Anybody build a dedicated camera boat for rough water?

[MikeOfAtlanta]

I am thinking about a boat that can handle waves for photographing surfing.

It would be used for dangerous situations in which a human swimmer could get hurt or killed.

Getting a good camera and waterhousing is the easy part. The Canon G9 and housing can take a pounding by the waves.

But what about building (or better yet, buying rtr) an RC speedboat that is watertight and can be rolled around in the surf and still come up and right itself without taking on water.


Is this something that is realistic?

I'd love to have a remote-triggered camera boat for big waves.

What do you think?

[Kmot]

I think a small, narrow surfboard outfitted with the radio electronics to control rudder and motor and the camera mounted on it would be a best choice. What else surfs the surf better than a surfboard? As for rolling up right, place enough weight in the bottom of it that it wants to always tend to roll upright.

Traxxas Corp sells waterproof servos, receiver housings, and speed controls. Other companies such as Mtroniks also sell 100% waterproof speed controls. The motor doesn't care if it gets wet. However in saltwater buy lots of spare motors and don't use high dollar versions. Just basic, and inexpensive, Speed 600 type can motors.

I think it is quite do-able.

[MILLERTIME]

Watch the video, the surfboard is RC.


http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=921071
Don M.

[mfr02]

For boats that get fully immersed, think "submarine". The submarine lads know a lot about surviving full immersion without washing all the lube out of a motor.
If the ballast is under the surfboard and the camera in an air-filled housing above, it will be very self-righting.

[MikeOfAtlanta]

I think a small, narrow surfboard outfitted with the radio electronics to control rudder and motor and the camera mounted on it would be a best choice. What else surfs the surf better than a surfboard? As for rolling up right, place enough weight in the bottom of it that it wants to always tend to roll upright.

Traxxas Corp sells waterproof servos, receiver housings, and speed controls. Other companies such as Mtroniks also sell 100% waterproof speed controls. The motor doesn't care if it gets wet. However in saltwater buy lots of spare motors and don't use high dollar versions. Just basic, and inexpensive, Speed 600 type can motors.

I think it is quite do-able.


THAT is a good idea, the surfboard. A small surfboard. Why didn't I think of that?

I'm definitely talking about saltwater. Sure, I'd test it in local ponds (in case of leakage of the motor), but I want that puppy in the ocean where it will get pounded by waves.

[tigerbay]

When reading your post, my immediate concern was power for controls. If the surf, at the point where you want the camera, is as violent as you say I think you will have a real problem directing the craft. It sounds like you will be dealing with surges of current. You may also have difficulty maintining the speed needed to keep up with the surfer, when coping with surges.
Have you taken these into consideration?

Another possible soulution you caould consider is to fly a camera in. If it is not windy a small ARTF and almost indestructable could be used. Yes it will get dunked, but as long as you can ensure the camera gets washed up you have your film. There are some lightwieght cameras now. With 2.4ghz sending pictures back, you may even be able to follow a surfer succesfuly. You will ahve the speed.
This will only work when the wind is not too high.

[MILLERTIME]

It's been done.
Watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNfwuM99mrk

It has a camera on the surfboard, it's RC.