Some tradeoffs to consider - how many devices, which combo best meets your needs? You can get a decent low-end handheld floating VHF for around $100. Just a VHF with the basic/essential features. Or for about twice that you can get a handheld floating VHF with a bit more power and quite a bit of GPS functionality (e.g. Standard Horizon HX870). If you have a smartphone and/or tablet you can get free or cheap marine navigation apps and free chart downloads and have your GPS/chartplotter that way. Not floating or waterproof though, you'd need a soft case for them to address that part. Then there's the dedicated GPS/chart devices, hand-held or mounted. Seem pretty pricey to me considering the smartphone/tablet app options (which may also provide mobile phone functionality, IF there's a signal where you're sailing). Anyone's personal choices and experiences welcome to illuminate this subject... cheers, John S. On 01/29/2016 08:15 PM, Jazzy wrote:
So as I'm dinking around with the electrics I can't help but think about going sailing! With this in mind, my first purchases after getting all the lighting going will be safety equipment.
I live in Gig Harbor, WA. When the family is on board it will be super nice days and mild conditions. When I'm solo sailing (90% of the time), I can't even tell you the nasty stuff I've been in with my snipe and rain coat! So thats a different story. Glad to be alive. Anyway... so you see, I have two scenarios I sail under that I need to accommodate.
Here's what is on my short list so far:
Whistle (air horn can on board already) 2 Coastal Inflatable PFDs 1 Offshore Inflatable PFD with Harness (for me solo sailing, or when little guy is onboard- he's 13) 1 Tether 1 Emergency Blanket (onboard) 1 Handheld Radio (thinking ICOM) 2 Throwable Seat Cushions 1 Telescoping Paddle 1 Water Proof Chart of the local Area (onboard) 1 GPS Chartplotter/Sonar (onboard) Assortment of basic tools ( wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, 3m sealer)... tell if you have something besides! 1 8lb Dansforth (onboard)
Undecided about what to do about Visual Distress Signals. There are some expired flares and such on board, but that won't help with the coast guard. So I need something
Next week west marine is handing back $50 bucks if you spend $300 and it just so happens to be my birthday then, so I shall reap marine presents! AND Seattle Boat Show same week!
What do you all have/recommend? And if you have time...whats your potti situation? I have nothing in this area besides good balance.
I apologize for my million questions, you all are very kind attending to my newbieness.
-= Jazz
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com