I have been working with a lap counting system for the MABA Races the test that has been run has worked will. The first test was only a 20 ft. wide start Finish line next test will be a 50 ft. s-f line.
Is there a need for this type of system for the water prop boats.

Laps / penalties / etc triggered by actual boat on course or an outside observer pressing a button ?

It is triggered by actual boat the boat has a Transponder on it . The over head pickups are connected to a laptop and each boat is counted. We are still testing this but it is looking good so far.

We run a 10 lap race format today with three boats and the counter counted the boats every lap and the place of each boat. With what i see at this time this is going to work well for our MABA Airboat races. Will updated as we use the system.