Boating enthusiasts often face a tangle of wires, switches, and electronic devices onboard. Managing lights, pumps, alarms, winches, and other systems through traditional wiring can be overwhelming, especially as boats get more complex. Modern marine technology offers a solution: Muxen systems, a term likely referring to multiplexing or digital switching systems, which streamline electrical control and monitoring. We are exited to announce that both the Bali 5.8 and the Bali 5.2 is now fitted with the Muxen system as a standard feature. Our own Bali 5.8 (Snapdragon) has the system and in this video our captain explains some of the features.
What Is a Muxen (Multiplexing/Digital Control) System?
A Muxen system is essentially a centralized digital control network for your boat. Instead of running separate wires from each switch to every device, the system uses networked modules and a data bus to consolidate control. Owners can manage all onboard systems through a single interface, such as a touchscreen, keypad, or mobile app.
This technology, often called digital switching or marine HMI (Human-Machine Interface), allows boat owners to automate and customize operations while reducing wiring complexity and maintenance issues. The diagram below is a very simple illustration of what it should look like.
How Does a Muxen System Work?
- Central Control: All electrical devices are integrated under programmable digital control. Owners can turn systems on or off, adjust settings, or schedule operations through an interface.
- Networked Modules: Electronic control modules connect to a central data bus (commonly compatible with NMEA 2000), replacing extensive wiring runs. When a switch is activated, a digital signal is sent to the relevant module, which then operates the device.
- Remote Access: Many systems allow monitoring and control from smartphones, tablets, or even from shore, providing convenience and peace of mind.
Customization & Automation: Complex “scenes” can be programmed, enabling multiple devices to activate simultaneously—for example, setting all deck lights on for night cruising or shutting down non-essential systems when docking.
Advantages for Boat Owners
1.Centralized Control & Monitoring
- What it does: All your electrical systems—lights, navigation instruments, bilge pumps, refrigeration, water pumps, solar, wind instruments—are integrated into a single network.
- Benefit to you: You can control and monitor everything from a single panel or touchscreen, or even via a tablet/phone app. No more hunting down fuses or switches spread across multiple cabins and compartments.
Example: You’re at anchor, want to check battery voltage, turn on a bilge pump, and switch on deck lights—all without leaving the cockpit.
2. Energy Efficiency & Management
- What it does: Tracks energy production (solar, alternator, shore power) and consumption in real time.
- Benefit to you: Helps prevent running your batteries too low or wasting power. It can even automate switching loads between batteries, generators, or shore power.
Example: Your MUXEN system might automatically turn off non-essential systems when the battery drops below 40%, protecting you from losing navigation electronics.
3. Simplified Troubleshooting
- What it does: Continuously monitors system status and logs faults.
- Benefit to you: If something goes wrong, the system can tell you exactly which circuit or device failed.
Example: Instead of flipping through fuses or tracing wires in the engine room, the display will show “Port cabin bilge pump: overcurrent.”
4. Weight and Space Savings
- What it does: Replaces bulky wiring looms and multiple switch panels with a digital network and bus.
- Benefit to you: On a catamaran, space and weight are precious. Less wiring means less weight, fewer connection points, and fewer maintenance headaches.
5. Automation & Customization
- What it does: Lets you program logic like “turn on deck lights when cockpit lights are on” or “start water pump when tank drops below 20%.”
- Benefit to you: Makes sailing and living aboard more comfortable and safer without constant manual intervention.
6. Remote Monitoring and Alerts
- What it does: Some systems allow remote access via GSM or satellite.
- Benefit to you: Peace of mind—get alerts if a bilge pump runs, batteries are low, or shore power disconnects while you’re away.
So What Makes Muxen The Ideal Systems for Your Yacht?
A Muxen system transforms a boat’s electrical network from a maze of wires and mechanical switches into a smart, centralized, and reliable digital network. By combining automation, customization, and remote monitoring, it makes boating safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. For any modern boat owner, understanding and adopting multiplexing technology is a step toward smoother sailing—both literally and figuratively.
In short, for a catamaran owner, a MUXEN system translates to:
- Convenience: Everything in one place.
- Safety: Automatic monitoring and alerts.
- Efficiency: Smarter energy usage.
- Less hassle: Easier troubleshooting and maintenance.
Basically, it turns a complex network of wires and devices into something manageable, almost like your boat’s “brain” looking out for you.
