Technology aboard Priscilla should make life safer, simpler and more comfortable\u2014not leave us dependent upon an assortment of cloud services, subscriptions and fragile wireless devices.<\/p>\n
As we plan our 58-foot all-electric narrowboat, we want to create an integrated onboard system covering:<\/p>\n
The challenge will be ensuring these systems remain reliable despite limited power, intermittent internet access, vibration, condensation and the difficulty of replacing equipment concealed behind the fit-out.<\/p>\n
Technology is often added to a boat after construction, resulting in exposed cables, overloaded sockets and equipment installed wherever space happens to remain.<\/p>\n
Priscilla\u2019s digital infrastructure should instead be considered during the initial design. This could include:<\/p>\n
Technology will change considerably before Priscilla is built. The specification should therefore concentrate on infrastructure, standards and desired outcomes rather than committing too early to particular products.<\/p>\n
Many domestic smart devices depend upon an external cloud service. If the internet connection, manufacturer\u2019s server or subscription fails, important functions may become unavailable.<\/p>\n
Priscilla should use a local-first control system wherever practical. Core monitoring, alarms and automations should continue operating onboard even when both satellite and mobile connections are unavailable.<\/p>\n
A central system could integrate:<\/p>\n
Remote access should be an additional benefit, not a requirement for basic operation.<\/p>\n
Essential controls must also retain manual operation. We should still be able to switch on a light, isolate a pump, control the heating or open a door if the automation system fails.<\/p>\n
Safety alarms must be selected and positioned for the marine environment. General-purpose domestic smart sensors should not replace recognised life-safety equipment.<\/p>\n
Smoke alarms should be audible throughout the boat, particularly from sleeping areas with doors closed. Their location must avoid predictable false alarms from cooking fumes, steam, open windows and roof vents.<\/p>\n
The Boat Safety Scheme advises that boat alarms must account for humidity, temperature variation, movement and vibration. It also recommends testing alarm audibility before permanently fixing them. Boat Safety Scheme smoke-alarm guidance<\/a><\/p>\n Priscilla should have compliant standalone alarms even if their status is also monitored electronically. A network or automation failure must not prevent the alarm sounding locally.<\/p>\n Carbon monoxide remains relevant even on an electrically propelled boat.<\/p>\n Possible sources include:<\/p>\n The Boat Safety Scheme recommends alarms meeting BS EN 50291, with BS EN 50291-2 providing greater assurance for marine use. Cabins containing fuel-burning appliances and sleeping areas may require separate protection depending upon the layout and equipment. Boat Safety Scheme alarm guidance<\/a><\/p>\n Sensors could monitor:<\/p>\n Temperature data could warn of frost risk, battery-temperature limits or failed heating. Humidity trends could help identify inadequate ventilation and areas at risk of condensation or mould.<\/p>\n The system should distinguish between useful trends and emergencies. Frequent, low-value notifications are likely to be ignored.<\/p>\n Moisture sensors should be placed wherever an undetected leak could cause serious damage, including:<\/p>\n A single water sensor in the bilge would not provide sufficient coverage. Water may remain trapped elsewhere before reaching it.<\/p>\n Possible responses could include:<\/p>\n Automatic responses must be carefully designed. A faulty sensor should not disable an essential system without warning, and no automation should create an additional flooding or electrical risk.<\/p>\n Priscilla should carry a discreet tracking system that is separate from the visible navigation equipment.<\/p>\n Useful capabilities could include:<\/p>\n A tracker that relies solely upon the boat\u2019s main internet connection could become useless if a thief disconnects the router or electrical system. An independent cellular tracker with its own backup battery may therefore be valuable.<\/p>\n GPS itself provides position data but does not transmit it. Remote tracking will still require a cellular, satellite or other communications connection.<\/p>\n Geofencing will also need sensible tolerances. GPS readings can drift, particularly near buildings, trees, tunnels and covered moorings. An alert should be triggered by credible movement rather than a single inaccurate position.<\/p>\n Exterior cameras could help us monitor Priscilla while she is unattended and provide evidence following theft or damage.<\/p>\n The system might include:<\/p>\n Continuous high-resolution cloud recording would consume significant bandwidth and power. A more appropriate design may record locally while transmitting only alerts, thumbnails or selected clips.<\/p>\n Cameras should supplement good physical security rather than replace it.<\/p>\n Priscilla will still require:<\/p>\n External cameras may also capture towpaths, neighbouring boats and members of the public. The Information Commissioner\u2019s Office advises that where domestic CCTV records beyond the property boundary, users should have a clear reason, minimise the area captured, provide appropriate signage and delete recordings regularly. People recorded may also have rights concerning their footage. ICO domestic CCTV guidance<\/a><\/p>\n Audio recording is particularly intrusive and should normally be disabled unless there is a clear and proportionate reason for using it.<\/p>\n Camera positioning, privacy masking and limited retention should therefore form part of the design.<\/p>\n Reliable connectivity will support work, communication, navigation updates, entertainment and remote monitoring.<\/p>\n However, no single connection will work everywhere.<\/p>\n Satellite broadband could provide high-speed internet in locations with poor mobile coverage, but it is not automatically the best connection to use continuously.<\/p>\n Its performance will depend upon:<\/p>\n Roof space will also be valuable for solar panels, navigation equipment and safe movement. The satellite terminal must not create excessive shading or an obstruction.<\/p>\n Power consumption is particularly important aboard an electric boat. Current equipment varies considerably: Starlink states that its Mini terminal typically consumes approximately 25\u201340W, while its Standard terminal typically requires substantially more. The exact products available when Priscilla is built will undoubtedly change. Starlink Mini specification<\/a><\/p>\n Even a continuous 30W load consumes:<\/p>\n 30W \u00d7 24h = 720Wh<\/p>\n The satellite connection should therefore be capable of sleeping or switching off when it is not required.<\/p>\n A marine-grade mobile router with external antennas could provide the everyday connection where cellular coverage is available.<\/p>\n It may offer:<\/p>\n Although initially described as a backup, mobile data may prove more efficient as the preferred connection in areas with strong coverage, with satellite activated when mobile service becomes inadequate.<\/p>\n The final router should be able to manage automatic failover based upon actual connectivity\u2014not merely whether it can detect a mobile signal.<\/p>\n A resilient design might therefore use:<\/p>\nCarbon-monoxide detection<\/h3>\n
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Temperature and humidity<\/h3>\n
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Moisture and bilge monitoring<\/h3>\n
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GPS tracking and movement alerts<\/h2>\n
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CCTV and external security<\/h2>\n
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CCTV limitations<\/h3>\n
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Connectivity: satellite, 5G and Wi-Fi<\/h2>\n
Satellite internet<\/h3>\n
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5G and 4G connectivity<\/h3>\n
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