Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 09-01-2018, 12:46   #1
Registered User
 
Jolly Roger's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC
Boat: Down East 45 Brigantine schooner
Posts: 1,322
Images: 1
Boat photography with drones?

I’m intrigued with the possibility of taking aerial pictures of my boat under full sail with a drone. Getting a good shot from a dinghy or even another boat requires close coordination, and they are always at sea level.
I don’t know anything about these drones, (yet), and wonder if it is practical to fly one from a sailboat, and circle it taking pictures, or even video, then returning it to the boat?
The result would surely be more spectacular than from a dinghy.
If anyone is already doing this I would appreciate some advice about which drones are best suited for this purpose, and what the practical requirements are.
__________________
Visit Britannia's website, containing published articles about some innovative things that have been done to the boat over the past twelve years.
www.schooner-britannia.com.
Jolly Roger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2018, 12:55   #2
Registered User
 
tomfl's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Florida
Boat: Seawind 1000xl
Posts: 2,592
Images: 15
Re: Boat photography with drones?

You may want to check out this thread.

Good Drones for Cruisers? - Page 4 - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
tomfl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-01-2018, 02:45   #3
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Caribbean Sea
Boat: Wildcat 35
Posts: 211
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Here's one shot we got from our Phantom 3 while sailing outside Marsh Harbour. Go Where There Is No Path And Leave A Trail

Plus I have a video while motoring in the ICW. It was shortly after we got the drone so it's not the best video, but here it is none the less.
DavidLGCrawford is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-01-2018, 04:04   #4
Registered User
 
Jolly Roger's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC
Boat: Down East 45 Brigantine schooner
Posts: 1,322
Images: 1
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Thanks David, those are the sort of shots I was thinking about, which can only be taken by a drone.
I’m intrigued how you launched and retrieved your drone from the boat? Some videos on the web say it should be landed by approaching the stern and grabbing it. That sounds very dodgy to me.
JR
__________________
Visit Britannia's website, containing published articles about some innovative things that have been done to the boat over the past twelve years.
www.schooner-britannia.com.
Jolly Roger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-01-2018, 04:18   #5
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Caribbean Sea
Boat: Wildcat 35
Posts: 211
Re: Boat photography with drones?

I am the Captain (and boat pilot). My son is the drone pilot.
Recovery is done by me walking to a clear area (stern quarter, or bow quarter), I squat, he flies it down to hover about 5' off deck, I stand up and grab the landing legs stating "Got it", and he shuts down motors.
Doing it alone would be much trickier on a moving boat.
We've considered landing it on the trampolines out front in a sort of "controlled crash". That's likely to snap blades.
When at anchor, he can land it on deck or on our solar panels (we have huge panels).

If you are alone... I don't have any suggestions.

Just a thought, but there are some drones that will auto-land. Maybe try one of those with a landing pad deployed on deck.

Worst case, you'd have to stop your boat to land the drone.

But with two people, it's fairly easy to do.
DavidLGCrawford is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-01-2018, 04:29   #6
Registered User
 
Jolly Roger's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC
Boat: Down East 45 Brigantine schooner
Posts: 1,322
Images: 1
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Actually I was wondering about landing in the dinghy on davits? I have more than the average running and standing rigging on Britannia which could easily impede a side or bow landing, but the stern is clear. So when I get more proficient would this be feasible?
I haven’t bought a big machine yet, but I need one with a built-in screen on the controller, because I’m the only person in the world who doesn’t have an i-phone or tablet. I’m looking at the Up-air One or the Raptor 3.
__________________
Visit Britannia's website, containing published articles about some innovative things that have been done to the boat over the past twelve years.
www.schooner-britannia.com.
Jolly Roger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-01-2018, 13:10   #7
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Caribbean Sea
Boat: Wildcat 35
Posts: 211
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jolly Roger View Post
Actually I was wondering about landing in the dinghy on davits? .... So when I get more proficient would this be feasible?
If you have rotor protectors on, that may work.
DavidLGCrawford is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-01-2018, 14:17   #8
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2008
Boat: 2017 Leopard 40
Posts: 2,662
Images: 1
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jolly Roger View Post
Actually I was wondering about landing in the dinghy on davits? I have more than the average running and standing rigging on Britannia which could easily impede a side or bow landing, but the stern is clear. So when I get more proficient would this be feasible?
I haven’t bought a big machine yet, but I need one with a built-in screen on the controller, because I’m the only person in the world who doesn’t have an i-phone or tablet. I’m looking at the Up-air One or the Raptor 3.
1) Even a very accomplished drone pilot would have trouble landing into a dinghy on davits without some degree of damage to something.
2) If you don't have a smart phone you won't be able to use a drone sophisticated enough to even attempt it (IMHO)

