Here you will find resources to help you get up and running smoothly.

While we strive to make our documentation exhaustive, sometimes you just need help. Do not hesitate to call or email us at (203)-212-8828, support@bilgebuddy.io

Getting Started

Setting up your first BilgeBuddy involves a few simple steps.

  • Purchase a BilgeBuddy :

    • With a subscription if you plan to start using right away.

    • Without a subscription if you plan to use in the future. Subscriptions start at date of purchase.

    • With a subscription gift card if buying for someone else. Subscriptions must be purchased by the direct user and with the same login as their app.

  • Install the BilgeBuddy on the boat (detailed instructions below!).

  • Purchase a subscription when you want to start using the BilgeBuddy app. Monthly and Annual subscriptions available, no activation, cancellation, or reactivation fees. Only pay when you need.

  • Download the BilgeBuddy app & configure your account:

    • App Store (Apple), Google Play (Android) or web app (PC/Mac/Linux).

    • Create a new BilgeBuddy account with the same email as your subscription purchase.

    • Create your first boat profile.

    • Pair the device to the boat profile.

Installing & Configuring the App:

  1. Create an account in the Shop using a web browser & purchase a subscription if you haven’t already.

  2. Download the app:

  3. Create a new account using the same email you used at checkout for your subscription. You will need to make a new password. This account is different than your store account but must share the same email.

  4. You will need to enter your confirmation code from your subscription order.

  5. Complete your account profile.

  6. Create your first boat: Settings>Boats>Add Boat, some selections in the boat profile drive alert logic.

    • (Optional) Customize your preferences: Settings>Boats>[Boat]>Update Boat, selections will toggle and alter some functionality and alert logic. We recommend keeping these as is for now. You can change them once you understand how you want BilgeBuddy to work for you.

    • (Optional) Customize your notifications: Settings>Boat>[Boat]>Update Boat>Alerts, selections will toggle what alerts you receive on your boat. We recommend keeping these as is for now. Some alerts may not be applicable to your boat’s situation or you may not want notifications every time someone wakes your boat!

  7. Pair the device to a boat profile in your app: Settings>Boats>[Boat]>Register Device or Settings>Devices>Register Device

    • Add Device to Boat>Register Device>Scan QR Code on the BilgeBuddy device OR

    • Add Device to Boat>Register Device>Enter Manually the 5 digit code on the BilgeBuddy device (i.e. “00101”) OR

    • Select an existing device from your Devices list.

    • Enter the activation code found on the instructions card and the back of your device. This is to preserve your privacy and stop bad actors from “stealing” your serial number. If you lost your code or purchased a device/boat with from an existing customer email support@bilgebuddy.io or call/text 203-212-8828.

Installing the Device

What you will need:

  • Wire strippers (to prepare wires for splicing)

  • Lighter (to splice wire with heat activated splices)

What we provide:

  • BilgeBuddy device with integrated wire harness/high water sensor

  • Screws (to secure the device & high water sensor to the boat)

  • Heat shrink/solder butt connectors (for splicing)

  • Zip ties (wire management)

  • Wire diagrams for automatic pumps & manual+float pumps

Contents of the box; a BilgeBuddy device, butt connectors, terminal rings, screws, adhesive strips, alcohol wipes.
An example of a BilgeBuddy installed in a boat bilge. Shows the device & secondary float mounted to the hull, the wire connections, and the existing pump & float.
The tools you need to install a BilgeBuddy device; lighter, wire strippers and zip ties.

Manual Pump with Float Switch Installation:

  1. If you do not have a bilge pump WITH a float switch or an automatic bilge pump you must install one to get the most out of BilgeBuddy. Additionally the BilgeBuddy device expects the bilge system circuit to bypass the battery shutoff switches, if not the device will not charge and you will have a very short BilgeBuddy experience. Both of these are best practice and BilgeBuddy is designed to work with best practice systems.

