Global Telesat Communications has launched a cunning new device that can send messages to selected recipients, updating them of your on-water progress, or to alert search and rescue organisations if something goes wrong from almost anywhere on the globe. The new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger uses low-orbit satellites to relay a simple, pre-programmed message to specified recipients in near real time. The inbuilt GPS attaches a position to the message, so family and friends can keep a track of the user on Google maps via the internet. If there is a serious problem, a dedicated SOS button can be pressed and held for two seconds, which will automatically alert the nearest rescue services, and send them an accurate fix. For non life-threatening emergencies, a ‘help’ button is provided, which will alert a network of pre-selected contacts that the user has been inconvenienced, and needs assistance. Other functions include the Check In/OK function, which updates the position and lets the user’s contacts know that all is well. These waypoints can be stored for later use, such as building a record of a voyage. The Custom Message function allows the user to expand the simple ‘OK’ with a pre-written message, placed on the system prior to departure.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011 14:24
What is the all time, cannot-be-without, top of the line gadgetry and nautical clobber for 2011? We send Tom Isitt to find out.
It’s that time of year again — the London Boat Show has been and gone, the days are getting longer, and thoughts turn to a new season of boating fun. You’ve got a couple of hundred quid stashed away that naturally you’d rather the wife not know about - and so you want to know what kit out there is worth buying. Well, here is my round-up of new kit for this season.
Coast Sport Jacket
Gill make some pretty good foul-weather gear and the new Gill Coast Sport Jacket for 2011 is no exception. Using a 3 Dot™ soft laminate material and a collar that is just at the right height, as soon as you put on the Coast Sport Jacket it feels comfortable enough to wear anywhere, but has all the technical features required for coastal boating. Those features include a high-visibility reflective panel on the chest, soft tricot-lined pockets for comfort and warmth, and 360 degree reflective piping all the way around the upper body. The matching Gill Coast High-Fit Trousers complement to the Coast Sport Jacket as they feature a durable and waterproof breathable material, with reinforced protection on the knee, and fully adjustable braces and ankle closures. The Coast Sport Jacket is available in men’s and women’s styles and a choice of blue or grey colours. Sizes for men range from XS to XXL, and for women from size 10 to size 16. The jacket costs £145, and the trousers cost £87.
For the full kit review pick up the April 2011 issue of Sports Boat & RIB magazine
Adlard Coles have released a third edition of their ‘Outboard Motors’ book. Written by Tim Bartlett, the publication is written for boaters with no mechanical knowledge and throughout its pages aims to impart enough information to make you understand your engine – all in a jargon free lingo. There are colourful diagrams throughout to aid the learning experience, and the book’s penultimate chapter, ‘undrowning an engine’, gives you a handy step-by-step photo guide showing you how to rescue your engine should it decide to go for a swim. When I started reading the book I found that I occasionally had flick to and from diagrams on previous pages to re-identify a particular engine component, but this lessened dramatically as I delved into the starting chapters and my knowledge grew.
Demon Alert made their first appearance at the London Boat Show last month and already they are making waves in the industry. Providing a range of security solutions and sea monitoring software for security and safety purposes, one of their new-to-the-UK models has already been awarded a gold medal by the US Coast Guard.Named the GOST Nav-Tracker, this GPS monitoring system will relay information on its position that can be checked via the internet or mobile phone. If the ‘GEOfence’ is breached, alarms and texts will be sent to the owner detailing its movement. This system has been responsible for several boat recoveries in the US, hence the award from the Coastguard. Demon Alert is also providing sea monitoring software to the Maricuda Atlantic Challenger – a turbine powered trimaran that will attempt to cross the Atlantic in less than two days.
If you’re lacking a fridge on board or perhaps just in need of more refrigeration space, then you might want to consider this brand new British cooler. Dubbed ‘the Nomad’, it will keep all your goods cold for ten days or frozen for four. The cooler requires no power source and is designed to be ultra-practical, tough and clean. It is built from roto-moulded polyethylene and has marine grade stainless steel fi ttings that will not erode or rot. Those wanting to go a step further can get an anti-bacterial coating that will last up to 20 years. The nomad is also waterproof, lockable and available in a range of colours. More details on the website.