This phone is an incredible buy, and I'm using it as a dedicated drone phone because I don't want my real phone's data being transmitted to China by DJI (I never even inserted the SIM or activated a plan). I use it Wi-Fi only. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cricket...?skuId=6032705
SailFastTri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2018, 05:56   #9
Registered User
 
Jolly Roger's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC
Boat: Down East 45 Brigantine schooner
Posts: 1,322
Images: 1
Re: Boat photography with drones?

The concept of a cheap dedicated phone on a controller is interesting. A separate screen would then allow me to look at any machine. But some of the reports I have read say that built-in screens are better pictures than a plug-in phone or tablet. The i-phone I’ve seen on a Phantom was very woolly. What’s the experience on this?
As regards landing in a dinghy. Surely it will be easier to guide any drone down into a ten foot dinghy on the stern, than try to hover it so close that someone can grab it? Would a sheet of foam in the bottom make a more “soft” landing?
My boat has twin backstays so the stern is open, and if conditions are right it might be just as easy to fly it in over the dinghy so someone can grab it. But I have also read that it is doubly difficult to pilot them and try to grab them yourself – hence the dinghy landing.
I’m just trying to get the best ideas for shooting sailboats before I buy, but in any case I don’t want to spring for an expensive machine, because the first time I use it over water might well be the last.
__________________
Visit Britannia's website, containing published articles about some innovative things that have been done to the boat over the past twelve years.
www.schooner-britannia.com.
Jolly Roger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2018, 06:16   #10
Registered User
 
maxingout's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Cruising
Boat: Privilege 39 Catamaran, Exit Only
Posts: 2,723
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Drone recovery on a sailboat is easier if you put a small piece of fishing line and a small sinker on the back of one of the landing struts. When you want to catch the drone, grab the line and pull it in.
__________________
Dave -Sailing Vessel Exit Only
https://RealOceanCruiser.com
https://PositiveThinkingSailor.com
maxingout is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2018, 06:37   #11
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2008
Boat: 2017 Leopard 40
Posts: 2,662
Images: 1
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Quote:
Originally Posted by maxingout View Post
Drone recovery on a sailboat is easier if you put a small piece of fishing line and a small sinker on the back of one of the landing struts. When you want to catch the drone, grab the line and pull it in.
Have you tried that? The DJI drones have a lot of internal stability logic that might cause unpredictable behavior if pulled down from one side or corner. If you havne't tried it, I suggest you experiment on land first (and wear protective gloves and full face shield).
SailFastTri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2018, 06:43   #12
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2008
Boat: 2017 Leopard 40
Posts: 2,662
Images: 1
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jolly Roger View Post
The concept of a cheap dedicated phone on a controller is interesting. A separate screen would then allow me to look at any machine. But some of the reports I have read say that built-in screens are better pictures than a plug-in phone or tablet. The i-phone I’ve seen on a Phantom was very woolly. What’s the experience on this?
As regards landing in a dinghy. Surely it will be easier to guide any drone down into a ten foot dinghy on the stern, than try to hover it so close that someone can grab it? Would a sheet of foam in the bottom make a more “soft” landing?
My boat has twin backstays so the stern is open, and if conditions are right it might be just as easy to fly it in over the dinghy so someone can grab it. But I have also read that it is doubly difficult to pilot them and try to grab them yourself – hence the dinghy landing.
I’m just trying to get the best ideas for shooting sailboats before I buy, but in any case I don’t want to spring for an expensive machine, because the first time I use it over water might well be the last.
Phone displays are far better than those in dedicated controller, and there are added controls/settings in the app that you can't access otherwise. If concerned about going overboard and cost, I think the Phantom 3 is a good choice. If get the DJI Refresh repair contract it covers water damage, but you must be able to send in the failed drone. Suggest you look up "getterback" and check youtube for other flotation schemes people have tried.
As for landing in dinghy, those props can cut deeply. 'nuff said.
SailFastTri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2018, 07:45   #13
Registered User
 
