What are Smart Marinas?
When we talk about smart marinas, most people think about better Wi-Fi, slicker booking systems, or cameras that can zoom in from 100 metres away. But there’s another layer – quieter, deeper – that’s changing how marinas operate and how boats are protected.
That layer is sensors.
They’re not flashy. They don’t require an app. But they’re doing something game-changing: catching problems before they become disasters.
The Hidden Risks Below Deck
Most boat owners know that trouble often starts when no one’s around. A slow battery drain. A small leak in the bilge. Humidity creeping in. These aren’t always dramatic, but left unnoticed, they can mean engine failure, mold damage, or even sinking.
And let’s be honest – very few owners are checking these things daily. That’s where smart sensors step in.
The Sense4Boat System: Always On, Always Aware
At Lokket, we’ve integrated Sense4Boat sensors across our platform to give both marinas and boat owners a layer of passive intelligence – always-on monitoring that flags the silent signs of risk.
Here’s what we track, and why it matters:
Battery Level
Low voltage over time? Could signal a dying battery, solar charging issues, or wiring faults. An alert here can mean avoiding a callout – or a ruined weekend. Get more info on our battery sensor.
Bilge Activity
Frequent pump activations or rising water levels are clear early signs of a leak. With real-time alerts, owners and staff can respond before damage spreads. Get more info on our bilge sensor.
Temperature & Humidity
For marinas in humid regions, mold is a silent destroyer. With environmental sensors onboard, we can flag risk thresholds and suggest when to ventilate. Get more info on our temperature sensor.
Smoke and Fire Detection
In the future, we’re integrating smoke/heat sensors to support marina-wide fire safety response protocols.
From Alerts to Action
The goal isn’t just to monitor – it’s to empower response.
Each alert can be configured to notify the owner, marina manager, or both. Some marinas offer this as part of a premium service tier, while others include it for safety compliance. The key is speed: the earlier a risk is detected, the cheaper and easier it is to fix.
One smart marina recently avoided an engine compartment flood when a 2:30 am bilge alert allowed night staff to act. Without the sensor, that boat may have taken on enough water to damage electronics – or worse.
It’s Not Just Tech – It’s Trust
For marinas, offering this kind of sensor-based protection isn’t just about tech adoption. It’s about building trust with customers.
Boaters aren’t just renting a slip – they’re entrusting you with a major asset. Passive monitoring is a way to quietly say, “We’ve got your back, even when you’re not here.”
What We’ve Learned So Far
Since rolling out our first fleet of Sense4Boat sensors, we’ve seen:
- A 90% response rate to critical alerts within 30 minutes
- 70+ minor issues addressed early (low batteries, water ingress, extreme temps)
- High-value feedback from owners who now visit less but feel more connected
We’re also in discussions with insurers around using sensor data to reduce premiums – another way smart marinas turn safety into business value.
Looking Ahead
We’re working toward smarter predictive alerts – where patterns, not just thresholds, trigger warnings. If your battery always drops to 11.8V after rain, that’s a pattern worth learning. If your bilge activates daily at the same time – is that normal, or new?
With Lokket’s platform as the connective tissue, we’re helping marinas not only see more – but understand more.
A Safer Marina Is a Smarter Business
Smart sensors don’t just protect boats. They protect relationships, reputations, and revenue.
And in an age where customers expect more – quietly offering more might be the smartest move you can make.
