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The Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas was an important event for boaters. Innovations designed for homes and cars typically trickle down to the yachting industry as well. For instance, touch-screen technology has effortlessly made its way onto ingenious Garmin electronics displays. Wireless cameras allow you to keep an eye on your boat from anywhere worldwide. This is a list of the most useful, popular and pioneering advances in boating which has made it an easier and more enjoyable activity for seafarers.
Cell phones & wireless internet: The portability and affordability of cell phones and internet cards was like a breath of fresh air allowing us to bid adieu to those inept intercom systems. Almost every big boat in the 90's was equipped with a high-tech intercom system which connected most areas on the boat. The dilemma was that the cords were too short or too long or the receiver would invariably unhook from the bottom.
Moreover, the landline could only be used when you arrived at a marina. In this situation, the cell phone was a lifesaver with its reasonably priced minute and data plans. The wireless internet card lets you sit in front of the PC monitor to check work email as your family takes a refreshing dip in the cool ocean waters.
Wireless networking: Innovative advancements in wireless routers have rendered it simpler for the common boater to fix a basic onboard network linking his printer and laptop anywhere aboard. Sophisticated jobs such as a remote music database as well as many laptops sharing a printer are almost every day tasks now.
LED lighting: The advancement in LED technology is unquestionably among the most pioneering innovations. LED lighting is suitable and essential in boating due to the low heat emission and low power consumption. Plus, it is super long lasting! It is also a vital safety achievement as they barely generate heat.
LCD & Plasma TV's: The cost and durability of these space-saving accessories made them quite attractive on boats. Nowadays TV's are found under an overhead galley cabinet, hidden behind paintings, in uncovered flybridge bars, sliding out of ridiculously small places and in engine rooms as well. These low-cost, easy to install and lightweight add-ons are also compact in size and ideally suited for your requirements.
Volvo IPS engines: these drop-in engines are quick and inexpensive to install as well. Their small footprint as compared to comparable sized conventional engines means that boat builders and designers now have added room to work with. Furthermore, their remarkable ease for boat handling has given lots of newcomers the self-confidence to foray into boating.
Resin infusion: In the past, boats were built with wood, then metal and currently, fiberglass. A hand-laid hull layup involved continuously measuring, waiting and adjusting for a few weeks. However, resin infusion allows the hull to be shot just once in a couple of hours. As soon as you begin the process the resin soaks the foam swiftly and accurately.
Resin infusion puts the exact amount into the foam pockets and makes weight prognostication amazingly accurate. The finished piece is thus extremely strong and is stronger as compared with hand-laid FRP.
This is a cost-effective measure as less weight leads to less horsepower required to propel the yacht which also means a lesser amount of fuel burn. The wetting process is completed under a closed plastic system which is why toxic resin emissions are eliminated. This is an eco-friendly measure and is also ideal for the worker who is usually exposed to the harmful effects of fiberglass and resin inhalation.
Electronic engine controls & displays: With the arrival of electronic governing systems engines became more efficient. The previous cable and pulley system that controlled them paved the way for sophisticated controls which could be installed almost anywhere with no difficulty.
Synchronizers and better auto pilot with built-in backup systems became almost commonplace subsequently. The old temperature gauges & RPM were replaced by digital displays that gave boaters instant information on fuel burn, load and temperature devoid of the requirement for a group of gauges casing the helm. The correctness of the information has rendered important tasks simpler such as guessing the range and troubleshooting engines at sea.
Kevlar: When correctly installed, Kevlar helps the vessel to stay afloat even if the hull beneath it is crushed. It is essentially an elastic material that contracts but does not rip easily like wood or FRP. This allows it to hold the surrounds together. Builders are presently installing it into the collision points on the boat hulls.
Wireless boat controllers: These handheld, award-winning boat remote controllers have literally taken the yachting world by storm. Through a fast and inconspicuous installation the controller can give boaters immediate command of the bow & stern thrusters, engine throttle, windlass and more.
With this device you can easily and safely inch the vessel into position while handling the lines. You can also walk from one side of the bridge to the other and not lose control of the engines.
GPS & Weather Alerts: GPS and web-based weather reports are part & parcel of boating nowadays. The ability to see your location precisely and to get correct and updated weather reports is convenient and crucial for a safe cruise.
Some companies join the two onto a single unit. This makes it easier to overlay your position, radar, course and weather report onto the same screen.
Enjoy your boat!
