Raspberry Pi On Board: Smart Sailing for Modern Mariners

In the vast expanse of the sea, where every decision counts and resources are precious, the Raspberry Pi emerges as a sailor's best mate. This credit-card-sized computer, with its ultra-low power consumption (under 5W), is revolutionizing the way we navigate and manage our vessels.

🛠️ Practical Uses for Raspberry Pi on Boats

1. 🗺️ Navigation Plotter & Electronic Charts

Transform your Raspberry Pi into a full-featured chartplotter using software like OpenCPN or Bareboat Necessities OS. Simply add a USB GPS and nautical charts, and you're set. Connect it to an HDMI display or even a tablet for real-time navigation.

2. 📊 Sensor Monitoring

Battery sensors: Monitor voltage, current, and charge state.
Tank level sensors: Keep an eye on water, fuel, and bilge levels.
Temperature & humidity: Monitor cabin, engine, or fridge conditions.
Motion and door sensors: Enhance security with alarms.
Bilge water sensors: Early leak detection to prevent disasters.

3. ⚙️ Automation & Domotics

Remote control: Switch lights, pumps, and relays on/off from your phone or remotely.
Autopilot integration: Control your autopilot if it accepts NMEA183 sentences, using USB to RS422 converters.

4. 📡 AIS & Communications

Affordable AIS receiver: Use a USB SDR to track marine traffic.
NMEA data server: Share information with other onboard devices seamlessly.

5. 🎶 Entertainment & Multimedia

Media center: Set up Kodi for movies, music, or security camera feeds.
Local WiFi server: Share files and maps with ease.

6. 🎥 Video Surveillance

Connect USB webcams or the official Pi camera for remote monitoring—even from your phone if you have marina WiFi.

7. 🌦️ Weather & Data Server

Receive and display data from weather stations, wind sensors, barometers, and more. Download and display GRIB files and forecasts to stay ahead of the weather.

🧭 Recommended Sensors & Hardware

USB GPS (Linux compatible)
Temperature/Humidity Sensors (DHT22, DS18B20)
Ultrasonic Tank Level Sensors
Voltage/Current Sensors (INA219, ACS712)
GPIO-Controlled Relays for Automation
USB Webcams or Official Pi Camera
AIS USB Receiver (RTL-SDR)
USB to RS422/RS485 Converters for NMEA183 and Autopilots
Touchscreen HDMI Display or Small Monitor
Waterproof Case to Protect Your Pi from Moisture Sixfab

🧭 Why Is It So Useful on Boats?

Low Power Draw: Won’t drain your batteries.
Flexible: Add or remove sensors and features as your needs change.
Affordable: Much cheaper than commercial marine electronics.
Upgradeable: Easily update software and hardware.
Active Community: Tons of nautical projects and support, like OpenPlotter and Bareboat Necessities OS.

🧭 Real-World Experiences & Tips

Many sailors use the Pi as a plotter, data server, and domotics hub. You can automate alarms, control lights and pumps, and monitor your boat’s status from your phone. Always use a waterproof case and a stable power supply (12V to 5V DC-DC converter). OpenPlotter is a favorite among cruisers for its marine integration.

🧭 Technical Details

Recommended Models: Raspberry Pi 4 (most powerful), Pi 3B+ (very efficient), Pi Zero W (ultra-low power for simple tasks).
Power: Use a 12V to 5V/3A DC-DC converter to run the Pi from your boat’s system.
Operating Systems: Raspbian, OpenPlotter, Bareboat Necessities OS.
Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, GPIO for sensors and relays.

🧭 Resources & Useful Links

🧭 Ready to Bring Tech On Board?

As you can see, the Raspberry Pi isn’t just a geek toy—it’s a legit piece of kit for modern sailors who want freedom, control, and resilience at sea without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re refitting a bluewater cruiser or just playing around at anchor, smart sailing is here. You can automate your systems, keep watch over your boat from a hammock, and plot courses like a pro.

Already using a Pi aboard? Got questions or wanna show off your setup?

💬 Drop a comment, 📸 tag us on Instagram, or 🧭 DM us your nav station. Let’s build a salty, tech-savvy crew that sails smart and lives free.

🔥 Final Message from the Deck

At Sailing Religion, we don’t just sell gear—we sail hard, think smart, and live wild.
This blog ain’t about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about making your floating home safer, smarter, and more yours.
Because when the storm hits or the sunset paints the cockpit gold, it’s you and your boat—and the systems you trust.

So, marinero...
🧭 Proa a la tormenta
🌊 Hack the sea. Rule your ship.
⛵ All hands on tech.

At Sailing Religion we share this info because it matters—not because anyone’s paying us to. We don’t earn commissions or get sponsored. We only talk about gear we actually use and trust on the water.

See you on the next passage.
Fair winds and following seas.

— The crew at Sailing Religion ⛵️