project ideas?

[jay12292]

Ok, well i have to do a project for school, a 5 page essay, and it has to do with the technical program i am taking (marine technology), and i have no idea what to do it on. i have a few good ideas, but i need at least 5 and it needs to be something i can design an experiment around for next year. i just need interesting ideas that have to do with boats, engines, boat electronics, and generally anything else to do with a boat/ship. any ideas would be appreciated, and i can answer any questions.

 

[BF]

Re: project ideas?

here's a few, possibly hair-brained ideas of the top of my head... some already are products (e.g. #3)

1) a cheap gas vapor detector/alarm for the bilge (?)
2) a photoelectric detector & alarm to detect arcing under the engine cover of I/O's or inboards. (maybe crazy idea)
3) a cheap retrofit fire supressant system for I/O's
4) design an interloc so starter cannot be engaged before running the blower for some set time period (for I/O's and inboards)
5) an alarm/warning light when boarding ladder is down
6) float valve with connection to cell phone to phone home and give a warning when auto bilge pumps have been activated (e.g for unattended moored boats)
7) a small/inexpensive/inconspicuous security camera system that can be run off 12 V (again for moored boats)
8) use biometrics pad to allow only pre-authorized people to turn on ignition

not sure it helps... but good luck!

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: project ideas?

An audible warning when the transom contacts water and the plug is not in its rightful place....

 

[Cofe]

Re: project ideas?

An automatic latching/locking trailer hitch.

How to navigate using charts, compass, sextant.

 

[dolluper]

Re: project ideas?

coolent temp sensor warning at dash or helm

 

[mscher]

Re: project ideas?

Here is a timely topic, one certainly with legs for the future.

How about the science, the cause and effects, of using ethanol/gasoline mixtures in marine engines, especially with water contamination? Performance criteria, etc.

An actual experiment could be performed later with fuel samples and running an engine with various levels of water contamination.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: project ideas?

NMEA 2000 compatible rpm sensor using ignition sensing trigger, it should be plug&play with a simple switch for various cylinder/2-4 cycle configurations.

I still don't know why there isn't one on the market.