SPOT Satellite messanger

[OffTheHookB&T]

There has been alot of talk about the SPOT satellite messangers currently on the market. When Mary and I went on our trip to Panama we figured it would be good time to see how this device works.
First of all if your not familar with it the SPOT is device a little bigger than a cell phone.
It uses GPS satellites to determine your position and then transmits your location via sateillite to friends, family, and/or emergency services. When you sign up with SPOT, you use your computer to activate an account and create a list of contacts. You can sep up contacts to receive messages to their cell phone or email. There are three functions of the device. The first, OK, sends a message to all of your contacts letting them know you are OK and gives them your latitude and longitude, plus a link to googlemaps with your location. The next is HELP, this is for Non Emergency help and send a message to your contacts with lat and long also. This would be great if the boat broke down( with no radio), stuck off road etc. Both function messages are customizable on the website. One friend wants to change his HELP button, to say "JUST RELEASED ONE" The last button is 911, this sends a message to emergency responders.

We used the SPOT in Panama, and found it to work very well. Like any GPS it does need a clear view of the sky. We did take it on a hike in the jungle and it could'nt send until we found a clearing. Oh, one funny thing Mary put one her friends on the contact list and forget to tell her, so we got a very confused phone call. Her friend was concerned why did she get an email showing our location in Panama saying that we were OK?
I don't see the SPOT as a replacement for EPIRB, but a great supplement to your safety plan. It gives you a way to contact people, when you don't have the luxury of phone service or radio. It would be great, as a means of updating your float plan on the fly, we're even asking our customers to add the store to their contact list. Also, I feel it is a good investment when fishing out of country.
Here is a couple of the links that were sent out during our trip. Sorry, I can't figure out how to screen capture google maps.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...UTF8&z=12&om=1

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...UTF8&z=12&om=1

[blueoceaneyez]

nice review, thanks for sharing that

[gradywhite273]

chuck , any idea on the cost of them ?

[OffTheHookB&T]

The SPOT lists for $169.99, we will sell the units to Sportfishermen.com members for $149.99. Plus SPOT is offering a $25 rebate with units purchased before March 31, 2009.
The basic service cost $99.99 per year.

[WAHOONBOX]

THIS COULD COME IN MIGHTY HANDY FOR I DEER HUNT FROM A TREE FOR 4 MONTHS NOT TO MENTION I FISH EVERY NOW AND THEN

THANKS FOR THE WALK THRU CHUCK....

[Ravens16]

Hey Chuck great call on the SPOT
I had a friend of mine just run his boat down to Florida
I got to follow his travels all the way down, very nice since I am laid up with a broken foot

Never heard of it until he sent me an email link
Thanks, people will love it, especially relatives
Dave

[j lavender]

Best price I have found by far is here.

http://www.boemarine.com/products/ca...a-ac0249d76dbd

[OffTheHookB&T]

That is a good price. Thanks J.Lavender.....

[giantfan]

Looks like a great product..... will give the wife peace of mind too..... if we decide to stay out longer then expected it's a great way of letting people know with out the cost of a Sat phone....

Globalstar seems to be getting their stuff togeather. They just got a large line of credit to launch some new satallites which should make their service that much better.

Check out their stock....GSAT...... very cheap right now.... who knows how high it will go.

[ElMar2530]

The SPOT is free now with purchase of service.

150$ for everything. 1 year sub.

http://www.findmespot.com/robby/