  2. It is recommended to disconnect the battery during all electrical jobs.

  3. Clean the bilge so the BilgeBuddy and high water sensor are installed on clean surfaces.

  4. Install the BilgeBuddy device on a high surface within the bilge (see picture).

    • Above the water line to maximize cellular signal.

    • Close enough to the pump and float for the wire harness to reach.

    • High enough to keep the device above water in almost all situations.

    • We recommend adhesive strips (provided) on a horizontal surface.

    • For a more permanent installation, screws can be used to mount the device directly to the fiberglass (best for vertical installations). Use sealant.

  5. Mount the high water sensor on vertical surface 6-12'“ above the auto-float (see picture). Remove the red shipping stopper.

  6. Connect the BilgeBuddy black negative wire to a negative plate or the negative pump wire.

  7. Cut the two wires to the float switch.

  8. Splice the orange BilgeBuddy wire to the circuit’s live/auto wire (upstream, not to the float).

    1. If necessary, using a multimeter, find which of the two upstream wire (not to the float) is the live wire from the battery.

    2. Hold the power button to for a few seconds to power the BilgeBuddy as a check.

  9. Splice the brown BilgeBuddy wire to the other upstream wire (circuit’s manual switch wire).

  10. Splice the dark and light blue BilgeBuddy wires each to a separate wire leading back to the float.

  11. Test that the manual switch, auto-float and high water sensor all turn on the pump.

Wire diagram of a 4 wire system (manual pump and external auto-float).
Example of a half soldered butt connector.
Example of a fully soldered butt connector.

Automatic Pump Installation:

  1. If you do not have a bilge pump WITH a float switch or an automatic bilge pump you must install one to get the most out of BilgeBuddy. Additionally the BilgeBuddy device expects the bilge system circuit to bypass the battery shutoff switches, if not the device will not charge and you will have a very short BilgeBuddy experience. Both of these are best practice and BilgeBuddy is designed to work with best practice systems.

  2. It is recommended to disconnect the battery during all electrical jobs.

  3. Clean the bilge so the BilgeBuddy and high water sensor are installed on clean surfaces.

  4. Install the BilgeBuddy device on a high surface within the bilge (see picture).

    • Above the water line to maximize cellular signal.

    • Close enough to the pump and float for the wire harness to reach.

    • High enough to keep the device above water in almost all situations.

    • We recommend adhesive strips (provided) on a horizontal surface.

    • For a more permanent installation, screws can be used to mount the device directly to the fiberglass (best for vertical installations). Use sealant.

  5. Mount the high water sensor on vertical surface 6-12'“ above the pump (see picture). Remove the red shipping stopper.

  6. Connect the BilgeBuddy black negative wire to a negative plate or the negative pump wire.

  7. Cut the live/auto wire (typically brown) to the pump.

  8. Splice the orange BilgeBuddy wire to the circuit’s live/auto wire (upstream, not to the pump).

    1. If necessary, using a multimeter, test that the wire is the live wire from the battery.

    2. Hold the power button to for a few seconds to power the BilgeBuddy as a check.

  9. Splice the dark blue BilgeBuddy wire to the pump end.

  10. Cut the non-live/manual (typically brown/white) wire to the pump.

  11. Splice the brown BilgeBuddy wire with both ends of the original wire.

  12. Terminate/cap the light blue BilgeBuddy wire.

  13. Test that the manual switch, auto-float and high water sensor all turn on the pump.

Wire diagram of a 3 wire system (automatic pump or integrated auto-float).
Example of a half soldered butt connector.
Example of a fully soldered butt connector.

Splicing tips:

  • Strip 0.25” of all wire ends.

  • Pro tip! Place both desired ends into the butt connector, lightly compress the solder ring to hold the 2 wires in place with needle nose pliers. This avoids frustration of the ends falling out while you try to heat the splice.

  • Heat the solder ring (middle), adhesive rings (colored) and clear waterproof tubing with a heat shrink gun or lighter. Do not over heat, just enough to melt and seal.