Camera for Stern-to Docking

Irish Rover

Irish Rover

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I know this has been covered previously but I'm hoping I may get the benefit of any recent experience with camera choice, set-up etc. As may be evident from my avatar photo I won't have a great view aft from the fly bridge because of the sun shade over the after deck and the view from the saloon helm won't be any better. I'm thinking of mounting a camera to assist me. I'm not the most technically minded person but as I understand it I can get a camera which will give me a live video feed to my tablet. I'd be interested to hear from others who have such a set-up and their recommendations regarding the best and most cost effective wide angle camera to use.
I'm also curious is there any way to send the camera feed to my Garmin GPS Map 820xs chart plotter?
 
I have a MUVI camera, similar to a GoPro. It sends a live picture to my iPhone or iPad. I plan to mount the camera on the Radar mast. I have considered reversing sensors off a car, but with my berth, it will bleep all the time as there is not a huge amount of room to my neighbour, so I wont know if I am close to him or the pontoon.
 
rafiki_ said:
I have a MUVI camera, similar to a GoPro. It sends a live picture to my iPhone or iPad. I plan to mount the camera on the Radar mast. I have considered reversing sensors off a car, but with my berth, it will bleep all the time as there is not a huge amount of room to my neighbour, so I wont know if I am close to him or the pontoon.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I also have a very tight home berth so I'm not keen on the audio sensors either. I'd like to try a wifi camera first and see how I get on. If you don't mind could I ask which MUVI model you are planning to use. Do you think it will be ok long term in a salty environment? What's the battery like like?
 
Not sure on the spec, but will not leave it in place (unless I forget), only for the trip. It has a fully waterproof cover, but I will clip it on and off as I need to use it.
 
Gpsstore.com in US who I find are excellent for advice say no WiFi camera will give fully live video. Wired is only option they say.
 
Can't you just learn how far the boat extends beyond the stanchions? I backed my cat in every time for many years, and not being able to see the corner was never the problem. It was always X feet beyond something I could see.

Looking at the tablet will have you looking in the wrong direction and distract you from the things that matter; wind and current. The best thing you can do with the camera is probably to turn it off.
 
thinwater said:
Can't you just learn how far the boat extends beyond the stanchions? I backed my cat in every time for many years, and not being able to see the corner was never the problem. It was always X feet beyond something I could see.

Looking at the tablet will have you looking in the wrong direction and distract you from the things that matter; wind and current. The best thing you can do with the camera is probably to turn it off.
Click to expand...
Congratulations you are clearly more accomplished than me but I do appreciate you letting me know that.
 
thinwater said:
I'm sorry if I was snarky, but lorry drivers do this all day, every day. I think you risk burying yourself in the cockpit and loosing situational awareness.
Click to expand...
Thanks again. I always wanted to be a lorry driver but my family pushed me to go into business. I might take some HGV driving lessons. Thanks again for your helpful advice.
 
thinwater said:
Can't you just learn how far the boat extends beyond the stanchions? I backed my cat in every time for many years, and not being able to see the corner was never the problem. It was always X feet beyond something I could see.

Looking at the tablet will have you looking in the wrong direction and distract you from the things that matter; wind and current. The best thing you can do with the camera is probably to turn it off.
Click to expand...

The last three cars that I have driven have all had reversing cameras, and for backing into a parking space, I have found the cameras excellent. I don't berth in a marina, so have no interest in fitting a reversing camera to my own boat, but I don't see anything wrong with using the available technology.
 
I'm inclined to agree with the above...

Do you single hand regularly? If not I'd suggest a 'crew' member stationed on the stern more useful.

Camera issues include the lag mentioned, even our company's professionally installed hard wired cctv ip cameras have a noticeable lag on the wheelhouse monitors. Can you get a mounting position that covers the entire stern without distortions of are you going to have the complications of 2 camera? The reversed image isn't a problem as many systems allow you to flip the image. If you become over reliant on it what happens the day it breaks down?

How about having a look at where permantly structures around your berth are in relation to your helm position.. Eg if you have a piling that lines up with your antenna when properly tied up you can use that to judge how far out of position you are. Only works for your home berth though...

W.
 
Thanks for the advice. My home berth is not an issue as there is assistance on request. I do single hand quite a bit and otherwise it’s generally only 2 of us. As you know a lot of places you need someone forward to handle the anchor so a bit of extra visibility at the stern would be a help. I understand it’s never going to be perfect but I’d like to get it as good as possible and that’s why I looked for advice on here. What would I do if I become dependent on the camera and it packed up - same as I’d do if an engine or anything else packed up. I’d curse and swear and make do.
 
Following request from Irish Rover, I have bought some kit that I will be installing over Easter when I am on the boat. I have sourced 4 x HD cameras that are small white 'eyeball' cameras in an aluminium housing. I looked at lots of the lorry & reversing cameras but they only had vertical adjustment and wouldn't blend in too well. The plan is to mount 2 of them to the underside of the radar arch and hardwire them into a 9" screen on the flybridge. I believe the wireless cameras have a 1 second delay which would be a PITA for mooring, especially with an added 1 second delay from the electronic engine controls! Another camera will be mounted in the engine room and another on the bow as an 'anchor cam'. Both of these will be wireless and go to the same screen.

Here is a pic of the camera in my hand to give you an idea of size

XknnFfb.jpg
 
markc said:
Following request from Irish Rover, I have bought some kit that I will be installing over Easter when I am on the boat. I have sourced 4 x HD cameras that are small white 'eyeball' cameras in an aluminium housing. I looked at lots of the lorry & reversing cameras but they only had vertical adjustment and wouldn't blend in too well. The plan is to mount 2 of them to the underside of the radar arch and hardwire them into a 9" screen on the flybridge. I believe the wireless cameras have a 1 second delay which would be a PITA for mooring, especially with an added 1 second delay from the electronic engine controls! Another camera will be mounted in the engine room and another on the bow as an 'anchor cam'. Both of these will be wireless and go to the same screen.

Here is a pic of the camera in my hand to give you an idea of size

XknnFfb.jpg
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'm not sure why, but I can't see the image. Would you have a link for where you bought the kit or a name, model I can search.
 
If nothing else, fitting them will help you "learn" the length the easy way :encouragement: I like the idea , some of them have a coloured grid that indicates distance overlaying the screen. That would make it easier to view from a distance
 
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