Siren Marine Announces Skipperless Boat Technology

Newport, RI (April 1, 2016) – Siren Marine, a world leader in vessel monitoring, tracking and control technology, announced today that its next-generation boat technology will usher in “unmanned” recreational boating, allowing families to enjoy all the benefits of boating without getting wet or leaving the comfort of home.

With the Internet of Things now part of everyday life, Siren Marine has applied its vast experience in the field to its next generation of products. By integrating a network of sophisticated proximity sensors, aviation precision WASS GPS, and advanced system management and steering technology, Siren Marine’s “Skipperless Boat” is expected to revolutionize the boating market.

“Siren Marine set out to solve the age-old problem that boating can be tiring, uncomfortable and wet,” said Daniel Harper, founder and CEO, Siren Marine. “Not anymore. With Siren Marine’s revolutionary “Skipperless Boat Technology™” – using advanced streaming video, object proximity sensing, 3D synthetic navigation, NMEA 3000 (N3K) and Micro-Accuracy AIS (maAIS) for collision avoidance – boat owners can enjoy all of the thrills of boating without leaving the comfort of their home.

“Just imagine, the entire family can gather round the 100-inch HD TV with surround sound, air conditioning blasting, wearing bone-dry clothes, and no need to lube up with greasy sun lotion for a day on the water. Best of all, if you need to use the bathroom, there’s hot running water and no pumping the head!”

Unmanned sailboats will need to be monitored and controlled, but instead of standing on a heaving deck, barking orders to a reluctant crew, the “remote” skipper will simply tap on the app to hoist the sails and set a course. Siren Marine’s “remote cockpit” has been designed by boaters for boaters, and focuses on comfort and the user experience.

By focusing on all the benefits of sailing – drinking, social interaction and relaxation – and minimizing the negatives – seasickness, discomfort and getting wet – the boating market is expected to explode, according to Jonathan Banks, Chief Operating Officer at Siren Marine.

Recognizing that some boaters may still want to brave the elements, Siren Marine is developing products to reduce the time it takes to get out on the water. Tired of waiting for the Yacht Club launch or only have an hour to go sailing? No worries. Just open the Siren Marine app, click the “Dock My Boat” button, and the “Skipperless Boat Technology™” will fire up the motor, scan the area for traffic, automatically release the mooring line, and bring the boat to the dock. When you arrive at the marina or Yacht Club, your Skipperless Boat will be waiting, ready to go! If technology can land a 747 on a narrow runway, automated docking should be a snap.

There are still some details to work out. Getting dock lines onto cleats requires more development, and marinas will need to invest in “Autonomous Docking” systems. The upside is that Marinas will enjoy a huge reduction in labor costs and better slip utilization.

“As we move toward a world of driver-less cars, automated homes, and connected devices, the Skipperless Boat is entering an era of virtual reality,” said Harper. “Keep an eye on this exciting technology and don’t forget to ask your Dockmaster if they are making plans for Autonomous Docking. There is also discussion with Vendee Globe, IMOCA and Volvo about a “zero-handed” around-the-world race. The future of boating is in a living room near you.”