Technology helps keep an eye on our boat and her surroundings.

Capt. Joe · 11-07-2017, 07:07 AM

We are living ashore for the winter but thanks to technology, we can still feel as if we're on our #IceBound boat on the Bobcaygeon River. This is one of our webcams on the boat, looking east, up toward the bay where our summer marina is: Sunrise and Morning pictures.
Webcams upload during daylight hours @ CruisingDog WebCam

BandB · 11-07-2017, 02:01 PM

We've been using webcams for security purposes in addition to alarms etc. Being able to see is just very valuable to me, especially if boat is a long distance.

**Larry M** · 11-07-2017, 04:38 PM

Nice quality! Do you mind sharing what you are using/install?

Airstream345 · 11-07-2017, 04:39 PM

I'm interested as well. Curious about wifi onboard to make this all work over the inter-tubes.

BandB · 11-07-2017, 07:33 PM

I remember a company years ago trying to talk us into cameras in our conference rooms so our NY office and our NC office could conference and see each other. The proposal was a super deal for only $140,000 total. We said "no." Now here we are and everyone has $50 web cams that do a great job and use free or inexpensive software. It hit me recently watching two three year olds just talking away through skype. They now consider themselves cousins and chat once a week or so when their parents will arrange it. We just watched and smiled at what we take for granted. Our three year old niece gets upset now if we're on the phone and she can't see us and wants us to get on camera.

That brings us to security for your boat and checks on various parts of it. Inexpensive set ups that were horribly expensive a short time ago.

Fletcher500 · 11-07-2017, 08:52 PM

Agree, overall this technology is a good thing, but I am sure glad I grew up without it.

Capt. Joe · 11-08-2017, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry M

Nice quality! Do you mind sharing what you are using/install?

I use off the shelf cheap webcams in a weather proof box. You can either build the enclosure or buy it online. May need a cooling fan and/or heat, depending on where you are using it.
The cam you referred to as "Nice quality" is a Microsoft LifeCam Studio (the forward looking one) the other looking aft is a Microsoft LifeCam HD 3000.
The quirk of the MS LifeCams is an issue with auto focus in cold weather (keep it manual, works good at #3 setting) and white balance if a high intensity light hits the lens at night (turn it to manual).
If you have unlimited data use, you can livestream as well of course.

**Larry M** · 11-08-2017, 05:29 PM

Thanks!

LaBomba · 11-08-2017, 09:42 PM

I use two Arlo Pro HD cameras and a base made by Arlo, they are totally wireless and my batteries lasted almost 9 months before recharging. The system has an IOS APP which can be used to arm or disarm, talk to people seen on the camera, sends alerts and emails to your phone upon motion. I am really impressed with them.

Capt. Joe · 11-09-2017, 08:22 AM

I see you are in Beaverton, do you keep the boat here in Ontario? Your boat looks familiar, a fellow surveyor Wallace Gouk had a Great Lakes 33 a while back.

LaBomba · 11-09-2017, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Joe

I see you are in Beaverton, do you keep the boat here in Ontario? Your boat looks familiar, a fellow surveyor Wallace Gouk had a Great Lakes 33 a while back.

Capt, yes it is in Beaverton and we actually live in Bobcaygeon. There were only 29 made and there are at least 3 or 4 in Ontario that I know of.