Float Plan

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
Our daughter thinks our SPOT is one of the better boating purchases we have made. We set it off after we are settled in for the day, and she knows where we are and that we're OK. No juggling the 3 hour time zone difference and phone calls... assuming cell coverage is available.

In the past, she was our float plan contact, with the understanding that "if you don't hear from us for a couple days, don't worry about it. If you don't hear from us by ______________, then worry about it."

Really what it comes down to as far as a float plan goes is for someone to have a general idea of where you are and when you should return. Big difference between being out for the day and being out for a couple months. Like Jay says, keeping track of our wandering, with changing plans would be difficult, especially if in an area with no cell coverage. Better to be self-sufficient than to worry people unnecessarily.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Warren mentioned,
"We don't have automatic tracking -- I think most of my family & friends would not want to receive the dozens of location emails that it sends out. Instead we make it a practice to send out a SPOT OK wherever we stop."
Click to expand...

Warren, I don't believe it sends out an e-mail for each tracking location message, only a link to the tracking map, and then recipients can at their will, look up the map and see the track.

We use SPOT also, A "Check in OK" when we leave the dock, and then we turn on the track mode. Track is then turned off when we reach our destination, and a "Check in OK" message is again sent. The "Check in OK" message is transmitted via e-mail or text message to the designated recipient.

If the second "Check in OK" message is not received, then they can look up the tracking and see where it quit. A call to us on the cell will confirm we are OK, and "forgot" to check in. How ever, it the track ends half way across to Cattle Pass, and we don't answer the phone, a call to the Coast Guard would be in order, especially if there was some time delay and we had actually had the time to complete the trip.

Our Float Plan is updated to our contacts via E-mail, with general trip info and specific boat, gear and passenger info along with the CG local and 800 phone numbers. I have some hesitation in leaving a copy of the Float Plan form in the parked pickup for obvious reasons.

And that's the way it is, .....for now,

Harvey
SleepyC
 
To carry Harvey's theme one step further, there has been considerable advice in the media recently about the dangers of publicising your "plans of absence" in public media and I guess that would include sites such as this.
Apparently the "nasties" have realized that there is a wealth of information to be gleaned from cruising such sources.

Nothing against anyone here but we don't know who else reads where you will have your truck parked for the next 3 weeks or the fact that your house will be "home alone".

Likewise, absolutley in favor of float plans filed with people you trust.

Maybe we need to use a little caution in such matters and at least only do such things in topics that are limited to members.

What are your thoughts?

Merv
 
Merv, a friend and I talked at length one time about doing an internet float plan service. I still think it could work, not putting anything into the public view, but as is obvious, would require the ability to get into e-mail or onto the net. That was kind of a deterrent. Then I discovered SPOT, and that system works well for us. we can't need to have either cell contact or internet in order to check in or signal that we are moving.

Harvey
SleepyC
 
Harvey,

Sure, SPOT or it's equivalent is a nice hi-tech way to go as long as you don't allow the world to track you (as many do). Maybe that could be the additional tool along with cell and /or internet to input your position and status with exactly the kind of service you were thinking about. ie. the service provider is the only one who knows how to track you on SPOT OR you can e-mail or call him/her/it.

Are you getting tired of the sleep business and seeking fame and fortune elsewhere :lol:

Merv
 
Merv said:
"Maybe that could be the additional tool along with cell and /or internet to input your position and status....."
Click to expand...

The advantage of SPOT is that you do not need to be within range of cell towers, or wifi hotspots to check in. Nor do you have to have a SatPhone or pay satcom (phone) fees.

No, I'm not tired of Sleep, just tired, my right hand and Admirable has been gone for a couple of weeks and I'm needing some catchup, at home and at work. :embarrased

Harvey
SleepyC
 
Harvey,
What I meant to say was that maybe SPOT (or equivalent) could fill the gap for those areas where you do not have cell or internet. So, if you were a service provider you could accept input from your customers by any or all of the 3 means.
I suppose we could add carrier pigeons but I know some guys who would shoot them :shock:
Just trying to help you get rich quick :roll:

Merv
 
Thanks Merv, for the help, (and idea). Carrier pigeons might be a very reliable method for overnight delivery. Most of those guys that would shoot them don't have radar equipped shotguns :wink

When I get rich I'll remember all my friends (C-Brats) and let them sign up for a HUGE discount, %% off.

Harvey
SleepyC
 
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