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**Dockhead** · 29-05-2021, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddster8

I haven't tried it yet from a moving boat. But given how much paraphernalia there is around the cockpit, it has occurred to me that maybe the safest landing pad would be the towed dinghy.

And I have acquired a "second best drone" from fleabay for just that purpose. There seem to be ample supply.

I think that's an excellent idea. Heave to, put the dinghy out on a long line, and land it in the dinghy. Maybe put one of those optical targets on the dinghy floor.

I think even I could handle that. But only in quite calm weather.

And one quite risky thing about any kind of flying off the boat, is that you have a bad home point. All the home point functions should be disabled, if that's possible. Flying from the boat, if you lose the signal, you've lost the drone.

Another thought -- maybe it makes sense to have propeller guards, for flying from a boat? Much greater risk of grazing something with a prop; maybe this would be less catastrophic with guards mounted?

C420sailor · 29-05-2021, 11:45

Having landed jets on ships in a past life, I now have an intense urge to try this.

jmh2002 · 29-05-2021, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmh2002

SafeHaven Marine use a net to catch their drone as they normally film their sea trials in rough and windy weather.

Here's one video, but there are others. Catching the drone is at the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsi_PGW6CZg

Maybe nobobdy actually watched this short video that I posted earlier, but using a net to catch the drone like this seems by far the easiest solution and I'm surprised we don't see more YouTubers doing this.

Also SafeHaven Marine are normally doing this in much stronger winds that most cruisers would do.

mikereed100 · 29-05-2021, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmh2002

Maybe nobobdy actually watched this short video that I posted earlier, but using a net to catch the drone like this seems by far the easiest solution and I'm surprised we don't see more YouTubers doing this.

I have considered using a rig like that, but had concerns about damage to the props or gimbal. Looks like they are using a net very successfully though. Might have to give it a try, thanks.

Seafarer7 · 29-05-2021, 13:41

I have had my share of near misses and losses. Have found it easier to retrieve by flying the drone backwards into the stern of the moving sailboat, and catching it from there. Trying to catch it on the bow risks sailing into it. Trying to catch it flying forwards: the collision avoidance sensors of the Mavic pro kick in when it senses the rigging/hull. With the smaller Mavic Mini 2 it’s easier to quickly pluck it from the air and invert it. Stand at the stern, fly in the drone, reverse it, and fly backwards at a speed that matches the sailboat. Down, in, down, in and then quick grab from below (if slow, the drone sensors detect the hand and fly up to avoid it). I would recommend using gloves. The floats help both with sea recovery (if it falls into the sea) and air recovery.

Caleb_Grey · 29-05-2021, 15:11

As always the answer is magnets. One on bottom of drone and one on end of boat hook.

Homeward sailor · 30-05-2021, 06:21

This seems like a good idea. https://youtu.be/mM_dogC2btY

Letterkenny · 30-05-2021, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeward sailor

This seems like a good idea. https://youtu.be/mM_dogC2btY

This was what I was referring to earlier.

**Dockhead** · 30-05-2021, 13:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caleb_Grey

As always the answer is magnets. One on bottom of drone and one on end of boat hook.

That will be great for the drone's fluxgate.

toddster8 · 30-05-2021, 13:25

For boats with a solar array that is free and clear of the rigging - maybe that could also act as a helipad. Perhaps with a bit of netting around the edge.