The development is part of the Boater Design brand – a sub-brand of the main Solo Form brand.

More about the Boater Design brand – https://solo-form.com/en/article-archive/boater-design-water-attraction-vehicles-and-bait-boat-hulls/

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Boat for Feeding, Stocking, Fishing and Monitoring of Freshwater Basin

Caring for freshwater bodies of water is becoming increasingly urgent, and this should not be underestimated as a potential problem now and in the near future. Collecting data, analyzing the results and monitoring the water bodies involves a number of factors: periodic feeding of the fish; analyzing the fish population; stocking the reservoir with the appropriate species; control over poaching; study of water quality and its impact on the relevant ecosystem; study of the general health of fish and their coexistence with other animal species; the availability of the necessary aquacultures, etc. The specific project for a small-sized remote-controlled boat could potentially contribute to these processes – with its overall structure, functional zones, possibilities for placing different types of components and accessories. The boat can also be used by fishermen – for feeding and hobby fishing.

The development is a continuation of a project that gradually evolved, reaching a complex product with a wider application in freshwater basins. The initial idea of the project was oriented towards a supply bait boat hull to be completed by anglers, building their own project – meeting their needs and requirements for the type of equipment. In this link you can see the development – https://solo-form.com/en/product/bait-boat-hull/. The main dimensions of the hull are – 885 mm long, 615 mm wide and 360 mm high. After a thorough analysis of the project, new opportunities arose, upgrading it with additional functions. In some sectors of the main structure of the hull design, there are refinements and optimization of its functional zones. All this was done in view of the new possibilities – a boat for feeding, stocking, monitoring, and analysis of the general condition of the fish, the water and the entire ecosystem in the freshwater basin. The following will be added to the hull: thrusters, lighting, light indicators, a mini-camera, a separate panel with buttons, antennas, batteries, a display for battery capacity, etc. The use of the internal container with dividers or without, respectively, will be in two main directions – for feeding and for lowering small fish for the purpose of stocking the freshwater basin. The capsule, located in the lower area of the boat, can be used to install hardware in its inner area – sonar, measuring equipment for water analysis, etc. In the rear zone of the boat there is a ring-shaped detail for attaching various accessories, adapters or an additional container for feeding or stocking. In this zone it is possible to attach an external capsule identical to the one installed in the lower area of the boat; measuring devices for water condition – chemical composition, temperature, etc.; for attaching an underwater mini-camera; fishing line related to recreational fishing and other types of devices and accessories. In the development of the main prototype, the fully equipped structure of the boat will be demonstrated, with different types of components, details and accessories.

Link to the project “Boat for Feeding, Stocking, Fishing and Monitoring of Freshwater Basin” – https://solo-form.com/en/project/boat-for-feeding-stocking-fishing-and-monitoring-of-freshwater-basin/.

3D model of equipped hull with parts, accessories and components – “Boat for Feeding, Stocking, Fishing and Monitoring of Freshwater Basin”:

Bait Boat Hull

The bait boat hull that will be part of the equipment of anglers, giving them the freedom to assemble their own project. By providing them with a larger dimensions, they can add all sorts of components and accessories to it in view of their requirements, possibilities and desires. The hull has the following dimensions – 882 mm. length, 613 mm. width, and 358 mm. height. This is a type of “trimaran”, but with a more massive structure for better stability. The boat container has a maximum capacity of 8 liters. Several optimal characteristics are combined in the product: stability in water, access to important equipment, bait capacity and deployment of more accessories and components. On the top of the two side boat shells, lids are going to be placed for easier access to the battery, without having to open the main hull. With a hull of this type, the feeding area covered will be much larger. Adaptation of the principle of opening the container is left to the anglers for refinement – mechanism for opening and lowering the bait. The hull will be mainly made of composite materials. The product is designed with larger dimensions, which gives possibility of more accessories and components: inner container – module with bait dividers (granular or liquid bait), from 6 to 12 options for placing the amount of bait (maximum 8 kg); adapted socket type “hemisphere” for sonar “Deeper; to the adapted sonar socket, there is an additional hemispherical capsule in which to install different types of hardware – sonar, camera or other type of device; large openings for access to batteries; possibility to mount photovoltaics on the two covers located at the top of the floaters; adapted niches, in the back of the hull – for propellers or thrusters, with 3D printed grids (of a certain type of durable and strong material), which will be installed by anglers. Inside the housing there is enough space for wiring and equipment with components. In both vessels there is an area for installation of the respective batteries, as well as for installation of the engines for the propellers or the thrusters. In the rest of the space there is an opportunity to experiment with the installation of GPS, camera equipment and different types of hardware. On the upper part of the hull are provided – niches for LEDs and an area for antenna placement, buttons and other components and indicators, in a separate niche for this purpose. Equipment and accessories can be arranged in a way that is considered appropriate by the anglers.

