How to improve rear view from inside helm

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tony_lavelle

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When at the inside helm on my Pedro 950 it's only possible to see behind by leaning out of the doors and yawing side to side to get a better view. The dodgers around the aft deck and the dinghy on the davits could be removed if necessary but any better suggestions? I've thought about side mirrors but they would obstruct movement around the side decks. I'm also considering a rear view (reversing) camera but that seems a bit over complicated.
 
My reversing camera is faulty, I’m told it’s the cable and will be replaced under warranty. I really miss it! From my helm I have a side door so I can see all along the starboard side. If the cockpit rear door is opened I can see the swim platform and beyond. And my wife calls out the distances as I reverse (and she’s really good). But I really miss the reversing camera.
 
Chances are your plotter can display a camera feed, either analogue video or IP (via a network). Although you will have to run a cable, it’s otherwise fairly simple and should be effective.

You will probably want the video flipped so that it acts like a mirror - analogue cameras come in normal and “reverse” versions, or sometimes there’s a wire loop you cut to put it into flipped mode. IP cameras generally have it as a tickbox in their settings, but do check the manual before buying.

Pete
 
If I were you, I would use a camera just like all the cars do nowadays.

If your plotter is not compatable or you don't want such a complex wiring then you can buy a wireless camera (webcam) and take your
old notebook (laptop computer) into your helm station. You can even wirelessly connect more than one webcam simultaneously if you
need to.
 
Thanks for all the excellent suggestions. I should explain that I steer from "up top" for close quarters manoeuvring, so all round visibility is not a problem. However I worry about being overtaken by a large ship when steering from "down below".
 
tony_lavelle said:
Thanks for all the excellent suggestions. I should explain that I steer from "up top" for close quarters manoeuvring, so all round visibility is not a problem. However I worry about being overtaken by a large ship when steering from "down below".
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Exactly the same problem we have. Ages ago I bought a (very) cheap camera and monitor from fleabay. I never did get around to fitting it properly, purely because routing the wires is going to be extremely difficult.
However, we're in St Kats for Christmas and I wasn't prepared to do the whole journey from Rochester from up top so did a quick temporary install (wires running in through windows etc)
Anyway, I have to report that I've never been so pleased with anything in my life! Really good, very wide angle view and enabled me to stay below in the warm for the entire journey.
 
Murv, what camera and monitor did you buy? Could you please post a link?
Murv said:
Exactly the same problem we have. Ages ago I bought a (very) cheap camera and monitor from fleabay. I never did get around to fitting it properly, purely because routing the wires is going to be extremely difficult.
However, we're in St Kats for Christmas and I wasn't prepared to do the whole journey from Rochester from up top so did a quick temporary install (wires running in through windows etc)
Anyway, I have to report that I've never been so pleased with anything in my life! Really good, very wide angle view and enabled me to stay below in the warm for the entire journey.
Click to expand...
 
tony_lavelle said:
Murv, what camera and monitor did you buy? Could you please post a link?
Click to expand...

I don't think I can, it was too long ago to stay in my purchase history.
Literally just the cheapest rear view camera and a 7" monitor. I'm sure the whole lot was under £20 and the monitor even comes with a remote!
Would be well worth speaking to young Fred, he's the expert in this field and would be able to advise on the best thing to buy.
 
Murv said:
I don't think I can, it was too long ago to stay in my purchase history.
Literally just the cheapest rear view camera and a 7" monitor. I'm sure the whole lot was under £20 and the monitor even comes with a remote!
Would be well worth speaking to young Fred, he's the expert in this field and would be able to advise on the best thing to buy.
Click to expand...

Ahem.....Some Advice .
Is this the wrong time to mention, that had you bought a proper boat ie. a nice Princess,you would actually be able to see out the back of the boat without spending brass farthing ! :)
 
oldgit said:
Ahem.....Some Advice .
Is this the wrong time to mention, that had you bought a proper boat ie. a nice Princess,you would actually be able to see out the back of the boat without spending brass farthing ! :)
Click to expand...

But then I wouldn't be able to see through the smoke!
 
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