New Product Input

[davismwfl]

First, just to be up front, I am not soliciting business just looking for input and ideas.

My company (new to the recreational boating market) is looking to develop a few new products and are looking for boaters input. We are all hardware, software engineers and of course active boaters. We have created our own list of ideas but feel solving problems that have a bigger need then just scratching our own itch would obviously have a better chance of adding value and being successful.

As for what solutions we are looking to build. Basically, anything where sensors, hardware, software or electrical engineering systems might be of benefit. Open standards glass cockpit? Remote sensor monitoring? Bilge fume monitor to control exhaust fans?

So what itch, problem or issue would be something you'd like to see developed? And what is it worth to you (e.g. what would you be willing to pay)? That helps us understand what the costs to capabilities would need to be.

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

First, just to be up front, I am not soliciting business just looking for input and ideas.

My company (new to the recreational boating market) is looking to develop a few new products and are looking for boaters input. We are all hardware, software engineers and of course active boaters. We have created our own list of ideas but feel solving problems that have a bigger need then just scratching our own itch would obviously have a better chance of adding value and being successful.

As for what solutions we are looking to build. Basically, anything where sensors, hardware, software or electrical engineering systems might be of benefit. Open standards glass cockpit? Remote sensor monitoring? Bilge fume monitor to control exhaust fans?

So what itch, problem or issue would be something you'd like to see developed? And what is it worth to you (e.g. what would you be willing to pay)? That helps us understand what the costs to capabilities would need to be.

A reasonably priced remote systems monitor that uses WiFi only or both cell and Wifi. Also, one that does not have to interface with your servers to be useful. Would love to be able to add sensors as needed. The prices of these systems is not out of line, but when you add a subscription plan that relies on the company to properly maintain their servers and I pay them for the privilege, that irritates me. Add to that a monthly cell bill for it and :smt021.

I would be be happy if it used Twitter, or Dropbox to synch things. Keep it simple.

Bryan

 

[davismwfl]

Thanks!

Noted on the service model, I think you have a real valid point there given we all pay quite a bit already just for the upkeep and dockage etc. I think there are some advantages, but I agree it shouldn't ever be mandatory just to use a product I already purchased.

Twitter is actually something we hadn't thought of for monitoring notifications but would be a simple and easy way to do them, great idea. I could even see this where you could tweet the boat and ask for an update on say the humidity level or whatever is being monitored.

If you don't mind a follow on, what all would you want to monitor? Bilge level (hrs), temp, humidity, camera(s), fuel/water levels?

 

[CougarCruiser]

come up with a simple system that I can plug a cellular SIM into, and it becomes a connected boat. Have video inputs for cameras, NMEA for sensors, etc. I just go to a website, and login and can see the boat. I'd pay 9.95/month for your cloud service/connection - and then the price of my data sim on top of that.

 

[Westie]

I've got quite a few ideas but can't tell you about them right now because I'm working on implementing them. Best of luck to your company.

 

[davismwfl]

I've got quite a few ideas but can't tell you about them right now because I'm working on implementing them. Best of luck to your company.

Totally understand that, no worries. Good luck to you as well.

 

[davismwfl]

come up with a simple system that I can plug a cellular SIM into, and it becomes a connected boat. Have video inputs for cameras, NMEA for sensors, etc. I just go to a website, and login and can see the boat. I'd pay 9.95/month for your cloud service/connection - and then the price of my data sim on top of that.

My assumption is you mentioned plugging in a SIM card so that if/when you travel outside the US service areas you can purchase a temporary SIM and plug it in and still be monitoring your vessel. Is that a fair assumption?