What to Look for in a Boat Alarm?

Thank you for visiting our web site!

Since you are here investing your time on boat alarms, you are most likely concerned about security.  So are we.   We have been involved in the security industry since 1968, first as owners of an alarm installation company and now as security manufacturers. Our experience has taught us that several key points to consider when selecting a boat alarm system include:

1. Reliability - Is the security system designed to last?  Is it designed to work in a marine environment?  For example, will a bird landing on the deck trigger the alarm?  Will the sun beating on the boat cause the alarm to false?  Or will the boat rocking in the water or banging against a dock set off the alarm?  You want your boat alarm to rarely false so that you continue to use it and so that neighbors will respond should the alarm system trigger.

2. Ease of Operation - Is the security system easy to operate? 

3. Security Coverage - How does the security system work?  Does it protect the deck, hatches, gunwale?  When is the security system triggered?  When the intruder first climbs aboard the boat or only when the intruder reaches the cabin or the fly deck?  Are the electronics and the equipment you wish to protect adequately covered?

4. Environmentally Protected - Are the alarm components coated with a sealant to protect the equipment from erosion due to water, wind and rain.

5. Technical Support - What kind of technical support will you receive for your system if you decide to install it yourself?  What kind of ongoing technical support is provided after it is installed?
   

How Does MarineGuard Compare with the Competition?

MarineGuard meets and exceeds the challenge.

1. Reliability - MarineGuard products are built to last.  A number of customers have transferred their systems from one boat to another when they make a new purchase.  We highly recommend using the Deck Sensors whenever possible. These security components are not only invisible, they are unaffected by birds, the sun, the rocking boat in the water, or the banging of the boat against the dock. 

2. Ease of Operation - The MarineGuard boat alarms are designed to be easy to operate.  Depending on the system, our security systems are armed/disarmed using either a key switch or a wireless keychain transmitter..

3. Security Coverage - With MarineGuard's security systems, you can secure any area that you want on your boat.  You can protect the gunwales, the hatches, the cabin, the fly deck, the bilge, and any other areas with important or expensive equipment and property.  When you choose MarineGuard's Deck Sensors, you can secure your boat so that an intruder can never step more than a foot or two onto the deck without triggering the alarm.

4. Environmentally Protected - All MarineGuard security equipment is either fully potted or coated with a Humiseal product to protect the components from salt and water damage..

5. Technical Support - Most distributors and installers provide support for the MarineGuard product.  We ask that you check with them first if you have any questions.  If your questions are not answered or your distributor/installer does not provide technical support, we have an 800 number for you to call.  You will be able to speak with a technician during regular office hours and we monitor the phone for after-hour emergencies. 

6. Dependability - MarineGuard's Deck Sensors are a marine version of Sure Action's Pulsors, the only motion detector of its kind in the world.  The Pulsor has been in existence for forty years.  The two versions have been used in historical buildings and boats, in jails, on roofs of mental detention centers, on the largest yachts, on police and coast guard boats and on many smaller boats.

How Do You Choose the Right MarineGuard Security System for You?

Selecting the right security system is not as complicated as it may first appear.  You can use these questions to make your decision.

1. Can you get under the cockpit?  If you can, then you want to choose a system with MarineGuard's Deck Sensors.  If you cannot, then you will need to use hatch contacts and possibly some other peripheral security devices. (More details below.)

2. Which system is best for my boat? 

   • If your boat is under 25 feet and you are looking for a basic security system without wireless components, then you need the economical MG02C security package.

   • If your boat is under 25 feet and you want to use wireless components, then you need the MG01C security package.

   • If your boat is over 25 feet, you will need a few more security components.  Choose MG54C or MG58C.  In most cases, you will need the MG54C.  Choose the MG58C if your boat needs 6 or more Deck Sensors.  If you needs less than 6 Deck Sensors, choose the MG54C.  (You can use all of our wireless components with the MG54C or MG58C.  If you do wish to use wireless alarm components, you will need to add the Wireless Control Package [MGWCP]).

    

3. What are the main differences between the MG01 Security Systems and the MG5 Security Systems?  The MG01 is designed as an economical, basic security packaged. This system is ideal for the boat owner who owns a small boat and is looking for a simple, easy-to-use, cost-effective alarm system.  The MG5 has more features than the MG01.  The MG5 has a more powerful siren.  It has a circuit to control spreader lights, it has more input circuits that give you more information if there is a problem, and it has a built-in bilge sensor circuit to detect leaks in your boat.

4. Now that I've chosen the security system I want to use, how to I know what components to choose with the alarm system?

• Choose Deck Sensors is you can access underneath the deck.  (See product section for more information.)

• Choose Hatch Contacts if you wish to protect openings.   (See product section for more information.)

• If you wish to use motion detectors or other space detectors, contact us at 1 (800) 648-4301 or (631) 728-3986.

5. Do you want to be notified if your alarm system is triggered?  If the answer is no, then you are done.  If the answer is yes, then there are a few more decisions to make.

   • If your boat is on a trailer or at a mooring, do you want to know if it is being towed away?  If the answer is yes, then you need a cell transmitter that has GPS. 

   • Do you want to track your boat when it is on the water?  If you do, then you also need the cell transmitter with GPS.

   • Do you take your boat offshore or visit other countries?  If you do, then a satellite transmitter that works worldwide and does not depend on the GSM cell system is your answer.

   • Do you want to know if your alarm system goes off, but do not need to track the boat?  If this question describes you, then you need a cell transmitter that does not have GPS.

6. Who will be installing your alarm system? 

   1. If you want to install it yourself, MarineGuard Boat Alarm Systems come with complete instructions.  We also have staff on call who will give you as much time as needed to explain the installation process and give you whatever tips you need.  Click here to see an overview of the installation process.

   2. If you want someone to install the system for you, please click here to see our list of installers.  If you do not see anyone in your area then contact your local marine electronics dealer or security company.  Either professional will have the expertise needed to install a MarineGuard system.  You can also contact a security distributor in your area and they can supply you with a list of local security installers or you can contact us and we will assist you.