DEV Community: Don Moskaluk

Building a Raspberry Pi Marine Computer with d3kOS

Don Moskaluk — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:16:51 +0000

The Raspberry Pi has become one of the most popular platforms for marine computing. It's small, uses little power, runs Linux, and has a huge open-source community behind it. With d3kOS you can turn a Pi into a full marine computer, with charts, engine monitoring, voice AI and cameras, without writing any code.

This guide covers what you need and how the pieces fit together.

Hardware Requirements

Required

ItemWhat to look for*Raspberry PiRaspberry Pi 3B+, 4B or 5 with at least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)microSD card128 GB minimum, Class 10 or betterTouchscreen10.1-inch, 1280×800, HDMI video with USB touch, rated for your environmentPower supplyA marine-grade, isolated 12 V to 5 V DC-DC converter rated for at least 5 AGPS receiver*Any standard USB GPS that works with gpsd

Optional

ItemWhat it adds*USB speakerphoneHands-free Helm voice assistantIP cameras (PoE, RTSP)Marine Vision and Forward WatchNMEA 2000 adapter (PiCAN-M HAT or USB-CAN-A)Live engine and instrument data from your NMEA 2000 networkRTL-SDR dongle*AIS reception for targets on the chart and SafeHelm

Power matters. A Pi that doesn't get enough power will behave unpredictably. Use a properly rated, isolated converter, and follow your boat's wiring standards and local regulations. If you're not sure, ask a qualified marine electrician.

Installation

d3kOS installs as a complete disk image, so there's nothing to compile and no packages to configure by hand.

Download the current d3kOS image (.img.gz) from the official release page and check its SHA-256 checksum.
Install Raspberry Pi Imager on a Windows, Mac or Linux computer.
In Imager, choose Use custom, select the d3kOS image, choose your SD card, and click Write.
Insert the card into the Pi, connect the touchscreen, and power on.

After about a minute, d3kOS shows a safety disclaimer and then the setup wizard. You change the default password first, then the wizard walks through nine steps:

Vessel name
Propulsion type
Vessel length class
GPS provider
AIS provider
NMEA 2000 adapter
Signal K host
AtMyBoat.com registration (scan a QR code with your phone)
Summary

The wizard runs only on new or wiped installs. d3kOS also sets the local timezone automatically on first boot.

Signal K Setup

Signal K is pre-installed and pre-configured in d3kOS. The main things to understand:

NMEA 2000 adapter auto-detection. At boot, d3kOS detects whether a PiCAN-M HAT or a USB-CAN-A adapter is connected, brings up the CAN interface at 250 kbps, and switches on the matching Signal K data connection. Plugging in a USB adapter later re-runs the detection automatically.
GPS. Your USB GPS feeds Signal K through gpsd.
AIS. An RTL-SDR dongle running ais-catcher sends AIS targets to Signal K. Community telemetry is turned off by default.
Source priorities. When the same data (such as speed over ground) comes from two sources, d3kOS uses one authoritative source and falls back to the other only if the first stops.

Advanced users can still open the Signal K admin interface to add plugins, including Forward Watch for camera-based object detection.

Dashboards

The d3kOS touchscreen interface follows accessibility guidelines: all text is at least 18 px and all touch targets are at least 48×48 px, so it stays readable and usable underway, in sunlight and with wet hands. The main dashboard gives you:

AvNav charts
Live engine gauges
Weather (wind and wave map)
Camera views
SafeHelm and Pi-health indicators on every page

You can choose metric or imperial units and any of 18 languages in Settings.

Remote Management

A marine computer is only useful if it stays healthy. d3kOS includes:

Over-the-air updates. Signed, integrity-checked packages install in the background, with automatic rollback if a health check fails.
Health monitoring. Agents watch system services and report through the Pi health indicator.
Mobile companion app. Through AtMyBoat.com you can view boat status and alerts from your phone.
Fix My Pi. Guided diagnostics and recovery from the companion app when something goes wrong.
Local network access. Open the dashboard from another device on the boat's network.

Tips from Real-World Testing

Test on the dock before you go out. Confirm GPS, NMEA 2000 data and AIS before relying on them.
Keep the Pi cool and dry. Mount it in a ventilated, protected location.
Use a speakerphone designed for voice. Wake-word detection depends heavily on microphone quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Raspberry Pi is best for d3kOS? The Pi 4B and Pi 5 with 8 GB RAM give the most headroom, especially with cameras or Forward Watch. The 3B+ is supported with a 4 GB minimum configuration.

