IT/Computer support when out on the water?

[yarzy]

Hi Everyone,

I have a general question about what you guys do when you have an IT question when out cruising? Do you just deal with it or do you call Best Buy or something like that? I am planning on leaving for a few week/month long trip and I unfortunately need to work while I am out. Just want to plan on what to do if something goes wrong and was looking to see what others do.

Thanks!

[treilley]

Will you be off-shore? I would think that almost any place that has any type of services(food, fuel, etc) would have someone local that could work on your PC.

Are you self employed or can you rely on the IT guys at the company you work for?

I am an IT professional and I will offer my services when out cruising but that will be in a couple of years.

[HDChopper]

IT here too and agree with treilly , should find IT ppl any where & everywhere..

As far as comp hardware you should learn this simple part , it just assembly of parts & drivers , use's and types of patch cables and wireless ....just as you would learn your boat systems equipment so one can be self reliant somewhat ...

Also good luck with Best Buy

[netplus1]

This is something I have been wondering about. Is there a need for that type of work or do people usually have no trouble finding what they need in port or do their own? It's on my list of possible ways for income while cruising, and I've considered plastering "PC Repair" or something like it on the side of my boat. That and carry a good supply of laptop hard drives in stock.
I've got about 20 years exp as a cabinetmaker and about the same in network administration, pc repair, etc, so between those two I'm hoping to come up with something. I also dive, so maybe there is something there too.

[yarzy]

Netplus, good point. Have you ever seen computer support companies that specialize in boating communities? Maybe I can get a list of them so I have them for my trip.

[SHNOOL]

Oh my god, I never thought of this, but you guys are REALLY onto something.

After 30 years in IT, and an EE background... I could relocate to a marina, setup shop on my yacht, liveaboard, and provide MOBILE IT via sail... Helluva lot nicer than working for a living commuting.

God talk about dream job! Wife doesn't like below decks much (weak stomach)... how am I gonna sell her on it? especially with 6 dogs, and 2 horses. hmmm. I'll get back to you.

[netplus1]

I had a feeling I should keep quiet about my plans lol

[netplus1]

Originally Posted by yarzy

Netplus, good point. Have you ever seen computer support companies that specialize in boating communities? Maybe I can get a list of them so I have them for my trip.

No, sorry. I would think there is, or there's someone around just about everywhere that knows enough to get by. I've been lurking for a few months, and this was the first time I saw someone mention it, so I had to register and comment.

[hellosailor]

Yarzy, if your computer is "mission critical" to your work, you buy two identical laptops and keep one as a hot spare. Making suitable backups and occasionally swapping machines.

If that's too expensive for you, you ignore the boat and do what ayone else does. laptop, backups, Fedex, send it out for depot service when it needs service. Shopping for local computer support is like finding a good plumber at midnight on Xmas eve: Not easy. Most of the chains pay peanuts and get monkeys working for them. The good indy shops are hard to find, regardless of where you are or whether that's a boat or an office.

Two computers, backups, fedex and depot service. Otherwise, just expect to be offline for a couple of days if you do break something.