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Old 17-01-2018, 16:44   #1
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What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

I would like to install a GPS tracking device on my sailboat for both security and safety. (1) If it's ever stolen, I can track it easily, assuming the thief didn't disable it, and (2) if I ever let one of my family members use it, I want to make sure I know where they are.

I have a Garmin inReach, but cancelled the plan after my Caribbean to NJ trip. Should I activate it back? I think cheapest plan is $15/month. Downside is that it could easily be turned off.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks, guys!!
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Old 17-01-2018, 17:50   #2
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

Boat Command https://boatcommand.com

I’ve owned one for 3 years - great product and service/ support. It’s a family business and very nice people.
I have no financial interest - just a satisfied individual buyer. 5 stars.

Edit: the app is great also (my only experience is with iOS )
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Old 17-01-2018, 21:38   #3
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SailFastTri View Post
Boat Command https://boatcommand.com

I’ve owned one for 3 years - great product and service/ support. It’s a family business and very nice people.
I have no financial interest - just a satisfied individual buyer. 5 stars.

Edit: the app is great also (my only experience is with iOS )
Cool! I'll check them out. Thank you!!!
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Old 31-01-2018, 02:36   #4
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

We use SPOT TRACE and I would recommend it.
- It cost us $50 for the unit when we bought it on sale, regular price is $100.
- Service is $10 per month or $100 per year.
- It updates every 5 minutes.
- It goes to sleep if your boat is not moving and wakes up when moving again.
- It has an Android app to track your vessel. I *think* there's an iPhone version too, but not certain.
- They have an online map which shows the data for the past week.
- They have a raw data feed to grab the data for building your own app.

I built an app on my website that saves all the data from my unit. If you want to see what can be done, check out Displaying our course on Google Maps

Note: initially my unit's sensitivity settings were too low for the sheltered Bahamas waters so it wasn't waking up for a half hour or more. After talking with their excellent service department they showed me how to adjust the sensitivity and it works perfectly now. All I needed to do was download a program, connect the unit to my laptop, and set the new settings.

If you want to see how accurate the unit is, do the following:
Zoom in near Freeport/Port Lucaya. Just outside the harbour are 5 anchors where we stopped and anchored. Zoom in all the way on the one with the mustard-yellow line. In the top left corner of your screen, click on "Satellite" view.
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Old 31-01-2018, 04:10   #5
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

A follow up:
They also have the GEN3 unit. It does all the things the TRACE does, but in addition it can send signals.

- It can send "CHECK IN" messages to family to let them know you've arrived.
- It can send "HELP" messages to family to know you need non-life-threatening assistance (car stuck in snow/mud, etc)
- and it can send "SOS" messages which will be forwarded to local emergency response units.

It has one last message. It is a customized message that you create, but you have to create it before you go, so fairly limited usage of this feature.

This unit costs $20 per month or $200 a year.

We never bothered as we have cell coverage pretty much everywhere we go, and a powerful VHF for emergencies. On land the GEN3 would be good for off-road adventures (driving, hiking, biking, horseback, etc.) but I think off the coast it's use is more limited. Just my opinion...
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Old 31-01-2018, 20:46   #6
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

Thank you guys!! Looks like I have more choices now
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Old 09-02-2018, 10:32   #7
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

We Offer a very wide range of Tracking Services; I would recommend checking out our website.

Vessel Tracking
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Old 10-02-2018, 13:55   #8
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

One more vote for Boat Command. It took a couple of hours to install since i wanted Bilge pump, two batteries, temp and shore power. It works great and I paid $340 with shore power adapter plus temp sensor and shipping. Basic monitoring is about $80 a year.

Our boat is a 2.5 hour drive from home and being able to see the duty cycle of the bilge pump, battery status, temp and location is great peace of mind. Add in the fact that you can set email and SMS alert for events like the bilge pump turned on X times in a 24 period is outstanding. It also does records tracks of your cruises.

Go to http://boatcommand.com and create a sign-in account and click on their example boat. You can see the status of all systems and do a search of previous cruises. did that and bought one from BOE Marine a couple of days later. Is is one of my better marine purchases.
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Old 10-02-2018, 14:02   #9
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

Oh, I forgot one more feature. Boat Command gives you 3 outputs that you can connect to a relays that allows you to turn on and off gizmos in the boat. I haven't wired mine up yet, but turning on/off the cabin and deck lights will be the next step.
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Old 10-02-2018, 14:56   #10
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

It all depends on what tipe of tracker you want, satellite or cell phone line, the garmin you have uses sat coms, boat command uses a cell chip, so your choice should be made according to your cruising grounds. 20/30 miles away from a cell tower and your boat will vanish .......

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Old 10-02-2018, 15:47   #11
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

Great point. If you are not near the coast and cell range, Boat Command is less valuable. Plus i just noticed the OP was concerned about NJ to Bahamas. Whoops.

Our boat is in south part of Puget Sound so it would take about a day or so depending on the tides (best case) to get out of cell range and hit the Pacific.

I'm sure the CG could find our 7 knot boat by then with a GPS fix. ;^)
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Old 11-02-2018, 04:08   #12
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

Another vote for BoatCommand. Besides doing everything it should without a glitch, and the fact that it is family owned and the owner answering your emails, it just works. And the cell service is international, you don't have to worry if you leave the US. It just works! Awesome.
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Old 08-06-2018, 00:26   #13
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Re: What GPS tracker to install so that I can track it?

I am looking for something similar. GPS tracker + satellite phone?

Has to be independent of cellar.

Best is most likely the iridiumGo, but expensive.

I do like the look of the spot gen3 as its simple, however dont like the fact you have to lock in for an entire years subscription.
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