My Hobie Cup Holder Camera Mount

Been meaning to post this, but just haven't had the time.  I came up with a simple design for a camera mount, and it has made a world of difference in my video taking abilities, especially on the salt.  It's so simple, but effective!  I had a small tripod that I bought for trips camping and stuff, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6238662&st=tripod&lp=2&type=product&cp=1&id=1069300859477 which is only 15 bucks. 

Then I took some pool foam, and cut a section that would basically fit directly inside my cup holder on the left side of my outback.  Then I took a pen, and marked 3 spots to hollow out for the legs to fit in.  At first, I tried a drill.  That didn't work so well, as the foam kept moving around and its not like drilling wood.  So cut another piece, and this time used just my fingers to twist the drill bit in, at an angle, until I had three holes that went almost to the bottom of the foam. 

Next just test fit the tripod in these holes, nice and snug!  Followed up with some goop to keep the legs stuck inside for good.  The foam itself just compression fits into the cup holder, and is nice and sturdy.  Foam seems to cushion any impacts to the camera like when I hit it with my paddle on occasion.  Its completely removable and will even float the whole camera! 

Great idea, Alain.  The built-in flotation of this is very ingenious.  Thanks for sharing it.   

Eric

Love the ingenuity! 

Don't forget a small leash for it!  Even though the foam will float it, if it gets knocked over in a current, you won't have to chase it.

Thats pretty sweet.

Don't forget a small leash for it!  Even though the foam will float it, if it gets knocked over in a current, you won't have to chase it.

Heh, gonna have to call you leash man!  But yeah, the camera has a leash built in, I put a carabiner left carry handle, and clip the camera in before going anywhere

Nice thing about using the actual mini-tripod is it fully articulates... so when I start paddling and want it out of the way, just twist it down, and its low profile.  Also the legs telescope, but I couldn't find a way to mount it in there so they could raise and lower without hassle.  That will be the next mod I try and get working.

What up Als? looks good it seemed to work out  great. Not trying to thread jack but heres how I mounted mine. What did you think of my Vid? ...Andy