New member – combining boating and tech

[Robfz]

I’m Rob.

• 20+ years boating offshore
• Background in IT as a programmer, systems designer & infrastructure architect

I’ve been exploring how a small central boat computer (built on a Raspberry Pi) can make life aboard simpler and safer. It runs entirely on open-source, free software, so there are no license costs or proprietary lock-ins.

With this setup I can:

• Read NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data alongside other onboard sensors
• Monitor batteries, bilge, solar, and engine temperatures
• Get safety alerts for leaks, overheating, or low voltage
• Control pumps, lights, and other 12V systems from a dashboard on phone or tablet

The goal is to create a reliable, low-cost system that works quietly in the background — something any boater can use, not just the technically inclined.

I’m here to learn from the trawler community, exchange ideas, and share a bit of what I’ve been working on.

Fair winds,
Rob

 

[mvweebles]

I’m Rob.

• 20+ years boating offshore
• Background in IT as a programmer, systems designer & infrastructure architect

I’ve been exploring how a small central boat computer (built on a Raspberry Pi) can make life aboard simpler and safer. It runs entirely on open-source, free software, so there are no license costs or proprietary lock-ins.

With this setup I can:

• Read NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data alongside other onboard sensors
• Monitor batteries, bilge, solar, and engine temperatures
• Get safety alerts for leaks, overheating, or low voltage
• Control pumps, lights, and other 12V systems from a dashboard on phone or tablet

The goal is to create a reliable, low-cost system that works quietly in the background — something any boater can use, not just the technically inclined.

I’m here to learn from the trawler community, exchange ideas, and share a bit of what I’ve been working on.

Fair winds,
Rob

Welcome to TF. Maybe a plugin to OpenCPN? Guessing you're familiar with cruisers forum, a sail oriented companion to trawler forum. CF also hosts a sub-group for OpenCPN that might prove useful for you.

Peter

 

[Robfz]

Thanks Peter! My focus has been on a small Raspberry Pi–based central marine computer that quietly handles monitoring and safety in the background — things like bilge/leak/fire alerts, multi-point engine temps, NMEA 0183/2000 data, batteries, tanks, and solar.

It’s open-source, free, expandable, and runs locally without subscriptions. I put together a write-up here if anyone’s curious:
smartboatinnovations.com/build-central-marine-computer

 

[psneeld]

May want to scour forums as many including some of my boating friends have interfaced OpenCPN and many boat systems already using Raspberry Pis.

Seems there has been maybe the beginning of what you suggest already started out there. Some more involved than others.

 

[ranger58sb]

May want to scour forums as many including some of my boating friends have interfaced OpenCPN and many boat systems already using Raspberry Pis.

Seems there has been maybe the beginning of what you suggest already started out there. Some more involved than others.

I don't think I could even count the number of Raspberry threads on cruisersforum.

-Chris

 

[Robfz]

May want to scour forums as many including some of my boating friends have interfaced OpenCPN and many boat systems already using Raspberry Pis.

Seems there has been maybe the beginning of what you suggest already started out there. Some more involved than others.

Yes, mine is quite involved and built as a modern solution. I run a YouTube channel where I help both non-tech and tech boaters set up reliable systems for monitoring, safety, and automation.

Smart Boat Innovations

 

[Robfz]

I don't think I could even count the number of Raspberry threads on cruisersforum.

-Chris

Haha, yes — Raspberry Pi threads are everywhere! Most of them tend to be around SignalK and OpenPlotter. Mine is a bit different — I’m leveraging Home Assistant, which already has over 2 million users, so it’s a very stable and well-supported platform. If you’re curious, I’ve put together a step-by-step build guide here:

Build a Central Marine Computer - Smart Boat Innovations

 

[Robfz]

Welcome to TF. Maybe a plugin to OpenCPN? Guessing you're familiar with cruisers forum, a sail oriented companion to trawler forum. CF also hosts a sub-group for OpenCPN that might prove useful for you.

Peter

Thanks Peter! My focus has been on a small Raspberry Pi–based central marine computer that quietly handles monitoring and safety in the background — things like bilge/leak/fire alerts, multi-point engine temps, NMEA 0183/2000 data, batteries, tanks, and solar.

It’s open-source, free, expandable, and runs locally without subscriptions. I put together a write-up here if anyone’s curious:
smartboatinnovations.com/build-central-marine-computer

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

 

[hobbystuff]

Victron has an open source version of their Venus OS that runs on a RPI.

Open source [Victron Energy]

www.victronenergy.com

Great start for a DIY system.

 

[lwarden]

I'm interested and will take a look, thanks for posting. I have my entire home set up with Home Assistant, it's an awesome platform. I've been thinking if using HA would be something I could do on the boat but not sure the juice is worth the squeeze.

 

[leecallen]

I’m Rob.

• 20+ years boating offshore
• Background in IT as a programmer, systems designer & infrastructure architect

I’ve been exploring how a small central boat computer (built on a Raspberry Pi) can make life aboard simpler and safer. It runs entirely on open-source, free software, so there are no license costs or proprietary lock-ins.

With this setup I can:

• Read NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data alongside other onboard sensors
• Monitor batteries, bilge, solar, and engine temperatures
• Get safety alerts for leaks, overheating, or low voltage
• Control pumps, lights, and other 12V systems from a dashboard on phone or tablet

The goal is to create a reliable, low-cost system that works quietly in the background — something any boater can use, not just the technically inclined.

I’m here to learn from the trawler community, exchange ideas, and share a bit of what I’ve been working on.

Fair winds,
Rob

I just checked out your web page. I think this is a very cool project. I am between boats right now but when I get one (probably next year) I will give this a try.