Jolly Roger's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC
Boat: Down East 45 Brigantine schooner
Posts: 1,322
Images: 1
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Okay, I’ll look into the screen situation with either a cheap i-phone type or tablet. I didn’t know about extra data coming into a plug-in screen.
I’m more concerned about bringing a drone back under full sail. That would be six sails, including a fisherman and squaresail, to get the most spectacular shot.
My boat has more than the average standing and running rigging than even a regular schooner, and I’ve heard that even wire rigging can impede a drone, never mind a solid slab of canvas. When that lot is up there is not much room on even the lee side to clear obstructions.
The stern is always clear, especially if the main is to windward, but there is still a downdraft from the large mainsail. And what about wind? Would 15 knts be too much to try this?
I can envisage that if I flew in from dead astern, over the dinghy, someone else might be able to grab it, and if they fumbled it it might crash on the after deck, or even into the dinghy.
It’s all very iffy at this stage of my drone development. I guess I’ll just have to continue to research the most cost effective machine, then bite the bullet and first experiment at the marina.
__________________
Visit Britannia's website, containing published articles about some innovative things that have been done to the boat over the past twelve years.
www.schooner-britannia.com.
Jolly Roger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2018, 08:25   #14
Registered User
 
Sojourner's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: On the boat!
Boat: SY Wake: 53' Amel Super Maramu
Posts: 885
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Don't know if you've heard of this one, but it's what I'm saving my pennies for.... it is not only waterproof but floats, and can 'fly' upside down in the water as well Apart from nice aerials of the boat, I'm fantasizing about not having to dive the anchor on a cold day... just set it down in the water and pan the camera down.

https://www.swellpro.com/waterproof-...ne-3-auto.html
Sojourner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2018, 10:26   #15
Registered User
 
PuttingDoctor's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Daytona Beach, Fl
Boat: Irwin 46 CC
Posts: 416
Images: 3
Send a message via Skype™ to PuttingDoctor
Re: Boat photography with drones?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sojourner View Post
Don't know if you've heard of this one, but it's what I'm saving my pennies for.... it is not only waterproof but floats, and can 'fly' upside down in the water as well Apart from nice aerials of the boat, I'm fantasizing about not having to dive the anchor on a cold day... just set it down in the water and pan the camera down.

https://www.swellpro.com/waterproof-...ne-3-auto.html

Me Too!!! I've been waiting for the all clear on Splash Drone 3 and think it the best of many worlds. I read an article as it came to market a few months ago and there were a few glitches to be worked out.

I like the perspective of the aerial shots but also like working low and slow as well. The Splash Drone for the marine environment gives you the best of all worlds.
__________________
s/v Grace II
POC: Toronto, ON
PuttingDoctor is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
boat, photo, photography

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Drones for Cruisers micah719 Marine Electronics 67 24-08-2016 19:25
Photography for Cruisers - Basics and Concepts ! storyinframes Fishing, Recreation & Fun 28 25-06-2013 09:20
Unmanned Drones to Patrol Africa Patient General Sailing Forum 25 02-10-2011 15:01
Photography Quercus Boat Ownership & Making a Living 27 29-07-2008 10:29
Photography not just entertainment GordMay Fishing, Recreation & Fun 3 10-03-2006 21:24

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:45.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.