DeLorme InReach as alternative to handheld GPS?

[belizesailor]

The last of my venerable old handheld GPS units finally died. With GPS enabled phone, tablet, PC, I no longer see any reason to carry one aboard, but do want a compact/waterproof/rugged unit for the ditch bag for emergency navigation.

Ive also been considering a DeLorme InReach, but product details on line are a bit thin. Any users of them who can comment on viability of using them for emergency nav as you would a handheld GPS?

For example, can you set & track to waypoints?

[Triumphant]

If you are in the river, pop round to Burnt Key, Aussie Keith has one

[SFH]

I have a DeLorme InReach and it performs perfectly.

Used it this summer from south of Biscay to Denmark. Set it to update every 20min and linked it to Facebook.

Family was happy and crew was happy.

Have not tested it in an actual emergency situation.

/Steen

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by SFH

I have a DeLorme InReach and it performs perfectly.

Used it this summer from south of Biscay to Denmark. Set it to update every 20min and linked it to Facebook.

Family was happy and crew was happy.

Have not tested it in an actual emergency situation.

/Steen

Can you create waypoints and goto them?

What I'm really looking for here is whether it has at least limited functionality similar to a handheld GPS in addition to all the whizbang stuff and emergency comm functions.

My thoughts are that it would be handy to combine emergency comm (which it does) with basic GPS finctionality. It has a bulit in GPS so its really just a matter of software.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Triumphant

If you are in the river, pop round to Burnt Key, Aussie Keith has one

Long trip to check it out...we're in Panama getting ready to head back to San Blas. Probably someone around here has one too.

No significant legs planned this season so not important to have one soon, but would be handy to combine emergency comm and nav in one device.

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Can you create waypoints and goto them?

I have an Inreach as well.. Unfortunately its in "parked" mode right now so I can't actually check if you can do waypoints.

Personally I wouldn't use it as an emergency backup as the GPS signal is pretty poor. Any buildings or trees and the signal drops.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by travellerw

I have an Inreach as well.. Unfortunately its in "parked" mode right now so I can't actually check if you can do waypoints.

Personally I wouldn't use it as an emergency backup as the GPS signal is pretty poor. Any buildings or trees and the signal drops.

Well, if I can see buidlings and trees then I don't need GPS. ;-)

I'm thinking more for offshore ditchbag use...being able to at least set a waypoint for reference or to goto if possible.

[SFH]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Well, if I can see buidlings and trees then I don't need GPS. ;-)

I'm thinking more for offshore ditchbag use...being able to at least set a waypoint for reference or to goto if possible.

Well, I had a power out on my MFD on a daytrip last summer and I used it for plotting positions on my paper charts. I checked it again positions on my VHF radio and on my AIS. All good.

I have not tested the waypoint function but I cant see why I should not work - but of course no link between the DeLorme and the autopilot

/Steen

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Well, if I can see buidlings and trees then I don't need GPS. ;-)

I'm thinking more for offshore ditchbag use...being able to at least set a waypoint for reference or to goto if possible.

Ya I figured as much.. but if the GPS is blocked by trees I'm pretty sure heavy rain or cloud may cause an issue!

[belizesailor]

Found my answer I think. Looks like the SE has limited GPS like capablities...basically just location unless connected to a computer. Whereas the Explorer has handheld GPS like functionality.

[smac999]

I don't think they have maps or can add maps. so probably not. maybe make and navigate to a waypoint on explorer. it'll be like a 10 year old gps.

[belizesailor]

Don't need a map really. Just position & waypoints. My previous ditch bag GPS was an old one with no maps. Just use it like an electronic sextant. Load relevant waypoints before the leg which can be used if needed. For longer/unfamiliar runs I print chartlets and put them in a dry bag.

[valhalla360]

Maybe an old smartphone or tablet in a waterproof bag?

Regardless, you need to pull them out and charge the periodically (if they run on AAA batteries, plan on replacing those similarly)

[eric42p]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

The last of my venerable old handheld GPS units finally died. With GPS enabled phone, tablet, PC, I no longer see any reason to carry one aboard, but do want a compact/waterproof/rugged unit for the ditch bag for emergency navigation.

Ive also been considering a DeLorme InReach, but product details on line are a bit thin. Any users of them who can comment on viability of using them for emergency nav as you would a handheld GPS?

For example, can you set & track to waypoints?

Hi,
I used an Inreach last year from Seattle to LA and my crew and I loved it. My wife was even able to text me the marine weather. His wife was also able to keep in touch. We were able to put the web service on hold until our next trip.

Eric

[Time2Go]

I used an InReach last summer from Copenhagen to Gibralter
Worked great. I used the GPS function to plot our course made good
on paper charts. The Sat messenger system worked great also.
I linked it to the Delorme website and my friends and family knew where I was
every hour on the hour for 42 days. Great piece of kit
I see no reason not to use it as a back up GPS