side view mirrors?

skagit_orca · Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 3:12 pm Post subject: side view mirrors?

does anyone have side view mirrors on their boat?
I saw an older Osprey with side-view mirrors and I thought it looked like a good idea (given the blind spots on our style boats.)

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 5:47 pm Post subject:

Not a bad idea for a ski boat but with already limited forward visibility (at least for usn's that have stuff (radar/chartplotter/etc.) already in the line of sight) it's only gonna take more of the forward view away.

It cannot take the place of turning around frequently and looking for another boat overtaking you. A mirror will always have blind spots, even if it's mounted just right and there's enough of them. If you try it, I'd recommend a temporary mounting (or mountings) to test functionality/visibility!

If you try it and like it, post pictures!

For those gadgeteers out there, there are little color cameras that could be mounted aft to put a picture on a laptop (or other LCD screen). Wow! there's an idea....

Charlie

skagit_orca · Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 10:02 am Post subject: rear-virew mirrors

The one I saw was actually mounted on the bow rail out the starboard window. Since I have the extended cabin with the full shower/bathroom it makes seeing aft port side a challenge on a busy day, so I was thinking out the port window to get back some of that blind spot: http://www.buccella.com/boat

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:27 am Post subject:

Would be nice to not appreciably alter the looks of the boat nor put a mirror in a place that would make going forward to the bow awkward or catch on things because it extended outward from the hull, etc. I can't tell from your photos, but could you put a curved mirror up under the brow overhang on the forward port side that wouldn't otherwise block your view and still stay basically totally out of the way? Joe.

skagit_orca · Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:56 am Post subject:

That's a great idea!

See, this is what the internet is good for; where people with similar interests can come together and share stuff. I thank you.

C-Otter · Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 4:24 pm Post subject:

I have sideview mirrors on my Angler and they are one
of the best things on the boat. The blind spot on the port side easy to turn into someone.

I took two RV mirrors, the kind with rubber straps that slip over the pickup mirrors and was able to screw them to the port and starboard windshield posts. They are about 4"by 6" and very adjustable. Besides seeing what's behind me I can also watch my downriggers when fishing. They are black which is my boat color and look neat.

Sorry I do not have the means or smarts to post pictures.

Jack on Sea Otter.