Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

[Alastair]

Hi,<br /><br /> Here's the question: What would it be worth to have advance warning about problems developing in your boat's wiring, the better to fix them before they turn into equipment failures?<br /><br /> The product (or maybe it's a service) in a nutshell would be a network of sensors that report increasing levels of electrical resistance in the circuits as the wire, insulation and connections degrade. This information is collected by an onboard computer which knows what the resistances should be, and also at what levels they start to cause problems. The computer reports to the skipper which circuits need attention and their relative condition.<br /><br /> This system could be scaled up or down to suit different sizes of boats and budgets. I guess there would be some threshold size of boat and complexity of wiring for it to be worthwhile.<br /><br /> I'd be interested to know how much trouble you think it is keeping up with wiring repairs and whether a system like this would be worthwhile.<br /><br />Thanks very much,<br />Alastair

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

For saltwater boats it could be quite an asset. Freshwater boats too, but corrosion is much worse in a saltwater environment to be sure.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

I have to ask, what would keep the wires, connectors, onboard computer, and sensors of this "warning system" from failing, from the very thing it's there to warn about? Corrosion...<br /><br />As a OEM or add on product, it sounds like an extra piece of shrapnel in a hand grenade too me...<br /><br />As a service, it sounds like a bilge rat (me ) equipped with a multi-meter and a test light..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

Sounds like Another Later of Bureaucracy to Me....<br />Something Else to Complicate Things...<br /><br />I've got a Phd in Engineering, from the College of Common Sense......<br />School Motto is,<br /> K eep<br /> I t<br /> S imple<br /> S tupid<br /><br />I'd think your System Might be of Value, <br />In Boats that tip the scales at Atleast $1,000,000.

 

[airman]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

Not to join the downer club, but I wouldn't buy one either. It would require adding 2 connections to every circuit, which is the root of most problems. A good visual inspection will tell you most of what you need to know anyways. If there is a market for your idea, it would probably be in the high end yachts. Stick your nose into Queenship. They're on the road to Mission, along the Fraser River. Good Luck.

 

[tylerin]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

No offense, but it would be just one more thing I would have to disconnect

 

[Walt T]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

If there were problems in the wiring, why would the problems not also affect the sensor wiring?

 

[KSorber]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

Alastair,<br /> I would have to agree with the rest of the crew that there is more work to be done on your idea. The idea that your product could fail by the exact problem you are trying to monitor would be a marketing nightmare. HOWEVER, I want to commend you on trying to come up with that "next" best thing. Being an entrepreneur myself I will attest to the old saying that you have to get past 1,000 bad ideas before you come up with a good one. Don’t get discouraged … keep coming up with ideas ... and keep trying them out on the crew here. This is a great place for ideas because no one is afraid to share their opinion.<br /><br />Good Luck

 

[Bhamil]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

Yep! My background is in marine electronics and I'm having a problem with my boat wiring that's driving me crazy! The very thing you're trying to eliminate will probably affect your warning system and sensors. I will say this though, you've got a good mind and you came to a forum where you'll get some honest feedback. So, keep up the good work. I hope you hit on something that will bring you success.

 

[Alastair]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

Thanks for all your replies, and they're all good suggestions.

 

[Alastair]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

Thanks for all your suggestions.<br /><br /> The answer to the degrading sensors problem is to make them independent of the wiring. They would be similar to those key chain car unlocking devices: low-power radio transceivers in sealed cases with their own batteries. The batteries last several years and when they need replacing the computer could warn the skipper about that situation too. <br /><br /> Also, the sensors would not be physically connected to the wire. They would measure the magnetic field induced by the current, which is detectable outside the insulation.<br /><br /> I think if you can inspect all the wire easily and quickly, and it's acceptable to fix things after they break rather than before, then obviously this system is an unnecessary layer of complication. However, the stakes tend to get higher as the boats get bigger, and I wonder at what point this system starts to look reasonable.<br /><br />-Alastair

 

[Walt T]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

From my own point of view I would not install such a system on my boat, and wouldnt pay for it on a new one. It is another layer of complexity and another system to have problems of it's own.<br />However from a laypersons point of view it could be marketed as a system of assurance. It could no doubt be made to work and work well in the marine environment. The main test would be if the consumer would buy it and if the manufacturers will offer it. Manufacturers are leery of pricing their boats higher than the competition. Then you have to deal with training manufacturers and mechanics to understand and properly install the system. After all what good is it if no one can service it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Would anyone care to comment on a new product idea?

However, the stakes tend to get higher as the boats get bigger, and I wonder at what point this system starts to look reasonable.

I would think the Live Aboards, from about $500,000.00 on Up....<br />Ones Big Enough, The Capt. + Crew, rather than the Owner is the Usual Helmsman..........