How the app connects to your boat
iOSAndroid
The app finds your GOAT device on its own and always picks the fastest route available. You don't choose the connection — a small badge tells you which one it landed on.
How it works
The app tries three routes, in order, and stops at the first that works:
- Local — you're on the same WiFi as the boat (fastest, no internet needed). The badge shows Local.
- Remote — you're away from the boat and reach it over its secure remote link. The badge shows Remote. Remote access needs a GOAT device — see Access your boat when away.
- Direct — a fallback where your phone joins the device's own hotspot directly, used mainly during setup or when there's no boat WiFi.
The Local / Remote badge at the top of the dashboard always shows the connection currently in use.
Note: If none of the routes succeed, the app refreshes the device's network details and tries again — the device's address on the boat WiFi can change after a router restart, and this lets the app find it at its new address.
If the app can't reach your boat at all, see App can't connect to my boat.