Boat tracking devices
The C-Pod brand has been offering tracking devices for many years. These geolocation devices allow the tracking of the boat and its position from a phone. The "geofencing" function determines a safety zone around a position. When the boat leaves the zone, an alert is sent via the GSM network in France and abroad to the designated persons. An annual subscription is required for this purpose.
"This is a good security tool and a good way to fight against theft. On the market since 2005, the product has proven itself" says Marine Assistance, distributor for France.
Sensors and actuator for boat safety
In its basic versions C-Pod ELite, plugged into the mains, and C-Pod Lite, autonomous on battery, the miniaturized boxes focus on position tracking.
However, the classic C-Pod box also integrates the management of sensors installed on the boat. These sensors can be used to alert in case of water ingress, fire, freezing, intrusion, theft of the outboard motor or low battery level. A relay also allows to activate an equipment from its smartphone.
A safe product for the boater
If it is sold as an aftermarket product, the C-Pod box is also available for the original equipment market. It is already offered on new Targa boats. Indeed, it can be a reassuring argument for the yachtsman with functions not always available on the NMEA 2000 networks on board. The units can also be offered when refitting a used boat. The stand-alone C-Pod Lite version is ideal for mobile equipment such as outboard motors at risk of theft.
In agreement with insurance companies, equipped boaters can benefit from premium reductions and deductible waivers with certain insurers, thanks to the reduced risks of theft, fire and water damage.
A boat fleet management tool
C-Pod is also aimed at boat rental companies. With the C-Pod Fleet system, they can view the position of their entire fleet in real time on a single screen. "This is an interesting asset in terms of monitoring and safety for rental fleets", underlines the manager of Marine Assistance.
Port applications
The manufacturer is also promoting its tracking devices to marina managers, both afloat and dry. "The geofencing allows to have a passage area. Thus, placed at the exit of a port or at the entrance of a channel or a slipway, we can know if a boat is out or not. The managers can thus know the available places and make precious savings on the time of check-in" justifies Marine Assistance.
The C-Pod boxes, distributed by Marine Assistance, can therefore seduce both boaters and professionals.
