Boat Security System

[DCMY #92]

Loose Change is nearing completion of her year long refit. (see 1965 41 DCMY Refit on this forum) I am interested in installing a security system as she goes back together. Previously, I have removed the electronics (radar monitor, depth sounders, Loran, GPS) from the helm and stored them below. With the new Furuno system the helm unit will be installed in a Pod that remains at the helm permanently. I am concerned that this may present a temptation for mischief that has not previously been there. I am also interested in preventing intrusion into the interior. The boat is on a sparsely occupied neighborhood dock that is about 1/8 mile from my home.

I am interested in any opinions, comments, testimonials or advice on security systems and/or sensors that would be useful.

 

[svaron]

We've installed the Paradox Magellan security system. It's not cheap, but it sure gives you peace of mind... here's the link: http://www.paradoxmarine.com/

It is a pretty open system so that you can customize it any number of ways. The door, hatch and motion detectors are all wireless so that there are no wiring issues. We have ours configured to warn us for high water in the bilges, smoke in the engine room, 24 volt and shore power outage and the best part is that it has the NavTracer which is connected via sattelite to indicate if your boat is being stolen or breaking loose, tracking the boat via GPS.

All of the warnings and alarms can be via email, text message and/or cell phone. (there is a monthly fee for this)

The support and service of this company is second to none. You will pay alot upfront, but it's sure worth the peace of mind.

By the way, there was an article about this in Motor Boating magazine within the last couple of months( I beleive)

If you would like more info, please email me at pianos2000@aol.com

Sam

 

[NigelM]

I'm new to Hatteras' but i can tell you something about systems:

There are plenty of expensive systems with fees etc. but in theory it would be very easy to cheaply set up an infrared camera with motion sensor but you have 2 main issues:

1. Installing a motion sensor on a boat is fine so long as it is in an enclosed space (no birds, flapping eisenglass, fluttering flags or gusts of wind). The motion sensor will be fixed and will move with the boat. However, it sounds like you want to protect an open flybridge; if so, then the obvious option is a laser beam detection system. (Place either side of a gangway or stairs and the alarm sounds when the beam is broken). You can find these for less than $50 but they set off a local alarm, which you would have to re-set - and that brings me to the second issue......

2. How to get a signal back to your house. Wireless will only work up to 100yds with a clear line of sight, there is nothing on the market that will cover 1/8 mile. That means you need a hard connection in the form of a telephone line or a lan cable.

Considering all this, you could buy a compact motion detector that is attached to a phone line so that it calls you when there is a potential thief on board. Look for CyberEye ECO with auto-dialer, you should be able to find it under $100.

If phone lines are not an option then you may have to look at pressure mats, or mini laser beams with a siren and/or strobe lights to scare intruders away. This will cost you big bucks though.....

Take a look at boatalarm.com/howtobuyanalarm.html for more ideas.

 

[DCMY #92]

Has anyone who has used a Marine Guard system care to comment on your experience? I particularly like the idea of the concealed pressure sensitive deck sensors.

http://www.marineguardsecurity.com/id5.html

 

[mdpacpl]

I have a friend that sells small compact units that plug in to ac power,3 day battery backup,motion sensor. The great part about the motion sensor is that it will not detect motion thru glass. I use one motion sensor in the main salon that protects all access into the boat. Also, if the unit is set off,you get an immediate email alert,and a text message on your phone.Also the unit will track the boat thru the gps monitoring in the unlikely event that your boat is stolen. I believe the unit costs around $1000.00 and the monthly monitoring fee is $40.00.They are working to reduce that to $20.00 in the very near future.
If anyone has any interest,they can contact me.