GARMIN EXPLORER+ & TRACKME.NZ
While we have the usual safety gear like the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) which sends location & emergency signals, VHF radio, A.I.S. (Automatic Identification System) , we rely on the fact we have cell phone coverage for contacting authorities and getting weather. This is where plans can go bad, so we purchased a Garmin Inreach Explorer+ before leaving New Zealand. This device needs to be activated on a Garmin satellite plan which is fairly expensive for coastal sailing.
David Tait from Trackme.NZ in New Zealand has been following our journey and very kindly offered us FREE subscription to their service. WE can now send and receive TXT messages and weather forecasts via Satellite. The unit also sends tracking data to our website as we sail updated every 10 minutes .
GPS Tracker Garmin Inreach Explorer+ … https://amzn.to/2ZAuCNV
Should we get into trouble we just need to hit the S.O.S. button and the emergency Search & Rescue service will message us, ascertain our problem and react accordingly… ANYWHERE on the planet!
VESPER MARINE SMART A.I.S. XB 8000
On our wish-list is of course a radar system. A radar can track and show weather, land and ships and is an invaluable tool. Unfortunately Polly did not come with one and nor did we have the money yet to buy and install one.
KIWI firm Vesper Marine make a world leading device that will go a long way in helping us stay safe. An A.I.S. (Automatic Identification System) essentially enables us to be “seen” by other vessels as well as us being able to see them. This particular device has a lot of other tricks up its sleeve that makes it fit the brief perfectly for bringing on board Polly. I will add videos here shortly. It can help us avoid a collision and also let us know if our anchor is dragging.
We received a discount from this company on the product in exchange for an endorsement.
More info here www.vespermarine.com
SEAWATER PRO WATERMAKER
The great folk at Seawater Pro, Mike & Mindy, have also helped secure a vital machine on Polly with their Seawater Pro watermaker. Great support and cheap shipping from the U.S.A. saw us fast forward getting this item on board. Aside from their own designs and components in this unit, most replaceable parts can be purchased “off the self” making maintenance and repairs easier. Videos to follow with this also.
We received a discount on this product in exchange for an endorsement.
Their website is here www.seawaterpro.com
