What's the best Drone for boating?

Rob, do you hand catch yours? with my Breeze, i would launch/land on bow deck.. that was sketchy.. plan on practicing hand with the M2P

I don't have the balls to try and catch it … The one particular instance I debated ditching on the beach …. But made one last shot into the cockpit of buddys boat. It was a bad day and bad place to attempt this for the first time. Lesson learned.
 
I imagine you'll eventually have to have liability insurance for drones in the US. Especially if you've taken steps to get licensed and make money with the drone (maybe that's already a thing?).

you do. I had to get the FAA 107 license, register and have to get commercial UAV insurance if flying for profit. have not gotten the ins yet, dont need for personal use... YET! Will be using for construction photo/videos integrating virtual design models and real-time construction overlays.

Let me ask this... was thinking of having a sign made for when we are at the sandbars for pics/video of your boat. Email to you. collect cash or paypal. Pay the income tax though my business but also could I write off the fuel for the day? ...think I can
 
you do. I had to get the FAA 107 license, register and have to get commercial UAV insurance if flying for profit. have not gotten the ins yet, dont need for personal use... YET! Will be using for construction photo/videos integrating virtual design models and real-time construction overlays.

Let me ask this... was thinking of having a sign made for when we are at the sandbars for pics/video of your boat. Email to you. collect cash or paypal. Pay the income tax though my business but also could I write off the fuel for the day? ...think I can

I see plenty of drones at our local raft-up spots. They are all, interestingly, flying over people just about the entire time. I assume you'd give up your license if the FAA ever found you were charging for services while violating one of the operating requirements? No clue...just guessing.

Your scenario also opens another interesting quagmire regarding privacy. If someone is in their boat and can demonstrate some reasonable expectation of privacy....yer gonna have more trouble.
 
you do. I had to get the FAA 107 license, register and have to get commercial UAV insurance if flying for profit. have not gotten the ins yet, dont need for personal use... YET! Will be using for construction photo/videos integrating virtual design models and real-time construction overlays.

Let me ask this... was thinking of having a sign made for when we are at the sandbars for pics/video of your boat. Email to you. collect cash or paypal. Pay the income tax though my business but also could I write off the fuel for the day? ...think I can

Many Realtors got in trouble for doing drone pictures and video without license because it is commercial. The property owner cannot even make their own private pics and have their Realtor use them without violating the laws.

My belief is you privately likely have some liability insurance coverage from your homeowners insurance, but if it is remotely commercial you do not.

MM
 
Your scenario also opens another interesting quagmire regarding privacy. If someone is in their boat and can demonstrate some reasonable expectation of privacy....yer gonna have more trouble.

You have the right to privacy indoors only. Nowhere else. This is very settled law.

MM
 
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.
 
ttmott, be careful in the Bahamas now with the drone. You have to get an import permit (imagine that, more fees.)

There have been reports that drones have been confiscated without the permit.
Understand, Thanks!
 
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.
How do you real time stream to a TV / Smart TV / Laptop?
 
How do you real time stream to a TV / Smart TV / Laptop?

Unfortunately you can’t see the video in full quality while flying. Only in playback. The real time video broadcast from the drone is compressed 720p
 
ttmott, be careful in the Bahamas now with the drone. You have to get an import permit (imagine that, more fees.)
There have been reports that drones have been confiscated without the permit.
The process - The Bahamian requirement is to first register the drone with the US FAA (assuming you are a US citizen) then submit a request and receive permission to use the drone in the Bahamas. It's not a complicated process; FAA registration is 5 minutes online and $5 fee then an email with the data to the Bahamian Aviation Safety Official, he will promptly return the approval for the use of the drone.
When clearing in by boat there seems no requirement to declare the drone nor obtain any additional permissions.
 
To avoid taking this thread in a different direction, I will just say like some others have said, I have no issue with drones, well maybe a little, but if I am on my boat, keep it far away from me!

This summer at one of our favorite anchorages on Long Island (Sore Thumb), an ahole on a boat anchored close to my boat, decided to fly his drone right near and maybe 10’ over the stern of my boat, with some of my friends in the water and he screams over to us to “smile and say hello”. I kind of lost it and started sceaming at this ahole to get his fing toy away from us. I know unlike RC airplanes and helicopters, these drones practically fly themselves, but they can still do damage to a person. And, if I wanted someone filming my friends and me, I would hire someone! Woops, I guess I said a little more than planned. Rant over.... back to the best drone discussion.
 
Summary so far:
DJI product? definitely.

Spark ($360) - Probably the most economical entry level drone but most likely will need to upgrade sooner than later for more range, camera performance, and features to "grow into". Limited piloting capabilities. Very Portable

Mavic Air ($700) - Next level up from the Spark and entry level drone. Great camera and lens features with 3 axis gimbal. Good range and battery duration maximum 21 minutes. Forward, rear, and down proximity sensors. Very Portable

Mavic Pro ($1000) - 12MP camera

Mavic Pro Platinum ($1000, special deal) - 4db quieter than the other Mavic drones. 12MP camera

Mavic 2 Zoom ($1250) - Greater battery duration - 31 minutes max. Great camera with optical zoom. 1080p video transmission. Very Portable

Mavic 2 Pro ($1500) - Hasselblad Camera - the best.

