Hi pdog, not all use cases mentioned on TTN site will actually be supported bij the kickstarter Node.
The node however is a quite nice demo device with a temperature sensor, movement sensor, light sensor and button as inputs and an RGB led as output. You will even be able to implement some real use cases with it.
The "water in the boat" use case was actually implemented: Amsterdam - HoosJeBootje but it required building a suitable sensor "from scratch" (I think). There is even a hoosjebootje company that can use these devices to offer services for boat owners (link)
That is where LoraWAN currently stands: the technology is available, but most applications / sensors are just starting to appear. That is why this is such an interesting time to be part of the "birth" (or at least the "growing up") of this industry 