Wanted to share a product and install I did.
We own a
catamaran. Each
hull has 3 water-tight compartments. One for the transom and
engine room, one in the middle, and one at the bow.
Ideally, we install 6 automatic
bilge pumps in our
boat. Not wanting to put 4 more holes in the
boat however, I did want to install a
water alarm in the 2 front bilges, and the 2
engine rooms so if we had any
water I would know about. The two bigger
bilge areas in the midsections have auto bilge pumps.
I looked at all the normal "marine" systems, like water witch, etc. All very nice, but expensive for 4 alarms, and also a pain to install. Wires to 4 corners of the boat, and an
alarm somewhere to notify me. Ideally something with 4-zones so I know which bilge has the water when the alarm goes off.
To make a long story short, found this product:
GE Choice Alert - Jasco Products Company
It is a "home" alarm system. A central monitoring unit, and then various "sensors" you can install, one of which being a water alarm.
I have only installed water alarms, but it could easily be expanded to include a motion
sensor, door/hatch sensors, etc. And can install an external speaker I believe, a
remote key FOB, and a panic button.
Pretty
cheap solution, very easy to install. Only the central unit needs DC power, and it runs on 12V. The sensors are all wireless with
batteries that last about 2 years. It alerts when the
batteries are low.
Product can be found about 40% cheaper at Wal-mart, and eBay. No need to
purchase direct. I purchased the control unit by itself, and then the water sensors separately.
I have no affiliation with GE, just think its a
cheap and decent product for an otherwise expensive solution.