Viam

How Canyon Runner used Viam to get a bird’s eye view of their entire boat fleet

Canyon Runner, a leader in the sportfishing industry, offers coaching, seminars, and chartered voyages. Serving over 700 captains and crews, including more than 450 boat owners, their “Virtual Captain” vessel management system provides real-time guidance on weather, sea conditions, and best practices. Their goal is to help customers navigate safely and maximize their fishing experience, avoiding risks like storms, lightning, and shifting channels. Viam enabled Canyon Runner to efficiently collect crucial data from their fleet as well as customer vessels, and promptly deliver it via web application to enhance boat management.

By the numbers: What Viam unlocked for Canyon Runner
50% less time per customer with new self-serve reporting, enabling...
30% customer growth through increased capacity, leading to...
40% increase in profits from reduced churn.

The Challenge

Providing real-time data to boaters

Canyon Runner's previous telematics system, adopted 15 years ago, captured data from a few boats but relied on manual, time-consuming communication methods like phone calls and texts, limiting scalability. As weather events became more frequent and severe, the need for real-time, actionable data grew critical. However, existing systems were too costly to deploy across their entire customer base, even as demand for their services increased.

To manage multiple vessels efficiently, Canyon Runner needed a centralized system that could integrate data from various on-board electronics and external sources, offering a comprehensive view of each boat’s status, even in low-connectivity environments. They also required simple data visualizations accessible directly to customers.

The Solution

Data captured and visualized by Viam

After researching alternatives, Canyon Runner found that many options were expensive, difficult to install, and unreliable. They chose Viam for its ability to integrate seamlessly with diverse hardware, including NMEA 2000 networks commonly used in boating, and to operate effectively in environments where an internet connection might not be guaranteed.

Viam enabled Canyon Runner to integrate data from diverse sources into a single view, including marine electronics, sensors, radar, GPS, AIS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate and ocean data, and much more.

Comprehensive data integration and monitoring

Viam’s platform enabled Canyon Runner to collect a wide range of data, including GPS location, weather conditions, water temperature, and boat performance. This information is accessible through a web interface that allows customers to monitor their boats in real-time.

Reliable data sync in low-connectivity environments

Viam offered a key advantage with its ability to synchronize data even without online connectivity—crucial for boats at sea. Data is stored locally and updated once a connection is available, ensuring reliable access to critical information.

Fast and simple integration with any hardware

Viam’s plug-and-play flexibility allowed Canyon Runner to integrate their system with any boat’s NMEA backbone and other systems in just over two months, a process they initially thought would take years. This quick integration enabled them to efficiently gather data on hundreds of boats in their fleet.

Effortless installation and access

Canyon Runner customers can easily install Viam-powered hardware on their boats without needing an electrician or voiding warranties. A user-friendly web application provides access to all data, ensuring easy management.

The Outcome

Scaled automation and enhanced service

Canyon Runner’s new automated system has significantly scaled their operations, allowing them to streamline service delivery. The data Viam helped Canyon Runner to gather and display has allowed them to develop an entirely new service called “Marine Risk,” which allows boaters to monitor and avoid risks that could lead to catastrophic losses. They also plan to use Viam's AI capabilities for predictive maintenance, helping customers to preemptively repair their boats before breakdowns occur, and saving them time and money as a result.

A Viam-powered web interface gives Canyon Runner a view of all boats and individual boat captains a look at their boat's conditions and environment.

Key achievements of Canyon Runner’s partnership with Viam: