New tool/toy for your boat....

[jlotz]

I am working on a new product that is geared towards boat owners and would like your input on the design before we commit to production.

The product is a 19 lb remote controlled ROV (unmanned submarine) fitted with a colour camera, providing video to the operator back on the boat.

It is controlled with a unit that closely resembles a traditional gaming pad. Video is viewed with a set of video glasses to eliminate the glare from the sun. Max depth is 500 ft.

Owners could use them to inspect their hulls, or anything on the ocean floor (wreaks ETC).

Admittedly, products similar to this exist already, but are out of the price range for recreational use ($6,000 USD and up).

Unfortunately I cannot post pictures of the prototype because we are patenting now.

Quality is high - cast aluminum hull, magnetic couplers ECT.

List cost would be 1,499 USD for the whole package. After some time, I think that could even be reduced to $999 USD.

In your opinion - do you think this product is viable for mass production?

Perhaps it is not for you specifically, but in your marina can you invision the product on a few of the boats?

All comments good and bad are welcome.

Thanks for the help,
Jeff

 

[vyv_cox]

I can hire a diver, if it's too deep for me with a snorkel, for no more than 50 Euros. I can think of many things I can spend $1000 before this, sorry.

Sounds more suited to the 'super-yacht owner who has everything'. Don't know if there's a forum for them.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Sounds more suited to the 'super-yacht owner who has everything'. Don't know if there's a forum for them.

No, super yacht owners will have a diver as part of the crew. No market there.

 

[AIDY]

Maplins do underwater CCTV cameras for under £100, ideal for inspecting the hull down to a depth of 20m.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223963

 

[bbg]

It sounds like an expensive toy, and one that wouldn't get much use.

It does sound potentially interesting for commercial use, however. I don't know if a marina would be interested in owning one, but I think it sounds more like the kind of thing a marina might buy and rent out to owners, than something the owners would buy themselves.

As for looking at the hull without getting wet, I have a waterproof digital camera that I could fix to the end of a pole, start recording and then poke it under the water. Not quite as functional, but cheaper.

 

[sarabande]

this sounds to me like the marine equivalent of the terrestrial metal detector.

Target uses ? Much as you say, but if it had a "tools" capability - e.g. a metal detector or a device for operating something like a swimming pool algal scrubber , it might have a functional market rather than a recreational one.


Try sending a PM to people such as Gludy, who are clued up on such devices.


I'll test and write one up for you for the UK market, though I suspect you may have difficulty exporting it as its uses for evil intent could be extensive.

 

[Marine Reflections]

I bet the crews of deadliest catch might like it for spotting crab etc! they would then know where to set their traps.

I would love one as I go underwater metal detecting, it would be great for looking around old wreck sites, or just in marinas.

It would be on my christmas list!

 

[idpnd]

Professional mainteance companies or charter cos perhaps, they also have to get the keel checked by a diver, so a cam may be cost-efficient there..

 

[Evadne]

There are a number of "shoebox" and larger sized ROVs on the market already, such as videoray though not sure about relative costs. A remote camera is of limited use, something that could go into the water and cut a line when it is too dangerous for a diver might have some attraction, but not much.

 

[NOHOH]

I smell a Troll eh? jlotz?

 

[Tommyrot]

Can it see through the water on the east coast?

500ft depth and protection from sun glare might be useful though....



.....or maybe not!