Since you are here investing your time on boat alarms, you are most likely concerned about security. So are we. We at Sure Action Inc. have been involved in the security industry since 1968, first as owners of an alarm installation company and now as security manufacturers. Our experience has taught us that there are several key points to consider when selecting a boat alarm system.
Reliability - Is the security system designed to last? Is it designed to work in a marine environment? For example, will a bird landing on the deck trigger the alarm? Will the sun beating on the boat cause the alarm to false? Or will the boat rocking in the water or banging against a dock set off the alarm? You want your boat alarm to rarely false so that you continue to use it and so that neighbors will respond should the alarm system trigger.
Ease of Operation - Is the security system easy to operate?
Security Coverage - How does the security system work? Does it protect the deck, hatches, gunwale? When is the security system triggered? When the intruder first climbs aboard the boat or only when the intruder reaches the cabin or the fly deck? Are the electronics and the equipment you wish to protect adequately covered?
Environmentally Protected - Are the alarm components coated with a sealant to protect the equipment from erosion due to water, wind and rain.
Technical Support - What kind of technical support will you receive for your system if you decide to install it yourself? What kind of ongoing technical support is provided after it is installed?
How Does MarineGuard Compare with the Competition?
MarineGuard meets and exceeds the challenge.
Reliability - MarineGuard products are built to last. A number of customers have transferred their systems from one boat to another when they make a new purchase. We highly recommend using the Deck Sensors whenever possible. These security components are not only invisible, they are unaffected by birds, the sun, the rocking boat in the water, or the banging of the boat against the dock.
Ease of Operation - The MarineGuard boat alarms are designed to be easy to operate. Depending on the system, our security systems are armed/disarmed using either a key switch or a wireless keychain transmitter.
Security Coverage - With MarineGuard's security systems, you can secure any area that you want on your boat. You can protect the gunwales, the hatches, the cabin, the fly deck, the bilge, and any other areas with important or expensive equipment and property. When you choose MarineGuard's Deck Sensors, you can secure your boat so that an intruder can never step more than a foot or two onto the deck without triggering the alarm.
Environmentally Protected - All MarineGuard security equipment is either fully potted or coated with a Humiseal product to protect the components from salt and water damage.
Technical Support - Most distributors and installers provide support for the MarineGuard product. We ask that you check with them first if you have any questions. If your questions are not answered or your distributor/installer does not provide technical support, we have an 800 number for you to call. You will be able to speak with a technician during regular office hours and we monitor the phone for after-hour emergencies.
Dependability - MarineGuard's Deck Sensors are a marine version of Sure Action's Pulsors, the only motion detector of its kind in the world. The Pulsor has been in existence for forty years. The two versions have been used in historical buildings and boats, in jails, on roofs of mental detention centers, on large yachts, on police and coast guard boats and on many smaller boats.
How Do You Choose the Right MarineGuard Security System for You?
Selecting the right security system is not as complicated as it may first appear. You can use these questions to make your decision.
Can you get under the cockpit? If you can, then you want to choose a system with MarineGuard's Deck Sensors. If you cannot, then you will need to use hatch contacts and possibly some other peripheral security devices.
How to I know what components to choose with the alarm system?
Choose Deck Sensors if you can access underneath the deck.
Choose Hatch Contacts if you wish to protect openings.
Do you want to be notified if your alarm system is triggered? If the answer is no, then you are done. If the answer is yes, then there are a few more decisions to make.
Do you want to track your boat when it is on the water? If you do, then you also need the cell transmitter with GPS.
Do you take your boat offshore or visit other countries? If you do, then a satellite transmitter that works worldwide and does not depend on the GSM cell system is your answer.
Do you want to know if your alarm system goes off, but do not need to track the boat? If this question describes you, then you need a cell transmitter that does not have GPS.
Who will be installing your alarm system?
If you want to install it yourself, MarineGuard Boat Alarm Systems come with complete instructions. We also have staff on call who will give you as much time as needed to explain the installation process and give you whatever tips you need. .
If you want someone to install the system for you, We maintain a list of qualified installers around the country. If we don't know of anyone in your area, then contact your local marine electronics dealer or security company. Either professional will have the expertise needed to install a MarineGuard system. You can also contact a security distributor in your area and they can supply you with a list of local security installers.
MarineGuard Network is a subsidiary of Sure Action Inc., the only manufacturer to successfully develop the Pulsor stress sensor, a security device that mounts under flooring or boat decking to provide invisible, reliable, unparalleled security detection.
