SPOT Satellite Messenger... - The Hull Truth

BigWhiskey · 12-30-2009, 10:34 PM

so as a gift for xmas, I was given the SPOT satellite messenger.....for those who dont know too much about them, you can check out www.findmespot.com

anyways, just wanted to see what kind of feedback anyone has that may have used one? I signed up for the "tracking feature" and tested it out on a small drive from pawleys island, SC to sunset beach....and looks to work pretty well....gives GPS coordinates, time, etc...I think i have the original version where it only has a help, check in, ok and 911 button...but i think the new ones have the option to actually send various messages......i have my (basically) "check in" message as "leaving or arriving at dock" - help as "boat problems, no emergency, but may need assistance if I dont check in by 5pm" and 911 is obviously "SEND SOME HELP!"

so....ive heard mixed reviews about them.....mostly good....so far, it seems great, especially compared to the price of an epirb (which i know is the ultimate safety product to have)...but wondered if anyone else on the forum had one?

kg1 · 12-31-2009, 05:44 AM

You will enjoy that spot,,neat small ,the tracking feature can be put in a auto,to track teenagers,etc,,just to keep em honest,,LOL..but it is a neat little item,,,,

reelfinatical · 12-31-2009, 12:13 PM

I think they are neat as well. This will be our 3rd year using the first generation SPOT. We mostly use it when we're offshore, furthest being 70+ miles South of Destin this summer. It worked like a champ, letting ppl back on the Hill know where we were and that we had changed our original plans/direction. I like it.

SEA HORSE · 01-01-2010, 07:44 PM

Great little unit that has worked perfectly for me up to eighty miles offshore. Understand it's not an e pirb and should not be considered as a less expensive substitute but if your on a buget it's better than nothing.Only complaint I have ever heard is the if you attempt to use it while under a T Top it can interfear with transmission so make sure you get out from under the T Top when you want to send a message.

itwonder · 01-02-2010, 09:41 PM

I think they are great because they can be used for non emergency tracking purposes via the web interface. I agree, no substitute for an epirb in an emergency.