Page 31: of Marine News Magazine (June 2014)

VESSEL DESIGNCOTS Systems: smart & cost-effective Patrolling is often at low speeds, interception is not. Border forces, law enforcement and critical asset security operators have discovered that to run these multi engine rigs at full power it is essential to have stronger steering systems, more responsive throttles, performance exhaust systems plus drives and propellers that transfer power into thrust and control. The high performance components in- dustry that has emerged around the demanding race boat community of Southern Florida has developed COTS ma- terials that can be retroÞ tted as upgrades, or speciÞ ed on new professional sector boats. Navigation and communication units with are classic example of COTS systems. It is relatively simple to iden- tify potential systems, then do side by side comparison of functions and durability. There is no reason why a modern nav or comms system should fail, however as all boat op- erators will tell you, Ôelectronics and water still donÕt mix!Õ A cost effective solution is to hold spare units to Ôplug and playÕ or have an ASAP delivery agreement for unit replace- ment. Integration is still an ongoing issue with both be- spoke and COTS hardware including GPS / chart plotter / radar / AIS units and the associated software. Beyond this, many organizations, especially law enforcement and SAR, now need traditional marine electronics to integrate with PC applications, tablets and smart phones. The high performance components industry that has emerged around the demanding race boat community of Southern Florida has developed COTS materials that can be retroÞ tted as upgrades, or speciÞ ed on new professional sector boats. Navigation and communication units with are classic example of COTS systems.www.marinelink.com MN 31MN June14 Layout 18-31.indd 31MN June14 Layout 18-31.indd 315/20/2014 10:34:26 AM5/20/2014 10:34:26 AM