How do we communicate?

On the 20th we moved from Jolly Harbour to Five Island Harbour behind Maiden Island to get better protection from a NE blow. Snorkeling Maiden Island revealed neat rocks and coral but the water clarity was pretty murky. Boats and superyachts come in here to anchor but usually stay for only one night.

With the lack travel due to the island closures, we thought it might be interesting to post on the methods we communicate. Here is a list of our equipment:

Google Pixel Cellphone – When in cell tower range we use our Google Fi phones that contain an electronic SIM that communicates with selected carriers in almost all countries. This is very convenient because we do not have to go ashore to buy a SIM card for each country we visit. The unlimited plan we chose also includes 22 GB a month of data for each phone. Almost all countries outside the US have charged an additional 20 cents a minute for voice calls.

Wave MBR-550 – This device with its external antenna is both a cellular extender with inbedded security software and WiFi network hub in the boat. If at a country for a longer period, we will purchase a local data SIM that is inserted in the MBR-550. This device delivers good speed when paired with a LTE network.

IridiumGo! – When at sea this is our primary communications method by satellite. We use it to download GRIB weather files for PredictWind and send and receive emails. Like the MBR-550 it has an externally mounted antenna. It can also be paired with a cell phone to make voice calls if needed but the call quality is low.

Garmin InReach – This is a satellite device that tracks our position on the website but it can also be used to send emails. It is a backup to the IridiumGo! when offshore.

Vesper Watchmate AIS – Our AIS both sends and receives and can be tracked on open sites like Marine Traffic when powered on.

B&G V50 VHF – This is a standard VHF radio used to communicate with boats, ships, and marinas. We also carry two handheld VHFs.

ICOM IC-M710 SSB – We have a long range single side band radio but have not used it. It is a back up to the IridiumGo! and Garmin InReach when offshore.

Well, that’s pretty much it. We are not enthusiastic for WiFi extenders for security reasons and dedicated satellite up-links like KVHI are out of our budget. If at a marina we use their WiFi (if working) and if we visit a restaurant we use their WiFi for big system/app updates.