Remote WiFi Security Cam for Boat

[kurt.reynolds]

I got a YI Dome Camera off amazon and set it on boat today. Could not be happier. Less than $60, simple setup. I am in the airport in Baltimore checking out my boat at home. Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

By the way the night vision is incredible. With no lights on at night, the camera looks as clear as during the day.

Kurt

[fryedaze]

Check this out! If you have an old cell phone, here is a no cost option. Down load the app on two devices and you have a webcam. Pretty neat idea for those old phones lying around.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ivuu

[fryedaze]

Originally Posted by angus99

Amazing. Would you post your experience/satisfaction once you’ve installed?

Thanks!

Here are nite and day pics. Cams installed yesterday. Install was very easy. Just set up in cabin and on bridge to test. They will be mounted in the opposite corner of the ER. You just swipe the screen to pan and tilt. No zoom on camera but you can pinch the screen. They rotate 355 degrees. The wind is blowing 35 here. The camera mic is picking up the halyard slap from near by sailboats.

[angus99]

Originally Posted by fryedaze

Here are nite and day pics. Cams installed yesterday. Install was very easy. Just set up in cabin and on bridge to test. They will be mounted in the opposite corner of the ER. You just swipe the screen to pan and tilt. No zoom on camera but you can pinch the screen. They rotate 355 degrees. The wind is blowing 35 here. The camera mic is picking up the halyard slap from near by sailboats.

Thanks, Dave. Like Jack Aubrey said, what a fascinating modern age we live in.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by fryedaze

The camera mic is picking up the halyard slap from near by sailboats.

Bolt cutters will fix that...

Anyway, thanks for posting! I'm going to look seriously at a camera like that. I bet it would be handy underway to keep an eye on the ER, too.

[angus99]

I’m installing an Iris sysyem on our boat to keep track of temps, humidity, water leaks, intruders and, hopefully, SOC. I checked with Iris technical support and they say cameras other than the ones they sell don’t work with the second gen Iris system. (I’ll probably try one anyway, because my BS sensor was starting to twitch.) Getting push notices and having lights turn on when the camera activates—all through the same app—would be a great solution.

[Hamrow]

Originally Posted by kurt.reynolds

I got a YI Dome Camera off amazon and set it on boat today. Could not be happier. Less than $60, simple setup. I am in the airport in Baltimore checking out my boat at home. Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

By the way the night vision is incredible. With no lights on at night, the camera looks as clear as during the day.

Kurt

Kurt,
that Yi camera looks pretty good. I'm wondering if this can be setup at any random marina where you you have wi-fi but don't directly control the router? and also do you have a boat internal wi-fi network?

[mod45]

I've got a good, easy and flexible setup if you're willing to invest about $500.

I use the Netgear Arlo Pro wireless cameras (now on version 2). They use rechargeable batteries, so they are completely wireless. I bought a kit that includes 3 cameras and a basestation that includes an alarm. The cameras only stream when you view them from the app or when they detect motion. I've found battery life to be 2-3 months, depending on how frequently they are triggered or viewed.

They are completely wireless, so I position them depending on my needs. One stays in the cabin, but I have moved it throughout to keep an eye on leaks or AC temps. One stays in the engine room, which has saved me twice while away from the boat for stuck pumps. I keep one at the helm pointed aft to capture anyone boarding the boat and most of the cockpit. The motion detection is very good with minimal false alarms. The cameras are also night vision capable so you can leave lights off.

On the networking side, I use a semi-fancy router for various reasons, but you can buy a cheaper one for $50 bucks. I also bought a Verizon Mifi modem that I use for connectivity, with marina wifi as a failover. It's an extra 10 bucks a month on my phone bill.

This setup got me through Hurricane Irma when we lost power at the marina, I was able to keep an eye on things until it was restored. I check on the boat frequently and the motion detection alerts me as to when service techs arrive and finish. If you want something more serious for security, you can have the alarm sound when it detects motion.

Some of the big sportfishers in the marina have 6-12 camera setups with DVRs akin to commercial security setups. They cost thousands and IMO don't match this in terms of flexibility and cost.

[aboatman]

A security system that relies on someone else's equipment or services (a marina's Wi-Fi system) can't really be counted on as a security system. I know in my case, my marina's Wi-Fi is down as often as it is up. When travelling, I end up using my own Verizon hot spot as often as a transient marina's system because of speed or reliability.

If you want a reliable system, you should leave the marina out of the loop and use equipment and services that you control. In my experience, Verizon has the best coverage in the USA but it's also the most expensive.

So - if you can connect everything to a Verizon hot spot and the cost isn't an issue, I would think that's the way to go.

[51zulu]

If you have an extra iphone, download the Manything app. The old phone is set up as your camera and your newer phone is the viewer. It works over wifi or data, your choice. It sends you notifications if there is any movement or noises on the boat, you set how sensitive you want it to be. You can remotely switch between front and back camera on the phone as well as turn on the phones light. You can even talk through the phone, if you want to yell at the otters or seagulls!!