Communication Tools for Your Sailboat

Sailing is a great pastime that offers fun and adventure for the whole family. Having reliable communication on your sailboat greatly enhances the overall experience and provides additional safety for those on board. There are several communication devices to choose from, and with the right marine antenna, you can connect your boat with those on land with ease.

EPIRB

The Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon is something everyone who sets sail should have on their vessels. If water gets in the EPIRB, it sends a signal to emergency services that you are in distress. This is particularly important in situations where you may not be able to send the signal yourself.

VHF Radio

For short trips or sailing close to shore, a VHF radio is an excellent communication choice. It can be used to communicate with nearby boats or authorities on shore. The distance the message can travel depends on location, marine antenna placement and signal strength.

Single Side Band Radio

SSB radio works on two levels of frequency. The medium frequency allows you to send a message for longer distances that can range up to 300 miles. For longer distances, the high frequency kicks in, bouncing the message from the ionosphere and reflecting it back to its target. It may be possible to send an email through an SSB radio, but don’t expect performance of this particular task to be optimal.

Satellite Phone

Long-distance sailboats need a satellite phone. This technology uses low-orbit satellites to receive and send signals anywhere in the world. A satellite network can also provide a quick, reliable internet connection, allowing you to send emails and stay connected while on the open sea.

Just because you set sail, that doesn’t automatically mean you are disconnected from the rest of the world. Whether you only sail short distances or set out on longer voyages, all you need is the right equipment and a quality marine antenna to keep in touch.