FAQs

General

Why should I buy YachtPilot over other boat monitoring systems?
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YachtPilot is the top choice for boat monitoring systems due to its unwavering focus on safety and security. Offering real-time alerts, seamless connectivity, and remote monitoring of critical systems, YachtPilot provides the peace of mind every boat owner seeks. The system's customisable alerts for these crucial systems and its integration of up-to-date weather information ensure that your boat is always protected from unforeseen circumstances. With YachtPilot, you can trust that your boat is in good hands.

I want to purchase YachtPilot. Where can I buy it?
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YachtPilot is available for direct purchase from our online store here. The app can be downloaded for free from the leading app stores for iOS and Android devices. Please note that a cloud subscription is required to access data and monitor systems in real-time.

What is NMEA 2000, and why is it important?
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NMEA 2000 is a communication standard used in the marine industry to connect and share data between marine electronic equipment and sensors. It allows different devices to communicate with each other on a single network, enabling the sharing of data such as GPS, depth, speed, and temperature.YachtPilot mandates the installation of NMEA 2000 as a minimum requirement for the boat.

Will I be able to track my boat if it's stolen?
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This only works if the device is still powered and has an internet connection; otherwise, you will only be able to see the last reported location.

Why use satellite instead of a GSM Cellular connection?
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By opting for satellite connectivity over cellular for the YachtPilot system, users can experience unparalleled benefits. Unlike cellular services, satellite connectivity is not restricted by cell tower range, ensuring reliable connectivity even while the vessel is in motion. Additionally, satellite services offer real-time monitoring, providing continuous data transmission without the limitations of intermittent updates, which is common with some cellular services. Notably, the advanced capabilities of satellite connectivity, particularly through services like Starlink, ensure seamless and robust support for bandwidth-intensive applications, thereby enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the YachtPilot system. Additionally, we plan to integrate a 4G SIM service to enhance connectivity options for users further.

Where can I view my device firmware and check for updates in the app?
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Future Feature: We plan to introduce a new feature allowing users to view the firmware version of their devices and check for available updates via the Sensor page on both the app and website. This feature will provide users with easy access to information about the current firmware version of their sensors, ensuring that they are aware of the software running on their devices. Additionally, users will be able to conveniently check for any available firmware updates, ensuring that their devices are running the latest version for optimal performance and security. This expanded feature aims to give users greater visibility and control over the software running on their sensors.

I will be winterising my boat for the off-season; what steps do I need to take to safely and securely winterise my YachtPilot Sensor?
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Nothing, leave it running and monitor your vessel over the winter period.

Usage & Features

How does YachtPilot access the data from my boat?
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In simple words, YachtPilot uses the boat's CAN network to read PGN's. PGN stands for Parameter Group Number and is a unique numerical identifier used to categorise and define specific sets of data within the NMEA 2000 protocol. NMEA 2000 is a standardised protocol for data exchange between devices onboard, such as GPS units, depth sounders, engines and more.

How does YachtPilot access the Internet?
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The YachtPilot Sensor can be connected to any Wi-Fi network on the boat via the YachtPilot app.

Can I use YachtPilot regardless of what phone I have?
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No, YachtPilot app requires a phone running on Android 6.0+ or iOS 11.0+.

Can I install YachtPilot myself?
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YachtPilot is designed for easy installation; follow the provided quick-start guide, but if you run into trouble, our support team are ready to help.

Will YachtPilot work all over the world?
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Yes, as long as the boat has unrestricted Internet access and the device is connected to a router.

How can I be certain that the data uploaded to YachtPilot can only be seen and used by me?
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To ensure that only you can see and use the data uploaded to YachtPilot, we use the most up-to-date standards in internet security. Your data is sent over a secure connection and can only be accessed using your login credentials. We also provide multi-factor authentication methods, so you can protect your account further by ensuring that access to your mobile device or email is required to log in.

What happens if my YachtPilot Sensor does not have access to the Internet?
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If the Sensor disconnects from the Internet, all data it captures from that point until it reconnects will be lost.

What happens to my YachtPilot if I sell my boat?
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You can reconfigure your Sensor to be linked to another boat.

How do I connect the app with the Sensor?
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Follow the provided quick-start guide or view here.

What is the maximum current draw of the Sensor?
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The Sensor has a maximum current draw of 3.0 amps

Will YachtPilot Sensor use the power from my battery?
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Yes. YachtPilot Sensor does not have an internal battery and needs to be powered via USB-C or a power adapter.

How will I be alerted in case something happens to my boat?
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Users will have the option to choose from email and mobile push notifications for real-time alerts.

How precise is the GPS tracking?
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GPS tracking will be as precise as the boat's GPS hardware. YachtPilot Sensor has no built-in GPS, so it relies on the boat's GPS.

I am receiving notifications that the boat has moved. Why?
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You have an anchor alarm set, and the boat has left the anchor watch area.

How many instruments can I connect to YachtPilot?
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You do not connect instruments directly to YachtPilot. The YachtPilot Sensor reads any instrument connected to the boat's CAN. The captured data is then displayed via a dashboard in the YachtPilot app or the website once logged in.

Can I still monitor my boat when the power supply is switched off?
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No.

Does YachtPilot have an internal backup battery?
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No.

