Docking always seems to be the hardest part of boating. This might help!

FLIR Introduces Assisted Docking Technology and First Boat Manufacturer Partner Prestige Yachts to Become First to Demonstrate Raymarine DockSense™ System that Automates and Simplifies the Boat Docking Experience Early in 2019 FLIR Systems announced the Raymarine DockSense™ assisted docking system, the marine industry’s first intelligent object recognition and motion sensing assisted docking solution for recreational boating. DockSense system uses FLIR machine vision camera technology and video analytics to integrate intelligence gathered from surrounding imagery with the vessel’s propulsion and steering system to assist boat owners in tight quarter docking maneuvering. Additionally, FLIR announced that Prestige Yachts, a Groupe Beneteau brand, will become the first to demonstrate the technology. Docking a boat can be a stressful experience, even for the most experienced captains. Often wind and tides make the task more difficult, and docking mishaps can become expensive repairs and safety hazards. The DockSense system is designed to augment a captain's boat handling skills using the system’s Virtual Bumper™ zone technology around the vessel. Should an object like a piling or another vessel encounter the Virtual Bumper, DockSense automatically introduces corrective steering and throttle commands to avoid the object and assist the captain in guiding the vessel to the dock. DockSense uses global positioning system (GPS) and attitude heading reference system (AHRS) position sensing technology to compensate for the effects of wind and currents, ensuring the vessel enters the dock without drama or costly collisions. The Raymarine DockSense system includes multiple FLIR machine vision cameras, a central processing module, and the DockSense App running on Raymarine’s Axiom navigation display.  The system integrates with modern joystick propulsion systems, providing assisted steering and throttle commands to help captains make a smooth arrival.    “Raymarine DockSense assisted docking system embodies our focus on solutions by combining FLIR navigation, machine learning, and sensing technologies,” said Jim Cannon, President, and CEO of FLIR. “Most importantly, we bring these innovations together into a simple solution that addresses a key customer challenge by taking the stress out of docking a boat and makes the boating experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone onboard.” “Our goal is to be the global benchmark for all boating experiences,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Groupe Beneteau. “The Raymarine DockSense solution will give future Prestige owners the confidence to dock safely and aligns with our vision to simplify the boating experience and make boating accessible to a much larger audience”, confirms Erik Stromberg, Prestige product marketing director. To learn more, visit http://www.raymarine.com/docksense.

Ahoy Mateys! Soon the NY Boat Show Will Drop Anchor At The Javits Again.

About the Show

Tens of thousands of boating and fishing enthusiasts start their season at the Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show. With its 112-year history the show is recognized as THE place to see the latest and greatest in boating.

You name it you’ll see it here first—everything from yachts and cruisers to bass and pontoon boats, from canoes and kayaks to fishing boats and personal watercraft, from marine electronics and engines to fishing gear, and more. Book trip with resorts and travel destinations, too.

There's no better place to buy! The 5-day event is a once-a-year opportunity to compare makes and models, secure insurance and financing and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time!

Boat Show Info: http://www.nyboatshow.com/ 

About National Marine Manufacturers Association:

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows is the leading association representing the $39.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. Member companies produce over 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit http://www.nmma.org/.

 
  

This could be perfect for a bigger boat, when it becomes available later in 2019.

Wash your dishes, clean your hats, cook your dinner --- all in one really small appliance! Yep, that's what the company says.

The Heatworks Tetra, an internet-connected compact countertop dishwasher requires no plumbing and can be placed and used anywhere with a standard electrical outlet. With a smaller capacity than the average dishwasher Tetra holds two full place settings or 10 plates or 12 pint glasses. There are no faucet connections required and water is loaded by hand so users know exactly how much water is being used - about a half a gallon per load. Tetra is transparent so you can see exactly where in the dishwashing cycle it is. It's powered by Heatworks' patented Ohmic Array Technology. It does not use traditional metal heating elements that can rust and scale over time. Instead, through graphite electrodes and advanced electronic controls, the naturally occurring minerals in water are excited, directly and efficiently heating the water. But wait, there's a LOT more! The company says because of the precise temperature control you can easily use the Tetra to sanitize baby products, wash plastic storage containers without melting, cook seafood, clean fruit, or run a load of wine glasses on a gentler cycle. All this in just 10 minutes a load. Now one of their press releases says Tetra will cost under $300 and will be available for purchase in late 2018. – Well it is late 2018, and at CES Unveiled 2019 we learned we would see a working model at CES 2019. So it seems the 'on sale' date is still far away.

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4UgIijI0Z0

Compay website: http://www.myheatworks.com/  

Little dog on board? Can't reach the shore? This could help!

This could be perfect for seniors with dogs who are paper-trained, or anyone who can't get out of the house on a terrible winter day. Designed to handle #1 and #2, the highly absorbent BrilliantPad soaks up liquids and dries out solids. It wraps and seals waste to keep your home clean and odor free. A built-in timer replaces pad automatically or you can refresh anytime at the touch of a button. I asked what happens if there's a puppy on the pad when the machine is set to automatic and the spokesperson said a sensor won't let the machine start until the pad is clear of your pet. Waste is sealed inside while outside remains dry and your hands stay clean. Biodegradable caps prevent leaks and foul odors. One long-lasting roll lets you enjoy your pet without the clean-up chore. The company says one roll = 27 regular wee pads. The company says it's perfect for small dogs up to 25 pounds who already use pads or for puppies you're going to train to use pads. Medium dogs 25 to 40 pounds might use it, but it not for dogs over 40 pounds. Was $149.99 but as of 11/24/18) it was $99.99 on Amazon. Refills are $20 to $32 depending on the number you buy and if you subscribe to one of their refill plans.

Giz Wiz Video from the pet expo: https://youtu.be/HMYNlufFZpw

Company website: http://www.brilliantpad.com/

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2RcpHgm  ( $99.99, but that price could change at any time.)

This 4-in-1 Multi-functional LED Light also does SOS.

The Worx 4-in-1 LED Light. This new 20V Multi-function LED light has a telescoping design for compact storage, and the ability to adapt to multiple working conditions. It's 4 functions are; flashlight, 360 degree lantern, desk lamp with Hi and Lo settings, and an emergency SOS light. You can easily toggle through the functions by pressing the single convenient switch. Pulling the light up releases a left and right pivoting head which you can adjust for best angle of illumination. (You can see a quick demo of all the functions in my video on this week's show, which is also at the link below.) For convenience, a carry lanyard and hook are attached. The light is rated for 50,000 hours of burn time. The kit includes the light, a 1.5Ah battery and a 5 hour charger. The 4-in-1 light is compatible with any WORX 20V battery. It's model WX027L. And it retails for $69.99 complete with battery, or $59.99 if you already have a compatible Worx 20V battery. (But I think getting the battery for $10 is a good way to go.) 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/4NQ-dAw7VH8  

Company Website: https://www.worx.com/worx-20v-multi-function-led-flashlight-wx027l.html