SL 40 Y - Remote Survey Boat:

A Waterjet RC Platform for Water Discharge and Bathymetry Measurement

In the realm of modern hydrological and marine surveying, the need for accurate, safe, and efficient data collection has never been greater. The SL 40 Y Remote Survey Boat, a cutting-edge waterjet-powered RC platform, rises to meet this demand—offering a robust solution for water discharge measurements and bathymetric surveys in a variety of aquatic environments.

What is the SL 40 Y?

The SL 40 Y is a compact, remote-controlled (RC) survey boat specifically designed for inland and coastal waterway applications. With its waterjet propulsion system, the boat provides unmatched maneuverability in shallow, weedy, or debris-laden waters—conditions that often hinder conventional propeller-driven systems.

Built with a lightweight yet durable hull, the SL 40 Y is engineered to carry high-precision instruments, making it a reliable platform for critical hydrological tasks.

Key Features at a Glance

  • Waterjet Propulsion: Offers enhanced safety, shallow water operability, and reduced risk of entanglement with underwater vegetation or debris.

  • Remote Controlled Operation: Enables safe deployment in hazardous or inaccessible waters.

  • Compact and Portable: Easy to transport and deploy by a single operator.

  • Multi-Sensor Capability: Can carry ADCPs (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers), single- or multi-beam echo sounders, GNSS receivers, and other instrumentation.

  • Real-Time Data Transmission: Facilitates live data monitoring and remote control over long ranges.

Applications of the SL 40 Y

1. Water Discharge Measurement

Accurate river and channel discharge measurements are crucial for flood prediction, water resource management, and infrastructure planning. The SL 40 Y can be equipped with ADCP sensors (such as the Teledyne RiverRay or SonTek M9) to collect high-resolution flow velocity and depth data across a cross-section of a river or canal.

Advantages:

  • Safe data collection in swift or high-flow conditions

  • Repeatable measurements over time

  • Minimal disturbance to the flow field

2. Bathymetric Surveys

Whether for reservoir sedimentation studies, dredging assessments, or environmental monitoring, bathymetric surveys are vital. The SL 40 Y, with a single-beam or multi-beam echo sounder, maps underwater terrain with exceptional accuracy.

Use Cases:

  • Mapping small lakes, ponds, and rivers

  • Pre- and post-dredging volume calculations

  • Infrastructure inspections (e.g., bridge piers, dam spillways)

Why Waterjet?

One of the standout features of the SL 40 Y is its waterjet propulsion system. Unlike traditional propeller-based platforms, waterjets draw water into a pump and expel it through a nozzle, providing thrust without external moving parts.

Benefits:

  • Operates in very shallow water (<20 cm)

  • Reduces risk of damage from submerged obstacles

  • Improved safety around swimmers or marine life

  • Low maintenance due to fewer moving parts

Real-World Advantages

  • Versatility: Suitable for rivers, reservoirs, irrigation canals, and flood-prone areas

  • Efficiency: Deploys rapidly, reduces need for boats and on-site crews

  • Safety: Minimizes risks to personnel in dangerous field conditions

Conclusion

The SL 40 Y Remote Survey Boat is a forward-thinking solution for hydrologists, surveyors, and environmental engineers. Its combination of waterjet propulsion, modular payload options, and RC operability makes it an indispensable tool for collecting high-quality water discharge and bathymetric data—safely, efficiently, and accurately.

Whether you're tackling river flow analysis or mapping an urban pond, the SL 40 Y is built to deliver precision insights where they matter most.

Interested in integrating the SL 40 Y into your survey operations?

Reach out to our team for a demo, technical specs, or to learn more about compatible sensors and customization options.