Do I need Linux experience? No. If you can write an SD card and connect a screen, the setup wizard handles the rest.

Can I use my existing chartplotter's GPS? Yes. If your chartplotter puts GNSS data on NMEA 2000, d3kOS can read it through Signal K.

From NMEA 2000 to Intelligence

Don Moskaluk — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:16:45 +0000

Unlocking Your Vessel Data

If your boat has an NMEA 2000 network, it's already broadcasting a constant stream of information: engine readings, tank levels, battery status, depth, water temperature and more. Most boaters only ever see a small part of it, on whichever display happens to support each message.

d3kOS reads the whole network, organizes the data through Signal K, and uses it for monitoring, alerts and AI analysis.

NMEA 2000 in Plain Terms

NMEA 2000 is the standard marine network used by many modern boats. Devices share one backbone cable and broadcast messages called PGNs (Parameter Group Numbers). Each PGN carries a specific kind of data.

Here are some common PGNs:

PGNContents*127488Engine parameters, rapid update (such as RPM)127489Engine parameters, dynamic (such as temperatures, pressures, alternator voltage)127505Fluid level (tanks)127508Battery status128267*Water depth

PGN names from Garmin's published NMEA 2000 PGN information tables.

d3kOS connects to the backbone through a PiCAN-M HAT or a USB-CAN-A adapter. It detects which one is present at boot and brings up the CAN interface at 250 kbps automatically. Signal K then decodes the PGNs into its data model.

Engine Data

The Engine Dashboard shows:

RPM
Coolant temperature
Oil pressure
Battery voltage
Fuel level

Alerts fire when values leave normal ranges. The Boat Log captures engine starts and stops in the background, even when the Boat Log page isn't open, so you build a running history of engine use.

Engine data depends on your engine. Many modern engines put data on NMEA 2000 directly. Older engines with analog senders need a gateway that converts sender signals to NMEA 2000. Support for more of these options is on the d3kOS roadmap.

Tank Monitoring

Fluid-level messages (PGN 127505) report tank levels as a percentage, along with the fluid type, such as fuel, fresh water or waste. With this data in Signal K, d3kOS shows fuel level on the Engine Dashboard and can use tank data for range and consumption analysis.

Electrical Systems

Battery status messages (PGN 127508) and engine alternator readings give a view of the boat's electrical health. Low voltage at the helm is often the first sign of a charging problem, a failing battery or a high load. That kind of slow-developing issue is easy to miss on a single gauge.

Environmental Sensors

The network also carries data about the world around the boat:

Depth (PGN 128267) from a fishfinder or depth sounder
Water temperature from transducers that report it
Position, course and speed from GNSS devices

When the same value arrives from more than one device, d3kOS uses Signal K source priorities so one source is authoritative and the others are fallbacks. Readings stay steady instead of jumping between sources.

AI Analysis

This is where data becomes vessel intelligence:

Context-aware answers. Ask Helm about a reading, and it can draw on your uploaded engine manual for the answer.
Pattern awareness. Logged engine runs give the history needed to spot trends.
Combined alerts. Engine, electrical, navigation and AIS data live in one place, so warnings can be put in context rather than shown on separate screens.
Remote visibility. The AtMyBoat.com companion app lets you see engine alerts and boat status from your phone.

A Note on Safety

d3kOS reads NMEA 2000 data to inform the skipper. It treats safety-related outputs with care: for example, the system design keeps synthetic or camera-derived targets from being re-broadcast onto the NMEA 2000 network as if they were real AIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rewire my boat to use d3kOS with NMEA 2000? No. You add one adapter (PiCAN-M or USB-CAN-A) to your existing backbone, following standard NMEA 2000 installation practice.

What if my engine doesn't put data on NMEA 2000? d3kOS still provides navigation, AIS, cameras and voice features. Engine data needs an NMEA 2000 source.

Can d3kOS read NMEA 0183 devices too? Yes. Signal K can take NMEA 0183 input, and d3kOS uses a USB GPS through gpsd.

Join the d3kOS Beta Program and Help Shape the Future of AI-Powered Marine Navigation

Don Moskaluk — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:11:36 +0000

The marine technology landscape is evolving rapidly, and today I'm inviting boaters, cruisers, developers, and marine technology enthusiasts to become part of that journey.

We're Looking for d3kOS Beta Testers

Over the past several years, I've been building d3kOS, an AI-powered marine operating system designed to bring advanced onboard intelligence, navigation awareness, automation, and vessel management to everyday boaters.

