Spot Messenger

20dauntless · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:57 am Post subject: Spot Messenger

http://www.findmespot.com/Home.aspx

Anyone used this? Looks like an interesting product. Certainly not a direct replacement for an EPIRB, but it can do things an EPIRB can't like broadcast your position to friends and family when you're on a long cruise. Any thoughts on its usefulness?

ryder · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:12 am Post subject:

I just checked out the site. It looks great and not that expensive. I am probably going to purchase one.

Thanks for heads up!

regards

Ryder

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:32 am Post subject:

Here are a couple links to previous discussion of the SPOT...

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=6633&start=0

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=8003&highlight=spot

thataway · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:19 pm Post subject:

If you want someone to track your progress and indicate you are OK--(most of the time, because of some coverage problems)--this may be satisfactory.

But looking at the overall cost the personal EPIRB is cheaper. You can find the Aqua Fix, GPS enabled for about $500. The batteries are good for 5 years (probably longer). This sends a signal to international satellites with an excellent response record--and is government operated, so that rescue is almost assured.
SPOT goes to a private agency who has to decide who to convince to start a search.

The SPOT costs $150, plus $100 a year fee--and in 4 years you will be paying $50 more for SPOT, without the equivilant safety features if you need rescue. If my life depended on it--EPIRB--and that is why I carry one.

ryder · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject:

Doryman · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject:

I look at it a bit differently -- I see them as meeting different needs. I have an EPIRB but am considering SPOT also.

When El and Bill were on a trip they let their family know where they were with SPOT, which works even if you can't get a WiFi connection. It is also useful on land as well as water. This is something I would find useful.

The EPIRB is reserved for life-threatening emergencies on the water. It should produce a much faster response time from the authorities (although in the PNW waters the common wisdom is that it just helps the authorities find your body faster. Mr. Green

)

Warren

20dauntless · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:06 pm Post subject:

You guys are absoltely right in that the SPOT does not replace an EPIRB. However, it provides tracking to family members, which an EPIRB does not. I am thinking that I may buy a SPOT this year for Desolation Sound and an EPIRB next year for the West coast of Vancouver Island or Alaska.

I am also thinking that I'll keep a ditch bag ready with some water, food, warm clothes, flares, and portable gps and VHF. This way I will be able jump in the already inflated dinghy on the pilothouse roof should something disastrous happen.

jkidd · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:39 am Post subject:

I have one. I use it snowmobiling, On the ATV, on the boat, and in the car. You can define the message for the help button and the OK Button. In Utah Cell phones might get you 5 percent off the state. You can use it if you have a flat or just run out of gas. You can use it to track your progress every 10 minutes if you want to. They charge for that service. I paid $8.00 for $100,000 insurance if I hit the 911 button the rescue is paid for. Offshore the Eprib would always be a good thing. In the morning and evenings pushing the OK button lets you tell your family or friends where you last were. So if something does go wrong it would narrow the search.

El and Bill · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:37 am Post subject:

Yes, different purposes. We sent 14 spot messages in the past five days. Camping with a g'daughter in the Great Sand Dunes NP, she sent her folks updates two or three times a day of where she was in the dunes and nearby State Parks. They appreciated 'following' her exploits.

So, definitely multiple purposes -- we sent message to the family from Greece a few months back, reassuring them that we were fine, when there was a much-reported earthquake centered a few miles from our location.

We have never (thank goodness) had to send an EPIRB message, but we use the spot frequently -- not for emergency, but for non-intrusive reporting to family members that all's well.

thataway · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject:

Personal locator beacons are also "good for over land"--so is any other EPRIB. Not restricted to only water use. But the PLB is as much for hikers etc as for boaters. The PLB has only a 24 hour battery life--vs 48 hrs for the larger EPRIBs. But you can carry the PLB on your person, it is water proof, and should be with you in the dinghy, as well as on your person in rough water.

Agree that SPOT has its place. But I would rather count of an EPIRB for rescue.