Boat Sense. Do You Have It?

(Russel Sirois & David Jacques)

Maine Maritime graduates David Jacques and Russel Sirois are spending a lot of time asking the above question to boaters up and down the East coast. The responses they get are not so much answers as puzzled looks. And that’s just fine with the two professional seamen-turned-inventors/entrepreneurs. “’Boatsense’ is a product, a brand new product,” says Jacques, “and we want people asking ‘What’s boat sense?’ so we can tell them about it.”

So what exactly is Boatsense?

“In simple terms,” says Jacques, “it’s a Remote Vessel Monitoring System, a simple and inexpensive way of keeping a watchful eye on your boat when your’re not on it. If there are problems such as high water in the bilge or low battery voltage, the module contacts you by text messaging your cell phone.”

“Most people don’t realize,” adds Sirois, “that 80% of boats that sink or swamp do so while unattended—that is, on the mooring or at the dock.”
Jacques, an electronics wizard, designed and built a sealed plastic module about the size of a deck of cards that is owner-installed on the boat. Once activated, if the boat is taking on water or running low voltage, the Boatsense module “calls” the owner’s cell phone and delivers a text message with the appropriate alert, i.e. “High water.” In addition to the critical bilge level and battery conditions, up to three additional alarm systems (fire, theft, drift etc.) may be added.

Remote monitoring systems for boats, cars, motorcycles and homes are becoming increasingly popular. Insurance company discounts and the high cost ($10,000+) of cleaning up the oil and fuel spills from sunken boats are driving sales. What makes the Maine Maritime grads’ product unique is its relative low cost and simple operation.

“There are other very complex, very expensive remote monitoring systems for boats,” says Jacques, “modeled after central station security systems used by businesses and posh residences. Boatsense has eliminated complexity, satellites, technicians, keypads and screens that fail in the harsh marine environment, and, most importantly, high expense. All you need with Boatsense is the cell phone you already own.”

Jacques and Sirois manufacture their product in the USA and intend to show a profit through high volume sales. “Our master distributor,” says Sirois, “is Hamilton Marine who sells all over the world to individuals, dealers, OEMs, and commercial co-ops.”

The suggested list price for the Boatsense module is $499. An annual subscription fee of $15 per month is also required. For further information go to boatsensesolutions.com or hamiltonmarine.com. Or call 800-639-2715.