Ever wondered why sailors are one of the last groups to enjoy the benefits of the rapid advancements in technology? Black boxes(early EPIRBs)have been standard equipment on small aircraft for 30+ years, yet EPIRBs for sailors are still priced beyond the reach of most of us. In these times of cell phones, satellite TV and Radio and Lojac sytems for your car, why has this transferable technology not resulted in added safety for sailors? When every TV has a remote control, ever wonder why there isn't a waterproof remote control for your autopilot? Sure, potential sale volume may not warrant the R&D expense, but most of this technology already exists. The only thing that needs development is the waterproofing. Singlehanders would find an autopilot remote a potential lifesaver. WHAT WOULD BE ON YOUR WISH LIST? Let your imagination go and share with us your ideas on applying today's existing technology to create a safer and more convenient boating experience. This could be fun as well as informative! Jon McClain s/v Parrot Tales, Beneteau 321, Kemah TX
Sailor's Wish List!
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For single-handers
Jim An automatic mainsail raiser. Stu Yeah, yeah, people will say get an electric winch or get crew (not for singlehanders!), but I'm looking for something simpler than heavy wiring to replace an existing expensive winch. I guess some wishes may have already been invented. *5
Jim An automatic mainsail raiser. Stu Yeah, yeah, people will say get an electric winch or get crew (not for singlehanders!), but I'm looking for something simpler than heavy wiring to replace an existing expensive winch. I guess some wishes may have already been invented. *5
a hand-held radar
About 15-20 years ago I remember seeing a radar unit about the size of a West Marine catalog that you wore around your neck, and pointed it in the direction you wanted to "see". It ran on internal (I assume like "D") batteries. You wore headphones that gave you an audio return of anythying the radar "saw". For those of us who need a radar infrequently, in a boat too small for radar on a tower or the mast, and with limited battery capacity, it would be a big help! Wonder where they went, and why there's not a version with new technology?
About 15-20 years ago I remember seeing a radar unit about the size of a West Marine catalog that you wore around your neck, and pointed it in the direction you wanted to "see". It ran on internal (I assume like "D") batteries. You wore headphones that gave you an audio return of anythying the radar "saw". For those of us who need a radar infrequently, in a boat too small for radar on a tower or the mast, and with limited battery capacity, it would be a big help! Wonder where they went, and why there's not a version with new technology?
And a small, light 4-strk OB
New 4-strk OB's are low-polluting, reliable and easy to use. Why can't they be light weight? And why do the powerheads have to be so big? Those of us who have a 60s-70s sailboat with an OB auxiliary in a well (Cat 27, Columbia Challenger, Coronado 25, etc.) can't shoehorn in a modern 4-strk!
New 4-strk OB's are low-polluting, reliable and easy to use. Why can't they be light weight? And why do the powerheads have to be so big? Those of us who have a 60s-70s sailboat with an OB auxiliary in a well (Cat 27, Columbia Challenger, Coronado 25, etc.) can't shoehorn in a modern 4-strk!
market volume!
that unit was made by a small company named whistler, and they almost went broke because boaters didn't buy it-they turned to making radar detectors for cars-a much larger market, even though the unit price is much lower
that unit was made by a small company named whistler, and they almost went broke because boaters didn't buy it-they turned to making radar detectors for cars-a much larger market, even though the unit price is much lower
Wish list items
I don't ask for much. 1. Schaefer 'Tuff Luff' headfoil; 2. Pair of Lewmar 8-C winches; 3. Harken 3:1 traveller kit for 2720 track; 4. Honda 4-stroke 15 HP electric-start outboard; AND: A respectably good digital-readout depth finder for under 200 bucks!! JC 2
I don't ask for much. 1. Schaefer 'Tuff Luff' headfoil; 2. Pair of Lewmar 8-C winches; 3. Harken 3:1 traveller kit for 2720 track; 4. Honda 4-stroke 15 HP electric-start outboard; AND: A respectably good digital-readout depth finder for under 200 bucks!! JC 2
Ditto the 4 stroke
I'd love a 5 or 6 hp 4 stroke that weighed less than 30 lbs. While you are working on that I would also like a color mapping GPS for under $200. Finally, I would like an anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson who, when I bark orders at her, would reply "Yes of course, thank you captain."
I'd love a 5 or 6 hp 4 stroke that weighed less than 30 lbs. While you are working on that I would also like a color mapping GPS for under $200. Finally, I would like an anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson who, when I bark orders at her, would reply "Yes of course, thank you captain."
WiFi
A total unification of all instruments on board connected by WiFi with multiple color LCD displays and cost only as any one single instrument of those current brand name asked.
A total unification of all instruments on board connected by WiFi with multiple color LCD displays and cost only as any one single instrument of those current brand name asked.
