Drones, anyone use one?

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

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Walter Hobbs
Posts: 202
Joined: Sep 22nd, '14, 08:34
Location: CD 14,CD 27

Drones, anyone use one?

Post by Walter Hobbs »

Greetings,

Drones seem like a cool way to get pictures of the boat. Anyone have one, can you make recommendations. Has to be reasonably priced, already have enough springtime expenses.

Thanks.
Walter R Hobbs
CD 14 hull # 535, Grin
CD 27 Hull # 35 Horizon Song
Lincoln, RI

"Attitude is the differance between ordeal and adventure."
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bottomscraper
Posts: 1400
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 11:08
Location: Previous Owner of CD36 Mahalo #163 1990
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Re: Drones, anyone use one?

Post by bottomscraper »

No but on two occasions we have been buzzed by them at anchorage in a peaceful harbor. I'm not a fan.
Rich Abato
Nordic Tug 34 Tanuki

Previous Owner Of CD36 Mahalo #163

Southern Maine
http://www.sailmahalo.com
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David Morton
Posts: 437
Joined: Jun 18th, '13, 06:25
Location: s/v Danusia CD31, Harpswell, ME

Re: Drones, anyone use one?

Post by David Morton »

There are a lot of great drones on the market, but to use them as an extension of your photo arm you require certain features. These would include GPS guidance, reasonable camera specs, reasonable battery life, durability, good obstacle avoidance system, among other things.
I use a DJI Mavic. It costs about $1000 and you will have to pay at least that to get something that isn't just a toy.
https://www.dji.com/mavic-2?site=brands ... m=homepage

I would also suggest you get FAA certification as a Remote Pilot. Even if you are not commercializing your use of the drone, the education required to gain certification will serve you well.

David
"If a Man speaks at Sea, where no Woman can hear,
Is he still wrong?
" anonymous, Phoenician, circa 500 b.c.
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John Ring
Posts: 519
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 14:38
Location: CD36 #135 Tiara, MMSI:338141386

Re: Drones, anyone use one?

Post by John Ring »

Start with a dji Mavic Air, best bang for the buck & people love it.

I love my Mavic 2 Pro too, but that's more commitment: https://youtu.be/px146x-ray8

To assemble & edit really nice videos, get a monthly subscription to Adobe's Premiere Pro & watch some YouTube videos on how to use it (warning - long learning curve!)

Good luck!
John Ring
CD36 Tiara
Sailing involves the courage to cherish adventure and the wisdom to fear danger. Knowing where one ends, and the other begins, makes all the difference.
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