Flush mounted camera

[larsoslo]

I've been playing with the thought of adding a flush mounted camera to the bow. It would be a cool effect to show the way ahead on the TV in the salon, and it would cure some of my paranoia when leaving the helm for a minute while on open waters. I was thinking of making a hole, filling it with glued on plexiglass and put a GoPro or equivalent camera behind it. Does anyone have any idea about how to do this?

 

[electricaldoctor]

Go for it!! You must have crossed everything on your wish list to want to undertake a project like this. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm afraid that my dock mates would have me fitted for a straight jacket it I even suggested doing this. They already question my saniity, but this would definitely remove all doubt.

 

[copb8tx]

I'm not thinking cutting a hole in your hull for a camera window is going to add much value at resale time! :smt009

 

[Bob & Sue]

Have you thought about how to run power to the wiper blade you'll need?:grin:

 

[Billfletcher]

someone started a thread about cameras awhile back. I have a ray marine camera looking aft. I can tell you, for me, it was a waste of money and I rarely use it. But if you you are looking for a project, it may be a fun one to do.

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

I've been playing with the thought of adding a flush mounted camera to the bow. It would be a cool effect to show the way ahead on the TV in the salon, and it would cure some of my paranoia when leaving the helm for a minute while on open waters. I was thinking of making a hole, filling it with glued on plexiglass and put a GoPro or equivalent camera behind it. Does anyone have any idea about how to do this?

I am thinking either mount it behind the windshield, or up on a radar arch if you have one. I would definitely NOT cut a hole in the hull for a camera for so many reasons I can't count them all, but structural integrity, water tightness, wiring issues come to mind pretty quickly. If you need some things to do on a 270, you can come to Maryland and work on mine. I still have a few projects to finish. :smt043

Bryan

 

[Lazy Daze]

You'll likely have a limited forward view with it mounted so low. Plus, since you can't/shouldn't mount it directly in the centerline of the boat as I can't imagine that would be good integrity, you'd have to mount it port or starboard. Which, of course, limits your view to only one side of the boat.

GoPro's communicate wirelessly with smartphones, don't they? Just use a motorcycle handlebar mount and mount the camera (in it's waterproof box) on the bow rail when you want to use it. I don't know how far away the GoPro can still communicate with a phone, but I'm sure that info is available.

 

[Riptide III]

Why not mount it to or in a spotlight? Then you can pan.

 

[mj_duell]

Why not mount it to or in a spotlight? Then you can pan.

^^ This ^^ ... Great idea.

 

[electricaldoctor]

Don't take me too serious here, but leaving the helm unattended to go down below to watch where you are going on your TV or for any other reason for that matter?? hmmm?? What's next ... operating your boat with remote control while in the head and monitoring it on your i-pad? Sounds like another well thought out project. Buckle up!! Go for it and let us know how that works out.

 

[Bucit]

C'Mon, That's a ****ty idea. :grin:

 

[larsoslo]

Sanity was never the trait that got me, and kept me, boating. I am still intrigued by the idea of seeing the waters ahead down in the cabin, but you're all making some valid points about making new holes in the boat. Chances are something new breaks down before I can actually start this project. It always happens.

 

[Boat Guy]

I guess cameras serve their purpose.

But, if I was going to put a camera on my boat, I'd put one in the bilge first.