Pontoon Boat Retractable Cover
Problem statement
Imagine being out on the lake, trying to enjoy some family time but there is no control over the amount of sun on the deck, and everything is getting scorched. On another occasion, storing a boat takes fifteen minutes because of the fifty clips required to properly secure the deck cover. A major part of recreational boat design is making the customer experience as smooth and painless as possible, but currently Flamingo Electric has no effective way to cover their boat either for storage, or for shade on the lake. Competitors have developed solutions such as the SureShade Power Bimini and the Nautique G23, but these either do not fit Flamingo Electric’s boat [1] or are not made for a pontoon [2]. Additionally, Flamingo Electric’s pontoon is electric and would like to integrate solar panels into their cover. Existing options have neither the space nor the strength to hold them. This team intends to deliver an aesthetically appealing cover to the client that provides solar power, sunshade, and easy waterproof storage for their pontoon. By the end of this semester, this team will deliver a small-scale prototype with the planned actuation method. Hydraulics and electric jackscrews are the two main actuation candidates. Additionally, the current solar panel market offers the option of hard and flexible solar panels. The type used will ultimately depend on what is most efficient for weight and power generation. Ultimately, the product this team designs will ensure clients have the best experience without the common nuisances associated with competitor pontoon coverings.
Team members
Jack Carnahan – leader
Denise Valdez – communicator
Benjamin Weinstein – accountant
Michael Malek – admin
Client
Danny Rothe, Flamingo Electric