Stable boat for filming?

R

Rita

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Hi, I'm new to this forum so hope I'm posting in the right section!

I need to do some filming 28 miles off the coast of Louisiana and will be hiring a boat for the job. I am wondering if anyone knows which of these two boats is more stable in choppy seas:

  • 40ft '1987 Key West Boat #1 Hull', like this one
  • 65 ft fishing charter - don't know the make/model as it's custom-made, but some pics are here
I am guessing that the larger boat would be more stable (and more expensive!), but I am not a boat expert... Also, are there any questions I can ask the boat providers to better ascertain how stable the boat will be?

Many thanks!
R
 
Rita said:
Hi, I'm new to this forum so hope I'm posting in the right section!

I need to do some filming 28 miles off the coast of Louisiana and will be hiring a boat for the job. I am wondering if anyone knows which of these two boats is more stable in choppy seas:
Click to expand...

Generally the bigger boat the more stable it will be. But the problem you have isn't the boat, it's what's underneath it ;)

No matter how big the boat is, the sea and wind will be the deciding factor. If there is no wind for a few days before you could go out in a 20 ft day boat and everything will be fine, if it's been blowing hard from the same direction for a few days no (normal) sized boat will make a stable platform.

it also depends on what you'll be filming, whether the boat will be sat there wallowing around or moving, and which direction it will be moving in relation to the swell.

If you can find a power catamaran they roll less than either of those boats you've chosen. If you can't, then size is the best ready reckoner. Unless you want to get into discussions about hull forms and the shape of the bilge?
 
This french one was built for filming,


P8090045.jpg

P8090042.jpg
 
Rita said:
Hi, I'm new to this forum so hope I'm posting in the right section!

I need to do some filming 28 miles off the coast of Louisiana and will be hiring a boat for the job. I am wondering if anyone knows which of these two boats is more stable in choppy seas:

R
Click to expand...

Just make a steadycam and forget about the boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pLBUC-O1js

Camera operators can run all over the place holding on of these mounts and get good results:D
 
Bilgediver said:
Just make a steadycam and forget about the boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pLBUC-O1js

Camera operators can run all over the place holding on of these mounts and get good results:D
Click to expand...

real stedicams are very heavy, and are useless to damp out pitching thus are generally useless on a boat.

For example, I've worn one in a lift. It stays still and simply hits the floor (or roof) when the lift moves. The operators that "run all over the place" are very, very fit.

You need a gyro stabilised lens or better a gyro stabilised ball camera mount to use on a boat if you want properly steady pictures. Unless as lakesailor has half suggested, bolt it firmly to the boat if filming things that are on the boat.
 
That was my meaning. If you are filming a porn movie on the boat, just use tripods or clamps. :D

If you have a heavy steadicam inertia will result in it staying still and the boat meeting it.
I remember the first storm I was in on a boat was a f10 in the fo'csle of an MFV.
Trying to drink a mug of tea was nearly impossible as when you raised it to your mouth it suddenly rocketed to the deckhead, along with your arm, as the boat dropped over a wave.
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions - all very helpful!

The gyro-stabalised mount is a good idea, I'll have to have a look at our budget...!
 
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