MacGregorSailors.com

My forum searches left me a little empty on this subject. Anyone using a good hands free comms solution for anchoring? I'm targeting a Midland product but I don't like the the headsets plugging into a radio. Would prefer a bluetooth connection but haven't found one yet.

Bob

You might want to check your local motorcycle shop.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... rphone-f4/

Do a Google search for "bluetooth to bluetooth intercom".

~Rich

Thanks Rich. I've seen those. They appear to be geared to helmet mounting. Haven't seen any that are headsets. I do plan on checking some local cycle shops.

Bob

I was thinking of mounting these on second hand headsets for cordless phones that I see the all the time in the Goodwill second hand stores.

~Rich

Sorry to say, but I've got three version of the motorcycle bluetooth <> bluetooth headsets, and I have to say that they all suck (I bought them all looking for something that would work). The Cardio, Blinc, and Chatterbox are all proprietary, short range, have cut-out problems, and are frankly god-awful to setup. They also require a helmet, although you might be able to work something up with a headband. It would look pretty silly I'd think. They're also REALLY expensive for something like this.

If you're in cell phone range, you could just use a BT headset with your cellphones and call the other person. Otherwise, I think you're looking at a FRS or GMRS walkies with a wired headset. These have about a 100 meter range in my experience.

We use two iCom M34 VHF radios for family coms on and near the boat. They're way long range compared to FRS and also serve as our primary and backup VHF radios for hailing harbor masters. Don't use them with a headset though so I can't speak to that.

How 'bout your cell phones? You could get bluetooths for them pretty cheap.

Actually, I have found that hand signals and practice works well.

~Rich

I have a good hands free comm solution for anchoring....

"DROP THE ANCHOR NOW"

"OK...TIE IT OFF"

"GOOD JOB"

I mean, come on, the person dropping the anchor and letting out the rode is less than 25' away from the person running the throttle/helm...just talk to them or yell if you have to.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Cheers,
Jim
Sailing on König
Sailing on König YouTube Channel

Generally you anchor into the wind, so foredeck to helm communication is ok, but helm to foredeck is not. The most experienced person should be up front IMHO, and then gives hand signals back to the helm

Caitlin is my best helmsman, and she knows hand signals for forward idle, reverse, neutral, and then simple port starboard steering. After four years, I find I don't need to give her commands, I tell her where I want the boat to end up and she steers until we stall 50 feet upwind of that spot...pretty good for 13 years old...

Cat said:

foredeck to helm communication is ok, but helm to foredeck is not

I seem to have the opposite challenge. While at the helm, the Admiral can't hear my anchoring directions, yet while on the foredeck, I can hear her quite well as she yells, "What ", "Louder ", "What " Hand signals work well.

Ray

Keeping in mind the above coment and the KISS principle....If you still need an better communication device...try this...


You could probably even make your own.

Hamin' X wrote:Actually, I have found that hand signals and practice works well.

~Rich

Ditto.
Hand signals work well.
KISS principle. Because any electronic gadget will likely fail, get tangled or dropped overboard. And as mentioned, it's less than 25' away.
A loud voice when hand signals fail work well. Generally the signaler is on the bow yelling with the wind to the helmsman.

--Russ

Our dockmates have used the Mariner 500 Headset Walkie-Talkies for years and swear by them.

These are hands free double earmuff units. Plenty of reviews out there on various sailing forums.

One seller is - http://www.seafaring.com/shipstore/inde ... ts_id=9748&

Additional on-deck communications info at - https://www.activecaptain.com/articles/ ... adsets.php

We have a set of Mariner 500's on order for this season.

I just ordered 2 of the Callpod Dragon V2 class I bluetooth earpieces. They are only $20 each on Amazon. If they don't work well I'll return. I'll report back on how well they work. Mixed reviews. I confirmed with Callpod that I've ordered the latest model and I'm going to make sure the firmware is updated. I choose these over the Mariner 500 because the Admiral will like not like the big headphones. The Mariner uses 9V batteries vice the 12VDC, 110VAC, and USB charging options for the Callpod.

Bob

c130king wrote:I have a good hands free comm solution for anchoring....

"DROP THE ANCHOR NOW"

"OK...TIE IT OFF"

"GOOD JOB"

I mean, come on, the person dropping the anchor and letting out the rode is less than 25' away from the person running the throttle/helm...just talk to them or yell if you have to.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Cheers,
Jim
Sailing on König
Sailing on König YouTube Channel

YEP