Talking About Adventure In Small Boats
NVNG
Member
Newbe researching the Spot devices and the Gen3 seems to be the way to go, currently at $99.
Chief, is there the ability to see previous tracking maps of old events? I do not know if that is an option along with whether family at home can watch the progress of an individual or the event as a whole with all tracks showing?
Thanks, Rob
NVNG wrote:
Thanks Busted Rudder - hey is there a annual service fee for the Spot devices? How does it work that way?
yes annual fee. I don't recommend the most expensive. 10 minute tracking is plenty. the spot isn't a gps perse. i would definitely avoid the spot gen x. I have had 3 of them and they aren't ready for prime time in my opinion. due to garmin and spot not working with each other, the in reach is a much better texting device than spot x but water tribe uses the software that works with spot. gen 3 is a good unit that has proven itself over time to be relatively reliable and not as picky about orientation for broadcast (unlike gen x which has a more substantial looking antenna yet seems to be very choosy about orientation and satellite broadcast/receiving)
Flex is good if you don't use it more than 3 months if I remember correctly. I use mine all year long probably 10 to 12 times so annual is better for me
JoeWildlife
Member
Note the tracking map only goes back to and including 2014. I guess the previous year's data is gone forever, at least to the casual user?
Yes the $99 SPOT IS based on the cheap printer/expensive toner business model. It is a bit better now that you can do a cheaper annual enrollment and only activate the months you need it. The SPOT3 is a good unit and because it will run the whole event on one set of Lithium AAAs while in tracking mode, it is at least a more convenient unit for race tracking than an InReach. I say that because I don't personally think the internal rechargeable batteries in the InReach will keep the unit in tracking mode for a whole race. I could be wrong. Or I could just be too slow! I own both and will probably use the SPOT for race purposes and keep the InReach for two-way communication and weather reports. And besides, I don't think the race tracking software can use the InReach...yet...
Bermudaboy
Member
Ok this is more convoluted than celestrial stuff, but I just called spot asking about the flex plan which they explained is Annual Activation Fee: 19.95, Flex Fee 24.95, 1 month flex activation 14.95 = $59.85, and for whatever each other month you choose to activate within that annual period another 14.95 each. Do EC and NCC and I'm out $74.80 instead of $199 Simple right? (but without rescue insurance)
But then the dude complicates it by telling me since I have been on autorenewal since 2013 and developed a nebulous like credit not numerically quantitative, (another way of telling me what a moron I am) he says he can give me all of YEAR 2020 with with the rescue insurance coverage for just $75... and worry about switching to flex plan in 2021, if I'm still on the planet then.
I am pretty sure the sure the insurance that I'v had with SPOT excludes & doesn't cover Watertribe events or towing of non motor craft, which will probparly trigger a new thread about what RESCUE insurance anyone has that is reasonable...
NVNG
Member
Hey, I pay my taxes.... I already have rescue insurance, RIGHT? Like the Coast Guard? I mean it is just a free training excersize no?
Sorry had to play with that Idea. True or not
But, I have been reading and can't beleive how much wanting to do this is going to cost me!
I can't even tell my buddy how much it is for one boat and two people to do the EC! We have spent so much time trying to come up with the right boat (in our heads) and having the time of our lives seeing ourselves doing this. Do I have any other surprises coming?
Rob - nothing ventured nothing gained
Bermudaboy
Member
The problem is all inside your head, the prior post said to me, the answer is easy if you take it logically NVNG, I'd like to help you in your struggle to be Free. . Yah dont need to jump on the bus or make any new plans Clyde, you just gottta hide the EXPENDITURES from HER or HIM... Its as easy as there must be fifty ways to pay on the internet... the rest is just icing, fun, & adventure.
or
you just hum in front of the TV... All day long I'd biddy biddy bum, if I were a wealthy man (woman)...
Racing always has costs associated. You gotta pay to play.
NVNG
Member
Understand costs with Racing. Coming up this Feb. the Force5 class has their winter championship in Key Largo. One week at the Upper Keys Sailing Club on Buttonwood Bay, 3 days with the race committee on the water, 4 meals - under $200./person.
I look at those costs a little differently now!
But here the word Challenge encompasses everything - it is the Goal. To me it doesn't matter if I win, it matters that all the planning works, the trip is completed and in a respectable time period would be a nice bonus.
Thanks Guys
The old data is available. You need to go to http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ChallengeMapper.aspx and thanks to Ben- Tribe name Macatawa for sharing so many years ago.
JollyRoger
Gen 3 is the way to go. I was reluctant and was an advocate for expanding to include the inReach BUT, while SPOT is at times annoying it works. As Conquistador noted the X is crap, and the inReach while amazing in it's connectivity, it's battery life won't last. I have one, and if left on, only lasts 3-4 days. So unless you have a way to recharge it, it's not really an option.
As for the plans for SPOT, they are somewhat flexible as far as price, negotiate. Simple is better and a year plan will encourage you to take it where ever you go. (My wife likes that)
Just my 2 cents
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