Engine Room Camera

[62cruiserinc]

This months Boat US magazine had an article on engine room camera installation. I like the idea of having one, so I want to install one. The article said to make sure the camera is Coast Guard approved for non-ignition of gas vapors.

An internet search shows that most people just used a car rear-view camera and monitor. You can get these cheap on the net versus an approved camera alone costing many times more.

I don't think there will be any problems using a car rear view setup, what do you guys think?

Steve

 

[alldodge]

Using a non-approved camera may never cause an issue ever, but if it ever does even once, I wouldn't want to be the reason for it happening or be near it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I dont understand why you would need an engine room camera. without lighting, you would be looking at a black or near black screen. unless you would have a fire you wouldnt see anything unless you had a light on, then what are you trying to look at?

 

[mr 88]

I dont understand why you would need an engine room camera. without lighting, you would be looking at a black or near black screen. unless you would have a fire you wouldnt see anything unless you had a light on, then what are you trying to look at?

This ^ Unless you have a 40-45+ cruiser with a walk in engine compartment IMHO is a complete waste of money and time to install. Gauges will tell you more by glancing at them the a camera will. By the time the engine starts smoking its already cooked, The water temp gauge climbing alone will show you the engine starting to have issues before it starts smoking. But its your money and time,knock yourself out with a USCG approved unit or not. Going the "not " route may allow you to see a spark coming from the camera and igniting the boat before you jump overboard !

 

[Grub54891]

We have installed engine room cameras, Not exactly walk in engine rooms, but twin diesels. They have night vision, or infrared. When the engines room lights are turned on you can see pretty darn good. In one case the freshwater hose developed a leak, after the pump, and was spraying water all over, Owner saw it right away, and shut down and patched it up with rescue tape till he could get back to port. No damage to engine. So sometimes they are a good thing to have, but in a smaller space, not so much.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, how about a smoke sniffer instead. At least you can just listen for it, and keep your eyes on the waves, other boats, gas gauge, tach, navigation device etc.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Going the "not " route may allow you to see a spark coming from the camera and igniting the boat before you jump overboard !

not sure you can out-run the flame front.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Sounds like a pretty borin' tv show,.....