Link to the project “Bait Boat Hull” – https://solo-form.com/en/project/bait-boat-hull/

Final product design of the case – white version:

Final product design of the case – black version:

Second design after corrections – test prototype hull:

GOAL:

Main goal of the product:

The goal of the development is aimed at a type of hobby product that has the characteristics of an open project, and which can be upgraded, changed or improved continuously. This product will target a specific type of anglers; those who are ready to face the challenge and the opportunity to build their own individual project, according to their own needs and understandings for the functioning of a bait boat. This hull is aimed at people with specific hobbies or profiled technical abilities, or at least willing to look for professionals with the necessary experience to build their project – equipped and ready for their favorite hobby “fishing”. Of course, the hull has a specific structure, characteristics, capabilities and specific limitations, so it is designed for those anglers who see in it the potential to achieve what they believe should be a bait boat. After the equipment of the hull, feedback and impressions will be expected from anglers who have bought their hull and completed it as a project. For this purpose, an opportunity will be provided in the online space, where photos and videos can be published, of already completed individual projects, with the hull of “Boater Design”. For anglers, this is an opportunity to unleash the potential for hull equipment, constantly improving it with new components. A product kit whose equipment will be in the open addition process. The goal is to achieve a balance between hull and equipment, which will allow more opportunities for its operation as a product – the transfer of more bait and coverage of larger areas, and in some cases an aid for direct fishing. That is why a massive body hull with larger dimensions has been developed, which contributes to its better stability in the water. Emphasis is placed on the inner spaces and the opportunities they provide – non-standard installation of a large number of components, cabling and structural parts. Useful accessories will be developed to help anglers, which will be provided for additional purchase. The development of this hull was oriented not just as a bait boat, but as a product with potential for development and application, which allows anyone interested in fishing to build their own project of a bait boat. The merchandising concept for product development will be upgraded and attention will be paid to everything that would be useful for anglers, in communication and feedback, once they build their projects. There is also an option to offer a fully equipped hull to make it a complete bait boat. This will be part of a future development of the current hull, which will not be an end in itself and something familiar on the market, but will follow the line of innovative approach in the product. To be continued…

PRODUCT USAGE:

Use of the product kit and important sectors in the hull:

1.Assembly of the hull:

Closing and securing the hull is one of the most important priorities in the bait boats. For this case it is provided – in the casting of its upper half, not to drill holes, but only to mark places for them. This will be done purely technologically, in the process of production of the hull – with miniature sockets, which will be part of the casting of the upper half of the case. This provides a choice for the angler – to choose the option to close the hull. Anglers will have the opportunity to use the marked sockets – to drill holes and close the hull with the help of fasteners. The other option is to choose a method of gluing the two halves. This choice allows everyone to judge the optimal method and combination of technologies for proper closing and sealing of the hull. All this is intended to prevent water from entering the inside of the bait boat, in the area where the two halves of the hull are in contact. In this regard, the product kit will include fasteners and gasket for the respective periphery. This will provide an opportunity for different closing options – with fasteners and gasket for sealing; fasteners and additional application of silicone; gluing the two halves with a type of glue that the angler will choose and buy himself. The main assembly options allow for permanent closure of the hull or the possibility of periodic opening and closing of the hull. If an option for repeated opening of the hull is chosen, this would disrupt the structure of the gasket. Therefore, this step would require the purchase of an additional accessory – a gasket for the periphery. It will be available for purchase as a separate accessory, due to the fact that the set of the bait boat will have only one piece of this type of gasket – for the periphery. The second zone, in which there is again to be a gasket for sealing when closing the hull, is located at the bottom of the bait container. This is also a contact zone between the two halves of the hull. There are holes for fasteners that will press and seal the hull together with the bottom gasket. After the main closing and tightening of both halves of the hull, a silicone application procedure is recommended. The silicone can be applied with a small spatula or finger, all over the inner periphery. Access to the inner periphery is provided through the openings for the inner space of the hull – located in the upper half of the bait boat and covered with lids. In this area it is very important to understand that the provision is necessary because it will have the most intensive and prolonged contact with water. It is therefore necessary for the angler to consider whether it is appropriate to have the hull reopened, unless a major overhaul of the equipment is required.

