Safety equipment for a Bimini crossing

[Bennie]

Ok so we talk a lot about our mods and I've heard about some of the extras that you guys get for the Bimini crossing. (ie: tabs)

Question is what safety (SHTF) equipment do you have/ suggest for the crossing? (Besides the already USCG required items)

I've already purchased a handheld VHF radio, inflatable life jackets for the family, and an ACR ResQLink (epirb). What else do you suggest?

 

[Bruce]

Here are links to a few ideas......

Coast Guard Requirements
Communications
Emergency Contacts
Insurance and Tow Coverage
Navigation
Rough Water Handling Tips
Weather Reports

 

[MrMoose]

In addition to the ACR, you might want to consider getting a Delorme InReach for assistance in non-life-threatening situations where you are out of vhf range. For example, if you just need a tow.
It's good that you have an ACR for the "Holy Sh!T" moments where you are limited to only being able to deploying an antenna and pushing the power button.

 

[Bennie]

@Bruce - Is it you that carries the inflatable liferaft aboard when you cross?

 

[swatski]

@Bruce - Is it you that carries the inflatable liferaft aboard when you cross?

No, I believe @Bruce uses a helipad.

--

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce - Is it you that carries the inflatable liferaft aboard when you cross?

Not me, our boats do not sink. They can swamp and flood the engines but they still float.

 

[Betik]

No, I believe @Bruce uses a helipad.

--

With a disco ball for signalling lights

 

[Betik]

@Bennie
I got 2 of each. Life jackets , vhf, communication, navigation. I am operating the primaries and the crew is operating the back up from the port side.

I am also eating lot of onions the night before as in hear sharks really don't like the smell of it.

 

[Julian]

Any ideas on the best way to get Seatow coverage? (like I know joining Westmarine's buyers "club" includes BoatUS membership which includes basic sea tow). BoatUS membership? Do normal insurance companies provide this?

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvantage/loyalty

http://www.boatus.com/towing/gettowing/services.asp

 

[Bennie]

Thanks @Betik - I think a second VHF wouldn't hurt. Perhaps one with GPS like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-HX870-Floating-Handheld/dp/B00PM6XDNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497530160&sr=8-1&keywords=vhf+with+gps

@Bruce - Is there any specific Delorme model that you suggest? I see that I can buy coverage only as needed - I like that option.
My original thought process was that if we needed a tow = we needed to be rescued, hence the EPIRB. But a backup and tracking device isnt bad for that price range.

 

[Bennie]

Any ideas on the best way to get Seatow coverage? (like I know joining Westmarine's buyers "club" includes BoatUS membership which includes basic sea tow). BoatUS membership? Do normal insurance companies provide this?

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvantage/loyalty

http://www.boatus.com/towing/gettowing/services.asp

My wife and I are actually shopping now for insurance coverage to go to Bimini. SeaTow offers insurance if you are a SeaTow member - and so far they are the cheapest with the best coverage.

 

[Bruce]

@Bennie, any of the inReach models would be sufficient. They all do the same thing communication wise. The less expensive model uses a phone for mapping display the more expensive model has a little more built in mapping capability.

 

[seadude]

A bigger boat

 

[MrMoose]

 

[Bruce]

A bigger boat

Even 50 footers have to pound waves sometimes.

 

[Julian]

My wife and I are actually shopping now for insurance coverage to go to Bimini. SeaTow offers insurance if you are a SeaTow member - and so far they are the cheapest with the best coverage.

My State Farm policy cover the Bahamas....I just need a towing policy.....

 

[Bruce]

My State Farm policy cover the Bahamas....I just need a towing policy.....

My Allstate policy covers 100 miles offshore including Bimini but I hope not to need a tow policy.

 

[Bennie]

Does anyone have any experience with SPOT GEN3 Satellite GPS Messenger?

I already have an EPIRB and am looking for a tracker/messenger for the crossing. A Delorme INreach is $400 - $450 and the only extra benefits I see is a GPS map and customizable text messaging.
This still lets me communicate with the beach and let's family track our progress. Additionally it's only $149 plus a 50% rebate if purchased before Sept 4th, 2017.

Thoughts?
@Bruce @Betik @MrMoose

 

[Coheeba]

Delorme was bought by Garmin and they have a newer model of the INReach explorer. I have been looking at them for hunting. This is the new Garmin model http://a.co/5kUeHf1 You can get the older (pretty much the same) Delorme model for about $100 cheaper. Be aware of the required subscription, activation and other cost to utilize.

 

[Betik]

I got the inreach explorer. No idea on the spot.

I think tbe EPIRB is the best safety equipment out there for emergency. In terms of tracking your family could track one of the groups explorers without you havig to pay for one. If your situation I think you are only buying for the messaging.
If you need to text back home while in bimini you are than welcome to use mine. We got the until limited plan