Side view mirrors

[TomFoolery]

Greetings!
I'm a new owner of a 2015 R-27. I was a sail-boater and used to being able to see 360 degrees around me. Just wondering if anyone has installed side view mirrors on their boats? I'm thinking mirrors could be attached to rails just fwd of the helm but haven't been able to locate any that fit the bill.
Thanks

 

[MissJill]

TomFoolery
I also have an R-27 (bought used) which came with 'trucker's mirrors' attached to the side rails adjacent to the forward port and starboard windows. They are concave hence you get a distorted view aft - but they are helpful since I have a dinghy atched in vertical position on the transom, which severely restricts vis when backing into my slip.
The mirrors help but the best technique for me is to stick head out of helm window whilst backing up - also use 1st mate to watch portside.
I am toying with the idea of mounting a backup camera - I bought a cheap one on Ebay which plugs into my GARMIN GPS (video out plug) and works.
I will have mounting (best place for best view aft) and wiring challenges (long run from the helm - want the wires to run un obstructed through cabin or under cabin sole - good luck!)
If interested I'll send you some pics of my mirrors.

John Kelly
Miss Jilly

 

[Captain Steve]

I bought a wireless LCD camera off the net for like 32 bucks. Wired it up to the wash down switch on on the stern storage. Wireless signal to a 3 inch color/IR screen. The screen is reversed so it looks just like you were looking out the back.. I glued the camera to a capped 3 inch PVC pipe. Its on a piece of coiled wire and stored in the stern storage cabinet. Its waterproof as it was built to mount on a license plate frame for hitching up trailers.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

As John described, I've seen several Ranger Tugs with different kinds of mirrors attached to the port and or starboard bow rail right next to the most forward side window. I would guess they would help rear visibility, sure can not hurt. If you're in salt water make sure to buy stainless.

Jim F

 

[Barry Cohen]

We installed mirrors on our rails, based on someone else's suggestion. Order two of each.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GD ... ailpages00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028O ... ailpages00

 

[MissJill]

TomFoolery et al -

Must correct the description of my trucker's mirrors - they are convex, not concave - got my vexes and caves mixed up.
Good point from Jim F. Get totally stainless if you can - mine are stainless EXCEPT for the stem with ball (that allows you to position the circular mirror) mine has rusted heavily hence very difficult to move (rotate).
Thanks also to Cptn Steve as to wiring in the backup camera - never thought of the washdown switch!
Lot of smart people drivin' these tugs!
JPK
Miss Jilly

 

[PhilR]

I use the same mirror as Barry....installed on the rail post, starboard side. Very helpful.

Phil

 

[pugtug613]

On my R27 I bought a $20 convex st. st. mirror at an auto parts store. I put it on the starboard side only. Works great. I use it to watch my wake and to line myself up with the poles when I dock. But, once I am close, I stick my head out the window and use the thrusters and the throttle. Usually I only need to go in forward or reverse at idle speed. The thrusters are great. I also came from a sail boat. You'll get used to it. I will install a back up camera eventually.