Planning to buy a SPOT Gen 3 device for emergency situations, messaging to family, etc. Already have PLB and VHF of course, but this seems like a good value, and could be especially important if only for notifying wife when coming in late.
Do these things work as they claim? ’ any experiences, good or bad? 'anything I need to know in getting one set up? What am I missing?
They are advertising 50% rebate for a net $75 cost plus $150/year for basic service. It appears to do two things: know/broadcast just where you are, and to send “predefined”(?) text/email messages. For additional service costs, it can track your route, etc.
’ been thinking about it for a while, but the recent rescues were a reminder.
I’ve had the Spot since I started going offshore in my skeeter fleet. Never had to use the 911 on it, but have sent the “I’m Okay” text many times. You can also pay a little on the subscription for the tracking. Your people back home can see where your at on their computer when it pings every 10 minutes. It’s also great to have the “Help” message to your contact available if it’s not life threatening and your radio is out of range, or not working. I can send “Call SeaTow, brokedown”, put the SeaTow phone# and my member# in the note too. It will give your position with the note. I think it’s great to have onboard!
I have one, like it, and use it. I typically send the “OK” message when I arrive whatever area I am fishing, and then send the personalized message (“Anchor in boat coming home”) when that is the case. You can easily edit the personalized message and add/delete email addresses on-line. When I push the “send” button for whatever message, i find it best to leave the device out in the open for 10 or 20 minutes (tie it to the rail or what have you) and go back to fishing. Maybe twice I have hit the “send” button and then hastily cut the device off and stowed it thinking it transmitted but it had not.
Use my spot for the OK all the time any where my cell wont work! My son took it on a trip up the Amazon last year and we were able to track his trip hourly. Just renewed mine this week.
It is more expensive up front but has the same features as well as two way text message. Same cost through the year for the basic plan. Have one and used it many times. My wife and mother like it better than the spot because they are able to get ahold of me if something happens at home.
Thanks for ■■■■■■■■ and experiences. The only limitations I’ve read about these is, they may not work in forests or canyons…which would be the opposite of offshore. Apparently there were issues a few years back, now fixed.
There is a more expensive alternative ($390) made by DeLorme, a Garmin company. But I’m going with the SPOT. Can then stay in touch with home, and have another layer of insurance in case of a problem.
That being said, SPOT is no substitute for a PLB/EPIRB…buy one of those first. Get the DSC VHF next, and consider SPOT third; just my $.02. Maybe the next layer would be back up VHF.
Question,I have an Inreach byDeLorme that I like, works well and is fairly inexpensive if you use it less than 10 times a month but if I needed to get in touch with someone in an emergency, wouldn’t a sat phone be better? Ive been thinking of upgrading this year. How would you call sea tow or the coast guard if you only can text? I think Im going to switch to a sat phone if anyone wants to trade to a Delorme.
On a good day your cell phone might connect at 20 mi., about vhs range if your are lucky, but after that you gona need a sat. phone or other type on commucation!
After more homework, I believe the DeLorme is the device for me. Basically, the two-way communications could mean a lot. For example, in a real emergency, it would help to confirm your distress message has been received. And if you were stuck in the Atlantic either real late or even all night…being in touch with home would be invaluable. After a while they would get weary of hearing only “I’m ok” and knowing nothing more.
Finally for what its worth, the DeLorme’s navigating function could help if the primary GPS goes out. My VHF is supposed to also provide this, but it has a tiny screen, and you cant have too many navigational aids.