Which Drone?

[UFO]

I was looking at the Mavic Pro, but just heard this from another Thread:

"For what it's worth, the Mavic Pro is a very difficult drone to fly from a moving boat. I don't know whether this is unique to my drone or not, but if i try to launch when the boat is moving the motors will shut off when the drone is about 1 foot above the deck, causing it to crash. Retrieval is problematic as well since the Mavic does not have appendages to grab onto. We generally have to stop the boat and land it on deck which is very difficult unless conditions are very calm"

Anyone else have issues with the Mavic whilst sailing?

What drones can you nice people recommend?

[HopCar]

For use on a boat, I'd be looking at a Splash Drone. They can land and take off from water..
https://www.urbandrones.com/collecti...h-drone-3-auto

[cyan]

We use the DJI Phantom 3 Pro and are quite happy with it. I know it's a little old-school at this point, but I like the ability to physically grab it from below upon return. (don't hit Return Home from a moving boat, as you will achieve a water landing)

It has 4K capability, but the compression ratio is too high for a shot with detail (like sunny waves), causing visible compression artifacts. Using it in HD mode is ideal, reserving 4K only for stills.

The classic orbit shot is a necessity for shooting a moving sail boat. This takes a bit of skill on the Phantom 3, but I understand that the pricier Phantom 4 has this move built-in.

I should caution that neither DJI drone mentioned can survive a saltwater landing. The "waterproof" models may be a better bet for a boat? Dunno. All my landings were good ones so far, but wind and shrouds, forestays, backstays are all tricky. (better on a cat!)

My closest call was exceeding the range at over a mile while piloting from the shore, trying to follow our boat. 'Loss of Signal" is a bad day. Gained altitude then re-acquired, but a bit of a scare. FAA rules here require direct sight, and I would never violate the rules intentionally. Musta headed the wrong way trying to return?

[geoleo]

......crackpots and drones go together.........

[Kenomac]

We purchased a Splash Drone 3 from Urban Drones on Cyber Monday when two extra batteries were included. Expecting it to arrive on Friday. 'Looks like fun.

We also purchased the $200 accident insurance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWdJkkzClGE

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by geoleo

......crackpots and drones go together.........

All too often.

[Dave_S]

Originally Posted by HopCar

For use on a boat, I'd be looking at a Splash Drone. They can land and take off from water..
https://www.urbandrones.com/collecti...h-drone-3-auto

I don't have one yet but I am looking at the splash drone, I'm sure whatever I get will end up in the drink one day so I'll save some dollars.

[cyan]

Originally Posted by geoleo

......crackpots and drones go together.........

Here we go again.
Maybe you missed the other (super-informative) thread about drone-shooting guns?

Those of us drone "crackpots" who film our own sailboats on the open sea for those million dollar shots will need watch out for the sensitive types who might see the cool video.
Why the sore behind? Did some idiot buzz your topless girlfriend? Wasn't me. Feel free to swat at those.

I used to race with a skipper who called any guy racing a boat with a wheel instead of a tiller a "crackpot". It's a good term! (often used by crackpots)

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by cyan

Here we go again.
Maybe you missed the other (super-informative) thread about drone-shooting guns?

Those of us drone "crackpots" who film our own sailboats on the open sea for those million dollar shots will need watch out for the sensitive types who might see the cool video.
Why the sore behind? Did some idiot buzz your topless girlfriend? Wasn't me. Feel free to swat at those.

I used to race with a skipper who called any guy racing a boat with a wheel instead of a tiller a "crackpot". It's a good term! (often used by crackpots)

You self-identified! Its true that I do hate drones. I consider them all a invasion of privacy. Plus I consider the use of military drones to kill enemies a cowardly way to fight!

[cyan]

Originally Posted by geoleo

Its true that I do hate drones. I consider them all a invasion of privacy. Plus I consider the use of military drones to kill enemies a cowardly way to fight!

That's cool.
At least you have rational reasons.
How do you feel about robots?
My grandpa hates the Roomba.
Dad-gummed lazy.

[IdoraKeeper]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

We purchased a Splash Drone 3 from Urban Drones on Cyber Monday when two extra batteries were included. Expecting it to arrive on Friday. 'Looks like fun.

We also purchased the $200 accident insurance.

HoHoHo early Merry Christmas there Ken. You may not be a crackpot but there may be a "crackup" in your future
Be sure to tell how it works for you. No flying in your pajamas

[SailFastTri]

I've seen some YouTube vids that talk about how to hand catch a Mavic Pro. Basically, you need to turn off the visual position/avoidance sensors so that it doesn't move away from your hand. I haven't tried it yet. I just got my Mavic and I'm trying to get familiar with it on land first.
PS - You should read the terms of use for the DJI apps. I bought a cheap Android device with a throw-away gmail address to use with this app. That keeps my personal/business files and messages isolated from personal data derived from my DJI registration and flight data.


https://content.djiservice.org/agree...ji-go-tos.html


https://www.dji.com/policy

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by cyan

Maybe you missed the other (super-informative) thread about drone-shooting guns?

Is that really informative and do you have a link?

We are looking to get one suitable for on board and remote cruising in SE Asia.

Lots to learn

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by cyan

That's cool.
At least you have rational reasons.
How do you feel about robots?
My grandpa hates the Roomba.
Dad-gummed lazy.

Industrial robots ok just another tool- however those stupid house floor sweepers and those things you ask questions of are putrid

[cyan]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

Is that really informative and do you have a link?

We are looking to get one suitable for on board and remote cruising in SE Asia.

Lots to learn

Hi Pelagic,
Naw, I wasn't informative at all. I was snarky. My apologies.
There was a great drone thread a while back. Just like this one, some clowns showed up to a really informative discussion and stunk it up.
Here is the link. By post #17 or #21 it turns south.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-177408-2.html