A fair amount of time has been spent with the CAD (computer-aided design, for those of you who may not know) software working out a 19-20 foot fishing boat. It is amazing the obstacles one can find when the geometry is not from the world of regular polygons or free-flowing organic shapes. My whole business model is based on the concept of developable surfaces that the software will flatten so we know precisely what shape to cut. The only users of this kind of modeling are aviation and shipbuilding with a smattering of sheet metal formers and other isolated pockets of industries. Unfortunately the specialized nature of the work makes for software that is expensive for a start-up.
One of the planks in SBC's platform (it's the season) is the concept of what has been called "cottage living" as opposed to luxury condo living. As the Symphony Boat Company pitch has been presented, the feel of the boat is one of a simple and comfortable lifestyle. Gone are the expensive fabrics, fancy lighting system and elaborate audio/video system, and creature comforts. Sailors seem to get this pretty readily because the nature of sailing tends to leave more of that stuff behind. However, the reality is that if a customer wants all the stuff, it is easily added, but the complexity drives up costs and the failure of some of these systems can be more than annoying.
As product development director, I have purchased a product for SBC's R&D lab called the AirHead waterless "WC" or Loo. I am in the process of installing it in the house (just an air vent with a small 12 volt computer fan to keep the vapors moving in the right direction - outside). There is a full guarantee there will never be a clogged waste line because there is no waste line. No Y-valves, no pumps, no black water holding tank. No vapor permeation issues in a closed up interior during the week while the owner is away. You can see why I had to try it. I want to know what the downside is like - dealing with the liquid collection tank and occasional compost run.
This fits into the "cottage living" concept. Can I install a nice Sealand or Vacuflush system? Sure. They work great but occasionally... well, you know.
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