Winner of the prestigious DAME Environmental Award (2025), Digital Yacht Bilge IQ is a smart controller and monitoring system designed to make your boat’s bilge pump far more intelligent and reliable. Instead of simply running in the background, this device turns a standard bilge pump into a connected safety system that can be monitored, analysed and controlled.
By connecting to your boat’s NMEA 2000 network and using built-in Wi-Fi, Bilge IQ allows you to keep track of your bilge pump’s performance in real time. You can view system data on a compatible multifunction display (MFD) or access the information from a phone, tablet or computer. This gives boat owners clear visibility of what is happening in the bilge, helping ensure the pump is working correctly when it is needed most.
Monitor Your Bilge Pump in Real Time
Bilge pumps are often installed and then forgotten about until there is a problem. Bilge IQ changes that by continuously monitoring how the pump operates. It records key information such as pump activity, electrical current draw, how long the pump runs for and whether any faults occur.
This information can be displayed on a connected chartplotter or multifunction display, giving you immediate feedback on the condition of your bilge system. If something unusual happens, the system can generate alerts directly on the display so the crew is aware of the issue straight away.
Smart Alerts for Greater Safety
One of the most useful features of Bilge IQ is its ability to detect problems and warn you before they become serious. If the system detects abnormal behaviour, it will trigger alerts to keep you informed.
These alerts can include warnings such as the bilge pump running continuously, the pump running dry, the pump failing to run when the float switch is activated, float switch failure, or high water detected by a secondary float switch. The system can also detect electrical issues such as unusually high current draw or low voltage, helping identify developing problems early.
Integration with Your Boat’s Electronics
Bilge IQ connects directly to your NMEA 2000 network, allowing the pump to be monitored and controlled through compatible multifunction displays. Important events can trigger on-screen notifications, ensuring the crew is quickly alerted to any issues even if they are not near the bilge area.
The system can also integrate with Victron Cerbo GX installations. When connected, the bilge pump can be monitored and controlled through the Cerbo GX interface and the Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) platform. This allows you to receive updates and alerts even when you are away from the boat.
Remote Monitoring and Extra Safety Features
Bilge IQ includes an additional input for a secondary float switch, which can be used as a high-water alarm. If rising water levels are detected, alerts can be sent across the boat’s network to warn the crew. When used with Digital Yacht’s 4G or 5G Xtream systems, pump activity and high-water alerts can also trigger SMS notifications, providing remote monitoring wherever your boat is located. The device also features a built-in web interface, allowing you to connect wirelessly from a phone, tablet or PC. Through this interface you can control the pump, view system status and analyse historical performance data.
Analyse Pump Performance and Plan Maintenance
Bilge IQ keeps a detailed history of pump activity, including how often it runs and how long it operates for. This makes it easier to identify potential leaks or pump issues before they become serious problems.
The run-time data is also useful when using bilge discharge filters, which prevent oil, debris and other contaminants from being pumped overboard. These filters require periodic replacement, but it can be difficult to know when they need servicing. By tracking pump usage, Bilge IQ helps owners determine the right time to replace filters, ensuring they continue to work effectively.
By combining smart monitoring, advanced alerts and remote connectivity, the Digital Yacht Bilge IQ provides boat owners with a much clearer understanding of their bilge system while improving both safety and environmental protection.
Key Features:
- Demystify the hidden secrets of your bilge pump and hull integrity with a clear view of historical pump activity.
- Designed to be installed quickly into existing bilge systems without reconfiguration of the boat’s wiring or electronics.
- Designed to monitor your primary bilge pump, the most critical pump on your boat.
- Designed to work with all major multifunction display (MFD) brands that support NMEA 2000 digital switching.
- Fits in minutes and doesn’t need maintenance, but does tell an owner when to change a bilge water filter if fitted.
- Generates NMEA 2000 alert messages for conditions like pump running, dry running, float switch failure, high current draw and low voltage.
- Has a built-in Wi-Fi interface that allows phones, tablets and PCs to connect for control, monitoring and review of pump history.
- Plan periodic maintenance if you are utilising a bilge water filter to help with environmental issues.
- View actual pump performance with real time current monitoring, control and alert via any modern NMEA 2000 MFD/system or mobile device.