2.Openings for access to the inner area of the hull:

In the bait boat, the emphasis should be on access to the interior of the hull. This need should not require complete disassembly and separation of the two halves, which in most cases is a reckless action and has consequences. The contact between the two halves of the hull weakens, especially in the presence of a gasket, which requires continuous replacement at each opening of the bait boat. Significantly larger openings have been adapted in this hull – located on the upper half of the hull, which occupy a considerable area, on the two side floats. The dimensions of the hole are – 346 mm long and 76 mm wide. Lids are adapted to them, the opening and closing of which is done with the help of fasteners. The main purpose of these openings is access to the inner space in the hull, and from there access to the sectors in which the batteries are installed. Their installation can be done in the base of the two side floats. The installation and fixing of the batteries can be done with an individual approach by the angler. This again confirms the complete freedom in the way of equipment. Batteries are extremely important components of the complete equipment, the access to which is necessary in different cases – for charging, replacement of the batteries themselves and maintainability in the specific area. In addition to the basic needs related to the batteries, the openings allow access to other important areas located in the interior of the hull – the niches to which the electric motors adapt. With the help of the openings, another important area in the hull is reached – the base of the bait container. Through the openings it is possible to reach some areas for lighting and signaling in the upper half of the housing – front lighting, side and rear niches for LEDs.

3.Bait container – purpose of the module:

One of the main advantages of the hull is the adapted for it bait container, type “module”. It has different variations for charging the appropriate amount of bait, which leads to different options for lowering the bait into the water. Here again, anglers are given freedom because the opening can be modified by them in different ways and according to their respective needs. It is possible to experiment with the type of opening and lowering the bait – opening with two longitudinal lids; opening with several smaller transverse lids; with “gradual sliding platform” type opening made of rigid or elastic material; variant for opening and lowering the bait has a mesh structure, the collection of which can be carried out on a mechanism type “reel”. Anglers can use for lowering, adjusting the speed and grading of the bait, not a small range of mechanical and electrical devices – servo drives, stepper motors, hardware modules, sensors, control devices and more. The corresponding module of the container is located in the socket of the hull, the shape of which is adapted in its upper half. For this purpose, the corresponding shape has been recreated in the bait module to meet the characteristics of the socket. All this is designed with a view to trouble-free fixing, overall stability and affordable placement of the respective bait. The module has considerable variability in the number of sectors that can be reproduced, as well as their capacity – the possible amount of bait to be placed in the specific sector, separated by a divider. This is done with the help of adapted dividers, which are placed in channels provided technologically inside the module. Thus, in addition to a different amount, but also a different type of bait can be located in the respective sector, isolated with a separator from the next sector. All this gives freedom to anglers, which is a significant plus in terms of the location of the bait, its type, the determination of its quantities, the timing of its descent, etc. The choice of whether to use only the nest of the container, which is part of the shape of the upper half; to use only the base of the module as a container, without dividers, or with dividers – all this is a completely individual choice, which is provided to anglers. The container will be made with 3D printing technology and a specific type of durable material. The dividers will be made of a specific type of plastic, the characteristics of which will correspond to the application of the respective part.

4.Sectors for propulsion of the bait boat:

