Navigation, auto pilot and remote control
For Ghost Ship to successfully navigate a course it needed to be fitted with a suitable computer configuration and software. David visited Raymarine, world-leaders in marine electronics based in Gosport, Hampshire. He met with experts to discuss the project and was amazed at their reaction. ‘They loved the concept so much they offered me a 45 per cent discount on the spot!’ He says. ‘I discussed my ideas with their computer specialist who suggested we use a server on board Ghost Ship that could be remotely linked to another computer of our choice. Raymarine’s navigation software was then installed which allowed us to plot way points on a map that Ghost Ship would navigate during its voyage.’
David also purchased an auto pilot which attached to the rudder of Ghost Ship and ensured the boat kept a steady course. The navigation system was then linked to the auto pilot, which could recognise and follow way points. The only remaining obstacle was the remote control system. Eventually, David located a suitable system at the Paris Model Show.
Preparing to test
‘We realised that we needed to insulate the electric circuits on board Ghost Ship as we were working with large relays, switches, cables and 100amps of current,’ says David. ‘We looked at a conventional deck, but this was a unique project that needed to be exhibited correctly, so we decided to use separate clear Perspex sheets. Having separate sheets allowed the boat to expand and contract naturally. An expert from Lucite recommended 20mm thickness as people were expected to be walking on the deck, but the additional 80-100kg this represented would have caused her to become unstable. Instead we opted for a 15m thickness and reinforced the frame.’
The team also incorporated entry points across the craft so that the various components below deck could be accessed should problems arise at sea. A cockpit was constructed at the stern of the boat so that David could take control at any time.
Proving the concept
The first trial was conducted on The Solent, with David at the helm to test the hydraulics. ‘I was amazed at how well it all worked,’ he admits. ‘I just sat in the cockpit with the remote control. It was a true push button boat. There were only two things that caused us concern. The first was the amount of stress the hydraulic system was apparently transferring to the frame of the boat and the other was her intermittent inability to tack.’ David rectified the stress problem by reinforcing the frame of the boat. The tacking problem was solved by increasing rudder width.