looking for suggestions of offshore communication devices once out of VHF and cellular range? Uses will be for hailing tow service if necessary, family communication, or emergencies. looked at SPOT and SAT phones but not enough information to make a decision. Thanks in advance.
Look at Delorme Inreach. You can text with it, has GPS and will send coordinates in case of problem, and family can download the app and see where you are on a map.
Spartanburg/Edisto
Sea Hunt 27 “Saltwater Gospel”
Bomb Island 16 “Hookin’ Heels”
jghall- Thanks, I’ve looked into the Insight and it seems like the piece of equipment I need. A lot better than SPOT and paying for a SAT phone. Thanks again.
you should not go that far offshore without a EPIRB. If you lose power you are in trouble.
^^Absolutely no substitute for an EPIRB, or at least a PLB. Trust me.
1994 Hewes Redfisher 18, 2004 Yamaha 150 VMAX
Malibu X-Factor Kayak
Ive got a SPOT (emergency and for wife to track me), EPIRB, and now, a satellite phone. Just figure up your safety costs and add them in on the trips when everyone chips in. Trust me, no one will complain about an extra $10 when you are talking with your wife 55 miles offshore while waiting for a tow or the USCG. Buy cheaper tackle or food, but don’t be cheap on safety. Trust me, it’s worth the money!
Absolutely,I have a ditch bag with EPIRB and PLB along with other essentials. I will never cheap up on safety because I like my life #128077;#127996;. Thanks for the input y’all, but this thread was more about a 3rd/4th option of communicating for none emergency’s or just communicating with the wife or somebody that needs to know. Thanks for the input though.
I got the InReach for my daughter when she was in school in Grenada so she could always contact me or rescue. It is worth the small payment. I also have one for use offshore and you can text anywhere. Think this is what you’re looking for. I specifically got it for contacting my tow company…70+ miles to come get me.
If I lose my engines at 70+ miles out and no one answers the VHF…I am hitting that EPIRB real quick.
Don’t want to hi-jack the thread. Just curious if any maker is better then another with the epirb’s (ACR vs Mcmurdo vs ocean signal etc)
Spot trackers are not so reliable, and the emergency function on them are relayed to Spot’s call center. The Spot call center notifies the emergency contact on file. They don’t actually interact directly with the Coast Guard. Many times, the emergency contact doesn’t know what the heck is going on when they get a call from Spot, so they call 911. By the time the CG gets notified, hours can be lost.
EPIRB and Sat-phone are your best bets. EPIRBS are reliable and initiate an immediate response. VHF DSC, when wired to the GPS unit correctly, will automatically relay the distress call via other DSC equipped radios until it reaches a shore station (Coast Guard). However, if there’s nobody in your VHF range, there won’t be anyone to relay it.
I highly recommend an EPIRB if you’re going that far offshore. They’re expensive, but priceless if you ever need it. Just make sure you register it! It helps to know who we’re looking for!
Have to agree with flywatt on EPIRB class 1. These are usually attached to the boat. Some are mounted in a float away mount. However, another option is a PLB. Most are manual activation but there are some that are water activated. The nice thing about PLB is that they are small and attach to you. Nice if you often go alone and going overboard from a sound boat could be an issue. They have enough power to reach multiple satellites n this area. Be sure to get one that also has transmit capability for 121.5mhz. Mostly depends on your pocketbook, you could get both, and how you use your boat and if you are often alone. I’m often out solo so I always wear an inflatable vest with a PLB attached and a smoke signal in the pocket.
2002 Wellcraft 250CC Yam OX66
I’m not brave enough to go out that far solo. 
quote:
Originally posted by HighflightHave to agree with flywatt on EPIRB class 1. These are usually attached to the boat. Some are mounted in a float away mount. However, another option is a PLB. Most are manual activation but there are some that are water activated. The nice thing about PLB is that they are small and attach to you. Nice if you often go alone and going overboard from a sound boat could be an issue. They have enough power to reach multiple satellites n this area. Be sure to get one that also has transmit capability for 121.5mhz. Mostly depends on your pocketbook, you could get both, and how you use your boat and if you are often alone. I’m often out solo so I always wear an inflatable vest with a PLB attached and a smoke signal in the pocket.
2002 Wellcraft 250CC Yam OX66
OOH - Missed that 70 mile comment - that’s not me either.
2002 Wellcraft 250CC Yam OX66