Built on open technologies such as Signal K, AVNav, OpenCPN, Raspberry Pi, and modern AI frameworks, d3kOS aims to make sophisticated marine technology accessible to everyone.

I'm currently seeking beta testers who are willing to:

Install and use d3kOS on their vessel or test bench
Provide feedback on usability and performance
Help identify bugs and opportunities for improvement
Test integrations with marine electronics and sensors
Share real-world use cases and feature requests

You don't need to be a software developer. Whether you're a weekend boater, full-time cruiser, sailing enthusiast, or marine technology tinkerer, your feedback is valuable.

Why Participate?

As a beta tester, you'll get:

✅ Early access to new features

✅ Direct access to the development team

✅ The opportunity to influence the future roadmap

✅ Recognition as an early supporter of the d3kOS community

✅ A chance to help create a smarter and safer boating experience

Product Hunt Launch – November 15

I'm also excited to announce that d3kOS will officially launch on Product Hunt on November 15.

Product Hunt is one of the most influential communities for discovering innovative technology products, and community support can make a tremendous difference in helping independent projects gain visibility.

If you believe in open marine technology, AI-assisted navigation, or simply want to support innovative boating solutions, I'd appreciate your support.

Join the Launch Team

Use the invitation link below to join as a supporter:

👉 https://www.producthunt.com/posts/d3kos/maker-invite?code=QM1EDN

Your support helps us reach more boaters, developers, and marine enthusiasts who can benefit from what we're building.

The Mission

My goal with d3kOS has always been simple:

To create an intelligent marine platform that combines navigation, vessel monitoring, onboard AI, safety systems, and emerging technologies into a single accessible solution for every boater.

This is only the beginning.

If you'd like to become a beta tester, connect with the project, or follow our Product Hunt launch, I'd love to hear from you.

Fair winds,

Skipper Don Founder, d3kOS

OpenPlotter vs d3kOS

Don Moskaluk — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:11:31 +0000

Understanding the Difference

If you've researched Raspberry Pi boat computers, you've almost certainly come across OpenPlotter. It's one of the best-known open-source marine platforms, with a strong community behind it. So where does d3kOS fit?

This is a respectful comparison. Both projects share the same belief: boaters should have open, capable marine software. They take different approaches to get there.

What Is OpenPlotter?

OpenPlotter is an open-source software package for the Raspberry Pi, developed by the OpenMarine community to help with marine navigation, data logging and automation. It brings together well-known open-source tools, including Signal K for data and format conversion and OpenCPN for charting. It supports NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000, sensors, AIS, autopilot integration and dashboards.

What Is d3kOS?

d3kOS is an open-source marine operating system for the Raspberry Pi. It ships as a complete, ready-to-run image with a touchscreen helm interface, AI voice assistance, camera vision, collision advisory and over-the-air updates, configured through a setup wizard. (See What Is d3kOS?)

Similarities

Raspberry Pi based. Both run on readily available single-board computers.
Open source. Both are community-driven and open.
Signal K at the core. Both use Signal K as the data layer for NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, GPS and AIS.
Built on shared open tools. Both rely on the wider open marine software ecosystem.
Not certified navigation equipment. Both are aids that sit alongside proper seamanship and certified equipment.

Differences

AreaOpenPlotterd3kOS*PhilosophyA flexible toolbox. You choose and configure the componentsAn appliance. A complete, pre-configured systemSetupMany configuration options for building your own systemA 9-step setup wizard for vessel, GPS, AIS, NMEA 2000 and registrationInterfaceRaspberry Pi desktop with apps (OpenCPN, dashboards and so on)Full-screen touchscreen helm dashboard, 18 px minimum text, 48 px touch targetsChartingOpenCPNAvNav built into the dashboardAINot a core focusCore focus: Helm voice assistant, document Q&A, offline fallback, AI navigation questionsVisionNot a core focusMarine Vision (up to 20 IP cameras) and Forward Watch object detectionCollision advisoryAvailable through third-party toolsSafeHelm CPA/TCPA advisory with COLREGs logic built inUpdatesPackage-based updatesSigned over-the-air updates with automatic rollbackCloud companion*None by defaultOptional AtMyBoat.com companion app and Fix My Pi

Intended Users

OpenPlotter suits boaters who:

Enjoy building and customizing their own system
Want a wide choice of components and configuration
Are comfortable working in a Linux desktop environment

d3kOS suits boaters who:

Want a working helm system without assembling it themselves
Value voice assistance, cameras and AI decision support
Prefer a single touchscreen interface designed for use underway
Want the system to update and monitor itself

Many boaters will appreciate both. They aren't mutually exclusive philosophies, just different starting points.

