Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the HarborStore?

A: HarborStore is the master control of Beacon Marine’s HarborMaster Mark II system. Using this website, HarborMaster subscribers can check the current status of their boat, view statistical and alarm history, program their alarm notifications and devices on board their boat, from anywhere in the world. Subscribers can also view and change their account profile, check weather, storm and tide information on their area of interest.

Q: When can I buy the HarborMaster on this website?

A: We are planning to sell the HarborMaster on this website in the future. You can currently purchase the HarborMaster at authorized marine electronics stores, marinas and installers throughout Europe. For more information, please contact us at europeansales@beaconmarine.com for details of the nearest retailer to you.

Q: What is the HarborMaster?

A: The HarborMaster is the newest and most advanced wireless and remote monitoring and security system designed specifically for the marine environment. It monitors the vital signs of unattended boats to ensure owners that their boat is safe and secure at all times.

Q: How much will the HarborMaster unit cost?

A: The suggested retail price of the HarborMaster Mark II is €1495.

Q: Is monitoring extra?

A: You can choose our premium package which gives you 40 messages per month to use for alarms, statistical messages and two-way remote commands, for a cost of €40 a month. Or you can select our basic package which gives you 10 messages per month and costs €30 a month.

Q: How does the HarborMaster work?

A: Operating using the GSM mobile telephone network to transmit data back to our central servers, the HarborMaster monitors the vital systems of your boat. In the event of an alarm situation on your boat, you (and whoever else you choose) will be notified by telephone, fax, SMS or email. These alarm notifications can be programmed at any time from your personal account on our website.See how it works.

Q: Do I need a landline or cellphone to operate it?

A: The HarborMaster contains an integrated GSM radio module that communicates to our central server site, which in turn relays messages by telephone, fax, SMS or email to the boat owner, designated marina or other person. No other communications device, including a telephone, cellphone or computer, is required to operate the HarborMaster.

Q: How do I install it on my boat? How much will installation cost?

A: You can either install the HarborMaster yourself or contact a marine electronics installer. Installation costs will vary depending on the size of your boat, how many sensors you install and who you use to install the HarborMaster. For an installer near you or for installation support, please contact us at europeansales@beaconmarine.com.

Q: Will an alarm sound when I’m not on my boat?

A: No. An alarm will only sound when your HarborMaster unit is in on-board mode so that you can be there to clear it. When in away mode, alarms are transmitted to a central site which notifies you or your designated personnel.

Q: Who is notified when an alarm situation occurs on my boat?

A: You can designate via the website as many different people as you like to be notified if an alarm situation occurs onboard your boat. We recommend you include yourself, your marina and/or the person looking after your boat. Notifications can be sent by telephone, fax, SMS and/or email and can currently be sent in any combination of English and French.

Q: Does the HarborMaster include a GPS unit?

A: No, the HarborMaster can interface with your on-board GPS, when the boat’s external GPS is powered on, allowing for real time tracking of your vessel in the event it is adrift or stolen, or for monitoring the position of your boat .

Q: Will the HarborMaster operate when I’m travelling from marina to marina?

A: Yes, as long as you are in range of GSM service. The HarborMaster uses the GSM mobile telephone network to communicate with the central servers. As your boat moves from one area to another, the HarborMaster will check for the network with the best signal strength .

Q: How do I register my HarborMaster unit?

A: You can simply go to the login box, enter the temporary username and password provided with your new unit, and then follow the instructions .

Q: How do I know which monitoring plan to select?

A: Our basic package gives you 10 messages a month and our premium package gives you 40 messages a month to use on alarms, status update messages and two-way remote commands. You should choose your package based on how much information you wish to receive in a month. You can change your subscription package and you can view your message usage in real time on our website. Any messages you use over your monthly allotment will be billed at €0.50 per message .

Q: Can I pay by check or money order?

A: We will accept check or money order for the purchase of the HarborMaster unit. However we will only accept credit cards as the method of payment for your monthly monitoring fee.

Q: At what time of the day can I expect my statistics?

A: Programmed status updates are sent between 12:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. If you request a status update by two-way remote command, you will receive them immediately .

Q: How will I know if an alarm situation has occurred on my boat?

A: You and whoever else you identify to receive notification will be notified by telephone, fax, SMS or email as soon as an alarm situation occurs on board your boat. Whoever you designate to check your boat is responsible for clearing the alarm on the HarborMaster. You will then be notified immediately that the alarm has been acknowledged on your HarborMaster .

Q: How will I be billed for my service and how much will it cost?

A: You will be billed on a monthly basis directly to your credit card, beginning on the day your service is activated. There will be a €50 activation fee to cover the registration and initiation of your service .

Q: What happens when an alarm situation happens on board when you have a weak signal strength area or are in a region that is not covered by the network?

A: When an alarm situation occurs, the HarborMaster waits for confirmation that the alarm message has been received by the alarm notification server. If confirmation is not received within two minutes, the HarborMaster retries twice at two-minute intervals, then waits 15 minutes and repeats the two-minute retries. If the HarborMaster is powered by internal batteries, there are two 15-minute retry cycles. If the HarborMaster is powered by the boat's battery, there are three 15-minute retry cycles before a communication failure is triggered .

Q: What happens to my statistics when my boat is in a weak signal strength area?

A: Statistics will accumulate for every day that communications has failed and they will be reported as soon as the HarborMaster unit has regained signal strength.