Urgent - Calling Pirates cove

[NJPete]

Glad to hear that all seems ok. The one item that i recently invested in, and happy to do so was a SPOT. If your not familiar with it, check it out at findmespot.com. I bought one when my sat phone decided not to work for hours. Although SPOT is also part of the GlobalStar network, it operates in a different range (i believe) and therefore makes it easier to send notifications. I have mine setup to relay "ok messages" to a predefined list of cellphones and emails so that the loved ones dont have to worry. There are 2 other buttons as well. I have the "HELP" button preprogrammed to send the message to let everyone know that all is ok, but we are delayed in coming in so not to worry. And then finally theres the 911 button.

For the money, and piece of mind, i dont think you can beat it. I just was on the website and saw that there is a new model so it might be time for an upgrade.

[Hunter's Haven]

Glad to hear that all seems ok. The one item that i recently invested in, and happy to do so was a SPOT. If your not familiar with it, check it out at findmespot.com. I bought one when my sat phone decided not to work for hours. Although SPOT is also part of the GlobalStar network, it operates in a different range (i believe) and therefore makes it easier to send notifications. I have mine setup to relay "ok messages" to a predefined list of cellphones and emails so that the loved ones dont have to worry. There are 2 other buttons as well. I have the "HELP" button preprogrammed to send the message to let everyone know that all is ok, but we are delayed in coming in so not to worry. And then finally theres the 911 button.

For the money, and piece of mind, i dont think you can beat it. I just was on the website and saw that there is a new model so it might be time for an upgrade.

I have also been considering purchasing the SPOT which can be bought through Cabela's. After reading the reviews from buyers there I have some concerns as some buyers state their unit didn't send out the messages at times so you don't know if for sure anyone received the message you tried to send. In other words the unit may give you a false comfort that your message was received. I would be interested in hearing how yours worked.
Thanks,

[NJPete]

I havent had any problems with mine thus far (knock on wood). Typically what i will do is attempt to setup a schedule, where i will send at first light and then every hour on the hour. There are times when i will forget to do it, but as far as i can tell it works. Out of the 2 plus years i have had it, and on the trips i have been on (DR, CR, PR) it always worked.

One suggestion i would have, considering that its works like a sat phone, once i hit the button i will leave it out in the open somewhere. i would not put it in a drawer or throw it back in a bag. It typically stays with me on the helm, or on the bench seat in front of the helm. If it had an obstructed view, it might explain why it did not send the notification out.

One other thing, i have never checked the accuracy of the positioning so i cant speak to what info its sending but in terms of notifications to loved ones, it hasn't failed me yet.

[Randy@BayMarine]

Sorry for the pause!

The boat & Boys are back in NJ. the ten year old EPIRB was reconditioned last year with a new battery etc.. seems it decided to send out a signal from the hard top while the boat was up and running.. Once the USCG had a helicoptor hanging just above the riggers the guys new something was up.. turned on the VHF and holly Crap- batman-- you where looking for us!! Well end of the day - boys got an asschewwing about not having 16 on & the beacon is being upgraded to a new LAT/LON type! Glad we can just look back and use this as a learning tool.. Thank you Elizabeth City & all you USCG peeps out there!