Headset

RobMcClain

RobMcClain

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 29, 2013
Messages
97
Location
PNW
Fluid Motion Model
C-30 S
Hull Identification Number
FML30C02J122
Vessel Name
Freedom 3.0
MMSI Number
368238480
I recently had surgery on my larynx which has effected my ability to communicate while underway on our boat. In response to this we are in the market for a good 2-way headset system that will allow us to communicate while underway and specifically coordinate while docking, etc. I know many Tugnuts use such devices and I am looking for any brands and/or model recommendations you might care to offer. Thanks!!

Rob
 
We use that same model and they work wonderfully. No more yelling. Just a nice even conversational tone. Only upside benefits no downside.
 
The Eartec’s are wonderful. You need a master and one or more remotes. We always use the less expensive remote on the bow or outside decks so that if it drops overboard it will be cheaper to replace. I like the single rather than dual headphone model so that I can use my uncovered ear to maintain situational awareness.
 
The earphones in the link are just that. You would be using cell service and call one another hands free. An independent two way headset would be similar, but no cell service required and it would be similar to a headset that you used to use with your stereo or like the ones you see pilots using in a plane.
 
Another vote for the Eartec. My wife loves it and we use them all the time when docking. It would also work well in the cabin when underway.

Be sure to get a second set of batteries. They can run down quickly, and the mechanism to turn off the secondary headset is clunky (push and hold button, but not too long) and is easy to leave on by accident.
 
Hand signals seems to be the most common form of communications around here! You can usually get your point across with a single finger. Bob
 
I'll throw in my 2 cents.

There seems to be two headsets preferred in the marine market. One that has already been mentioned here is Eartec and the other Sena.

Eartec uses a radio frequency like cordless phones (remember those?), somewhere in the 1900 mhz range and is full duplex (both skipper and crew can talk at the same time.)

Sena uses bluetooth and can support up to 4 headsets and is also duplex.

After reading many reviews on both, I personally feel they are over rated, given their shortcomings. The Eartec product is heavy, bulky, has a short battery life (5 to 10 minutes some claim), easy to slip off your head when reaching over the side for fenders, etc. The Eartec has a master and slave configuration. The Sena product has a flimsy neck band to be worn under a motorcycle half helmet. The main complaint is that the neck band breaks easily and bluetooth is not as reliable as RF. Neither are waterproof, Sena has one that is "water resistant" however.

After considerable hand ringing, I ended up buying "Referee Headsets" on Amazon, 2 for just over $100.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083W7CZYY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

WE LOVE THEM! I know, I know, I know...There are going to be skeptics out there. You're asking, how can they be so good and be so cheap?

Well, first of all, the battery life is extremely long. My wife has not charged her headset in several days after multiple uses and she still comes in loud and clear. When they do require a charge, it takes about 15 minutes. They are very lightweight. I can barely tell it's on my head. In part that is because the receiver/sending unit is worn on the belt or on your arm. The headset is plugged into the receiver sender unit. It is full duplex without master/slave configuration. They are waterproof! It is highly unlikely they will slip off your head. After all, referees run with them and the battery lasts a full game with reliability. Both the headset and receiver weigh a fraction of one Eartec headset and take up very little precious space in your boat. The sound quality is clear as a bell and we have tested them at the marina with about 1000 ft of distance...still clear as a bell. Wile we have not found a use for pairing with our phones, that is a feature also. They are full duplex with up to 4 users.

I'm sold and I recommend to all shipmates! ...no need to spend a lot of money on Eartec or Sena, especially given their weaknesses.
 
Eartecs all the way! We went through many machinations of motorcycle helmet audio, to cell phones to all the cheap stuff on Amazon. We finally bought the Eartecs. They are worth the ridiculously high price. Range is adequate for stern tying, excellent for anchoring and docking. We put a neck restrained strap around each one because we were afraid of them falling in the water. We have them on for 5-10 minutes multiple times a day without battery problems. But we do charge them on the inverter while underway or at the dock. Love them!
 
SeaEagle, thanks for posting that great option on the headset. For now, everywhere we’ve docked this past year has had cell service, so like knotflying proposes, for our next outing we’ve planned on using the equipment we already have, cell phone at the helm to Apple watch (or phone in a fanny pack) and our miked Bluetooth earbuds/headphones. cmwahl, what problems did you encounter when using cell phones?
 
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