Among the most important sectors in the hull are the niches provided for installation of the specific type of drive. These are sectors located in the lower half of the hull, with separate niches in the rear of the two floats. The shape of the niches is built in order to place protective grilles, type “protectors”, for a standard type of propellers – driven by electric motors, which will be installed in the inner of the hull, in both floats. This is a basic propulsion option that is used in bait boats. Anglers will have the opportunity and freedom to perform the adaptation and installation independently – drilling holes in the niches and adapting the slope of the axis on which the propeller is mounted. The same applies to the installation of gratings, the adaptation of which is again left to the individual approach of anglers. The grille can be attached to the hull with fasteners either by gluing or a combination of both. Gluing can be done with specialized glue or silicone. And in this case, anglers and their needs in the particular hobby fishing project are given complete freedom. There is also an option without a grid, but this is an individual choice for each angler – what type of drive and how to protect the propeller from torsion with algae, different types of aquatic plants and wood debris. Regardless of the choice of type of drive in this sector – for installation of a grille or without one, the product set will have two grilles. They will be made with 3D printing technology from a stable hybrid material – Nylon Carbon Fiber Filament. Another option that can be adapted is without grilles in the niches – the drive of the bait boat to be done with bow thrusters. This is an applicable type of drive that can be mounted via fasteners. It is necessary, of course, to carefully choose this type of drive, after a thorough analysis of the specific project and type of equipment, as well as to meet the characteristics of the hull and the zone of the niches. This is an applicable type of drive that can be mounted via fasteners. It is necessary, of course, to carefully choose this type of drive, after a thorough analysis of the specific project and type of equipment, as well as to meet the characteristics of the hull and the zone of the niches. There are enough surfaces, but with a certain range and dimensions, which must be provided in the type of bow thruster. This proposal is by no means a mandatory option, but simply an alternative that can be experimented with by any angler.

5.Sonar sector – sonar socket “Deeper” and own capsule:

The sonar sector in a bait boat is essential. Anglers are given the opportunity to build a good project, deploying really high-quality sonar in the sector provided in the hull. The complexity of this sector allows for a slightly different view of each individual project that will be built with this hull. The original purpose of the socket and its hemispherical shape, directed the development to the adaptation of the sector for installation of one of the most popular sonar models on the market – “Deeper”. This allows for a more non-standard approach with the sonar position – in the front area of the hull, below the middle float. The “Deeper” sonar model has a spherical shape and is mounted by means of a thread located in its upper part. For this purpose it is necessary to drill a hole in the base of the sphere, then to install the sonar on the inside of the hull, using a fastener. This will be done again by the anglers – by drilling, fixing and fastening with a fastener. This is not done in order to restrict the freedom to choose sonar. In this regard, development has led to a new opportunity. An accessory was designed, with the same spherical shape, type “capsule”, which will be able to open and close. The installation can be done in a similar way to the sonar of “Deeper”. This is an opportunity for anglers, because it will not oblige them in any form – by purchasing a specific brand and model of sonar. The possibilities with this type of “capsule” are in the direction of adapting and assembling a device inside it – be it a sonar, a camera or a specific type of hardware. In this accessory can be installed, of course, taking into account its size, a device that meets the specific needs of the angler and his project. This additional product will be made with 3D printing technology, and the material will be selected in view of the stable structure of the capsule, type of closing and opening, as well as adaptation for installation. The product will be available for purchase as an additional accessory – it will not be included in the product kit of the hull. Sonar as such is an extremely important component in the bait boat. In the specific case of the hull and in view of the freedom afforded to anglers in equipping it, the choice of sonar must be made individually. Not to be overlooked is the option in which there is no specific capsule – be it a sonar “Deeper” or a capsule for equipment with a specific device. Freedom and choice for anglers is again a priority in this sector as well, because the hull ultimately provides an opportunity to experiment in different directions.

6.Sectors for buttons, indicators, antenna and light signaling:

In the upper half of the hull there is a sector for mounting different types of buttons, indicators and antenna. The specific sector is located in the rear of the hull, with a dedicated niche. This area allows individual adaptation and installation of the desired combination of buttons and indicators, as well as an antenna. The selection of components and their installation will be done by the anglers – drilling and arranging the components. There are no restrictions on the type of hardware, due to the fact that anglers must select those components that correspond to the operation and propulsion of the bait boat. Another important element that should not be underestimated in the bait boat is the light signaling. These are usually LEDs that are located in different zones of the hull. For this purpose, niches in the side zones and the rear zone of the upper half are adapted in the hull. In these sectors are designed recesses in the main form, type “niches”, in which to perform positioning and installation of LEDs. This type of signaling is important in view of the visibility of the bait boat when entering and moving a greater distance from shore. In the bow of the hull is positioned a characteristic and pronounced shape, designed to adapt LED lighting. This is an additional type of light signaling that allows the entire periphery of the bait boat to be visible in low visibility. The selection of the type of LEDs, the drilling and preparation of the size of the holes, the fixing of the LEDs, as well as the wiring, will be carried out entirely by the anglers. And in this direction is given complete freedom in the equipment of the hull, which are an important element of the assembly of a bait boat.

