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Old 26-06-2022, 12:07   #1
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Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

I have a ketch and Im about to mount a new mizzen mast. I thought among other things, it might be worth mounting a CCTV on the mast looking down. It could be useful for docking and possible security but Im usually too busy to look at at TV screen when maneovering onto my usual pontoon, which is a fit alongside between other craft nose to tail.. Im also aware that to have CCTV on a boat with no mains power may be a waste of time. Ive been robbed of £3000 worth of solar kit but the harbour CCTV was useless and the Police weren't interested.

It wont cost me much, but am I wasting my time running something Ill never use?

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Old 26-06-2022, 12:17   #2
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

I had the same thought, and pulled coax to my first spreader for a video camera when I stepped the rig last time.


That was 9 years ago, and I never got around to installing the camera.


So I can't help you, except to say that it sounds like a good idea to me.
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Old 28-06-2022, 04:57   #3
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

See this thread: https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ra-266101.html
However my setup is not meant as a security camera.
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Old 28-06-2022, 05:42   #4
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

For docking they can help with one facing forward and another aft - I’ve used that for med mooring on a centre cockpit boat where you could not see how close the stern was to the pier.

For security I’m not so sure. Might help but I would combine it with some other security system such as a motion detector/siren/lights. Easier to scare them off than to try and identify them off a camera recording after they made off with your stuff.
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Old 28-06-2022, 06:11   #5
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

I have often thought this could be helpful while docking and anchoring but have t gotten around to adding one yet. Would be very interested in seeing how yours works out if you do.
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Old 28-06-2022, 06:30   #6
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

Doesn’t the lens get dirty?
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Old 28-06-2022, 06:54   #7
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

I've thought one would be handy retrieving the anchor single handed. With a windlass control at the helm you could see the direction of the rode. (in the tropics). Also for positioning the boat to pick up a mooring ball.
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Old 03-07-2022, 23:30   #8
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JC Reefer View Post
Doesn’t the lens get dirty?
Not notably. And if so, I could climb the mast and wipe it clean. It's of no real concern.
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Old 06-07-2022, 02:44   #9
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

Fake camera, a few gun stickers, a couple of the skull / punisher stickers like you see on pickup trucks in the south ...this will convince them you are just another crazy and they will move onto robbing a clean, nice yacht.
Cameras and motion detectors = harmless geek nerd. Photo of your pit bull and don’t tread on me flag stickers tells them it’s easier to find another boat to rob.
Don’t put a save the manatee bumper sticker on your boat...ever.
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Old 06-07-2022, 07:03   #10
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

Interesting range of comments. My main use would be for docking and checking on deck as Its difficult looking over the cabin at the best of times. I already have a GSM alarm which works well and alarm company stickers on entrances / hatches/ lockers after losing all my solar, batteries and 2KVA Generator plus my grab bag.

Cleaning the lens is quite easy. I have CCTV at home and they don't need cleaning that often but I don't get much salt spray at home. My mast has steps all the way up too so sending a small child up on a halyard for safety is quite easy, maybe I'll use the same small child who cleans my chimneys (british humour).

For the sake of a cable run and a small camera I think Ill give it a go.
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Old 06-07-2022, 07:38   #11
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

If you have a soldering gun and love for electronics electronics I use a raspberry pi.
The Raspberry comes with two camera ports runs on 3.5v. A camera with a fish eye lens is 35$. The Raspberry you can add shields to one can be a $30.00 a year device cell number. It will call you show you live video record it call a security company. Runs on Linux which is dirt simple to work with. Can read humidity open hatches turn on music close blinds even verbally caution would be crooks. All up to what you add. The raspberry pi come with 4USB. HDMI wifi’s and Bluetooth. Cameras are just about the worst thing next to servos in consuming energy. They are also impaired by any non RF filtered transformers and motors
I have designed and 3D print a waterproof housing for a pi or other small open source electronics.
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Old 06-07-2022, 11:58   #12
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

Well, if you think you'll actually use it. I have a smaller boat now, but when I chartered larger boats I don't recall ever wishing I had a camera and a tv screen to watch when docking. I am usually busy watching the dock itself. Will the screen be at the helm next to the chart plotter or something like that?
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Old 06-07-2022, 12:45   #13
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

I don’t use my mast cam for docking. Don’t need to.
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Old 05-03-2024, 21:17   #14
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

I am looking to add a mast camera for looking for bommies when navigating coral reefs. Need something marine proof. Idealy WiFi for easy installation.
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Old 05-03-2024, 22:14   #15
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Re: Is a CCTV camera on the mast worth the effort or a waste of time?

I've pondered on having a forward facing camera up the mast a number of times and so far that's as far as the idea went. However, now that I'm a senior citizen and don't like going into the water I've decided I would prefer to have an underwater one which could allow me to see the bottom when in shallow water or inspect the prop and underwater hull.
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