Iridium Go w/t Predict Wind vs. Garmin InReach Explorer or SE Plus

[Amani Jnana]

Hey guys!

Are any of you out there using a Garmin InReach (Explorer or SE+) for communication and/or weather monitoring?

How about the Iridium Go with the PredictWind Ap?

I'm trying to to a cost/benefit analysis of the two systems and I'd love to get some input if you wouldn't mind helping a poor fella out.

I'm on a tight budget and looking for a safe but inexpensive way to not die as I sail from New York to Thailand.

Thanks in advance for your input.

A.J.

P.S. Here's what I have so far on the subject:The Equipment See bottom of page.

[hlev00]

Wow. No replies. I hope you made it safely. What did you end up using? I am considering the same options though not going nearly afar as you.

harry

[S D Sailor]

I like the GO! & Predict Wind....

[sequi]

Hi Guys, this is an old thread but anyway my question is valid for today 2020: What device would you recommend for basic weather maps and eventually some "All is fine" or "SOS" message if I sail South Pacific? (More precisely: from Bora Bora to Tuamotu Atolls and therein).

Thank you, Sequi.

[Davo1404]

Originally Posted by sequi

Hi Guys, this is an old thread but anyway my question is valid for today 2020: What device would you recommend for basic weather maps and eventually some "All is fine" or "SOS" message if I sail South Pacific? (More precisely: from Bora Bora to Tuamotu Atolls and therein).

Thank you, Sequi.

I have just installed an Iridium Go. Bought it from Predict Wind, complete with the marine package. It comes with a built in SOS, just need to program it. After reading many reviews, most users seem happy with it.

[sequi]

Hi Davo!

Thanks for your reply! I am considering in buying the IridiumGo. If I understand correctly, you still have to pay either

$59.95/month --> 5mins/month
$104.95/month --> 150 bundle mins.

Correct?

Once you use it, please send me feedback on how it works, and in what region of the world are you.

Thank you!! Capt. Ezequiel.

[Davo1404]

Hi Sequi
I am in Australia. Will use the $139.95
package. A friend has one installed has advised me to activate the sim card a month before departure as some practice with downloading weather on the off shore app is needed. We are departing Australia in June, so will activate in late April. It was also recommended to buy some extra sim cards

[Zzmeyer]

I have iridium go, I reach se and I Satphone 2. Only iridium go currently active. I originally chose I Satphone 2 over iridium for safety reasons. If I’m sinking I didn’t want to have to bring both the puck and a non water proof phone to talk. I got the inreach because of a rally requirement. I liked the inreach for tracking. Ultimately I went with iridium go for the weather tracking and am happy with it despite the monthly cost. I seldom actually use the other features such as calling text or internet. Incredibly slow.

[Davo1404]

The monthly cost is the reason for the extra sim cards. You can activate only for the time required, ie just like prepaid.

[Zzmeyer]

Originally Posted by Davo1404

The monthly cost is the reason for the extra sim cards. You can activate only for the time required, ie just like prepaid.

Absolutely. There is no activation fee with PredictWind. My previous provider activates the sim when you order it so a no go. Just have a couple extra sims at $10 a piece.

[Marathon1150]

We have an iGo and PW and an InReach. The iGo with PW is a much more sophisticated system with much richer weather data. At a significantly higher cost. We also have an HF/SSB with PacTor modem with a Sailmail subscription. We rarely use the latter because the iGo is so much easier and dependable to use.