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Author Topic: new member, yes, I need advice  (Read 424 times)

17WHALER

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Re: new member, yes, I need advice
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2021, 10:38:18 AM »


Wow the canal!

I worked there for four years in the early/mid eighties.
Yup, a lot of people not waiting for the tide to change attempting to motor uphill!
I have done a handful of trips Boston to MMA/ COE basin then home with my current Whaler to visit with a friend.

Your words of caution are recognized and appreciated.
I’m a grown man and don’t need sugar!

My decision to do this is based on my experiences doing long multiday trips that would be considered unsuitable for a 17-foot Whaler.

Boston to Acadia National Park… Vinalhaven
Boston to Newport RI… etc.

Most of my navigation pre-planning is complete. I have plotted a comprehensive route with numerous go, no-go decision points and locations of safe harbors pre-selected.

Many up-grades and safety enhancements will be made to the boat.

My primary radio is excellent, with AIS/GPS and a well matched and tuned antenna.
Before the trip I will have a marine communications tech from a local vendor “tune it up”.
I also have an active SPOT account and will be purchasing two Personal Location Beacons for my son and myself. I have a high quality marine portable.

My ideas about HAM radio is based on what I have read about amateur communications and the desire to have a backup to my back-up radio system. Part of good planning is exploring options.
However, given the complexity and need to learn a new skill I will likely pass on this.

Others have suggested a second marine radio. Agreed.
This afternoon I will be speaking with a vendor about a marine radio I have used in the past.
It is a full power unit with separate battery source and antenna mounted in a Pelican box.

I promise: I will never rely on my cell phone for primary emergency communication!

My background is complex, but I have numerous experiences with high risk planning and execution, here in the states and abroad. This is not a whim. I have spent time talking with mariners I trust and members of the marine public safety community. I make good decisions and know how to so “no”.

For now, my planning will continue knowing that from the moment I leave Boston I have the conviction to make the decision to stop the trip.

Thank you everyone for the excellent advice I have received; many are concerned for my safety and that means a lot to me.
I’m going to stay with this forum and continue to read and learn.

Take care,
Garv
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SOFAR

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Re: new member, yes, I need advice
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2021, 11:26:47 AM »

If you decide to obtain a Amateur radio license. Or are curious about the exams.
https://hamexam.org/
Practice exams
Flash cards
Question pools
Technician is the entry point, then General, Amateur Extra.
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17WHALER

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Re: new member, yes, I need advice
« Reply #17 on: February 09, 2021, 07:05:30 PM »

"From what I have read HAM radios are monitored by different people and organizations and that there is coverage between Boston and New York, that HAM radio can be used to gather information and relay important messages if other means don’t work."

Where did you read all that at ???

Hello everyone.

Regardless of activity, whenever I am in a planning process I do as much research as I can; this is especially true if I am unfamiliar with an element of the plan.

In this case, a back-up communication source.
HAM radio, Satellite phone, second marine radio and other means of communications are on the list.

I begin by searching for associations, enthusiast sites, forums and YouTube relating to the information I need. E.g., ARRL, QRZ.com, eHAM etc.
I wrote to ARRL national and regional and have not heard back.
They may offer better insight.
.
Sort through all of it and try to come to a conclusion
It is unlikely that amateur radio will work for me.
My lack of experience, the learning curve, multiple formats and no guarantee if I call anyone will answer are my reasons. More importantly though I have learned some; I misunderstood how day to day amateur radio operates.

I have solid skills in many areas; other areas, not so good. My colleague (radio guy) would give me a radio and tell me “don’t touch anything, push the button and talk.”

I guess I am looking for that kind of simplicity.

For now, the plan is my primary marine radio, secondary full power marine radio in a Pelican Box, portable marine radio, cell phone. I am also installing a small secondary power source on board.

Thank you everyone for the information and courtesy.

I’ll probably stick around for a bit.
Comments or questions are always welcome.

Take care,
Garv
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N1AUP

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Re: new member, yes, I need advice
« Reply #18 on: February 14, 2021, 05:57:59 PM »

I did the Great Loop trip back in 2004.  Naples south, around Key West, up the coast via the ICW, up the Hudson, down the Erie Canal, through the Great Lakes, into the river system at Chicago, and down to the Gulf again via the Tenn Tom Waterway.

I met people who did it in 50 foot trawlers, and people who did it in 19 foot sailboats (mast down when needed).  I also heard that people did the trip on a jet ski, and in a small runabout.

The key is to keep a very flexible time frame, and if the weather or conditions look dicey, then stay in a sheltered anchorage, marina, or such.  In the two years I was on the water, I never ran into any bad situations.

Between your cell and the marine radio, you should be covered for emergencies.  Where I found ham radio useful (VHF / UHF FM) is making contact with folks when you are stopping somewhere.  You can learn about the area, and make connections with some really amazing people.  Not sure if a ham radio would survive an open boat, especially with salt water.

Chris
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N1AUP

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Re: new member, yes, I need advice
« Reply #19 on: February 14, 2021, 06:00:50 PM »

If you are going to head to Albany, you should figure out a way to continue down the Erie Canal.  It's an awesome trip, and you can also head up into the Great Lakes with the Trent Severn, and the North Channel. 
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17WHALER

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Re: new member, yes, I need advice
« Reply #20 on: February 15, 2021, 07:16:31 PM »

Thank you Chris.
I sent you a message.
Garv
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