How-To: Smartboatia, Installation & Setup

How to Install the Smartboatia Hub – A Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to transform your boat into a smart vessel? The Smartboatia Hub is your gateway to a connected marine experience, seamlessly integrating sensors, data storage, and real-time alerts. Don’t let the thought of installation intimidate you! Our user-friendly guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the perfect location…

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Want to install the Smartboatia Hub? You’re in the right place. The Hub is the heart of your boat’s digital setup – connecting sensors, storing data, sending alerts, and providing live insight into what’s happening onboard. Installing marine tech might sound complicated, but don’t worry: this system is designed to be user-friendly and quick to set up, even if you’re not a tech expert. With just a few basic tools and this guide, you’ll be up and running in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step – from choosing the right location to connecting the hub, setting up Wi-Fi, and linking it to the Smartboatia App. Let’s get started.

What’s included in the Smartboatia Hub?

Before you begin installation, here’s a quick overview of what’s inside the box – and the most important technical specs:

  • Powerful quad-core processor (4× 1.5 GHz)
  • 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage
  • Built-in sensors: GPS, 3D gyroscope, motion sensor, barometric pressure
  • LTE NB-IoT, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
  • Alarm outputs (internal & external)
  • Power supply: 8–28 V DC, 2–3 watts
  • Ports: NMEA2000, USB, power cable
  • Dimensions: 192 × 155 × 48 mm (L × W × H)

Step 1: Choose the right mounting location

  • Dry location inside the boat
  • Never in the engine room!
  • Central position for optimal Wi-Fi signal
  • At least 0.5 m above the waterline for good GPS/LTE reception
  • 2 m away from radios, radar, and compass
  • Well-ventilated: the hub can warm up to 40 °C
  • Power supply (8–28 V DC) and NMEA access must be available

Tip: After setup, you’ll rarely need physical access again – so feel free to install it “out of sight.”

Step 2: Connect power and NMEA

  • Connect the hub to your onboard power (8–28 V DC)
  • Plug into the NMEA2000 port (Micro-C connector)
  • If your system only supports NMEA0183, you’ll need an adapter

What is NMEA? 

It’s a communication standard that allows your onboard electronics (like GPS, autopilot, wind instruments) to share data.
NMEA2000 is the newer, faster version – capable of transferring larger data volumes.

Step 3: Mount the hub

  • Orientation doesn’t matter – the hub calibrates itself automatically
  • Mount it securely using screws

Step 4: Connect to Wi-Fi

Once the hub is powered on, the LED will start blinking. Here’s what it means:

  • Fast blinking: Wi-Fi is starting up
  • Slow blinking: Wi-Fi is active, but not connected to the internet
  • Solid light: Connected to the internet
  • Wi-Fi name: Smartboatia-XXXX
  • Default password: LetsGoSailing

Additional LEDs may indicate anchor watch status or password reset mode. This article explains all the different LEDs and their meanings.

Step 5: Install the app & set up the hub

Download the Smartboatia App (iOS or Android):

  • Open the app
  • Create your user account
  • Connect to the hub via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
  • The setup assistant will guide you through the next steps

The app also includes key installation tips – built right into the setup flow.

Smartboatia app on smartphone and tablet displaying live data, with App Store and Google Play QR codes, and a sailboat on ocean background

Step 6: Forgot your password? No problem!

You can reset the password using a magnet:

  • Hold the magnet to the indentation between the NMEA and power cable
  • LED lights up → hold for 10 seconds
  • The password resets to: LetsGoSailing

What is the USB port for?

Currently, the USB port doesn’t have an active function – but it’s reserved for future updates and extensions. Stay tuned!

Sailboat or motorboat? Both work!

The Smartboatia Hub is optimized for sailboats but works flawlessly on motorboats as well.

Conclusion: Your smart boat setup in just a few steps

With the Smartboatia Hub, your boat becomes smarter, safer, and more efficient.
Installation is easy, the technology is powerful – and your system will be fully set up in just a few minutes!

Get your boat ready for the future – with smart technology that thinks ahead.

Want to know more about the Smartboatia Hub? Click here to learn more.

Curious about what’s included in the Free vs. Standard Smartboatia App plans? Check out our subscription comparison.

Couldn’t find your answer? This way to the FAQ, to report an issue or make a feature request → smartboatia support portal