CcanDo, wow, that's a lot of engineering challenges! Couldn't you get the same results with a modified drop down trolling motor setup? Either way, it seems it would involve some sort of extra steering controls, perhaps a joystick control for the thruster?
Let us know what you come up with!
Just playing with ideas....The effort might be most feasible for Bennington. The time to make this type of installation is during production. The Bill Of Material and Labor factor might afford for a popular, fun option. However, the after market may also be interested in something like this. The down side for after market is that of existing Bennington warrantee. Perhaps, the after market could collaberate with Bennington for a warrantee solution. Otherwise, after market would become the ultimate vendor, responsible for related claims.
The biggest deterrant to Pontoon Boating seems to be docking and trailer loading. The trolling motor solution is probably most practical. However, there may be interferance when trailering, perhaps docking and probably, when beaching. After that, bow thrusters may be more sanitary astheticaly. The fisherman may even find the system to be handy when in areas of underwater corruption.
Control method could be as simple as a momentary on/off switch. Joy stick/potentiometer has better finite control. One could also enhance the solution, using one or more inexpensive accelerometers, for user friendly circuit support.
Just commenting....The Pontoon Boat could be said to be coming of age. Using a nominal ski boat price of 100K that runs 50 MPH on a good day or a cruiser of sort at a similar price w/less performance, burning more fuel, both without flexibility of the potential pontoon boat. Therefore, it may be logical the market could be attracted to user friendly, creature comfort options. The intimidation factor, negating pontoon boats, I've seen, is that of handling in tight areas at slow speed.
