Owning a boat is much more than just a hobby. It’s an investment, often costly, and an important part of our daily life or vacations. With the arrival of good weather and the return to the water, it’s important to be even more cautious against those who might attempt to steal it.
This is where GPS trackers for boats come in, smart devices designed to ensure continuous protection against theft and unauthorized use. So here’s a guide to help you choose the GPS tracker best suited to your boat and your usage!
Discover Invoxia GPS trackers to protect my boatWhy is a GPS tracker for a boat essential? #
There are multiple reasons why a GPS device is indispensable for your boat. First, depending on the network used, it offers you the ability to track the position of your vessel, and thus retrace your outings at sea.
But the main advantage of a GPS for boats should be its ability to alert you in case of a theft attempt, and to help you find it if this attempt is successful. Whether in winter, when it hibernates in your garage or a hangar, or in summer, when it’s in a port with little security, your tracker should allow you to act quickly so that your life remains smooth sailing.
What to look for in a GPS for a boat? #
If you’ve just acquired your boat or have never considered equipping it until now, there are a few essential points to keep in mind before buying your GPS tracker:
- Ensure that the location technology used is reliable.
- Carefully look at the features offered by the GPS tracker: location alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by alerts in case of suspicious movement.
- Prefer a tracker with long battery life that does not connect to the boat’s battery.
The advantages of GPS trackers for boat owners #
Protection against theft #
Boats are popular targets for thieves. A GPS tracker allows you to quickly locate your vessel in case of theft, giving you the best chances of recovering it. It can also send you alerts even before the theft, as soon as your boat leaves a secured area, for example.
Peace of mind #
Whether you’re on vacation or at sea, knowing that your boat is permanently protected brings incomparable peace of mind. With a GPS for boats, you can check the location of your vessel at any time, reducing stress and allowing you to enjoy your time at sea and on land with complete peace of mind.
Management of movements #
Another advantage of a GPS tracker is the ability to manage the movements of your boat. You can visualize the route traveled, which is particularly useful if you rent your boat or want to track the evolution of your trips. This information can also help you plan your future navigations, having a history of explored areas.
How to choose the best GPS tracker for my boat? #
When it comes to choosing a GPS tracker for boats, there are two main categories: trackers specifically designed for boats and more versatile GPS trackers, like the Invoxia GPS tracker, which can be used for a wide range of applications. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs.
1. Specialized GPS trackers for boats #
Specialized GPS trackers for boats are designed to meet the specific requirements of boat owners. These devices offer features that take into account the particularities of marine environments, such as sea navigation conditions, humidity, or materials sensitive to water.
Advantages: #
- Optimized protection for the marine environment: These trackers are generally designed to withstand the extreme conditions of saltwater, weather, and humidity, ensuring durability in maritime conditions.
- Features adapted to boats: Some models offer advanced features to monitor not only the position of your boat but also its engine, fuel, or battery monitoring, providing a complete solution for tracking your vessel.
- Long-distance tracking: Some specialized GPS trackers allow international tracking via satellite networks, ideal for long sea journeys.
Disadvantages: #
- High price: Specialized trackers for boats are often more expensive than versatile trackers. Additionally, the subscription for data coverage can also be more costly.
- Sometimes complex installation: GPS trackers for boats are often designed for professional installation, which can be a disadvantage if you’re looking for a simple solution to install.
- Limited features outside nautical use: If you have other needs (for example, for a car or utility vehicle), these trackers may not be as versatile.
2. Versatile GPS trackers #
GPS trackers like those from Invoxia are more versatile devices, not solely intended for boats. Thanks to their flexibility, they can be used on different types of vehicles or for other valuable objects. These trackers are often more accessible in terms of price and easier to install.
Advantages: #
- Versatility: The Invoxia GPS tracker can be used not only for boats but also for cars, motorcycles, or even pets, making it a flexible investment for different uses.
- Simple installation: It is easy to install, with a compact and waterproof design, allowing hassle-free installation, even for less experienced users. You don’t need to connect it to the battery, as depending on the chosen model, the battery life can go up to 6 months!
- No high monthly fees: Unlike some specialized trackers for boats, Invoxia GPS trackers have a flexible subscription offer, allowing you to reduce costs if you only need to use it a few months a year or if you prefer long-term protection.
- Advanced technology: At Invoxia, we combine GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth technologies, allowing us to provide precise location tracking and long battery life, ideal for prolonged use.
Disadvantages: #
- Fewer boat-specific features: Although suitable for a wide range of uses, Invoxia GPS trackers do not offer boat-specific features, such as engine tracking, fuel monitoring, or alerts related to maritime conditions.
- Durability at sea: Most GPS trackers are not waterproof without the addition of a suitable pouch. It may not be as robust against extreme maritime conditions as specialized trackers for boats.
The choice between a specialized GPS tracker for boats and a versatile GPS tracker mainly depends on your specific needs. If you are a boat owner looking for a complete and specialized solution, with precise tracking of your vessel and advanced features for engine or fuel management, a specialized tracker will probably be more suitable.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, easy to install, and usable on other vehicles or objects, the Invoxia GPS tracker could be an excellent solution. It offers a good balance between cost, performance, and versatility, while ensuring reliable protection for your boat.