What Can We Do About Drones?!?

[DefinitelyMe]

Do you have a casting rod? If so, just happen to come on deck and start casting toward the drone. If you miss it it's probably still be good enough deterrent to keep him away the next time. If you hit it, job done. Plus, if he tries to charge you with destruction of property or something you can reasonably argue 'sorry mate, i was just fishing and accidentally hit your drone'.

[Dulcesuenos]

Shooting down a drone carries severe consequences, even worse if it is owned by a state/ governmental agency or police force. Would you shoot at someone on a dinghy that idled by 20' away?


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[Tetepare]

We successfully employed kits to scare off pesky helicopters, may work for a drone. Of course, he could always take it upwind of the kite but you may be able to surprise him.

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

Shooting down a drone carries severe consequences, even worse if it is owned by a state/ governmental agency or police force. Would you shoot at someone on a dinghy that idled by 20' away?


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In the most recent case, a man who shot a drone over his yard was not prosecuted.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by DefinitelyMe

Do you have a casting rod? If so, just happen to come on deck and start casting toward the drone...

+1 on that strategy. Wear sunglasses and don't make it look like you're aiming for the drone, just practicing your casting. Remember that the operator has a video of the whole encounter.

I disagree with the "catch and release" strategy. I'd keep the thing, maybe even post a "found" notice on a local bulletin board or something. If the owner shows up to claim it, you can find out what they were up to. If not, you have a new toy.

[Udacha]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

Shooting down a drone carries severe consequences, even worse if it is owned by a state/ governmental agency or police force. Would you shoot at someone on a dinghy that idled by 20' away?


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How about a dinghy going circles around your boat all day with a camera filming you?

[a64pilot]

I would not discharge a firearm in Miami, unless I was in immediate danger. I believe you go immediately from being a victim, to a perpetrator if you do.
Call the cops, show them FAR 91, that is a Federal Law, let them deal with it. FAR 91 may not really apply, but I think they like being shown a law that they can enforce, gives them ammo.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Tetepare

In the most recent case, a man who shot a drone over his yard was not prosecuted.

Yes, but that was HIS yard, private property and he was a resident of that county, it was in the country where it was legal to discharge firearms etc.
A transient boat in an anchorage in Miami is a whole different thing

[alctel]

If he really is repeatedly hassling you, put a sign up warning him.

If it still turns up after that, use a slingshot.

[crabcake]

Originally Posted by paulajayne

Throw a net up at it - best way to bring it down.

The drone is not the problem it is the operator. Can you not speak to him/her about it.

I have one and do a lot of filming with it but would never do that more than once.

My last video:-

Very Nice

What model do you have?? - Stability was excellent!

[Looking4Neptune]

Try to communicate first. As someone already suggested, put up a sign. Maybe "next time I shoot you down" but maybe something less confrontational. Let the operator know you want it to stop and that they should contact you to say why they are doing this. Before assuming they are unreasonable, at least attempt to settle through communication.

[CREX]

Perhaps a strong water pump to spray it. At least douse the lense. What we need is a techy to create a jamming signal and Oh well I guess it lost power and now a salvage operation. I hate those intruders of life.

[Lee Hines]

Monkeys Fist on a small 1/4" line. Always good to practice your heaving line work. Get the whole drone. maybe even a little ransom money (Oops I mean salvage costs).

[AnchorageGuy]

If you shoot it down or otherwise destroy it you are breaking the law and depending on the value of the drone, could spend some time in jail, incur lots of legal fees. Is it worth it. You will be in the wrong. File a complaint with the FAA at the nearest airport. Probably nothing will get done, but you never know. Best to ignore it and go down below when it shows up. Or move. The owner will get bored and move on. Chuck

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by 2hullvenus

I'm having a hell of a time right now with some jerk who keeps sending a drone to my boat.

I'm at anchor and this jerk sends the drone 20' above the boat repeatedly, day after day.

I'm really tired of the noise and I'm not here at anchor to have people looking in my salon windows and stuff.

I'm in Miami. What are my legal rights?

First instinct is to throw things at it.

Are sure it isn't just someone checking on their own boat remotely?