BoatSafe Sentry has integrated these numerous systems into features in our systems to protect your investment.

Back to Top

How can I purchase a system?

You can purchase on our website through our Secure Online Store or by phone 888-BOATSAFE.

Back to Top

What is the monthly service fee?

The monthly service fee is $9.95 unless stated otherwise. This includes unlimited free WiFi messaging, SMS, Text and phone calls maked when an alarm is sent, as well as arming/disarming and requesting coordinates to your security system. Rate Plans vary for GSM and OrbCom depending on the frequency of reporting you require. We can tailor a package to meet your specific requirements. Monthly service fees will be charged to a credit card. Your card will be automatically charged and you will receive a receipt via email. You can view our customer service agreement (.pdf) for additional details.

Back to Top

Can I install your systems myself?

Yes. Being active boaters ourselves we set out to design a system that the average boat owner would be able to install. There is minimal wiring and it is all low voltage. First determine the best locations for your sensors and the DataConcentrator. Provide a 12V power source to the Data Concentrator and 22 AWG wires to connect the sensors. When your unit powers up it will search for a WifFi connection and connect automatically. Please refer to our installation manual for complete details.

Back to Top

How do I know exactly what I need?

Some questions that you can ask yourself are:

  • 1) Which locations do I want to monitor?
  • 2)How many locations do I want to monitor?
  • 3) Where are most prevalent/probable threats?
  • 4) Are these areas easily accessed for wires or is wireless going to be easier?
  • 5) Do I need to monitor for smoke in the saloon or engine room (or both)?

These are just a few questions to help you decide on what sensors you would like to have installed onboard. If you are uncertain, we will be happy to discuss your situation with you. Give us a call at (800) BOATSAFE or email us at security@theboatsafe.com. We respond to emails within 24 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays.

Back to Top

What is the current draw of your security system?

Our systems consume a resting rate of 150 milliamps and have a maximum draw of 1.25 amps during transmission. The satellite units consume between 175 to 200 milliamps and approximately 1 amp during transmission.

Back to Top

What is GeoFenceing?

BoatSafe Sentry sets an invisible fence around your boat based on GPS data. For example, when you arm the system, an invisible circle is set around your yacht based on the current GPS coordinates. The default radius is 100 yards and can be adjusted to suit your requirements. If your yacht drifts or moves out of the invisible fence, you will receive an alarm called a GeoFence Alarm.

Back to Top

How long will it take to receive my unit?

We typically ship within 24 hours of receipt of payment.

Back to Top

How do I enter my contact phone numbers, emails, and SMS text message recipients?

Initially, you must “Create a New Account”. Go to www.TheBoatSafe.com and click on “Login”. At the BoatSafe Sentry page choose “Create a New Account” button at the Login Box. You will be prompted to enter the serial number you received with your unit and then to create a Username and Password. Next, go to ‘preferences’. At the bottom of the page there is a section where you can enter your contact information. Remember that the numbers are called in the order you enter them. Also, make sure to check the check box next to the ones you wish to use before clicking the update button to enter them into our system. In order to edit your contact numbers you need to log on to your secure account, Enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password, please click on “Recover Lost Login Data” or contact customer service.

Back to Top

Why does my security system send false alarms?

When you are underway the system should be disarmed. When you arm the unit, it activates all the sensors including Loss of Power and GeoFence. If you have your intrusion sensors more than 3/8″ apart, you may receive false intrusion alarms. Loose wiring will also cause a “false” alarm so re check all of the connections to the DataCollector. If none of these situations apply to you, call our customer support team at 888-BOATSAFE.

Back to Top

How many sensors can I install on my boat?

There are 9 inputs and 2 outputs hardwired into the system.

  • 1. Cabin Temperature
  • 2. Outside Temperature
  • 3. Engine Room Temperature
  • 4. Shore Power connection
  • 5. Intrusion Sensor 1
  • 6. Intrusion Sensor 2
  • 7. Smoke Detector
  • 8. High Water Bilge
  • 9. Battery Level

With the ZigBee Wireless Option you can add an unlimited number of sensors and input devices. We can also provide up to 256 devices by daisy chaining additional DataCollectors. The two outputs control the Light/Siren and the Ignition Shut Off Relay.

Back to Top

How long do the batteries last in the sensors?

We recommend that you check the batteries every six months and replace the batteries as needed to help prevent sensor failure. With ZigBee devices the battery live will often extend to 3-5 years. Replacement batteries are available in our online store, or you can buy them over the counter at any hardware, WalMart or CVS store.

Back to Top

Does the system come with a Light/siren alarm?

