Motorboat Monitoring with Smartboatia: Now Under Engine Too

Smartboatia was born on a sailboat. But the questions boat owners ask are the same on every boat: Is my boat still safe? Is the battery holding up? And where have I actually been? That's why Smartboatia now works for motorboats too, with the same Hub and an app that knows what kind of boat you're on.

What’s new for motorboats?

Since version 1.47.0, you can tell the Smartboatia app whether your boat is a sailboat or a motorboat. Choose motorboat, and the app hides everything that only makes sense under sail: trim tips, polars and sailing-only instruments. What’s left is a clean app with exactly the features you need on a motorboat.

Here’s how: in the app, go to Boat configuration and pick “Motorboat” as your boat type. Done.

How do I monitor my motorboat remotely?

The Smartboatia Hub measures position, air pressure, sea state and battery voltage itself. Once it’s online, for example via marina Wi-Fi, you can see these values in the app when you’re away: at home, at the office or on holiday.

• Without a subscription, live data comes in every minute while the Hub is online via Wi-Fi.
• With a subscription, it comes in every 5 seconds. And if your boat has no Wi-Fi, the Hub sends live data and alarms via Hub cellular, where available.

You’ll also see wind and water depth when your onboard instruments are switched on and connected to the NMEA 2000 network.

Anchor watch for motorboats: at anchor and in your berth

The anchor watch runs on the Hub, not on your phone. Set your anchor right on the map in the app and choose a circle from 10 to 100 metres. If your boat stays outside the circle for more than 15 seconds, the Hub beeps on board, triggers its alarm output for a horn or light and sends a push notification to your phone.

It’s not just for anchorages. In your berth, the anchor watch keeps guard: if your boat moves out of the circle, the Hub sounds the alarm, and when it’s online, you get a push notification. More on the anchor alarm

Battery alarm: no nasty surprises at the dock

Nothing ruins the start of a weekend faster than a flat battery. The Hub measures your battery voltage every second, no extra sensor needed. If it stays below your set value for 30 seconds, the Hub sounds the alarm. When it’s online, you also get a push notification. So you can act long before the battery slips into deep discharge. More on battery monitoring

Motorboat logbook: no more paperwork

The Smartboatia logbook writes itself. The Hub detects when you cast off, drop anchor or moor, and logs it all with time and position. It uses AI to detect when your engine is running, no engine sensor needed. And if you use an autopilot, engaging, disengaging and course changes of 10 degrees or more show up in your logbook too.

At the end of your trip, export your logbook as a PDF in a classic ship’s log layout: a continuous table with time, event, position, distance and duration, plus your boat details on every page. Ready to archive or hand over.

A second plotter in your pocket

Connected to the Hub, your phone or tablet becomes a plotter: map, position, course, speed and your instruments at a glance, set up the way you like. With an AIS device on board, you’ll see the ships around you. Offline maps work without signal, and official nautical charts for Germany and the USA come with a subscription. More on the plotter

On board, the app also warns you when air pressure drops fast and bad weather is on the way.

Does Smartboatia work with my motorboat?

If your boat has an NMEA 2000 network, installation is especially easy. SeaTalk NG, SimNet and NMEA 0183 work with the right adapter. And with no onboard network at all, the Hub runs on its own sensors: GPS, barometer, motion sensor and voltage measurement.

Important for installation: mount the Hub in a dry, ventilated spot, at least 0.5 metres above the waterline and never in the engine room. How to install the Hub

FAQ

Do I need a subscription for a motorboat?

No. Logbook, anchor watch, battery alarm, plotter and live data via Wi-Fi are included without a subscription. The first year of the subscription is also included with the Hub.

Do I need to install an engine sensor?

No. The Hub uses AI to detect when your engine is running and gets to know your boat better over time.

Does Smartboatia work without internet on board?

Yes. Logbook, plotter, anchor watch and alarms all work on board without internet. You only need internet to check on your boat remotely.

Can I switch between sailboat and motorboat?

Yes, you can change your boat type anytime in the app under Boat configuration.

Bottom line

Smartboatia grew up on a sailboat, but it belongs on every boat. With motorboat mode, you get an app that fits your boat and a Hub that keeps watch when you’re not around.

Find out more