Smart Boating Upgrade: Digital Switches via NMEA2000 Network

What if you could control your boat’s essential systems; like cabin lights, bilge pumps, or electronics, etc. right from your phone, wherever you are? With Vanemar’s latest feature, Digital Switches, that convenience is now reality.

By integrating directly with your boat’s NMEA 2000 network, Vanemar lets you access and control onboard digital switch panels from the Vanemar App. It’s a simple, secure, and powerful upgrade that puts total control in your pocket.

Whether you want to power up cabin lights before arriving at the marina or shut down non-essential systems from the comfort of your home, Vanemar makes remote control simple, secure, and reliable.

Digital switches transform how you interact with your boat. Instead of relying solely on manual toggles or physical presence onboard, you can now manage key systems remotely, giving you both flexibility and peace of mind.

Here’s how this benefits you:

• Remote Control of Vital Systems
  Forgot to turn off the cabin lights? Need to activate the bilge pump while away? With Vanemar Digital Switches, all of this can be done with a tap on your phone.

• Simplified Routine Checks
  Before arriving at the marina, you can power up systems in advance. After a day at sea, you can shut down non-essential systems without stepping below deck.

• Increased Safety
  Managing critical systems like pumps and navigation lights remotely ensures your boat stays safe; even when you're not nearby.

• More Freedom, Less Stress
  Whether you're moored in a marina, anchored in a bay, or hundreds of miles away, your boat is never out of reach.

This feature is especially useful for seasonal boaters or those who want to keep an eye on their vessel between weekend trips.

If your system supports NMEA 2000 digital switching, Vanemar can bring it to your fingertips, securely and effortlessly. Digital Switches feature is compatible with a wide range of digital switching systems, too - as long as they are connected to your boat’s NMEA 2000 network.

This means you can use the Vanemar App to remotely control switch panels from popular systems such as:

• C-Zone

• EmpirBus by Garmin

• Simarine

Whether you're searching for how to control C-Zone switches remotely or looking for a Simarine-compatible remote control solution, Vanemar offers a seamless way to manage your boat’s systems.

Vanemar’s Digital Switches feature is built to work effortlessly with your existing NMEA 2000 network with a robust integration between the Vanemar Gateway and the Vanemar NMEA 2000 Boat Adapter. Together, they connect your smartphone to your boat’s digital switch panel via the NMEA 2000 network.

Here’s the best part: there’s no complicated setup or custom configuration required. If your boat has a compatible NMEA 2000 switch panel, simply plug in the adapter, connect it to your Gateway, and the switches appear in your app, ready to be controlled.If you are not sure if your boat has NMEA 2000 network, learn What is NMEA2000 and How To Tell if Your Boat Has It. 

Here’s what makes it tick:

There’s no complex setup or configuration needed. Once the adapter is connected and paired with your Vanemar Gateway, compatible digital switches automatically appear in the Vanemar app. Just plug in, pair, and go.

Vanemar’s plug-and-play approach ensures that smart boating remains accessible and user-friendly for all boat owners, not just tech experts.

Vanemar App doesn’t just give you control; it gives you clarity. Once your switches are connected, you can:

• Rename switches (e.g., “Deck Light”, “Water Pump”)

• Assign intuitive icons

• Organize your dashboard for quick recognition

This helps prevent confusion and makes everyday management more intuitive. It’s especially helpful when you have multiple systems or share the boat with family or crew. A clean dashboard means faster, safer decisions when managing your boat’s systems.

When you’re controlling essential systems remotely, security matters. That’s why Vanemar includes biometric authentication(Face ID or fingerprint login) so only you can access your switches through the app.

This is more than just a convenience feature. It’s a layer of protection for your boat’s electrical systems, designed to prevent:

• Accidental toggling of critical switches

• Unauthorized access by guests, family, or crew

• Tampering or mishandling of vital systems like pumps or lighting

Enabling biometric access ensures your boat stays in your control; even when you’re sharing your mobile device or letting others onboard. This is especially useful if you control essential systems like power, pumps, or lights.

While remote control is powerful, it's important to use it with care. Keep these best practices in mind:

• Test while docked: Confirm everything functions properly before using it at sea.

• Label switches clearly: Accurate names and icons prevent confusion.

• Use biometric access: Add an extra layer of security.

• Double-check actions: Confirm switches are responding as expected both in-app and onboard.

• Inform your crew: Make sure others onboard are aware of remote-controlled systems and how to use them safely.

⚠️ Mislabeling or misusing digital switches can lead to unexpected consequences—review your setup regularly to ensure safety.

To use the Digital Switches feature, make sure your setup includes:

• A boat with a compatible NMEA 2000 network - Learn if your boat has it

• The Vanemar Gateway, already at the heart of your Vanemar system

• The Vanemar NMEA 2000 Boat Adapter, available through Vanemar

Vanemar’s Digital Switches are more than a new feature. They’re a new way to manage your boat that brings seamless, remote control to your fingertips; making boating more convenient, secure, and efficient. By combining wireless convenience, secure access, and system-wide compatibility, Vanemar helps you stay in control whether you're heading out for a weekend cruise or checking in from home, you stay in control. And like all Vanemar features, it’s designed to be simple, powerful, and seamlessly integrated with your existing setup.

Update your Vanemar app today and start using this powerful new feature.