Technology is Changing the Way We Boat

In today’s world, technology is always at our fingertips. Companies are opting to allow employees to work remotely from anywhere in the world, social media has become a source for news outlets, and cars are starting to drive themselves. If our ancestors were still alive to see these technological advancements for themselves, they wouldn’t believe how far we as a society have come. 

Whether it’s opening an app to order groceries to be delivered to our door or participating in a virtual doctor’s visit, technology has pervaded nearly every aspect of our personal and professional lives. 

The same can be said for recreational activities, particularly in the boating community. 

Although boating is one of the oldest human activities (back when boating was viewed as a work-related obligation as opposed to a leisurely activity), the age of navigating new, uncharted waters is long gone. Modern technology is still lending itself to the boating world in new ways. 

Stay Safe on the Seas

Today, modern boats are typically outfitted with the up-to-date radar, sonar, and global positioning systems (GPS) which will alert the captain to any potential obstacles around  or under the vessel well in advance.  

In recent years, larger watercrafts and yachts are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), particularly with AI-assisted piloting, which allows ships to steer themselves momentarily. 

With human error accounting for anywhere between 75% to 96% of maritime accidents, technology-assisted automation can help keep boaters safe from unexpected incidents. And if the future of boating is headed in the same direction as the future of driving, machines very well may be self-sufficient in operating without a human at the helm one day soon. 

Chart Your Course with Mobile Apps

Beyond the latest and greatest technology advancements on board a vessel, smartphones themselves have also fundamentally changed the way we explore the high seas. Marine applications can literally turn your everyday smartphone into a real chart plotter.

Gone are the days of bulky atlas maps and charts. Instead, we’ve simply replaced these items with intuitive smartphone apps, like Navionics and Savvy Navvy, which offer route planning, weather forecasting, and GPS active tracking all in one central place. 

Many of these applications will allow you to download a pre-planned route so regardless of whether or not your phone or tablet has service, your plans are still available. That means you will always have a valuable back-up system in place, even if your boat doesn’t have a robust electrical system. 

Discover Community 

Technology also has a way of pulling us all together, especially in the boating community. For example, Argo, a free boating app, allows you to not only find new routes and boating destinations, but also share local knowledge and connect with other boaters from the comfort of your own watercraft.

Modern technology has also influenced the rise of social media, another network in which the boating community has been able to connect both in and out of the marina. Through groups and events, you can virtually connect with others who enjoy boating at various levels. You may even be able to buy or sell equipment. 

Find Your Fish 

For many boating enthusiasts, fishing is another activity that goes hand in hand with enjoying a day out on the water. There are multiple apps you can download right on your smartphone that will help you find your way around the fishing hole. Imagine what our ancestors would have said about that.

BoatCloud Is Marina Technology to Make Your Day Easier

But it’s not just sea-faring captains who make use of modern technology. Many marinas also leverage boat launch applications and online platforms to make things as convenient as possible for their customers.

Morningstar Marinas uses technology to make things easier for guests before they even arrive onsite. By using the scheduling platform BoatCloud, Morningstar Marinas staff are able to communicate with tenants and manage the boat launch and recovery process seamlessly. BoatCloud offers both a mobile and desktop boat launch app that allows Morningstar Marinas guests to conveniently schedule their future boat launches from their smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The result is simple. Your day on the water starts stress-free. You spend less time around the docks and more time on the water. Plus, timely boat recoveries free up valuable docking space for everyone.

How to Use Boatcloud for Smooth Launches and Recoveries

To make the most of the BoatCloud platform, keep these essentials in mind.

Launch times occur every 15 minutes on the BoatCloud app and are specific to the boat scheduled for that time slot. Customers are required to be present at the time of launch. Any vessel not received by the customer within 20 minutes of launch is subject to automatic recovery, which requires rescheduling for a future launch.

Before launching, all vessels must be prepared by the customer with the following minimum requirements:

• Two fenders
• Four dock lines (Bow, Stern, Forward and Aft Spring Line)

Motors should remain in the down position both in the water and in dry storage.

When you’re ready to return, the “Anticipated Return Time” field on BoatCloud simply informs marina staff of your proposed return time. It does not schedule your vessel’s recovery. To actually schedule recovery, click the “OK TO STOW” button on the BoatCloud app when your boat is ready to be returned to its bunk.

Before recovery, prepare your vessel by bringing:

• Trim Tabs up
• Antennas and Anchor light down
• Fishing rods and other items removed from rod holders

If you need to use a work rack, call the Marina Office to schedule one. Work racks are reserved for three hours at a time unless otherwise requested. Arrive at the time your boat is scheduled for the work rack. Boats on work racks will be returned to their bunk if no one is present within 30 minutes of the scheduled time. When your boat is ready, simply click “OK TO STOW” to return it to its bunk, or schedule a launch to go directly from the work rack to the water.

Important note: The launch dock is a No Tie-Up Zone reserved for marina staff use only for efficient launch and recovery. Any vessel returned to this location without marina staff approval will be subject to automatic recovery.

Upon retrieval, boats should be scrubbed from the scum line down and motors rinsed with fresh water. This keeps your vessel in top shape and ready for your next adventure.

The use of BoatCloud is a huge benefit to our boaters, allowing you more time on the water, less time around the docks, and more available docking space based on timely boat recoveries. There’s still so much ahead with the constant technological advancements we’re seeing within the boating industry each day.

We’re proud to be part of your boating experience. Whether you’re using the latest AI-assisted piloting systems, charting your route through marine apps, or scheduling your launch through BoatCloud, we want you to be as relaxed as possible from start to finish.

Ready to experience the future of boating? Visit a Morningstar Marinas location to see how we can help you make the most of technology on your next expedition.

Our Locations

Morningstar Marinas Belmont
Morningstar Marinas Gwynn’s Island
Morningstar Marinas Jacksonville
Morningstar Marinas Lake Norman
Morningstar Marinas Lake Wylie
Morningstar Marinas Norfolk
Morningstar Marinas Cincinnati
Morningstar Marinas Southport
Morningstar Marinas St. Simons Island