PURPOSE AND DIRECTION OF PROGRESS:

Product capabilities and direction of progress:

The product will be offered for direct sale, with prior request. Minimum quantities of the hull will be kept in stock, due to the specifics of the production and striving to achieve high quality, which is one of the main goals in the hull. The production technology is a vacuum infusion with composite materials, which is a prerequisite for the quality of the main structure of the housing and its long-term operation. At this stage, the hull will not focus on production technology with vacuum plastic molding (ABS), on the basis of which most bait boats available on the market are produced. Of course, the pursuit of quality production technology and type of materials used will be one of the factors that will affect the final market price. At this stage, the price varies in the range of 1400-1700 euros per hull, and will be fixed after the full completion of the process of implementation in production. Another major factor influencing the final price is the overall dimensions of the hull – 882 mm in length, 613 mm in width and 358 mm in height – which exceed the dimensions of the known bait boats available on the market. Another argument is the module of the bait container and the possibilities it gives as variations for use. Last but not least, the type of production technology and the materials that will be used for the production of the bait container, as well as the grilles for the niches in which the type of drive will be adapted – 3D printing and use of Nylon Carbon Fiber Filament and ABS Filament. The capabilities of the equipment hull must also be taken into account – the large internal spaces in the two side vessels and other intermediate zones. This gives not small advantages in the equipment of the hull – to be equipped with the appropriate components that each angler will choose for their individual project. When the final price of the product is announced, it will include: a hull consisting of two halves; bait container with several dividers; grilles for niches. It is possible to add a bag for storage and transport of the bait boat but this will be specified after the finalization of the product kit and all the accessories that will be part of it. There will also be an opportunity to offer complementary accessories to the bait boat, in the direction of product range development. One of the main accessories that are planned to be developed are foundations for the rechargeable batteries, which will be installed in the two side floats of the hull. These will be “socket” type, with a base for mounting the battery. The possibility of offering this type of accessory would be a solution with the fixing and installation of the battery for the bottom of the floats. A different type of “socket” size or a variable size module will be developed to suit the dimensions of the battery. This type of combination of “socket” and “foundation” in one will not allow contact of the battery with the bottom of the float, but will insulate it during installation to it. The installation will be done by gluing on the composite surface. Also among the priority goals of this type of accessory is to protect to some extent the bottom and part of the periphery of the battery. Especially in the event of an accident involving the ingress of water and contact with the battery with it, which will be detrimental to the respective component, and this is important for the proper functioning of the power boat. Other options for offering the type of complementary accessories are the structural and supporting parts, for organizing and arranging the wires when wiring the inner area of the hull. There is a possibility for the development of supporting parts of the electric motors for the propulsion of the bait boat, as well as for auxiliary parts for attaching additional hardware components. But this will be considered and analyzed further. It is planned to develop an additional accessory with which to carry the bait boat. This is a type of “handle” with a rigid part, built at the ends of a durable fabric or hybrid material, with intercepting parts type “hooks” to be fixed in the main handles of the hull – located in its upper half. This is for the convenience of anglers when transporting the bait boat from the vehicle to the shore of the reservoir – and vice versa. This is in case you do not use the specialized storage bag, which will eventually be developed over time. All these and other accessories will be offered as additional products for sale and will not be part of the price and product kit. Another potential opportunity for product development includes the way of presenting and instructing on the use of the hull and its capabilities. This includes the development of visual information in a modern hybrid version – presentation and instructions for using the product in one. Usually the most common method of product instruction is only available on paper – this is widely the case for products on the market. The purpose of this development is to offer this combination of information in the form of a QR code in which a video or photo file will be embedded. Of course, modern lifestyles and mobile devices provide affordable ways – through the ability to scan a QR symbol. This has become a form of encrypting information and verifying it, as well as visualizing different types of video and photo formats – using the Internet. Through this method of presenting the product, it will contribute to the sore problems associated with the indiscriminate use of paper. In this case we are talking about optimizing the outdated ways of offering information and instructions as a form of communication with the client – paper instructions, which are then thrown chaotically into the environment. To a large extent, the QR code gives even more freedom in offering additional product information in a much more interactive way.