SeaKey v2, seems a lot better

SeaKey2 cPanbo

I had a hard time getting enthused about the original SeaKey (explained here, with humor, by good ole Bill Pike), because its communications link seemed pretty flaky. SeaKey v2 is a major upgrade from v1, adding an LCD interface and two-way satellite communications, but the goal remains the same…an OnStar-like service for boaters. There’s a call center able to both handle emergencies and deliver concierge service. Plus you get geo-fence security and simple monitoring—bilge, battery, and main power switch—when you’re ashore. You can even send e-mails (though short, and hard to key in), and subscribers get a personal Web site where friends and family can they follow their cruises. Stolen boats have been recovered using SeaKey, as documented in this PDF, which contains the wonderful:

Miami-Dade Police officer Neubauer stated while talking to the SeaKey Response Center Coordinator, “[Darn], this thing works good!”



But I’m not sure that SeaKey has really caught on, or even if it has any direct competitors. Opinions, or references, anyone?

Ben Ellison

Ben Ellison

Panbo editor, publisher & chief bottlewasher from 4/2005 until 8/2018, and now pleased to have Ben Stein as a very able publisher, webmaster, and editing colleague. Please don't regard him as an "expert"; he's getting quite old and thinks that "fadiddling fumble-putz" is a more accurate description.

4 Responses

  1. OEI says:

    SeaKey has been a OEM product for many years and has been introduced into the marine aftermarket this year.
    Ocean Equipment is the U.S. Distributor for SeaKey and has received signigifcant interest in SeaKey from boat owners attracted to the many features: SOS and non emergency live response, vessel tracking, geo-fence perimeter protection, high water & low voltage alarms, two-way messaging and concierge services.
    For more information on SeaKey please contact Ocean Equipment.

  2. Moggy says:

    Seakey came installed on my yacht when I bought it. Like many other owners of my marque, I’ve never bothered activating it. I don’t have that fancy LCD screen, which makes me think I have v1.
    1. Does v1 support tracking and a personal web page?
    2. What extra does v2 give?
    3. How easy is it to upgrade from v1 to v2?
    Thanks!!
    Martin

  3. Sean says:

    Martin-
    Yes, it sounds like you do have v1.0 – of which there are 9,000 installed in over 35 boatbuilders – a solid sytem.
    V1.0 and v2.0 both have the same vessel tracking, waypoint tracking and GPS based anti-theft monitoring. And yes, both versions provide you with your own personal web page.
    The main difference between the versions is bi-directional communication capability. With version 2 you can activate and deactivate, tracking sessions, geo-fence monitoring – all from the LCD. V2.0 also has email/ text messaging capability, emergency messaging and main power switch monitoring (2nd level of theft monitoring). V2.0 is also a global system, whereas v1.0 is mainly N. America.
    A couple other things you should know about the version you have are; if you have never activated your SeaKey unit – you should – you likely have a free prepaid subscription for 3 or 12 months, depending. Secondly, SeaKey was just endorsed by Inamar (Ace) insurance company, so your boat may qualify for an addition 10% reduction in premiums if you unit is activated.
    I you decide you would like v2.0, SeaKey has an upgrade program. Please call for details. The hardware is totally different between the two systems, so you would have to remove v1.0. Installation time should be 4-6 hours, depending on size and complexity.
    For demo of the whole system visit our website @ http://www.myseakey.com.
    Best,
    Sean
    SeaKey
    312.282.5238 – direct

  4. Jon Morley says:

    I would like to comme on teh service offer by Seakey am i at the right spot
    mnay thnaks
    jon

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