Suitable Boat Kits for autonomous missions

Posted by Nichon on September 7, 2015 at 8:22pm

Hi,

I've been searching the net the past few days to search for a suitable boat that i can fit a pixhawk and 3-4 gopros for a project.  Do you folks have any to recommend?

I dont really have the tools, equipment to custom build a boat from scratch that's why i have to buy kits where i only have to do minor customisation to fit whatever i need.

Anyone successful in fitting gimbals on boats as well?

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Replies

  • Enno Bokkels November 13, 2015 at 11:06am
    @AntimatterCrusader, I like the kayak! How have you made the electric outboard steerable and which type/make did you use?

    Thanks
  • AntimatterCrusader September 24, 2015 at 9:44pm

    Costco has children's (6') kayaks for $100. They work great! Plenty of space to work, cheap, and tough. 

    You might also check out mozziecraft: http://www.mozziecraftrcboats.com/ awesome stuff there too!

    Here is my Kayak boat: https://youtu.be/vO02ZKyCv48

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    • Flying Buddha > AntimatterCrusader October 22, 2015 at 7:37am

      Very nice! Thanks for sharing. I've built several ardupilot planes, copters and one rover over the years. I'm thinking of building a boat next. Would you mind sharing the steering servo you used? I'm unsure of the torque needed to handle the thrust of a trolling motor.

      I've also been looking for a good size boat to put everything, but cant seem to find anything suitable. Like your kayak, I have a small canoe that I'm going to retrofit.

    • AntimatterCrusader > Flying Buddha October 26, 2015 at 1:22pm

      I ended up changing the design to use a rudder instead of turning the trolling motor - as it did strip out servos, even large scale ones. 

      I'll post some pictures of my setup here later, when I get home. 

  • Nichon September 8, 2015 at 9:10am

    Thanks everyone for the input! 

    I've ordered a Princess RC boat from hobbyking as a start to learn and understand what i will be dealing with.  This is my first time on an RC boat after spending a considerable amount of time with planes and copters.  The princess might not be able to fit that many gopros. i am considering going for smaller camera sizes like gopro sessions!

    I am still trying to figure out how to fit the pixhawk in the compartment!

    • Nichon September 8, 2015 at 9:13am

      For now, Lakes/streams relatively calm waters

      Sea and ocean not so soon.

      cheers

      nic

    • David Boulanger > Nichon September 8, 2015 at 9:37am

      Nichon,

      I will take a picture of my current camera turret and gimbal this afternoon and post it with an explanation of why it is built the way it is.

      Regards,

      David R. Boulanger

  • This reply was deleted.
    • David Boulanger September 8, 2015 at 7:49am

      Nichon,

      It sounds like it is going to be some type of camera ship.  If your looking to carry 3 or 4 Gopro cameras plus gimbals I would recommend some type of catamaran.  You will need a good deal of deck space for the gimbals and some type of water resistant housing for them.  With all that weight on deck I would be afraid a monohull would be very tender and unstable unless it carried some type of ballasted keel.  Just my thoughts.

      Regards,

      David R. Boulanger

  • David Boulanger September 8, 2015 at 4:02am

    Nichon,

    I can't think of any kit off the top of my head that's easy to build and customize.  I am using a Tarot 2D gimbal now with good results. 

    Regards,

    David R. Boulanger

    • Nichon > David Boulanger September 8, 2015 at 9:10am

      Is your tarot 2d gimbal on a boat as well?

      Can you share some pictures on how you keep it dry and how u placed everything?

      thanks!

This reply was deleted.