Your Recommendation on Safety Equip?

[cal24]

So... he should buy an I-phone and the associated services, instead of a simple, handheld dedicatd GPS that has no additional operational costs. Is the Iphone waterproof, does it float, will it give you VMG, can you mount it on the bulkhead, will it work on flashlight batteries or hardwire to house bank? Even if it does all that, I like the idea of a dedicated unit for the boat. I use it for course and speed info, plugged in to house bank, on all the time.

Joe, you've definitely hit on some of the problems with the iphone. It's definitely *not* waterproof and doesn't float. It definitely does not work on flashlight batteries (and somehow it's always half-charged). Oh, and it's almost impossible to read in bright sunlight (well, ok, most any sunlight). Advantage is that I already own it and there are apps that will do chart-plotter-like functionality. Still, it would be nice to have a unit dedicated to the boat that is more in tune with the elements.

 

[FastOlson]

While the iPhone might be a great compact navigation tool...
I would first be sure that there are charts on board and basic navigation tools. Have a functioning bulkhead compass, too.
Delicious as the high-tech "icing" might be, first you need the "cake"...


On a pocket cruiser a portable GPS plotter from Raymarine or Garmin (or other similar product) with a cord to 12 volt power should be plenty. One financial step below that would be a handheld with an extra set of batteries.

Basic safety is addressed with the checklist for any VSC examination given for free by members of the USCG Aux.

PFD's -- Ensolite ones do not need to be serviced or repacked...

But if you want the wearing convenience of the inflatable you might want to look at the hydrostatic ones on the market now. We've changed over to them after an accidental inflation inside the boat with an older tablet type.

Busy shipping lanes in central Puget Sound (or Salish Somethingorother as it's now renamed).
Display a radar reflector, too.
Keep your charged-up handheld VHF in the cockpit.

Spring is getting closer -- almost time to get out there and sail.


L

 

[cal24]

Thanks for the feedback.

Yup, almost time to get out and sail! The way I understand it, I'm technically sailing simultaneously on the Salish Sea and the Puget Sound, but the Salish hasn't really caught on...