FPB 78-1 Cochise: Our Dream Machine

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You are looking at one of the highs of the cruising lifestyle. Being anchored in crystal clear water with a lovely beach nearby.

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The view is a little different.

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These are drone photos.

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Drones have quickly migrated from the when we-get-around-to-it list to the category of essential gear.

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These shots are the work of the current owners of Deerfoot 2-62 Moonshadow, Deb and John Rodgers.

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John brought the drone aboard for a demo in Musket Cove.

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We have a good take-off deck in the lee of the Matrix deck.

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Deb usually catches the drone when it comes in for a landing.

A great cruising tool.


Posted by Steve Dashew  (October 6, 2016)




14 Responses to “FPB 78-1 Cochise: Our Dream Machine”

  1. Michael Seng Says:

    I had wondered when you would get around to utilizing a drone to get anchorage shots. They make much more rugged and water resistant models that might be able to keep up with you while moving. Enjoy! Cochise looks fantastic! Well earned.


  2. Warren Cottis Says:

    Would you suggest some models, Michael?


  3. TheShaz Says:

    You might want to try 360 video for showing off the inside.

    Can’t wait for the drone video to be posted.

    I gotta fess up. I have dreamed of being in a FPB @ Fatu Hiva, you know which bay. 🙂

    Sitting here on the west coast of Florida watching Matthew tear up the east coast. Enjoyed the last post on Preparation. Stay safe to those on the east coast.


  4. Steve Dashew Says:

    That would be Hanavave, one of the most beautiful anchorages in the world. And a perfect place for a drone. See John and Deb Rodgers web site – http://saillegacy.blogspot.com/2016_05_01_archive.html – for examples.


  5. John Rogers Says:

    We have drone videos of Hanavave, or the Bay of Virgins on our South Pacific Videos page here: http://saillegacy.blogspot.com/p/cruising-videos.html

    Thanks again Steve for the wonderful time aboard Cochise!


  6. Shannon(TheShaz) Says:

    That was great video of Hanavave.

    Definitely on my Bucket List.


  7. Scott Evangelista Says:

    Buy the sun shade for the drone screen if you use the iPad. It makes a huge difference. The range extenders work well too. Very simple concave sleeves that fit the antennae

    Great pictures


  8. Steve Dashew Says:

    Thanks Scott:
    We are open to all suggestions. Having no prior experience, we are looking for all the input we can get!


  9. David Says:

    If it were mine I’d specify double the solar panels on the matrix deck roof, thought I respect Steve’s desire to keep the weight off there. Looks like two more panels could have fit above the great room but they’d be shaded quite often. Those panels could be put on a separate circuit so they don’t bring the whole array down in shade and the whole array could be on a sliding plane that could slide out while on anchor – a side effect would be to provide shade over the front glazing.

    LOVE the aerial shots. Would love to read more detail about all the running details of that fantastic ship.


  10. Steve Dashew Says:

    Hi David:
    Wait until you see what is going to occur with the FPB 70.


  11. Warren Cottis Says:

    Excellent shots… which Drone did you buy Steve?


  12. Steve Dashew Says:

    Hi Warren,
    No drone purchases yet. Just researching and looking for suggestions.


  13. Shannon(TheShaz) Says:

    DJI Phantom 4 – I think from your picture above it was the Phantom 3 you had on board. The Phantom 4 is very easy to fly and for its capabilities the price isn’t too bad. It looks just like the Phantom 3, but the battery/flight time, camera capabilities and software have been improved.


  14. Rob Says:

    Hi Steve,

    Not speaking from personal experience unfortunately, but early reports of the new DJI Mavic Pro look great.