❓ Help Guide
Your complete guide to Boat Buddy — tap any section to learn how it works.
AI Diagnostic Chat — All Plans
Ask a Question
Type any marine problem in plain English. Describe symptoms, noises, smells, error codes — anything. The AI responds like an expert mechanic standing right next to you.
"My engine is overheating at 2,000 RPM and I hear a squealing noise from the belt area."
Send a Photo
Tap the camera icon to attach a photo of your engine, wiring, bilge, or any component. The AI identifies the engine make/model and any visible problems from the image.
Works great for identifying unknown parts, leaks, corrosion, wiring issues, and more.
Manual Mode
Tap the 📖 icon in the chat bar to enter Manual Mode. Ask for exact torque specs, part numbers, valve clearances, or service procedures — the AI searches real manufacturer service manual PDFs.
"What is the torque spec for the cylinder head bolts on a Yamaha 90A outboard?"
System Diagrams
Tap 📐 in the chat header or go to the Diagrams page. 25+ professional marine schematics are available — raw water cooling, fuel systems, electrical, steering, and more. Type "show me the cooling diagram" in chat and it appears inline.
Tap any diagram thumbnail to open the full-size version.
Question Limits
Stow Away (free) plan: 1 question per 6 hours. Your remaining questions are shown in the chat header. Upgrade to First Mate, Captain, or Admiral for unlimited AI questions.
First Mate unlocks unlimited questions + manual search + work orders.
Vessel Profile — All Plans
Add Your Vessel
Go to Vessel in the bottom nav. Add make, model, year, engine make/model/serial, home port, and document number. The AI uses this context to give you more accurate, specific answers for your exact boat.
Multiple vessels supported — switch between them in the vessel list.
Insurance Tracking
Add your insurance company, policy number, and expiry date. Upload your insurance document (PDF or image). A warning badge appears on the vessel card when expiry is within 30 days.
The app will remind you before your policy lapses.
Maintenance Tracker — All Plans
Service Reminders
Track 12 preset service items per vessel: oil/filter, raw water impeller, fuel filter, zincs, belts, spark plugs, coolant, bottom paint, fire extinguisher, life jackets, EPIRB, and transmission fluid. Add custom items for anything else.
A red dot on the Maint nav icon means something is overdue. Tap any item → Mark Done to log today's date and engine hours.
Repair Log & Work Orders — All Plans
Save AI Responses
After any AI response, tap 🗒️ Save to Log. Browse all saved diagnoses in the History / Log page.
Build a full maintenance history for each vessel over time.
Create a Work Order
Tap any log entry → Create Work Order. Auto-fills your vessel info, shop name, logo, and address. Add parts with costs and labor hours. Print or save as PDF.
Set your shop name and logo in Settings → Business Profile first.
Settings & Business Profile — All Plans
Business Profile
Go to Settings → Business Profile. Set your shop name, phone, address, and logo — these auto-fill every work order and invoice you generate.
Upload your logo (PNG or JPG, max 500KB) — it appears at the top of every work order.
Email Invoices
Set up a Gmail app password in Settings to send invoices directly from the app to customers.
Use a Gmail-specific app password — not your regular Google password.
Boat Yard, Parts Inventory, Service Department & Team Features Features — Locked
Upgrade to Captain or Admiral to unlock these features.
View Plans →Marina Manager (slips, rentals, transients, waitlist) Features — Locked
Upgrade to Admiral to unlock these features.
View Plans →