450: Communication

[JayEnos]

Cruising offshore Norfolk Va to Florida what is the best and most reasonable communication device,

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by JayEnos

Cruising offshore Norfolk Va to Florida what is the best and most reasonable communication device,

1. Mobile phone
2. DeLorme satellite messenger.
3. Iridium or other sat phone.
4. Ham radio with WinLink and Pactor modem, or by voice and phone patch.
5. SSB with SailMail and Pactor modem.

Depending on what you need it for. 1 and 2 will cover probably 95% of all cases. 1 will cover probably 92% of cases.

[JayEnos]

No cell phone coverage offshore between Norfolk and Florida

[Bean Counter]

If you go inside the gulf stream, you will get cell phone/data coverage a lot of the time. You will also have VHF contact and get updates from USCG as well as Wx.

If outside the stream, SSB or Satphone.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by JayEnos

No cell phone coverage offshore between Norfolk and Florida

Only for parts. If you can't be out of comms, then the next "go to" is De Lorme. Then you have the ability to send and receive texts.

If texts are not enough, then buy or rent a sat phone.

You can have whatever comms you want - just a question of cost.

[donradcliffe]

I used the Iridium GO this summer, and was impressed by its reliability and value for money. The unlimited data plan gave unlimited text messages, emails, weather downloads, plus some limited talk time. You will need the external antenna.