Architecture

OpenPlotter is a configurable distribution: a Raspberry Pi system with a set of marine applications and settings tools that the owner combines.
d3kOS is a layered operating environment: Signal K and system services underneath, a single helm dashboard on top, and AI, vision and advisory services in between. All automated actions follow the AAO methodology, and updates arrive as signed, full-state packages.

Interoperability

Because both platforms speak Signal K, parts of the d3kOS ecosystem can benefit OpenPlotter users too. The Forward Watch plugin, for example, is a standard Signal K plugin. Its documentation says it is expected to work on OpenPlotter installations running the same Signal K version, although it hasn't yet been validated on OpenPlotter itself. A lighter d3kOS add-on for OpenPlotter users is a concept under consideration, not a released product.

Future Vision

OpenPlotter continues to be a strong, community-driven toolbox for open marine computing. d3kOS is focused on becoming a marine operating system with AI at its core: unifying data, vision, voice and safety advisory into one governed system. The open marine ecosystem is stronger with both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is d3kOS based on OpenPlotter? No. d3kOS is a separate project. Both build on shared open-source components such as Signal K.

Can I run Forward Watch on OpenPlotter? It's designed as a standard Signal K plugin and is expected to work on matching Signal K versions. Validation on OpenPlotter is still pending.

Which is better? It depends on what you want. Choose a flexible toolbox (OpenPlotter) or an AI-centred, turnkey helm system (d3kOS).

How Signal K and d3kOS Create the Digital Vessel

Don Moskaluk — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 16:05:05 +0000

A "digital vessel" is a boat whose condition (position, motion, engine, electrical system, environment and surroundings) exists as a live, structured digital model. Once that model exists, software can display it, analyze it, store it and act on it.

Two layers make that possible in d3kOS: Signal K provides the data layer, and d3kOS provides the operating environment on top.

What Is Signal K?

Signal K is a modern, open data format for marine use. It is built on common web technologies such as JSON and WebSockets.

Traditional marine standards define many tightly specified messages but no overall data model that relates them. Signal K takes a different approach. It defines a universal data model for marine information, specified as a JSON schema, so every value has:

A predictable address. For example, course over ground is always found in the same place.
Consistent units and metadata. This can include units, permitted ranges and alarm thresholds.
A source. Each value can point to the device it came from.

Signal K defines two data formats: a full format (a snapshot of everything) and a delta format (only what changed). Both are UTF-8 JSON, so any modern programming language or web browser can read them.

In short, Signal K turns a boat's mix of protocols into one clean, web-ready data stream.

Data Aggregation

On a d3kOS system the Signal K server collects data from:

SourceHow it reaches Signal K*NMEA 2000 networkPiCAN-M HAT or USB-CAN-A adapter on the CAN interface (250 kbps), detected automaticallyUSB GPSgpsdAISRTL-SDR receiver running ais-catcherCamera detections*The Forward Watch Signal K plugin

When several devices report the same value (for example, speed over ground from both a USB GPS and a chartplotter), d3kOS sets source priorities so one source is authoritative and the other is a fallback. This removes the "flickering value" problem common on multi-device boats.

Device Integration

Because Signal K is a common language, d3kOS doesn't need a custom driver for every marine device. If a device speaks NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183, Signal K can usually translate it. That's how d3kOS can show depth from a fishfinder, position from a chartplotter and engine data from an engine gateway on one screen.

Integration works in both directions. Signal K plugins can convert data back into NMEA 0183 sentences for chartplotters that can't read Signal K directly. Forward Watch uses this to put camera detections on standard chart displays as AIS-style targets.

Analytics

With the data structured, d3kOS can do more than display it:

Engine alerts when readings go outside normal ranges
Collision geometry. SafeHelm calculates CPA and TCPA for AIS targets.
Automatic boat log. Engine starts and stops and position snapshots are captured in the background.
AI context. The Helm voice assistant can draw on live vessel data and your uploaded manuals to answer questions.

Automation Workflows

The digital vessel becomes truly useful when data triggers action:

Anchor Watch compares live position with the anchor position and alarms on drift.
SafeHelm escalates from advisory to warning to critical as a target's geometry changes.
Forward Watch raises Signal K notifications when a detection is persistent or close, and clears them automatically when the target is gone.
Health agents monitor services, publish status, and feed an RSS alert stream.
Node-RED, the flow-based automation tool, is part of the open-source stack d3kOS builds on.

d3kOS automation follows the AAO methodology: automated actions are named, limited, logged and recoverable.

