I used to be obsessed with underwater drones. I owned and tested four of them. My absolute favorite was the PowerRay—until the day it shorted out 50 feet down.
There is a specific kind of heartbreak when you watch a $1,000 gadget die in the deep dark. After that, I realized something important: generally, boaters have more fun filming the boat than what’s under it.
That’s when I got my Canadian drone pilot license and switched to the sky. I now fly a DJI Mini 3 and an Air 3 while I’m out on the water.
If you are looking to buy a drone for your boat in 2026, don’t just read a spec sheet. Here is what I learned from crashing, drowning, and flying drones from a moving deck.
The Reality of “Waterproof” Drones
A lot of manufacturers claim their drones are “waterproof” or “amphibious.” I’ve tested the SwellPro and others. Here is the truth: salt water is undefeated. If you are launching from a boat, you don’t need a drone that can swim; you need a drone that you can catch by hand before it hits the waves.
Why I Recommend the DJI Mini for Boaters
You might think you need a massive pro drone, but on a boat, space is premium.
- The “Catch” Factor: The Mini 3 is small enough that I can launch and catch it from the stern of my buddy’s pontoon without slicing my fingers off.
- The Wind: My Air 3 handles the gusts on Lake Erie better, but the Mini is surprisingly capable.
- The License: Since I’m in Canada, getting licensed was a hurdle, but the Mini (being under 250g) usually skirts the heavy regulations. [Note: Insert specific US/Canada rules here]
My “Graveyard” of Underwater Drones
If you are still dead-set on an underwater drone (ROV), learn from my mistake with the PowerRay.
- Tethers are a Nightmare: On a boat, everything tangles. A 50ft tether + a fishing line + a prop = disaster.
- Visibility: Unless you are in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, most lakes (like the ones I fish in Ontario) are murky green soup. You won’t see much past 3 feet.