Frequently Asked Phone Questions

[Jim Sexton]

What satellite phone do you recommend?
I like the Westinghouse Wavetalk satellite communications (satcom) phone for cruising boats. This compact, relatively inexpensive unit has a small, high-gain antenna the size of a football helmet. With an easy to use cellular-like handset, the phone has a 4800 baud modem, so it's simple to plug in your computer and send e-mail anywhere in the world. An optional card will allow you to connect a fax machine, cordless phone, or use your cellular phone on the same handset.

Can I use a cellular phone on my boat?
Yes, you can use a cellular phone on your boat for voice, Internet e-mail, and fax communications if you are in range of a cellular system while coastal cruising. Many foreign countries will register your phone on their system and establish an account for you. A company called Sea Tech offers a Motorola system with a 3-watt amplifier, external marine-grade antenna, and a megahertz cellular ready 56 Kbps PC-Card computer modem. Their cellular system can provide a fully integrated virtual office for your boat.