Copenhagen’s waterways are among the most scenic and vibrant boating areas in Europe. With narrow canals, low bridges, and a lively mix of sightseeing tours, kayaks, and rental boats, staying within the speed limits is essential for safety and harmony on the water.
For MyBoat.dk, one of Copenhagen’s fastest growing premium boat rental companies, this balance between freedom and responsibility became a top priority. As they expanded to multiple locations throughout the greater Copenhagen area and began developing a boat club, they wanted a way to make sure every renter enjoyed their experience while respecting the city’s carefully managed waterways.
The Challenge: Keeping Boaters Aware in a Complex Environment
Even with clear briefings and signage, a few renters would occasionally exceed local speed limits, often without realizing it. Unfortunately, this led to frustration from nearby marinas, local businesses, and other boaters who rely on calm and safe waterways.
Copenhagen’s harbor area has many zones with different speed limits that can change quickly from one area to another. MyBoat’s previous GPS tracking system attempted to help by issuing alerts through the cloud, but it was not fast or reliable enough to keep up with the city’s dynamic conditions.
“We experienced a lot of speeding issues from our customers, and the harbor and other sailors were not very fond of that,” explains Reda Møller Midjek, co-founder of MyBoat.dk. “We had to come up with a system, so we searched online and found WAIV.”
The Solution: Instant, On-Board Speed Awareness
After testing various technologies, MyBoat chose WAIV’s AHOY smart GPS tracker, a solar powered device designed specifically for boat rental fleets. Unlike most tracking systems that rely on a continuous mobile network connection, the AHOY device stores all geofence data directly on the unit.
This means that when a boat enters a restricted zone or exceeds a set speed limit, the device reacts instantly. A siren and bright LED strobe lights activate immediately, and the OLED display shows a clear message such as:
“GO SLOW – OR PAY FINE”
This instant feedback gives renters a clear signal to slow down and stay within limits before any issues occur.
Easy Setup and Smart Design
The MyBoat team mounted the AHOY units on the front panels of their boats where both the solar panel and display are visible to renters. The system is configured entirely online through WAIV’s portal or mobile app, which allows staff to easily create or adjust geofences as needed for Copenhagen’s many speed zones.
“It is extremely easy to use,” says Reda. “We set it up all online with the geo-fencing, and it has been working great. Now we no longer get calls from angry harbor masters, and our staff can focus on giving guests the best experience instead of reminding them to slow down.”
Results: Safer Waters and Happier Renters
Since introducing WAIV, MyBoat.dk has dramatically reduced speeding incidents. Renters now receive immediate and visible feedback when approaching sensitive areas, which has led to smoother operations and improved relationships with local authorities and neighboring marinas.
“We have worked with WAIV throughout this season and we are extremely happy with it,” says Reda. “It is a great system that simply works.”
For MyBoat.dk, the difference is clear. Their team can now focus fully on providing outstanding customer experiences while ensuring that every boat on the water represents responsible and enjoyable boating in the heart of Copenhagen.
