What's the best Drone for boating?

Sublimetime said:
For a first time buyer I would look at the DJI Spark. Very close in size and performance to a Mavic, but half the money. Look for a flymore combo with whatever model you choose, it will have the extra battery and accessories included , same features and flight program, just doesn't have a 4K video camera. Spark camera is 12 mgpixel w/1080 video, no 4K.

go to you tube and search for Dji mavic vs. Dji spark.

I have been flying drones over ten years.
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I have the spark and bought as the bundle with extra battery and controller. Run time could be better however over all happy with it.
 
My $1500 “voyeur toy” doesn’t go anywhere I don’t tell it to go. And believe me most people you don’t want to see in a bathing suit anyway.
I had a lengthy response then I thought about it and corrected it.
 
I wonder how good this one is.

22982A1A-ED34-46EA-90C4-4ADC33F688FF.jpeg
 
I think it would be cool to have one for some great pics of our boat out on the water.
I don't know if I would use it enough though to warrant the money.
We're going to Lake Powell this next summer, that would be cool also.
I am a big proponent of peoples privacy, and I wouldn't want people to even feel bothered.
We don't usually boat around other people though, so that should be no problem.
We also do a little hiking, that might get some great pics. Hmmm
 
I took the plunge and bought the Mavic Air with the Fly More option, a couple of memory cards, and the DJI Care Refresh. Thanks for all the candid reviews and comment!


Tom
 
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ttmott said:
Is there a point you two are trying to make to me on this?
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No not at you and sorry if I took this thread in another direction. I shoukd have started a separate thread to disucss this topic.

I was just pointing out how some aholes ruin it for the rest. No need to buzz someone’s boat that you don’t know. When anchored on my boat, it is like my little backyard area. Flying a drone over my backyard, would be dangerous for the drone. And the heck with the 9mm, which I couldn’t hit the side of a barn with. John I know you woukd not miss. But my 12ga would be a guaranteed loss of toy. Although, probably better off witht my BB gun, to avoid any major law issues.

As I said, back to the topic...
 
Criminal mis to someone’s property of $1,000 or more in NY was a felony last time I was at work. It’s a silly statement to make when someone is asking advice not opinion on whether you hate drones or not. You stated that you should have started another thread and your correct but you had to reiterate the fact that you hate drones. There’s my .02

Tom you can’t go wrong with any of the DJI stuff. Enjoy and practice.
 
M Prod said:
I know I’m late to the party, but I own several drones that I use both for pleasure and my production business. Hands down my favorite is the Mavic 2 pro. That said, if you really want something for reconnaissance, I highly recommend the DJI Mavic 2 zoom with a telephoto lens. Amazing sharp video, and the ability to zoom into what you’re looking at. That said when you’re flying live view looking at your phone, you miss a lot of details that are in the video. You’ll want to have a laptop or (better) smart tv close by that you can attach the drone to to review video in 4K. That shark you didn’t notice when flying, will be clear as a bell in the video.
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I did a close look at both the Pro and Zoom and when it all added up it was a bit costly for my first, let's call it "disposable" drone. The next one I'll step it up if it hooks me.... The videos on YouTube are amazing with these.
 
Regarding registration in the US:
FAA recognizes drones under 55 pounds as two categories: FAA "Fly Under The Small UAS Rule - Part 107" and "Special Rule for Model Aircraft".
FAA Part 107 is for professional / commercial use of drones and require pilot documented qualification and registration number affixed to the drone. A realtor, for example, using a drone and photographing a building for professional listing is required to be licensed under Part 107.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/part_107/
FAA Special Rule for Model Aircraft requires the drone to be registered and the registration numbers be affixed to the drone. This is the hobbyist category. The pilot must not use the drone for business or commercial reasons.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/model_aircraft/
I'll be in the second category..... Much to learn over the holidays!
 
ttmott said:
I did a close look at both the Pro and Zoom and when it all added up it was a bit costly for my first, let's call it "disposable" drone. The next one I'll step it up if it hooks me.... The videos on YouTube are amazing with these.
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You made a wise choice. That's a great drone to get familiarized with flying. You'll love it.
 
ttmott said:
Regarding registration in the US:
FAA recognizes drones under 55 pounds as two categories: FAA "Fly Under The Small UAS Rule - Part 107" and "Special Rule for Model Aircraft".
FAA Part 107 is for professional / commercial use of drones and require pilot documented qualification and registration number affixed to the drone. A realtor, for example, using a drone and photographing a building for professional listing is required to be licensed under Part 107.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/part_107/
FAA Special Rule for Model Aircraft requires the drone to be registered and the registration numbers be affixed to the drone. This is the hobbyist category. The pilot must not use the drone for business or commercial reasons.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/model_aircraft/
I'll be in the second category..... Much to learn over the holidays!
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Thread made me curious so I looked at the FAA rules for these things. They’re pretty restrictive.
Looks like there can be some serious fines/consequences for not following them.
I see now that I could have dialed 911 to report the one that was hovering over the bow of my boat gawking at my daughter’s friend’s sunbathing.
Looks like they’re not allowed to fly over people not involved with them, or in crowded places (like Zack’s Bay on a summer Sunday) and they must keep their drone within their eyesight. I doubt that the perv flying that one had it in eyesight since once he realized we were on to him it took off and was quickly out of our vision.
 
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I don’t hate drones. I think they are very cool. I have been flying RC planes for many years, long before the drones appeared. Before flying my first plane, I had to purchase AMA insurance and get a flying field permit from the county. We can only fly RC planes and helicopters at designated fields, not in public parks or near people. And, before flying solo, you have to learn from an experienced pilot with a cable connection between his remote control and the student’s remote control, allowing him to take control of the aircraft when the student loses control, which will happen many times when learning to take off, fly formations, touch and goes and landings, including dead stick landings. It can take many weeks, sometime more and sometimes less, before you are ready to take the test, to earn the permit to fly solo at the fields.

So as you can see, I have been flying RC planes long before drones became commercially available. I realize they practically fly themselves, so just about anyone can fly them. I just wish there was some control and mandatory training ensuring the drone owners understood the risk imposed on innocent bystanders and avoid invasion of privacy.

Good find JVM225. I wish I knew about the drone rules this summer. Sounds like we both dealt with the same bad apple.

Safe flying men!
 
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ttmott said:
he will promptly return the approval
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I have to admit that I chuckled a bot at this statement...

The hard copy of our pet import form arrived 2 months after we returned from a month long trip to the Abacos. LOL
 
Check out. phantompilots.com good information
 
And I just took the plunge also. Got myself a red Mavic Air with a few extra batteries and hard case. Flew it the first time yesterday, and holy crap it's amazing how far these things have come.
 
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