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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/03/2008 : 19:53:14

I'm sitting on my boat checking the weather with my Blackberry when all of a sudden I get an email from'forum observer' and it dawned on me that I'm infringing on geek-ish-ness, but am still sane because I have not followed the fo's link to his dreary diatribe.
I do however, have a question. I've had this Blackberry for about a year and just recently figured out how to get weather forecasts, and have just this moment, thanx in part to fo, figured out how to get onto the forum.
So, any tips from those of you that are tech savvy, on how best to use a device such as this for sailing.

Btw- had a great day sailing, 150 alone and was sailing at hull speed and got overpowered a couple times....I am amazed at how well this boat sails to weather under headsail alone.

Edited by - on

Breezy Cat
1st Mate

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38 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2008 : 20:02:50

I'm still in the "Palm" level of geekishness which I'm sure is a few steps behind the blackberry.
I found a tide table for all the waters of America that was easy to download into my "Palm" and then direct it to open to my harbor.
It has daily tide tables in text and graphics as well as sun rise/ sun set and moon phases.
It replaces the Eldridge and is very accurate. I assume this is available to the Blackberry as well.

Edited by - on

dmattlin
1st Mate

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USA
39 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2008 : 00:11:16

Here is what I use..
When I know I am going to be out on the boat I set my browser to local sailing info, or local weather info.. San Diego has a few good webpages that show wind directions, changes in weather, bouey information etc..
The only problem is after you get out about 8 miles or so it no longer works.. That is the part I love. IT NO LONGER WORKS..!!
Also, if your carrier suppoers GPS on your phone you can use it while sailing. I use Verizon and they turned off GPS a week ater I bought it

, now it is a paid service.
Your blackberry also has an alarm clock on it. Good to use on the boat so you dont have to bring anything else on board, or miss a meal

ALSO: Google has a new service where you can text them for answers. For example you send a text to "google" that says "<i>your area code </i> Italian resurants. You will recieve a text back telling you where the local italian resturants in your area. the same is true for weather. Just about anything you text will return an answer.

There are a lot of Blackberry applications available today, here are a few that come to mind. You can download Skype for your phone. Why?? When your sailing and wind up someplace where you dont have phone access (Mexico) then you can use Skype to place that call over the internet, another good one is a Drink Recipes book right onto your blackberry, this way when your docked and you have a few friends over you have all the best cocktails right at your finger tips. One more that is cool to have is an Astronomy program, nothing cooler than laying on your boat at night looking at the stars and learning about then at the same time.

Just do a search for Blackberry applications, you will find lots of cool stuff.

Is that geeky enough for ya..

Cheers
Dave

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3439 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2008 : 06:04:41

I have a Blackberry but my organization has the internet function turned off. I can read and respond to my EMails and use it for phone talk but that is about it. I have a PALM and it is okay if a wireless subscriber is within distance and does not have his site encrypted, then i can use it...but that is very limited areas like at some airports, etc that do not charge for access.

So...for me, it's checking the weather report before I head down to the boat and then if weather is iffy....hitting the weather forecast info on the VHF. Since I mostly day sail or do just an overnighter, this has mostly kept me out of harm's way. Of course, there are always those days when things just happen.

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2008 : 08:21:50

I have limited internet on my "Rizer" and only use it to check the local radar. I check tides and wind on my pc before I go and of course have my VHF on the boat. Keeping it simple!

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.