Bilge Buddy Review

[searay12950]

So last year I ran across the Bilge Buddy display at the Miami boat show and I was intrigued by its offering of basically 24 monitoring of not just bilge but much more.
I bought it and the install was fairly easy and the connection to app etc was great. After owning it for 6 plus months I have to say I don’t think I will own another boat with out it. It not only watches the bilge but the battery voltage, gps location, impact sensors, alternator charging, charger voltage and weather. My boat is now connected on the digital world and Is monitored 24-7. The software is very intuitive and clearly developed by true boaters , sending me alerts on active bilges that are abnormal , low voltage charges etc. my boat was being dry docked and now I dock at house and it’s nice knowing if I get an alert i have a pulse on my boat wherever it is.

 

[dingbat]

So last year I ran across the Bilge Buddy display at the Miami boat show and I was intrigued by its offering of basically 24 monitoring of not just bilge but much more.
I bought it and the install was fairly easy and the connection to app etc was great. After owning it for 6 plus months I have to say I don’t think I will own another boat with out it. It not only watches the bilge but the battery voltage, gps location, impact sensors, alternator charging, charger voltage and weather.

My boat is now connected on the digital world and Is monitored 24-7. The software is very intuitive and clearly developed by true boaters , sending me alerts on active bilges that are abnormal , low voltage charges etc. my boat was being dry docked and now I dock at house and it’s nice knowing if I get an alert i have a pulse on my boat wherever it is.

How much is the monthly user fee?

I assume there is an additional fee to have someone come out to remediate the situation if someone isn't available?

Cell service or WiFi required?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Their website says the device is $350 and the subscription for your cell phone is $18/month or $150 annually. My boat is a trailer queen, but if I kept it slipped, this would be something to consider, assuming it's reliable.

 

[briangcc]

I think this is it...

BilgeBuddy

A remote monitoring & tracking system for your boat

www.bilgebuddy.io

Says you need cell service so pony up some $$

 

[thedinz]

very nice concept, pricing seems high, i know there bound to be someone who says its protecting much more expensive assets but..

I wont lie, i might get one for next year, i like that if the automatic bilge fails, which mine has, it will turn on the bilge. The device is a one time feee, assuming you can unsubscribe and re-subscribe to the cell plan as needed then its not to bad because realistically in the northeast for lake boating i only need it for about 3-4 months so im not doing an annual plan.

 

[dingbat]

I wont lie, i might get one for next year, i like that if the automatic bilge fails, which mine has, it will turn on the bilge.

Depends on the failure mode...... If the pump failed your done, period.

If it was the float "sensor" that failed, it would be easier to just install a second sensor in parallel.

Wouldn't have a location tracking device following you around

 

[thedinz]

How much is the monthly user fee?

I assume there is an additional fee to have someone come out to remediate the situation if someone isn't available?

Cell service or WiFi required?

Cell service

 

[alldodge]

I'm sure someone could make something up to notify a phone cheap

Mount a float a bit higher like high water alarm. Connect a small motorize widget that moves/spins in front of a camera. One of those camera that you would mount on front door or such

Sure need wifi or cell service, but if your already paying for one thing just use that service

 

[searay12950]

I had a lot of the same questions and thoughts and this is pretty much why I wrote the post. I wanted to share feedback on how valuable it’s become knowing my boat is safe and ready.
At first I thought why would I want to pay for cell if I could use WiFi , but the cell reliability makes the system much more reliable in my opinion.

I agree on pricing being high at $350, other sites have on sale for $250 which I think is more in line