posted 07-05-2011 02:11 PM ET (US)        

This is the first video I have taken with it and I am very impressed with the results. The camera was clamped to the masthead just below the 360 degree all-round white light.

This is also my first attempt to upload a video to YouTube.

The footage is dull and uneventful but it is good demonstration of the capabilities of the GoPro HD Hero. This camera is designed for action so the sound is not suitable for recording conversation but can record engine sound at speed in extremely high wind conditions.

It is also waterproof and I intend to use in a number of "wet" applications including bolting it to a trim tab on my boat to try to capture some close-up footage of my lower units at speed.

The variety of mountings available makes this camera useful in almost any application. My RADAR arch serves as an excellent camera mount and I will take it with me the next time I go fishing.

The best mount for use in a Whaler is (I think) the optional Handlebar/Seatpost Mount, which costs about $20. This would allow the camera to be clamped to any rail, light pole, tow bar or RADAR arch.

While not a complete Luddite, video and photography is not my forte. I still found it remarkably easy to use this camera and download, edit and upload the video. On my iMac, I just plugged the camera in with a USB cable and the video is downloaded into iTunes. Using iMovie I very easily edited this video by cutting out enough to size it down to the YouTube limits for length. I did not need to buy any additional editing software which makes this camera very economical to own and use.

I expect to bring some more interesting video from my Whaler in the near future.

posted 07-05-2011 03:15 PM ET (US)            

The limitations are:
1) No view finder. A complaint I have with many point and shoot digital cameras. Only my Canon Rebel digital SLR, still has a view finder.
2) Inability to edit on the camera.

Costco was selling a base model a few months back, I don't know if they still have it. There are variations on the base model, for your application, ie: helmet, railing, surfing, etc.

posted 07-05-2011 03:44 PM ET (US)            

I use the Go Pro Hero HD and the Contour HD. Both cameras are good. Ihave adapted both cameras for underwater use.

Here's a few slide shows of the both cameras and mounting options.

Contour HD with underwater housing.

http://s676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/Contour%20HD/?albumview=slideshow

Go Pro Hero HD with housing/mounting options ......

http://s676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Go%20Pro%20Camera/?albumview=slideshow

Both cameras can use 32 GB mini/SD cards.

Comparison ...... you can see how I have mine mounted for under water use.

http://s676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Go%20Pro%20vs%20Contour%20HD/?albumview=slideshow

Here's my first attempt shooting underwater video with my Go Pro Hero. The camera was attached to our 2nd gaff. Fishing from a friends boat.

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/5106277_5839669

These cameras offer mnay mounting options and im my humble opinion alot of bang for your buck.

Tom

posted 07-05-2011 03:48 PM ET (US)            

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Go%20Pro%20Camera/55.jpg?t=1308268491

You can fast forward or rewind using the LCD add on for your viewing and pointing pleasure.

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Go%20Pro%20Camera/56.jpg?t=1308268505

Tom

posted 07-05-2011 05:42 PM ET (US)            

(I use to work in Winslow, but office moved to Poulsbo. And I use to commute from Elliot Bay Marina to Winslow on the Montauk. Those were good days.)

Camera is quite impressive, I think I'll get one myself. Except I'll point it at the decks when I am trolling. (I hope the battery life can be extended somehow.)

posted 07-05-2011 07:05 PM ET (US)            

The higher mounting provides a good feel of boating.

posted 07-05-2011 07:53 PM ET (US)            

http://www.boatus.com/foundation/guide/navigation_7.html

Thanks for the heads up on the waterproof cameras.

posted 07-05-2011 08:21 PM ET (US)            

Who couldn't steer straight coming out of the harbor? Must have been you driving as I have faith in Kate's abilities at the helm.

Looks like you were going a million miles an hour!

And take that bimini down! It traps too much noise. We also want to see who's driving.

posted 07-05-2011 08:46 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for sharing - I enjoyed the "virtual" boat ride in the PNW and it makes me look forward to a future trip in that area with my boat!

posted 07-05-2011 10:27 PM ET (US)            

At the end of the vid, it looked like you dropped anchor. Do you have a launch, or did you wade the 50degF'ish water?

-Peter

posted 07-06-2011 12:46 AM ET (US)            

Dave Buckalew -- You should really make the trip at least once in your life and head up to British Columbia in your boat as Larry and Jim have done. I'll be in Desolation Sound in late August. Can't wait.

Jim Potdevin -- Actually, Kate and I were trading at the helm while managing RANGER, our Alsatian Boat Hound. That big yacht with the tender alongside is also named RANGER. I think our dog likes that.

I am also in the habit of motoring out from our slip to the "fairway" on one motor and just before making the turn starting the other motor, putting it in gear and shutting off the first (now warmed up) motor. If I switch from starboard to port (as I did on the 4th) the boat oversteers during the transition. How's that for an excuse ;-) Really, we did not come close to that tender at all, the camera does bring a distorted perspective as JimH notes.

Andy -- I did upload directly from YouTube from iMovie and I not have to reduce resolution but I did need to limit the length of the HD to 15 minutes. I will check out Vimeo nonetheless.

Dave Weight -- You and Chris should pay a visit. I'll return the favors shown me when I visited you guys in England. You would love it out here.

