AI on the High Seas (Part 2): Building an Onboard AI System for Your Sailboat

1. System Overview
Before diving into parts and code, it's important...

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What a thoroughly engaging and informative piece you've put together, David. I've been a boat-dwelling prepper for over a decade now and I can't stress enough the importance of the elements you've covered in this article.

Your detailed approach to building an onboard AI system is a beacon of self-reliance and adaptability, crucial traits for any sailor, especially those with an eye on potential societal unrest. I find your focus on an edge AI system particularly refreshing - having a system that runs entirely on my boat, independent of external servers, satellites, or cloud APIs, is in perfect alignment with my survival strategy.

Based on my experience, I'd like to add a small suggestion for readers embarking on this AI journey. While the article does a great job of emphasizing the importance of weatherproofing, I'd also recommend paying special attention to the heat dissipation for the electronics. The Raspberry Pi 4, for example, can get quite hot under load, and in a sealed, weatherproof enclosure, this could become an issue. Consider using heat sinks or even small fans if your power budget allows.

Having lived aboard a 40-foot sailboat for years, I can attest that there's a certain inexplicable satisfaction that comes with leveraging technology to enhance our connection with the sea. It's not about replacing the human element, but rather augmenting our abilities and expanding our resilience.

As you've beautifully put it, the real magic comes from customization and creativity. I'm eager to see more sailors delve into the potential of onboard AI, enhancing not just safety and convenience, but also fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the mighty ocean that we call home.

Again, my compliments on a well-crafted guide, and fair winds to all those embarking on this journey.