HydroView & AquaLens, say hello to Aquabotix
How neat would it be to launch an HD-video-camera-equipped underwater ROV off your boat to check out running gear, your mooring, or just whatever the heck is down there? And wouldn't it make sense to view the results on an iPad, and even control the ROV's movements largely by tilting and turning the pad? Yes, it sounds like a megayacht toy -- and it might make a good one -- but a brand new Massachusetts company called Aquabotix is hoping for a wider market...
The 19-inch long ROV is called HydroView and while I saw its little props spinning at the Newport Boat Show, it's not quite ready to ship yet and the developers weren't yet demonstrating the iPad app. And though the screenshot below is clearly a simulation, I still think the iPad is the way to go, instead of paying for a separate monitor or awkwardly using an MFD as I did with a SplashCam Deep Blue. The HydroView basic model is set to retail for $2,995 with a pro model that can hover for more, but maybe Aquabotix can get these prices down eventually given that the controls and monitor are an app...
The company is also introducing a much simpler $795 underwater pole camera (something like this AquaCam and the Scubar series) which shares the same hydrodynamic camera pod design, built-in LED lighting, etc. It's called AquaLens and while it's cleverly designed to use your book hook as the pole, it does come with a 3.5-inch LCD screen as well as video output. In Newport, the developers were demonstrating optional pole handles so you could maneuver the AquaLens under a boat and the video output had a neat wireframe overlay that defined the size and scale of the viewing area, which is an issue with underwater cameras. My bet is that demos will get better and better as Aquabotix displays next at IBEX and then at the Fort Lauderdale Show.
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For a quick running gear inspection after hitting driftwood, I attached my waterproof Olympus Stylus camera to a boat hook, started the self timer, and aimed the camera with the boat hook. It took a few tries, but I got clear photos of both props and determined there was no need for a haul out. This camera has served us well on numerous saltwater beach and snorkeling trips without problems. The camera costs less the $200 and requires no housing.