Yes, the Mills Flying Top blocks a good portion of the view but hey, it was my first video. The reality is that the flying top NEVER comes down nor does the windshield it supports. This is Puget Sound and it is never really hot and when it does get hot, I need the shade.

posted 07-06-2011 01:09 AM ET (US)            

Whether you are driving a car, operating a boat or flying a plane, in general, you yield to the right. It doesn't even matter where in Earth you are, this is a very simple and universal rule.

The first thing I do as I round the breakwater at Shilshole is immediately start scanning the area for traffic and try to get an idea of what everybody is doing and where they are all going. I picked up that runabout (visible at about 2:40) on a collision course very early on and I knew one of three things would happen:

- He would see me and make a slight course change and pass astern of me, or accelerate and pass ahead; either of which is fine by me as his wake won't interfere with me and mine won't interfere with him. I am maintaining my course and speed so it is clear to him what my intentions are.

- He would see me and not know that he needed to yield the right-of-way to me or, worse yet, think he has the right-of-way.

- He would not see me until the last minute and then yield. I am sure this is what happened here; as I was watching him, trying to figure out what he was doing, he was staring straight ahead so he would not run into anything. It was not until I entered his field of vision very clearly that he realized he needed to do something. He decided to pull back his throttle.

posted 07-06-2011 03:04 AM ET (US)            

There was a slight break in the video, so maybe mid to high forties MPH? It did look like you where covering some ground pretty quickly.

posted 07-06-2011 04:36 AM ET (US)            

There is no inherent Right of Way, rather Stand-On and Give-Way Vessels.

posted 07-06-2011 07:57 AM ET (US)            

Steering and Sailing Rules
Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
RULE 15

When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=Rule1415

Several mistakes have been made in this discussion already concerning this rule. There is no mention of "stand on" or "give way." Those terms may have been used in the past, but they are no longer mentioned. No vessel is required or encouraged to maintain its course. Also, the proper action for the vessel which is to keep out of the way is to alter her course to pass astern of the other vessel, and crossing ahead of the other vessel is explicitly mentioned to be avoided.

posted 07-06-2011 09:25 AM ET (US)         

My boat dog is named Ranger too.

posted 07-06-2011 10:17 AM ET (US)            

It is important to maintain course and speed so the other boater will know what you are doing. Changing course and speed as two boats approach one another will only lead to confusion and mistakes.

posted 07-06-2011 10:38 AM ET (US)            

Crossing situation, layman terms:

If you can see a crossing vessels red light (day or night), you need to give way.
If you see green, you have the right of way.

Most important.
Any time you are in a crossing or passing situation and you need to change course or speed, make a early and substantial change that cannot be mistaken for anything else.
Again.
Early and substantial.

You will find the passing vessel will recognize your intentions and respond appropriatly, quickly, and wave in respect and appreciation as you pass.

mkj

posted 07-06-2011 10:59 AM ET (US)            

Its such a big ocean out there even in a relatively small bay but it seems at times more dangerous then a road way for some. Many times I have had to pull back even though I have had the right of way because my gut feeling tells me they are not really in control like the person you encountered that day. Although we are right at times I still think that safety is first if I have to slow down or even stop or alter my route which is not best for the old gas tank I just do it. In your situation you clearly felt you were in control and proceeded and there is nothing wrong with that imo.

posted 07-06-2011 12:55 PM ET (US)            

As I recall, and without undertaking a long search into legal archives, there used to be such language in some navigation rules. The current rules are the ones in effect, and they're the rules that apply to conduct of vessels in sight of one another.

There is no notion in the rules that any vessel is relieved of taking action to avoid collision. If the other vessel doesn't alter course, you still have to alter course to avoid collision.

It is very prudent in any encounter with another vessel to make clear and obvious alterations of course. Subtle course and speed changes have led to many collisions, often assisted by RADAR and other enhancements. The collision between the STOCKHOLM and ANDREA DORIA comes to mind. In fact, not only are clear and obvious course changes a good idea, as some suggest, they are mandatory under the rules. Here is the applicable rule, with emphasis added:

----------------------------------------------------

RULE 8: ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION

(a)Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the Rules of this Part and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

(b)Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided.

Cite: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=Rule08

posted 07-06-2011 02:39 PM ET (US)            

If you get confused as to who has right-of-way in a crossing situation simply ask yourself "which color navigation light do I see?". Red = stop, green = go, and either stand on of give way as appropriate.

Common sense is the rule, and always assume the other boat doesn't have any.

posted 07-07-2011 12:57 AM ET (US)            

Straightforward clear explanations and advise...always

Thank you.

posted 07-07-2011 09:12 AM ET (US)            

I have noticed that the wording of the actual rules is often much simpler and certainly much shorter than the interpretations and explanations that are offered as aids in understanding the rules. In my mind, the best source of information on the navigation rules is the actual rule themselves. They are concise and written in a simple style.

posted 07-07-2011 10:03 AM ET (US)            

Here's the explantion.

http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Abc/inland.pdf

You change from inland to international rules of the road when you pass seaward or inshore of the Colregs Demarcation Line as displayed on your charts.

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Homeport%202010/Colregs.jpg?t=1310047099

The GoPro and Contour cameras are great. Look for some more software modifications to both cameras in the near future.

GoPro on the Pamilco Sound. The camera was mounted on my fore head using the helmet strap mount.

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/5106277_5775964

posted 07-07-2011 12:40 PM ET (US)            

Great little video, Tom, but it gave me a touch of mal de mer sitting in front of my computer. Wish I had been there.

posted 07-08-2011 12:13 PM ET (US)            

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/5106277_5844624

Enjoy .....

Tom