# Cortex Monitor — Remote Vessel Monitoring

> Remote monitoring and control for boat sensors and Vesper Marine Cortex devices. (iPhone/iPad app by Garmin New Zealand Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-monitor/id1456678376 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Garmin New Zealand Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/557485484)
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.90/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 25 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.4 · 32 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-08-01
- Data updated: 2026-06-09
- Monetization: ad-supported
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-monitor/id1456678376/reviews.md

## What is Cortex Monitor?

Vesper Monitor works with your on board Vesper Marine Cortex M1 device to monitor both the built-in Cortex sensors and other sensors on your boat that you connect to your Cortex Hub. 

- Setup is easy and free
- Use the Cortex Hub’s built-in sensors for battery level, barometric pressure and boat position.
- Connect your Cortex Hub to NMEA 2000, or an external sensor, to add monitoring for wind, depth, bilge high water, temperature, shore power or security.
- Unlock your Cortex Hub to receive real-time sensor information, alerts and remotely control key circuits like air conditioning, lights or refrigeration.
- Once you’ve unlocked your Cortex Hub you can also track your vessel, set geo-fence alarms and use Vesper Marine’s Award Winning smartAIS AnchorWatch to know your boat is safe at anchor.

## Key features

- Remote sensor monitoring
- Real-time alerts
- Remote circuit control
- Vessel tracking
- Geo-fence alarms
- Anchor watch functionality

## Recent user reviews (10 of 25)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-monitor/id1456678376/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Seriously needs some documentation. Great app otherwise

*2026-03-12, version 1.7.14*

Needs documentation. I cannot figure out what the wind direction is try to tell me when I click on 2 hours and 24 hours.   The colors have no meaning without documentation.  And Garmin tech support has no idea either.

### 1/5 — Super Glitchy - OK When it works

*2026-03-04, version 1.7.14*

The average rating says it all - a solid concept - just works poorly.  Do not depend on this app and the system for crucial info.

### 1/5 — Does not work

*2026-02-25, version 1.7.14*

Doesn’t work. When I open it, there is no option to “create an account”

No product support. Clearly a broken app forgotten by Garmin

### 1/5 — Annoying!

*2025-12-05, version 1.7.14*

After a recent update, the app now requires you to type in your email address and password EVERY TIME you open the app. There no reason for this. Please let use stay logged in when the app is closed. Also, how about enabling Face ID? 

Garmin is a big company that can do much better than this.

### 5/5 — Works great

*2024-12-22*

I’ve been using this on my NorSea 27 over the past year, and it has worked great. Thank you!

### 1/5 — Can’t sign in

*2024-12-01, version 1.7.9*

Neither iPhone nor iPad running IOS 18.1 can sign in. Not since Garmin acquired this system. Email response is “we’ll report it”. Garbage.

### 1/5 — Another Garmin disaster

*2024-07-27, version 1.7.9*

Total disaster since Garmin took over. Once again, Garmin has screwed up an excellent device.

### 5/5 — Version 1.7.9 fixes problem with location hang up.

*2024-04-25*

The previous version 1.7.8 failed to run due to being unable to determine my location. 
This version 1.7.9 has rectified the problem and I was impressed that the previous problem was fixed so quickly. 
Overall this a useful tool to check on boat location and system parameters when away from the boat.

### 1/5 — Upgrade on 04/22/24 is a Clown Show

*2024-04-24, version 1.7.8*

The latest update seems to have forgotten my account settings. After entering email address, it hangs up on a screen indicating it needs location data but there is no app setting to enable this.  Finally, I deleted and reinstalled the app and it starts up with a camera request to see the QR code on the AIS. For now, I have no way to monitor my boat.

### 2/5 — What Happened?

*2024-04-23, version 1.7.8*

After multiple emails, finally got it to work. Now with an update it’s all gone again and the app locks up. Whoever is doing your app programming, it’s not good and seems very untested.

## Frequently asked questions about Cortex Monitor

### What does Cortex Monitor do?

Cortex Monitor works with your Vesper Marine Cortex M1 device to provide remote monitoring of your boat's onboard sensors. It allows you to check battery levels, barometric pressure, boat position, and can integrate with additional sensors for wind, depth, water levels, and more.

### What are the key features of Cortex Monitor?

Key features include real-time sensor information, alerts for critical conditions, remote control of circuits like air conditioning and lights, vessel tracking, geo-fence alarms, and an award-winning smartAIS AnchorWatch feature for safety at anchor.

### Is Cortex Monitor free to use?

The setup for Cortex Monitor is free. The application itself is ad-supported, meaning you may see advertisements within the app. Some advanced features may require unlocking your Cortex Hub.

### What devices is Cortex Monitor compatible with?

This app is designed to work with the Vesper Marine Cortex M1 device. It can also integrate with sensors connected to your Cortex Hub via NMEA 2000 or external connections.

### How can Cortex Monitor help me keep my boat safe?

Cortex Monitor enhances boat safety by providing real-time alerts for critical sensor data, allowing remote control of essential systems, and offering features like vessel tracking, geo-fence alarms, and the smartAIS AnchorWatch to ensure your boat is secure when you're not present.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.7.14 — 2025-12-03

Bugfixes and performance improvements

### 1.7.11 — 2025-02-18

Bugfixes and performance improvements

### 1.7.9 — 2024-04-25

Bugfixes and performance improvements

### 1.7.8 — 2024-04-22

We are constantly working to improve Cortex Monitor and strive to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience.

### 1.7.6 — 2023-06-20

General Bug Fixes and Improvements

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## More apps by Garmin New Zealand Ltd

- [WatchMate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watchmate/id557485481)
- [Cortex Onboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-onboard/id1483406085)

All apps by Garmin New Zealand Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/557485484

## Related topics

[cortex monitor](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cortex-monitor) · [cortex onboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cortex-onboard)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-09.*