Why This Matters

Signal K is the foundation. d3kOS is the building on top of it. Together they turn a boat's scattered instruments into a single digital vessel that people, apps and AI can all understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Signal K a product or a standard? Signal K is an open standard with open-source server software. d3kOS uses the Signal K Node server.

Can I add my own Signal K plugins to d3kOS? Yes. Advanced users can install plugins through the Signal K admin interface.

Does Signal K replace NMEA 2000? No. NMEA 2000 remains the network on the boat. Signal K translates its data into a modern format.

Forward Watch

Don Moskaluk — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:05:08 +0000

AI Object Detection for Recreational Boats

Every skipper knows the moment: a log just under the surface, a kayak hidden in sun glare, or a small boat with no AIS crossing ahead at dusk. Keeping a proper lookout is a legal and practical duty, but human eyes get tired.

Forward Watch is an AI-powered assistant to that lookout. It is an open-source Signal K plugin, published on npm as signalk-forward-watch, and it's part of the d3kOS platform.

The Problem

Many of the hazards that matter most to recreational boaters are invisible to electronics:

Debris and logs don't transmit anything.
Kayaks, paddleboards and small boats usually have no AIS.
Buoys are on the chart, but not always where you expect in poor visibility.
Radar may not be fitted, and small or low targets can be hard to pick out.

A camera can see these objects. The challenge is having something watch that camera continuously and say something only when it matters.

YOLO Technology

Forward Watch uses YOLOv8 ("You Only Look Once"), a widely used real-time object detection architecture. The model is custom-trained for the marine environment and detects six classes:

ClassExampleshipLarge commercial vesselsboatRecreational and small craftdebrisFloating hazardsbuoyNavigation and mooring buoyskayakKayaks and similar paddle craftlogFloating logs

Some technical details:

CPU inference. It runs on a Raspberry Pi 4 or better, with no GPU required.
Worker thread. The model runs (via ONNX) in a separate worker thread, so detection never slows down the Signal K server.
Model included. The detection model ships inside the package, and the plugin never contacts the network for model data.
Confidence threshold. Adjustable, with a starting default of 0.4.

Camera Systems

Forward Watch needs a bow-mounted IP camera with an RTSP stream:

ONVIF cameras can be discovered automatically, or you can enter an RTSP URL.
Frames are captured with ffmpeg at a configurable interval.
Your boat's GPS position must be available in Signal K so detections can be placed on the chart.

Each detection includes the object class, a confidence score, an estimated bearing, the side of the bow (port or starboard), an estimated distance, and an estimated latitude and longitude.

About distance: Forward Watch uses a single camera, so distance is estimated from the size of the object in the frame. Treat it as a rough range indicator, not a measurement.

Alerts and Notifications

Early field testing showed that a detector which alarms on every frame quickly becomes a detector everyone ignores. Version 0.2.5 adds alert logic designed for real boats:

Persistence. An alarm is raised only after a target is seen on 3 consecutive checks, or immediately if the estimated distance is 75 m or less.
Auto-clear. The alert returns to normal after the target is gone for 2 checks.
Moored suppression. No alarms below 1.0 knot, although detections are still published. This stops false alarms at the dock.

Detections reach the skipper in several ways:

Signal K data at environment.forwardWatch.detections
Signal K notifications at notifications.forwardWatch.
Chart targets. Each class is written as a vessel with a fixed identifier (labelled FW-SHIP, FW-BOAT and so on), so it updates in place on chart displays. OpenCPN users with a Signal K connection see these targets automatically. Standalone chartplotters can display them through the @signalk/signalk-to-nmea0183 plugin. In d3kOS's AvNav charts they appear in the "other" target category.

Real-World Use Cases

Night and dusk passages. An extra set of "eyes" on the bow when contrast is poor.
Debris-prone waters. Spring runoff and storm debris in lakes and rivers.
Busy channels. Small non-AIS craft mixed with commercial traffic.
Fishing boats. The skipper's attention is often on the electronics and the lines, not the horizon.

In replay testing with real recorded footage from a boat, the v0.2.5 alert logic cut false alarms while moored from 97 to zero and still detected the commercial ships the boat passed underway.

