Underwater Drone: Anchor Set Check, Safe Passages

[AKMark]

This seems like a great idea to me - an underwater drone. I love all the photos that people have of their anchor sets, but for those of us who cruise in very cold water, jumping overboard isn't as easy.

How about flying a briefcase-sized drone down to check it out instead?

Open ROV Trident Drone



Or how about using it in front of the boat as you move thru tight passages?

Or periodic hull inspections without hiring a diver or hauling out?

In the $600 price range it seems like it could pay for itself pretty quickly.

I have zero financial interest in this company, but I'm seriously considering getting one. Anyone else have experience with similar?

Cheers,
-Mark

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by AKMark

...In the $600 price range it seems like it could pay for itself pretty quickly...

[cabo_sailor]

And what happens when playing with said drone you run aground, into a channel marker, or another boat.

When learning to fly I was told fly the plane first and then worry about radios and such.

When anchored, it may be a neat toy but IMO not while underway.

Rich


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[four winds]

Since it must propel itself, could it even keep up?

Run time may be an issue even if it's fast.

At anchor checking the boat or looking at the fishies would be fun.

[a64pilot]

A toy, nothing wrong with that if you want a toy, have a blast. But I doubt it would really be that useful, could be fun though.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[SailBender]

Their prior model claimed 2 hours of run time, which is a lot more than I would expect compared to other RC vehicles.

[a64pilot]

Since it's tethered, I figured the tether carried power, giving it unlimited bottom time?


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[SailBender]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Since it's tethered, I figured the tether carried power, giving it unlimited bottom time?


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

I can't tell with the new version, but their old version used batteries inside the rov itself. Probably would need a much more expensive tether with the larger gauge required to power the electronics.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[cabo_sailor]

That would depend. How long is the tether? Most electronics require very little power, the propulsion motors are probably the biggest drain. On a really long tether a lower gage wire might be needed to compensate for line loss. Also, do they specify the requirements for power to the drone?


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[a64pilot]

I believe it's common on the big ROV's for the power to come from the tether, I just assumed it would be the same for the little ones?
Yes I know the root words of assume


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Terra Nova]

Having a tether limits its range and usefulness for double checking your anchor set, unless you don't mind a lot of messing around in the dinghy.

[PuttingDoctor]

Originally Posted by cabo_sailor

When learning to fly I was told fly the plane first and then worry about radios and such.
Rich

So does it equate from Aviate Navigate Communicate to...

Marinate? Navigate communicate? Sure feels like we're "marinating" in our own juices during the summer.

Much of what the OP described for hull duty can be accomplished with a poll mounted POV camera for less than $100. Hull inspection from the safety and comfort of the deck or dingy.
,

[Striker37]

It would be cheaper to mount a uw camera to your anchor chain and run a cable to a large monitor.

[Captain-Avenger]

The $599 and $799 discounted packages are already sold out as of today. You can now buy for $950 discounted, or full price for $1199.

[ontherocks83]

I like it! Unfortunately wouldn't be the first thing on my list but I can definitely see the usefullness in having one around if you have a grand to blow.