Anyone Using Spot Devices???

[MoonlightSailor]

Hi,

I'm contemplating purchasing a device from www.findmespot.com. Technology has come a long way since we were cruising 6 years ago.

If you're using SPOT, how do you like it?

Since I'm new to the service, is there anyone that wants to refer me so we can both get $30 towards our service?

Thanks!
Matt

[Group9]

We've had a Spot II since 2010 (the store we bought our SatPhone from threw it in for free). It is still going strong, and has turned out to be our friends' and family's favorite device. They love getting the updates from it and seeing where we are with the Google Earth link.

[MoonlightSailor]

Well, I think I've found the info that will nix my decision to go with SPOT. There coverage in the Pacific Ocean is JUNK.

I'm researching the Garmin option with their inReach device. Worldwide coverage with those devices.

[boatman61]

Use my Spotgen3 on all my trips.. Owners like to be in touch with my/boat location at the touch of a button with the phone App..
CF'rs like to follow it as well.. see what I do next..

[Group9]

Originally Posted by MoonlightSailor

Well, I think I've found the info that will nix my decision to go with SPOT. There coverage in the Pacific Ocean is JUNK.

I'm researching the Garmin option with their inReach device. Worldwide coverage with those devices.

We only used ours in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Bahamas. It worked great there, I have no idea what their coverage is in the Pacific. You might need an Iridium based platform out there.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by MoonlightSailor

Well, I think I've found the info that will nix my decision to go with SPOT. There coverage in the Pacific Ocean is JUNK.

I'm researching the Garmin option with their inReach device. Worldwide coverage with those devices.

Absolutely correct. Go for the Inreach - it's an excellent solution.

[907Juice]

I was a strong supporter for spot devices but they couldn’t keep up with technology. I switched to DELORME Inreach 8 or so years ago and haven’t looked back. There is no reason that you shouldn’t get confirmation a messages sent and two way communication.

[HopCar]

A friend of mine crossed the Atlantic, cruised Europe, re-crossed the Atlantic, passed through the Panama Canal and is now in California. I was able to follow him on the Inreach Website and send him text messages the whole way. Amazing technology!

[MoonlightSailor]

Thanks for all the feedback thus far. I've just researched the Garmin inReach devices and it looks pretty good.

Are there any other similar services offered by other companies for sailors that hasn't been mentioned?

[907Juice]

Iridium has a service and yellow box or something. But none have the market share or name recognition as the inreach.

[nzmal]

Originally Posted by 907Juice

Iridium has a service and yellow box or something. But none have the market share or name recognition as the inreach.

I've been using Garmin inreach for just over a year and love it. Use it sailing and hunting. Sending and receiving texts in remote areas is gold.

[MoonlightSailor]

DeLorme inReach....

Is Delorme just a different service that uses the inReach devices?

[boatman61]

Now this is why I love my Spot.. the owner et al can follow my progress but.. I have the peace and independence away from the outside world..
yet still can transmit messages from 'all is well'.. to 'PanPan' and 'Mayday'..
The rest..? you guys can keep.

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by MoonlightSailor

DeLorme inReach....

Is Delorme just a different service that uses the inReach devices?

Garmin acquired Delorme back in 2016 along with substantial stocks of the Delorme units, these where still available but to be discontinued when supplies ran out, which they could have by now as Garmin have already released the newly designed Garmin inReach SE Plus and Explorer Plus.....

https://newsroom.garmin.com/press-re...cquire-delorme

https://explore.garmin.com/en-AU/inreach/

......and yes, another vote here for the inReach

[boatman61]

Forgot to say.. Spot now has a new toy, the SpotX..
I did enquire about it but was told its currently only available for the US market which was a bit of a bumma as I would have upgraded..

Spot X - 2-Way Satellite Messenger