Will the Sensor's reporting be impacted when there is low power supply?
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Yes, as with any electronic device, the Sensor could malfunction if there is not enough power.

How many ports are there on the YachtPilot Sensor?
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The Sensor has a CANBUS (CAN) port for receiving data and power and an array of expansion ports.

Do I need WiFi to communicate with my YachtPilot?
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YachtPilot Sensor requires constant internet access. Direct communication with the Sensor is not required after the initial setup. All collected data is sent to the cloud and will be visualised via the YachtPilot Dashboard on the web or YachtPilot app.

Does my YachtPilot require an external GPS?
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Yes, YachtPilot does not have a built-in GPS and relies on the boat's GPS hardware.

Can I specify the unit of measurement that I prefer to display on the YachtPilot Dashboard?
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Future feature: The ability to specify the unit of measurement that you prefer to display in the YachtPilot app is currently in development. This feature will allow users to customise the unit of measurement for various data points based on their personal preferences. For example, users will be able to choose between different units for measurements such as speed, distance, temperature, and more. This enhancement aims to provide a more personalised and tailored experience for users, accommodating their specific needs and preferences. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new feature!

Can the tiles on the YachtPilot Dashboard be rearranged?
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Yes. On the mobile app, widget stats can be turned on and off. YachtPilot Dashboard via the web and on tablets, widgets can also have their positioning rearranged.

What is a Marine Geofence?
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A geofence is a virtual boundary placed over a map. In YachtPilot, geofences are what you can place over a body of water to create an anchor alarm.

How do I turn on email and push notification alerts for my Sensor?
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Currently, you are only able to do this on the mobile app. Follow the guide here

Some alerts are not as important to me as others, can I filter some of these out?
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Future feature: This feature will allow users to customise their alerts and filter out less important ones. This will help tailor the alert system to suit individual preferences and needs better. Users will be able to select which types of alerts they want to receive, giving them greater control over the information received. This feature prioritises important notifications and minimises unnecessary interruptions, enhancing the overall user experience. Stay tuned for updates on this planned feature!

Can I configure the time scales for my connected instruments?
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No, data collection occurs every 30 seconds.

I have multiple engines. How do I view additional engines?
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YachtPilot Sensor captures and records data for Port and Starboard engines.

Can I add an alert recipient in my app?
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Future Feature: Adding an alert recipient in the app will allow users to designate specific individuals to receive alerts and notifications from the YachtPilot app. This feature will be particularly useful in cases where a user wants to ensure that important alerts are received by specific individuals, such as family members, friends, or other trusted individuals. It will also enhance the app's functionality by giving users more control over how and to whom alerts are sent, ultimately improving the overall user experience.

Can I add an additional user so that they can log in and monitor my boat with their credentials in the YachtPilot app?
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Future Feature:The planned feature of adding additional users to the boat monitoring app will allow boat owners to grant access to other people so that they can log in and monitor the boat using their credentials. This feature would enable boat owners to share access with other authorised individuals, enhancing convenience and security. Additionally, it could allow for customisable access levels, ensuring that different users can have varying levels of control and permissions within the app. Overall, this feature has the potential to make boat monitoring more collaborative and user-friendly, enriching the user experience for all.

Can I view my NMEA device settings in the mobile app?
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Future Feature:No. You can view a sample of the PGNs read by the sensor via the Dashboard website. Via: Dashboard home > Boats > View Boat > Enable / Disable PGN Sources

Pricing

What does the subscription cover?
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When purchasing the YachtPilot Sensor, the first year of subscription is included. The subscription includes cloud connectivity, the mobile app, and all the current features available on the platform. In the future, YachtPilot will launch a premium service for an additional fee, including premium options like real-time weather alerts for the vessel.

What countries are covered by the subscription?
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YachtPilot works in any country, anywhere in the world, as long as it's connected to the Internet.

Is the subscription mandatory to start using YachtPilot?
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Your Sensor comes with a subscription for the first year. A subscription is required to view sensor data and use the mobile platform to monitor your boat.

How will I know that my subscription needs to be renewed?
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We'll notify you about your upcoming renewal date and provide renewal options starting from $49 per year.

How do I renew my subscription?
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Instructions will be provided in your renewal notifications. However, you can also log in to your online account and update your subscription and account options.

What happens to my data if my subscription lapses?
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We will retain your data for up to 90 days unless you request deletion. You can easily reactivate your account by updating it and regaining access to your data.

Can I disable/ enable automatic renewals?
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You can verify your renewal options in your account settings.

Can I terminate my subscription?
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Yes, you can disable your account, request account or data deletion, and terminate or close subscriptions in your account settings.

What payment options are supported?
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We accept VISA and Mastercard for online payments using a credit card

Will taxes be included in my invoice?
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Taxes may or may not be included in your invoice, depending on the country. We must collect taxes in some countries, while in others, we do not. When making an online purchase, please review your check-out options for details on the taxes that will be charged and paid

What is the warranty for the YachtPilot Sensor?
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The YachtPilot Sensor comes with a standard 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty covers any manufacturing defects or malfunctions during normal use. Please refer to the warranty terms and conditions for detailed information on coverage and claim procedures. However, we are dedicated to taking care of our customers, so please feel free to contact us to explore how we can assist you further.