I’m with Lynn. My funds last season did not allow for an EPIRB, but I could afford a SPOT. So, I jumped at the chance to have one, rather than have nothing at all because I was waiting to be able to afford an EPIRB. Now, when I do have the funds, you bet there will be one in the boat. However, I do agree it is better than nothing.
Have both an EPIRB and a SPOT…the SPOT has been great and it is the perfect way to check in with family and friends throughout the day. it also is a great way to make your buddies jealous when they can track your path and see where you are in the ocean…
Have both an EPIRB and a SPOT…the SPOT has been great and it is the perfect way to check in with family and friends throughout the day. it also is a great way to make your buddies jealous when they can track your path and see where you are in the ocean…2008 25 Sea King
Twin 150 Yamahas
“Miss Amanda”
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Glad you did! At westmarine or elsewhere??? dont forget to send your rebate in …if you need the lik for form I could send it to you…and if you can…make a copy for your own records in case it gets lost…I know…“yes mom”
I just got mine too and yes I do have an EPIRB but this will be a great tool to send a note to my wife to let her know that I am ok. Having her freaking out on me one time last year when I did not make it in on time was enough incentive for me to buy one. Heck, I was just out there catching fish and was not worried about what time got back in. Now I can just sit out there and say “I am OK Honey” with the touch of a button and dont have to hear “get your A$# back on dry land now” either. One way communication! Gotta love it.
A SPOT saved a crew today. Pan Pan was issued by USCG from a SPOT activation 15 miles offshore. The crew was reportedly on board a sinking 23’ vessel. The USCG sent a 41 and a helo. 4 people were rescued and 1 reportedly was injured. The SPOT is still not as good as an EPIRB, IMO, but a great backup or alternative if EPIRB is out of budget. Salute to the USCG sector Charleston for once again doing a great job!
thanks steve for posting this…captang lost his while hunting yesterday…lol…yes leave it to him to have to spot his spot…but was able to pull up the track he had made as well as the last “mark”…go back and find it with his gps…it was floating in a little stream he had gone over/through and was still perfectly fine…
TowBoat US is the Official Assistance Provider for SPOT Customers. When a SPOT user uses the assistance request button, that request is sent to TowBoat US. We are proud to be a part of this program and strive to bring peace of mind to our fellow boaters.
Can anyone name any stories in Charleston where and SPOT device would NOT have lead to rescue? Most of the stories that I have heard around here involve the operator being conscious. Furthermore, practically nobody wears their life jackets in the Charleston area so even if you boat did capsize and you were unconscious, and you did have a hydrostatic release on a self activating EPIRB, you are dead anyway before the CG can respond to your EPIRB signal.
Just picked up my spot today. tested it out and it sent email and text to my wife’s phone. Just in case the fishing is really good and I’m late she won’t worry. cellphones don’t work even when you’re not that far out! Better safe than sorry.
Stopped by West Marine on Rivers and they where sold out! Manager said they had a run on them after the rescue. I’ll check elsewhere. I may have to check into SPOT stock - sounds as if the co. will generate a bunch of revenue as more and more folks pass the word.
Grady White 226
“That thing has gone democrat on me!” – refering to my broken lawnmower
Just got mine UPS today from Amazon.com for $87 and change. There is a promo for free shipping on Amazon as well. If not on there now, it is only 5 bucks. Today I filled out the $50 rebate promo for the SPOT-1. I’ve got a well invested $37 in the unit. When activating the unit, pay the $99 for the year of service. On that same page it will ask if you have a promo code. Type in HuntingLife23 and you will get the “Track Progress” upgrade for free instead of the $49 or so that it normally costs. Not a bad deal at all for what this thing can do.
Thanks for the post Penfishn…after all this I decided it was time to get one of these Spot devices. Had to drive all over Charleston to find one, but finally did at the West Marine on hwy 17. I’m just glad I didn’t have to learn the hard way how important it is to have this kind of back up.Thanks again!!
bwulmer…you are very welcome…just wanted to pass this on thinking it might help someone who gets in a fix…every little thing helps as far as im concerned…and there arent any stores out on the ocean…you can order them on line form west marine also…glad you have one and hope you have a great summer!..
I carry two epirbs,4 vhfs,3 gps,signal mirror,dye pack, a raft, 10 offshore jackets, one 9mm, one Ar-15 with two 30 shot clips, and I’m getting a spot. When my mother in law is on the boat, I put all that stuff in the dock box, and plan to tie the spot to a sea turtle if we have trouble.
“If you’re not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you’re not a conservative at forty you have no brain.”
Thanks Pen for bringing this up. Getting one today. Only fish offshore 15 to 20 mile once in awhile(mostly inshore)but to far to swim. Looks like this shld be the ticket.
you are welcome Double D…talked to the lady at west marine west ashley…(at the new harris tetterwhere the coburg cow is)…they have a few in stock and said they can get more…rebate ends last day of the month…you have 6 weeks I think to send it in after then…just has to be purchased before april 1. I went in and bought a holder for mine…20 bucks and is pretty cool…
I got a bad one, spent months on the phone trying to get them to fix it, finally gave up. Almost bought another one cause I wanted the features so bad, for the wife to know where we are in case something happens. I hate getting the coast guard call when we are on the fish heavy. Had multiple ticket numbers and tried direct shipping. Paid more money than this deal and got all the options available. They still have not fixed it and I am pretty upset with this company. They auto-renewed and I had to cancel my card.
They are an independent company and what happens if they decide not to answer. EPIRB is now my only choice. I like the idea of the tracking/check-in feature and all but never got a chance to enjoy it.