Phantom series ($$$$) - More drone than what I'm looking for.
 
To avoid taking this thread in a different direction, I will just say like some others have said, I have no issue with drones, well maybe a little, but if I am on my boat, keep it far away from me!

This summer at one of our favorite anchorages on Long Island (Sore Thumb), an ahole on a boat anchored close to my boat, decided to fly his drone right near and maybe 10’ over the stern of my boat, with some of my friends in the water and he screams over to us to “smile and say hello”. I kind of lost it and started sceaming at this ahole to get his fing toy away from us. I know unlike RC airplanes and helicopters, these drones practically fly themselves, but they can still do damage to a person. And, if I wanted someone filming my friends and me, I would hire someone! Woops, I guess I said a little more than planned. Rant over.... back to the best drone discussion.

I think that creepy A hole spent some time in Zacks Bay this summer too.
You want to fly your voyeur toy around, I’m fine with that, but don’t hover that thing anywhere near my boat.
Seriously thinking of getting myself a BB gun and bringing it along on the boat to make my point next time.
I’d like to use the 9mm instead, but that might cause a bit of a ruckus.........
 
i do and dont understand the "dont fly around me" mentality.

but then i recognize others with BIG binoculars, Big SLR cameras and lenses and even our phone cameras today have quite the zoom. ...not to mention big brother in the sky and atmosphere.

is the issue because you hear and see your being looked at? ...easier if you dont know?

just wondering...

I plan to use mine boating and legally solicit boating aerial photography through my business.
As a FAA107 pilot I will make sure not to infringe upon anyone as best i can.
I assure you and everyone else I am not that guy to buzz your boat unwarranted.

Some of my most fond aerial pictures are at the sandbar!! i bet you would love some shot..if you had the opportunity.

** practiced hand catching the new M2P... no problem! cant wait for our Keys trip after Christmas!
 
I think that creepy A hole spent some time in Zacks Bay this summer too.
You want to fly your voyeur toy around, I’m fine with that, but don’t hover that thing anywhere near my boat.
Seriously thinking of getting myself a BB gun and bringing it along on the boat to make my point next time.
I’d like to use the 9mm instead, but that might cause a bit of a ruckus.........
Is there a point you two are trying to make to me on this?
 
Is there a point you two are trying to make to me on this?
Lol! I think drones are great for certain things.
In this context, I was specifically agreeing and expanding on Dani-Lu’s post.
My response was meant to express my feelings about those pervy drone operators who get off on hovering close to stranger’s boats, particularly ones with young women in bathing suits, and filming them for deposit in to the spank bank for later use. In other words, a modern day technology enabled “Peeping Tom”.
In my book, those people are half a step away from lurking in bushes while peering in a window and wacking their carrots.
Really sick!
 
I think that creepy A hole spent some time in Zacks Bay this summer too.
You want to fly your voyeur toy around, I’m fine with that, but don’t hover that thing anywhere near my boat.
Seriously thinking of getting myself a BB gun and bringing it along on the boat to make my point next time.
I’d like to use the 9mm instead, but that might cause a bit of a ruckus.........
As much as I believe it your right to do so, don't even think of trying to shoot down a drone. It is a federal crime and treated like shooting down any other aircraft.
 
Lol! I think drones are great for certain things.
In this context, I was specifically agreeing and expanding on Dani-Lu’s post.
My response was meant to express my feelings about those pervy drone operators who get off on hovering close to stranger’s boats, particularly ones with young women in bathing suits, and filming them for deposit in to the spank bank for later use. In other words, a modern day technology enabled “Peeping Tom”.
In my book, those people are half a step away from lurking in bushes while peering in a window and wacking their carrots.
Really sick!
I get it; are you guys reiterating a point for some readers/members here? - Don't see the value added for what this thread is about....
 
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I get it; are you guys reiterating a point for some readers/members here? - Don't see the value added for what this thread is about....

Lol! Great clip. Kelly’s Heroes was a funny movie
 
As much as I believe it your right to do so, don't even think of trying to shoot down a drone. It is a federal crime and treated like shooting down any other aircraft.

Lol!
I know. Amazing, isn’t it? We had that discussion on the boat this summer after being spied on by some lowlife perv.
I’m sure the FBI will get right on the case of the crazy BB gun guy shooting down a peeping tom’s toy drone right after they catch the guy who pulls the tags off his furniture.
On a serious note:
Like with most otherwise good things, a few people wind up abusing them and ruining it for everyone else.
I think the time is coming when they will put so many rules and restrictions in place for them that most people will wind up finding a different past time.
 

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