Re- hybrid outboard
Sounds like a GREAT idea. Now if the gen set were a small, quiet, low-polluting diesel.... JC
Sounds like a GREAT idea. Now if the gen set were a small, quiet, low-polluting diesel.... JC
Re- android crewperson
The only trouble I can foresee from the 'anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson' replying 'Yes of course, thank you, captain' is that it might cause the REAL anatomically-correct gorgeous females to lose interest, thinking you are already occupied with the droid one. You know how good-looking they can make fake stuff these days. (I wonder if it would be made in China. It might be the 'anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson' version of those syntactically mind-boggling VCR manuals.) Also, an 'anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson' replying 'Yes of course, thank you, captain' to everything you bark at it isn't really very realistic, is it? But then, hey, Christmas is for little boys who dream about neat new toys! (too much thinking about 'Weird Science' for me here!) JC 2
The only trouble I can foresee from the 'anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson' replying 'Yes of course, thank you, captain' is that it might cause the REAL anatomically-correct gorgeous females to lose interest, thinking you are already occupied with the droid one. You know how good-looking they can make fake stuff these days. (I wonder if it would be made in China. It might be the 'anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson' version of those syntactically mind-boggling VCR manuals.) Also, an 'anatomically-correct gorgeous female droid crewperson' replying 'Yes of course, thank you, captain' to everything you bark at it isn't really very realistic, is it? But then, hey, Christmas is for little boys who dream about neat new toys! (too much thinking about 'Weird Science' for me here!) JC 2
Keel mounted panoramic underwater camera
to go with 3d underwater sonar. Also a mast mounted remote controlled high resolution camera capable of seeing in the dark as well as the day. Interfaces with radar and acoustic (above the water) sonar. GPS plotter interfaced too. APRS and direction finding communications for locating friends. Satellite internet at all times. 30 inch lcd display of all of the above.
to go with 3d underwater sonar. Also a mast mounted remote controlled high resolution camera capable of seeing in the dark as well as the day. Interfaces with radar and acoustic (above the water) sonar. GPS plotter interfaced too. APRS and direction finding communications for locating friends. Satellite internet at all times. 30 inch lcd display of all of the above.
Singlehanded Collision Prevention
as a lower-cost alternative to radar, an actual active/passive sonar suite that could detect sea-surface contacts. modular and gain-controllable. an alternative would be a multiband RF emitter that would xmit a periodic 360deg broadband signal when on standby, and a targeted, freq-specific signal when 'squawked' by another radar.
as a lower-cost alternative to radar, an actual active/passive sonar suite that could detect sea-surface contacts. modular and gain-controllable. an alternative would be a multiband RF emitter that would xmit a periodic 360deg broadband signal when on standby, and a targeted, freq-specific signal when 'squawked' by another radar.
Three more months of sunny weather
Last two summers here in Puget Sound have been fabulous - sunny, warm AND uncharacteristically breezy. I'll take three more months like those each year please. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Last two summers here in Puget Sound have been fabulous - sunny, warm AND uncharacteristically breezy. I'll take three more months like those each year please. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Power Boat Humbler
How about something that can get the attention of all those inconsiderate power boaters that think its great fun to see how close they can get to you and your boat to test their ability to rock and roll your boat. You could call it a Power Boat Humbler or something like that. It would be great if it came with a optional accessory that could reach out and slap them upside the head when necessary. All kidding aside. My wish would be for a greater understanding and giving of common courtesies between all boaters out on the water.
How about something that can get the attention of all those inconsiderate power boaters that think its great fun to see how close they can get to you and your boat to test their ability to rock and roll your boat. You could call it a Power Boat Humbler or something like that. It would be great if it came with a optional accessory that could reach out and slap them upside the head when necessary. All kidding aside. My wish would be for a greater understanding and giving of common courtesies between all boaters out on the water.
John C II
John. I wish my 15 honda 4-stroke (2000) would stop ingesting water into the cylinders and that the honda repairs done on it, (Rebuilt twice) would have fixed it, and that it wasnt frozen up in my utilty room. and that honda would stand behind what seems to be an unreparible motor. Maybe you should reconcider your list!
John. I wish my 15 honda 4-stroke (2000) would stop ingesting water into the cylinders and that the honda repairs done on it, (Rebuilt twice) would have fixed it, and that it wasnt frozen up in my utilty room. and that honda would stand behind what seems to be an unreparible motor. Maybe you should reconcider your list!
A Bull Market!!
We need a raging Bull Market so that these two dozen lagging stocks of mine will rocket to the stratosphere and I'll be able to buy all the toys on my wish list AND retire so I'll have the time to use them. Is that too much to ask?
We need a raging Bull Market so that these two dozen lagging stocks of mine will rocket to the stratosphere and I'll be able to buy all the toys on my wish list AND retire so I'll have the time to use them. Is that too much to ask?
a boat
A boat, a place to keep it, time to sail it, and enough money left over to eat. With that, the droids will come
umm maybe a hair cut too,just to be safe
A boat, a place to keep it, time to sail it, and enough money left over to eat. With that, the droids will come
umm maybe a hair cut too,just to be safe- Status