Honest Limitations

Forward Watch is an aid, not a lookout replacement:

Single-camera distance estimates are approximate.
Glare, spray, fog and darkness reduce detection quality.
Model training on more real-world marine footage is ongoing.
It needs a GPS fix to place targets on the chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Forward Watch without d3kOS? Yes. It's a standard Signal K plugin you can install on a Signal K server. It's tested on Signal K Node Server 2.x on Raspberry Pi OS.

Does it need a GPU? No. It runs on the CPU of a Raspberry Pi 4 or newer.

Does it replace radar? No. Cameras and radar have different strengths. Forward Watch adds visual detection of objects that may not show up on other sensors.

So It Begins: The Boat I Finally Bought

Don Moskaluk — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:27:43 +0000

About thirty years ago, I wanted to buy a boat. The dream was there, but the timing wasn’t. My kids were young, family life was busy, and I knew that if I bought a boat then, it would sit unused. So instead, I tucked the dream away and started putting money aside, telling myself that one day I’d buy the boat I really wanted — something I could motor, fish, and explore with.

As the years went by, reality shifted. Inflation crept up, and the “dream boat” slowly became “an affordable boat.” I kept going to boat shows, but the boats seemed to get bigger and more expensive every year. Eventually, I realized I needed to define what really mattered to me.

My Criteria

I wanted a boat that was:

Comfortable enough for overnight trips, with sleeping space, a galley, and a head
Practical for daily fishing trips but also a lounger when friends came aboard
Trailerable, so I wasn’t tied to one marina
Equipped with a full camper top to protect me from the elements
Not flashy, but functional — something I could use, maintain, and enjoy without worrying about every scratch

The Spark

What reignited the search was a YouTube series called Water Ways. I watched The Journey, Pt. 1: Toronto to Montreal and was hooked. I ended up watching the entire series — twice, the second time with my wife. That show made me realize two things:

You don’t need a brand-new boat to have incredible adventures.
An older boat, with its dents and scratches, might actually be the perfect starting point for someone like me.

With my wife’s approval (a critical step in any boating adventure), I set my budget, listed my criteria, and started combing through boating websites.

The Search

The options were overwhelming at first, but eventually I narrowed it down to a few that fit. Then came the road trip: I turned to my wife and said, “Let’s go look at a boat.”

We drove to Lake St. Clair, where the boat was sitting on cinder blocks, wrapped up, looking like it had been forgotten for months. At first glance, it was a disappointment. The hull looked solid, but when the broker opened it up, we climbed inside and saw just how much work it needed.

I told the broker, “She needs a lot of work.” He immediately dropped the price by $10,000 and said the seller was motivated.

The Decision

I looked at my wife and said, “This could be a hobby boat — something I can fix up.” But I wasn’t going to jump in blindly. I asked the broker to arrange a marine survey, a mechanic’s inspection, and a compression test.

And just like that, the journey began.

The Survey: Getting Expert Eyes on My Boat

Don Moskaluk — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:22:39 +0000

I was excited to finally get the process started. Over the years, I’d had countless conversations with colleagues about boats, and one piece of advice came up every single time: no matter how much you think you know, always get an independent marine survey.

That advice stuck with me. One colleague in particular told me he skipped the engine inspection on his purchase — and ended up replacing the entire motor, outboard and all. That story lived rent-free in the back of my mind. Lesson learned: get the experts involved.

Launch Day

So, I asked the broker to launch the boat. I wanted to see it in the water, test drive it, and check for leaks. He agreed, and soon enough the surveyor was on board, clipboard in hand.

The surveyor couldn’t fully verify the hull condition without hauling it, but he confirmed the boat floated properly and no water was coming in. That was enough for me to take a chance. His verdict: the boat was in very good condition overall. Everything worked, and while there was some wear, it was nothing unexpected for a 30-year-old vessel.

The Engine Check

Next came the marine mechanic. He gave the motor a thorough inspection and ran a compression test. The results were excellent across the board — except for cylinder 5, which came in at 135 psi while the others were around 150.

I asked him about it, and later checked with a couple of other mechanics. The consensus was the same: this was normal variation, nothing to worry about. The engine was clean, well-kept, and ready to run.

The Green Light

With both the surveyor and mechanic giving me the thumbs up, it was time to move forward. I turned to my wife and said, “Honey, do you want to take another road trip?”

And just like that, the adventure continued.

The Test Drive: Falling for Our Time

Don Moskaluk — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:22:31 +0000

It was early on a Friday morning when I took the day off work. My wife and I climbed into the truck and headed back to Lake St. Clair. The first trip had been all excitement. This second trip felt different — it was time to talk seriously.