Yes, our systems are equipped with a light/siren combination that responds to any of the programmed defaults or sensors. The light/siren is programmed to sound continuously when any sensor is triggered or until it is shut off by disarming the system. Also, the light/siren is hardwired into the system, so plan to spend extra time installing it in a visible secure location.

Back to Top

How do I connect my Light/siren to the system?

There are two posts on your main unit, and on the horn/siren. You need to connect the common (-) wire to the terminal marked “20″ on your unit and connect t the (+)Horn to the terminal marked “19″ .

Back to Top

What does the Loss of Power sensor do?

It is designed to monitor your boat’s A/C Shore Power, not the 12 volt system power since the system is hooked up directly to your ship’s battery. You simply plug in the Loss of Power sensor to an outlet supplied by Shore Power. Should the A/C Shore Power service be interrupted your will receive an alarm notice. You can also view the A/C Power “On” indicator on the control panel on the web.

Back to Top

What is the difference between your Basic and GSM systems?

Our basic system requires a WiFi connection to transmit the Data. If your marina or anchorage does not have a WiFi connection, but you have cellular service you can purchase our GSM modem. GSM service is dependent on the availability of GSM cellular service, much like cell phones.

Back to Top

How do I choose between Basic, GSM or Satellite service?

That depends on your situation. For example, if your boat is in very remote area with no WiFI at the dock and your personal cell phone does not get service, then it will be necessary to go with satellite service. Our SatSys communicator has a GSM card built in and it will automatically roll over to Satellite service when you lose GSM connectivity.

Back to Top

Do your systems need a source of power?

Yes, BoatSafe Sentry systems do need a 12V source of power.

Back to Top

What is in the basic package for the YachtGuard ® System?

In the box you will find the DataCollector, one high water sensor, two intrusion sensors, Loss of Power wall wart, WiFi antenna, GPS antenna, two temperature sensors, Ignition Shut Off Relay, Smoke Detector and Light /Siren Combo. One temperature sensor and GeoFencing are internal and cannot be removed.

Back to Top

Will your systems call satellite phones?

Yes, our systems will call any phone number that you can call normally through a land line.

Back to Top

How far do the wireless sensors signals reach?

ZigBee sensors should reach 100-300 feet.

Back to Top

If I decide to buy now can I add sensors or features later?

Yes. BoatSafe Sentry is a scalable system designed to be flexible and allow the user to grow the system when required.

Back to Top

What makes Yacht Guard Monitoring systems different from traditional security systems?

A. The BoatSafe Sentry platform is based on WiFi and is not phone line dependant. We utilize a Tri-Band communication protocol that saves you money and insures the highest reliability. That means your system will work at your dock with a simple WiFi network, or remotely utilizing GSM and /or OrbCom Satellite connections. The data then weaves seamlessly through our secure server providing real-time monitoring of critical onboard systems.

B. BoatSafe Sentry is design specifically for your boat.

C. ZigBee wireless sensors provide the longest battery life of any wireless sensor and three layers of security, the first one based on the IEEE 802.15.4 layer encryption (The others are implemented in the Networking and Application layers).

Back to Top

How Do I become a licensed Re-Seller?

Please send us a request at Sales@TheBoatSafe.com. We sell to verifiable Marine Dealers, Marinas and OEM Manufacturers. Our Dealer Applicants must meet the requirements in the VAR agreement in order to receive discounted pricing.

Back to Top

Why should you purchase BoatSafe Sentry for your boat?

  • 1. Advanced communication with WiFi over GSM(cellular) over LOS(Satelite)
  • 2. Real Time monitoring.
  • 3. Wireless sensor technology.
  • 4. Archive recorded history via Internet.
  • 5. Send/Receive hourly status messages.
  • 6. Retrieve GPS coordinates and status via Internet 24/7.
  • 7. Arm / Disarm units via Internet 24/7.
  • 8. Receive an event specific message on 5 different phone numbers.
  • 9. Sends SMS and email messages to 5 recipients for alarm notifications.
  • 10. Customizable system to fit your specific application.
  • 11. Remote engine shut down via the internet
  • 12. Unlimited number of input/output devices

Back to Top

Because we cannot anticipate or control the many different conditions under which this information and our products may be used, we cannot guarantee the applicability of this information or the suitability of cur products in any individual situation. For the same reason, the products discussed are sold without warranty, express or implied. Statements concerning the possible use of our products are not intended as recommendations to use our product in the infringement of any patent.

How Secure is your website?

Ecommerce
Information and data transfer
Data Centers

Back to Top