In 1990, the MarineGuard product line was developed to fill a need in the marine industry. As boat theft increased worldwide, reliable security devices, that could withstand the harsh marine environment and not be falsely activated by a boat's movement on the water or against a dock, were not available on the market. Austin and Trent Stack recognized that the Pulsor could be adapted to withstand marine conditions and were ideal for the boating application.
In 1991, Sure Action introduced its MarineGuard product. In 2007, MarineGuard just introduced its 5th generation of MarineGuard security products. All MarineGuard control panels are coated with a weather protector and all Deck Sensors (marine version of the Pulsor) are sealed and use marine-grade wire.
In a world where many products are designed to have a short shelf-life, Sure Action and MarineGuard products continue to be designed with longevity in mind. Our MarineGuard products are epoxied or coated with a weather-proofing sealant to protect components from sunlight, wind, rain, saltwater and more.
Can I install the system myself?
If you are comfortable about working and doing repairs on your boat, you should have no difficulty. However, if you are doubtful, you should have a professional do the installation.
I feel confident installing the system myself. Where do I start?
First, you need to decide what sensors you want to use and what control package fits your needs.
Then, you start by reviewing the operations manual of the MG5.
After you have reviewed the manual, take a good look at your boat and ask yourself, "Where is the power source and where do I want to mount the control?" Caution, when deciding where you want to install the control, make sure you leave enough wire so you can remove the box and work in a comfortable position.
What are the blue connectors for?
The blue connectors are epoxy-filled crimps used to attach wire to each other. The best marine practice is to solder and use shrink-tubing with a sealant.
Why are MarineGuard controls embedded in epoxy?
Epoxy is a great sealant. It prevents the electronic components from becoming loose causing the system to fail.
Many years ago, we did not use epoxy. A system was installed on a racing boat and, after its first run to the Bahamas, some of the components became loose and the system failed. Since we started to use epoxy, we have not had this problem occur again.
All MarineGuard products are built to last.
How elaborate should I make my alarm system?
Keep it simple. Whenever possible, use only Deck Sensors and Hatch Sensors. We also suggest you use the smallest number of sensors possible. They work so well that most boats need 4 or less Deck Sensors. If you want additional security components or you cannot use Deck Sensors because you cannot get under the cockpit, keep the extra components to a minimum.
Which Deck Sensors should I use?
For fiberglass decks on motor boats, use the DSE2.
For fiberglass decks on sailboats, use the ENHP2.
For steel decks with teak use the HPP2.
What if I drop my keychain transmitter in the water and cannot retrieve it?
A replacement is readily available from us or any alarm distributor. Also, it is suggested to install a concealed switch on your boat to disarm system.
How long will the Deck Sensors last?
We presently have sensors working that were installed back in 1975.
How loud is the siren?
All of our sirens have a good decibel level. Wind can cause a siren's sound to be diminished. For this reason, we suggest attaching spreader lights to your alarm system. These lights will flash when the alarm is activated. Also, we recommend using a monitoring system so that you are notified if you alarm system is triggered.
Do I need to mount the LEDs (light-emitting diodes)?
We strongly advise you to install the LEDs. They tell you whether your system is ready to be armed or is currently armed.
What if I leave my boat for a long time and there is no electrical hook up?
A flexible, rollup solar panel is available for powering the boat alarm in this type of situation.
Can I be notified if my boat alarm is triggered?
Yes. If you are in an area where there is good cell coverage, then use a cell transmitter. If you trailer your boat, have it on a mooring, or want to be able to track your boat, we suggest using a cell transmitter with GPS capabilities. If you are on a large lake, travel a distance offshore, or travel in an area where cell coverage is weak or non-existent, we recommend MarineGuard's satellite transmitter.
Why should I purchase a MarineGuard Network system over another brand?
This is a good question. We have a very long tradition in the security industry. Our reputation is sound and we have a very loyal following of installers and customers. Our Pulsors are the preferred sensor on large yachts to control cameras and to initiate early warning. They are also installed to protect historical boats.
In addtion, Sure Action Pulsors/MarineGuard Deck Sensors are frequently used by our competitors. Sure Action is the only manufacturer of Pulsors and Deck Sensors in the world. Any boat alarm system that uses Deck Sensors (Pulsors) are using Sure Action components.
Sure Action's Pulsors are widely used to protect historical buildings at famous historical sights. They are used to protect water towers, fire escapes, cat walks at mines, to control lighting in home automation systems, and to protect roofs.
Our alarm components are deliberately designed to be simple to install and operate. With over 40 years in the security industry, Sure Action (MarineGuard) strives for false-free alarm equipment. Why use second best?
Want to learn more about this system or look into purchase? http://www.marineguardsecurity.com
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