Now, one thing you should know about me: when I drive, I like to go from point A to point B, no stops, no breaks, just get there fast. My wife, on the other hand, believes the journey is part of the adventure. So of course, we stopped at a truck stop along the way. Shopping happened, cinnamon buns and coffee were acquired, and by the time we got back on the road, the excitement was building again.

The Surprise

When we arrived, there she was — the boat. Our Time.

Wait a second. That name rang a bell. Sure enough, when I looked closer at the listing, it said: “As seen on TV.” No way. This was the very same boat we’d watched in the YouTube series Water Ways: The Journey, Pt. 1 — Toronto to Montreal. I couldn’t believe it.

The first time I’d seen her, she was wrapped up, sitting on cinder blocks, and I was crawling around on my knees trying to inspect what I could. Now here she was, uncovered, ready to motor.

The Test Drive

We got the tour, climbed aboard, and headed up the St. Clair River. I asked for high-speed S-turns to see how she handled, and she responded beautifully.

When the motor fired up, it roared like an old Chevy. All it was missing was a supercharger and turbo, but the rumble was enough to make me grin. At about 27 feet long, she cut through the rough water with ease. The ride was solid, confident, and fun.

I knew then — this was the boat.

The Deal

We came back to shore, and I looked at my wife. She didn’t need to say much. One look was enough.

“Let’s make a deal,” I said.

And just like that, the dream was no longer just a dream.

The Negotiation, the Trailer, and the Deal

Don Moskaluk — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:17:26 +0000

She didn’t come with a trailer. That was the first wrinkle.

The conversation with the broker started casually enough: “So, when do you want her?” Who knew that simple question would stretch into weeks of back-and-forth. The seller, as it turned out, was a bit of a celebrity — the “as seen on TV” guy from the Water Ways series. The broker, who was also a friend of his, leaned in and said, “We’ll lowball him, and you’ll get the boat.”

I knew I was being played. But I also knew the seller was open to negotiation, so I decided to push for more than just a lower price. If I had to go up a thousand dollars, I wanted some extras thrown in — the intangibles that save you money down the road: safety equipment, life jackets, a mooring pole. To my surprise, they agreed. By the time the dust settled, I had a deal that included not only the boat but also a quarter bottle of wine, a GoPro stand, and a few other odds and ends that had been left behind.

The deal was almost done. Almost.

The Trailer Problem

The broker offered to deliver the boat, but I wanted to tow it myself. That meant finding a trailer. The boat weighed in at around 6,500 pounds, so I needed something substantial. After days of searching, I settled on a three-axle trailer rated for 10,000 pounds. That gave me room for fuel, water, and holding tanks.

The timing couldn’t have been worse — right before a long July weekend. With a cashier’s check in one hand and cash for the trailer in the other, I drove out to pick it up. Not a good sign: the trailer was sitting in a farmer’s field among a collection of other used rigs. The seller was in a rush to head north for his holiday and assured me it was in “good shape.”

It wasn’t. Later I’d discover a worn tire, a bent axle, six wheel bearings that needed replacing, malfunctioning electric brakes, and lights that worked only when they felt like it. He saw me coming, and he cashed in. Lesson learned.

Learning the Hard Way

Still, I brought the trailer home, registered it, and got new plates. Now came the real challenge: learning to drive with a 30-foot trailer. I’d hauled smaller trailers before, but this was a different beast. Wide turns, careful planning, and even finding a place to park overnight became part of the adventure. Thankfully, the local church let me keep it in their lot for a night.

I barely slept. At 3 a.m., my wife and I were back on the road to Lake St. Clair. She wasn’t thrilled about the early start, but we needed to be there first thing. And yes — we stopped at the same places, and yes — cinnamon buns were purchased.

About an hour outside of town, the trailer started making a grinding noise. I knew that sound: bearings. A little smoke, a lot of worry. I pulled over, splashed some water on the middle wheel, and said a prayer. Miraculously, the noise stopped.

Closing the Deal

When we finally arrived, the broker had arranged for a guy to fit the boat onto the trailer. Of course, that’s when the skies opened up. First rain, then a downpour, then a full-on storm. We had to wait it out.

While the rain hammered down, we exchanged money, signed the paperwork, and I was handed the ownership documents. The broker even threw in the intangibles we’d agreed on.

When the storm finally broke, we hooked up the boat, tightened everything down, and rolled out.

This time, she was mine.

