SeaKey Can Save Your Boat (and YOU!)
The SeaKey safety system
was first introduced in 2002 and is now installed in over 10,000 boats. This proven
system is directed primarily at boater safety and boat security. Not only can you
send an SOS at the touch of a button, but the system also tracks the boat in case
of theft. It’s like “On Star” in automobiles, but it has far more uses, including
keeping track of your kids when they use your boat, and knowing where your captain
really is.
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| The SeaKey touch pad is simple and easy to use. |
SeaKey offers an array of monitoring possibilities that essentially target boater
safety, boat security, trip monitoring, and peace of mind. SeaKey also has a record
of proven success in assisting law enforcement agencies in the tracking and recovery
of stolen vessels, as well as helping boaters in distress and heading off problems
before they become life-threatening. In short, it is like an “On Star” automobile
system, only it is for boats and boat owners.
GeoFence for Anti-Theft and Kid Control
The company calls its anti-theft system “GeoFence”. It is sort of like the “invisible
fence” you have installed at your home to keep your dog in the yard. Only with SeaKey
you simply program a circle “X” distance from your boat’s location and if it crosses
the line an alarm is set off and you or the police are contacted. In this way your
captain can have the latitude to take the boat to the local marina for repairs,
but not take your boat out for a moonlight cruise with his honey or drinking buddies.
(We know of one captain who was taking his owner’s 80’ motoryacht out for his own
“charters” when the owner was 1500 miles away.)
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You can use the “GeoFence” feature to monitor what your kids are doing with the
boat. If you’ve told them not to go more than 5 miles away you can make sure they
are obedient – (and take boat privileges away if they are not.) More important,
it will give a parent peace of mind knowing his child is enjoying boating, but knowing
that if he gets in trouble, with the touch of a button he can call for assistance.
Track Your Boat on the Internet
SeaKey will set you up with your own website so you can track your boat, keep an
eye on it, and even monitor its bilge water level and your batteries’ charge. You
can invite family and friends who are not lucky enough to be on board with you to
watch your progress as you cruise Maine’s coast or go fishing in the Bahamas.
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SeaKey has almost complete North American coverage, including the Caribbean and much of Central America. |
Talk about a “float plan!” That is a thing of the past as you can transmit a real-time
float route. If pappa doesn’t come home on time, you can call authorities and tell
them exactly where he is. The SeaKey is an ideal safety device for retired men who
want to still go fishing alone but Mom is afraid he might have a heart attack or some
other problem incapacitating him.
Each unit has an “SOS” button. Just push it and your location and call for help
is received by the SeaKey service operator who calls for help.
Concierge Service
Having access to concierge service is like having an extra hand on board. Book a
slip, a dinner reservation, or find out the price of fuel ahead of time. If you
are single-handing or pre-occupied with guests, this service can come in handy.
How Does it Work?
Last summer the company introduced its new SeaKey v2.0 DM model. The new version
houses a dual mode cellular & satellite-based safety & security system which
communicates vital information to the SeaKey 24/7 Response Center, as well as to
the boat owner's personal website. The powerful GSM & GPRS wireless technology
works much faster than any satellite system and provides a backup link.
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SeaKey has almost complete North American coverage, including the Caribbean and much of Central America. |
Insurance Discount
Inamar Recreational Marine Insurance, a national marine insurance provider, started
a strategic alliance with SeaKey in 2006, whereby boat owners with activated SeaKey
systems installed on their boats can receive up to a 10 percent discount on marine
insurance.
Success Stories
True Story #1: A SeaKey member was vacationing in the Bahamas.
He docked his Hydra-Sports Vector 2800 in Freeport’s Lucayan Marina Village on a
Saturday night, only to discover it gone from its slip at 7:00 AM Sunday morning.
He immediately contacted the Harbormaster, who called the Freeport Police. The police’s
assessment of the situation was not good. Boat theft is a serious problem in the
Bahamas, where boats are rarely recovered. The boat owner called SeaKey, who began
tracking his boat immediately via satellite. SeaKey operators called the police
every 30 minutes with new coordinates – tracking the boat until it stopped 100 miles
away in Nassau. With SeaKey providing exact coordinates, Nassau police were able
to find the missing craft, even though it had been pulled out-of-the-water and stripped
of all identification.
True Story #2: A SeaKey member while cruising the Bahamas encountered
a vessel in distress that had starting taking on water. The SK Member activated
his SOS button and the Response Center jumped into action. The US Coast Guard Station
in Miami was notified, including the location of vessel. The Officer at the station
confirmed that the USCG vessel nearest to the SeaKey’s location had been dispatched
and the Bahamian officials had also been notified. A USCG Search & Rescue helicopter
assisted the vessel, dropping extra pumps to help keep the distressed vessel afloat.
True Story #3: On a June evening, a SeaKey customer fishing near
Juneau Alaska was having a problem and didn’t know it yet. The SeaKey unit sent
a “High Water” alarm to the SeaKey Response Center. When the Response Center could
not reach the customer, it dispatched the Coast Guard to the boat’s position provided
by the onboard SeaKey unit. The Juneau Coast Guard Station officer reported that
the SeaKey member was safe. His bilge pump was not working.
The Cost in the Aftermarket
The SeaKey system costs about $2200 in the aftermarket. Depending on the size of
your boat and your insurance premiums, the SeaKey could pay for itself quite rapidly.
As a rescue device the value is obvious. But perhaps the most important thing about
SeaKey is the piece of mind it gives. Given that perspective, we think that $2200
is a bargain.
Builders Offer the System
Today, over 35 boat manufacturers offer SeaKey as a factory-installed option and
it has become the standard in marine safety & security. SeaKey is an option
offered by the brands below.
| Albemarle | Cranchi | Hydra-Sports | Post | Silverton |
| American Tug | Doral | Intrepid | Pursuit | Tiara |
| Back Cove Yachts | Fairline | Larson | Radon | Venture |
| Campion | Formula | Lazzara | Regal | Viking |
| Carver | Four Winns | Marquis | Rinker | Wellcraft |
| Chaparral | Glacier Bay | Monterey | Riviera | Zodiac |
| Chris Craft | Glastron | Navigator | Sabre Yachts | |
| Calyber Boats | Hinkley | PDQ | Seaswirl |
The Aftermarket
For more information about the SeaKey system or to order one of the systems, email
the company at [email protected], or call them at 1-866-4SEAKEY.