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11-17-2015, 06:32 PM
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#1
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Member
City: Ottawa
Vessel Name: Peapod
Vessel Model: Monk 36
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 8
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Satellite Phones
Anyone have any advice on a Satellite phone system to keep in touch while in the Bahamas and Florida Keys coastal area. Looking for input from current users.
Thanks
David
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11-17-2015, 07:08 PM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,267
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We have a KVH mini Vsat satellite phone and internet system on our boat.
2 mb download speeds, crystal clear voice
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11-17-2015, 07:25 PM
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#3
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TF Site Team
City: Jacksonville
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 11,683
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No sat phone experience but we have only been with out cell/data coverage 1 night from Mayaquana to the Abacos. We have an unlocked quad phone plus an unlocked usb dongle. This year the SIM card was~$30 US plus $25 US for 2 gigs data.
Edit: check out Sealifes blog. They're current using BTC with no sat. https://caribbeansealife.wordpress.com/
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11-17-2015, 07:30 PM
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#4
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Guru
City: Gooding ID/Wrangell AK
Vessel Name: Silver Bay
Vessel Model: Nordic Tug 42-002
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,040
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Unless you absolutely need voice, look at the InReach which will do text messages. If you have to have voice, look at the Iridium Go. It will do voice/text/mobile data. I found the InReach works very well for a lot less money than a sat phone.
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11-17-2015, 07:54 PM
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#5
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Guru
City: Sitka
Vessel Model: Transpacific Marine Eagle 32
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 519
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I used Sat for years but now prefer Delorme.
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11-17-2015, 08:00 PM
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#6
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Guru
City: South FL
Vessel Name: Oliver
Vessel Model: Nordhavn 47 Hull# 12
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,607
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ksanders
We have a KVH mini Vsat satellite phone and internet system on our boat.
2 mb download speeds, crystal clear voice
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@ $0.99 per MB
__________________
Thanks, Oliver
M/V Oliver
Nordhavn 47 Hull #12
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11-17-2015, 08:44 PM
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#7
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Guru
City: Sarasota/Ft. Lauderdale
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,438
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You don't need a SAT phone to just keep in touch in the coastal areas of the Keys and Bahamas. There is good cell coverage in both those areas.
But if you still think you need one, get a hand held and buy SIM for it loaded with minutes that are good for a year.
You can even rent SAT phones.
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11-17-2015, 10:17 PM
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#8
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Moderator Emeritus
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,267
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N4712
@ $0.99 per MB
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We pay $.49 per MB, but we buy a 3 gB plan in the summer.
Satellite data is not cheap, but when you need it, you need it. It allows us to use our boat, and still make a living.
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11-18-2015, 05:48 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
City: Offshore
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 253
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Satellite data for text is dependable/affordable and mobile for use if you fly airplanes also. Portable is handy. Try a sat phone rental to check that out if you are wanting voice. They rent here in AK for $150 per week, unlimited use I think.
__________________
Simplicity, is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo Da Vinci
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11-18-2015, 11:16 AM
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#10
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Guru
City: Fort Lauderdale. Florida, USA
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 21,449
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Falls
Anyone have any advice on a Satellite phone system to keep in touch while in the Bahamas and Florida Keys coastal area. Looking for input from current users.
Thanks
David
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After reading the other answers, my question is are you only in need of phone or do you have other communication needs such as internet and television? I ask that because our phone solution is definitely skewed because of our other needs.
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11-18-2015, 05:41 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
City: Merced CA
Vessel Name: none
Vessel Model: pipe dream
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 189
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we have the KVH system like K Sanders. works great (though not cheap). And nice to have offshore or where no cell service is available.
__________________
Dawdler
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11-18-2015, 06:50 PM
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#12
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Guru
City: South FL
Vessel Name: Oliver
Vessel Model: Nordhavn 47 Hull# 12
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,607
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I have an IsaT phone pro that has been flawless. I've been thinking of getting a base station so I can use it below decks. One warning before going on a long trip make sure you call the sat provider and make sure your phone is activated, ours say for like 3 months off and it went inactive.
__________________
Thanks, Oliver
M/V Oliver
Nordhavn 47 Hull #12
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