Digital Upgrade: From Analogue Gauges to Digital Dashboards

Don Moskaluk — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:17:21 +0000

Every boat tells its story through gauges. RPM, fuel, oil pressure, trim — the dials are the heartbeat of the vessel. On my 1994 Monterey, those gauges are classic, but they’re also isolated. They look good, but they don’t talk to anything.

That’s where the next upgrade comes in.

The CX5106 Converter: Analogue to Digital

The CX5106 Multi-function NMEA 2000 Signal Converter is the bridge. It takes the signals from my analogue gauges and converts them into NMEA 2000 data. Suddenly, the information that used to live only on a dial can now:

Appear on my Garmin chart-plotter alongside maps and sonar
Stream into OpenPlotter on the Raspberry Pi
Be logged, graphed, and analyzed over time
Trigger alerts or automation in the future

It doesn’t replace the gauges — it enhances them. I still have the analogue dials for redundancy, but now I also have a digital layer that can be customized and expanded.

OpenPlotter Dashboards

With OpenPlotter running on the Raspberry Pi 4B (and connected via the Copperhill PICAN-M hat), I can build dashboards that show exactly what I want:

Engine RPM, fuel, and trim on one screen
Depth, speed, and heading on another
Even custom alerts like “low voltage” or “high temperature”

And because it’s open source, I can tweak the layout, add widgets, and stream the data to a tablet or phone over Wi‑Fi.

Why This Matters

This upgrade isn’t just about convenience. It’s about:

Situational awareness: all the critical data in one place
Redundancy: analogue gauges + digital displays = backup for both
Future‑proofing: once the data is digital, it can feed into automation, logging, and even voice alerts

It’s the difference between glancing at a handful of dials and having a full picture of the boat’s health at a glance.

The Bigger Vision

With the Garmin, NMEA 2000 backbone, Raspberry Pi, and CX5106 working together, the boat is no longer just analogue with add‑ons. It’s becoming a connected system.

This is the foundation for the future:

Smarter power management
Automated stabilizers
Voice‑activated controls
Even self‑driving assist tied into radar and chart-plotters

The dream is taking shape, one upgrade at a time.

Boat Insurance: Herding Paperwork, Manuals, and Winning Rates

Don Moskaluk — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:12:15 +0000

When I first started looking into boat insurance, I thought it would be as simple as calling up an agent, saying “I’ve got a boat,” and waiting for them to hand me a shiny policy. Turns out, it’s more like applying for a mortgage—except wetter, and with more serial numbers.

The truth is, insurers don’t just want to know you own a boat. They want to know everything about it. Think of them as nosy neighbours who also happen to control your premiums.

The Paper Chase

Here’s what I quickly learned:

Ownership papers, registration numbers, and serial numbers are non-negotiable. Without them, you’re basically saying, “Trust me, it floats.”
A marine survey is like a doctor’s note for your boat. It proves your vessel isn’t one stiff breeze away from becoming an artificial reef.
Photos are essential. Not glamour shots with the sunset and a glass of wine—though those are nice—but clear, honest pictures that show the boat’s actual condition.
A motor assessment reassures insurers that your engine won’t explode the moment you leave the dock.

Manuals: The Forgotten Treasure Chest

Here’s the part most people overlook: manuals. Every boat comes with a stack of them—engine, electronics, even that mysterious bilge pump you swore you’d figure out someday. Add-ons and upgrades? They need manuals too.

And here’s the kicker: those manuals don’t belong in a dusty drawer at home. They belong on the boat. Because when something goes wrong, you don’t want to be 10 miles offshore thinking, “If only I had that wiring diagram instead of this soggy sandwich.”

Logs: Not Just for Captains in Old Movies

A maintenance log is your best friend. Every oil change, filter swap, or impromptu duct-tape repair goes in there. It’s like a diary, but instead of teenage angst, it’s filled with grease and receipts.

And don’t forget the ship’s log. Sure, it feels a little old-fashioned, but it tells the story of your time on the water—where you went, what the weather was like, and whether you managed to dock without an audience (rare, in my case). Insurers love it because it shows you’re paying attention.

Why Bother?

Because when you’re organized, you’re not just making life easier for yourself—you’re showing insurers you’re the kind of boater who doesn’t cut corners. That can mean:

Lower rates
Faster claims
And fewer headaches when something inevitably breaks (because something always does).

The Bottom Line

Getting insured isn’t just about filling out forms. It’s about telling the story of your boat—through paperwork, logs, photos, and yes, manuals. The better you tell that story, the more confidence insurers will have in covering you.

So yes, it’s time to get organized. Think of it as herding paperwork instead of cats. At least the paperwork doesn’t scratch.