Back Up Camera

[miboatnutz]

Just curious. Has anyone considered using a back up camera for video monitoring during stern to maneuvers while docking?

We crunched our swim platform Saturday while backing into the slip (for the record I was not piloting the boat at the time) and if the helmsman could have seen where the back end of the boat was going, I'm sure he would have successfully avoided it.

In all fairness to him it was really bad weather with variable wind conditions and a gust of wind blew the boat to one side of the slip and then the platform caught the piling.

Had a spotter on the stern but apparently helmsman couldn't hear her yelling.

We're going to start using two way radios for spotter/helmsman but was thinking video would be good as well. I'm going to do video for the engine rooms for sure but was thinking a rear back up camera could be helpful for docking and underway to see who's coming up from behind.

 

[Pascal]

If using a spotter, he or she needs to be very precise and call distances with clear instructions

Stern cams are great as long as the screen is large enough to see what’s going on. A little 8” plotter screen is useless. You also need a camera with a lense wide enough to show both corners and then some.

At the lower helm you can probably easily use a computer monitor or flat screen Tv which will give you a good view. Doesn’t have to be daylight readable.

We have 4 Axis cameras on the boat I run hooked to a PC at the helm (enclosed FB) with a cheap computer monitor. Works pretty well Axis Cams aren’t cheap though.

 

[Photolomy]

Regarding the two-way radio part, use something like this...

http://www.eartec.com/ultralitepg1.html

Made a world of difference.

 

[Boatsb]

Axis makes great cameras and some even have mic inputs. I sell them into all kinds of uses. Some have PTZ. Some high speed (120 FPS).

The important thing to know about them is they have intelligence. They can guard perimeters, track sounds, record events and notify you of it. The recorders they use are matched to the needs.

I can put multiple cameras on a screen. Even using the newer MFDs. As a backup camera they can also switch the POV to work as expected or back to normal for other needs.

 

[Scarlett]

2nd the Ear Tech, great system, saves marriages. John

 

[JD5652]

Here's one of the systems I'm considering...

https://www.rearviewsafety.com/hd-360-camera-system-with-built-in-dvr-rvs-77555.html

 

[R D Young]

For cameras, I used these guys: https://www.gwsecurityusa.com/ The system has been in for three years and no problems. I have three for backup, one in engine room and one in gen room. Trying to figure where to put one in bow area. They are POE (power over ethernet) so just one Cat 5 cable from the controller/recorder to each of the cameras and one line to the monitor. You can get Pan/Tilt/ Zoom, but can't see fussing with that when trying to dock. I have a 24" screen in Pilot House with split screen and can finally what I am going to hit or who is sneaking aboard to steal my good stuff, and can also connect through IP address/wifi if necessary with alarms, etc.

They are in Southern California and keep a good inventory. Of course, it's all Chinese, but the quality is fine and even the instructions are understandable, as well as the phone tech support. I spent less than $1,000 for the whole package. Send me a note if you want more details.