Intercom/2 way radio headset for docking

[wabislander]

Has anybody used such a set to communicate with you companion handling the lines while you pilot for docking?

 

[TMAX31]

Yes, we use the eartec ultralight headsets - they work great.

 

[Gin]

Ditto on the Eartec ultralights. We had the earlier version. The ultralights are a nice improvement. We don’t need them for familiar and frequent docking/departure situations. Now that we have experience working together and with the boat, we need them at most infrequently. But we keep them aboard for the unusual or unexpected circumstance.

Gini

 

[Kinsta]

We also use Eartec. They work great.

 

[Bruce Moore]

+1 for Eartec. The key to the highway is being able to communicate clearly and in a relaxed way. Even in routine maneuvers you never know what may happen, and you'll never need to raise your voice. Less tension is good.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[SJI Sailor]

Another +1 for the Eartec, which we always use.

My main tip is to get a second set of batteries and keep them charged. In our experience, it is quite easy to leave the secondary pair turned on and have it discharge.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Hand signals... never needs batteries....

 

[B95054]

We just use our iPhones with earbuds. It seems we are always in cellular range whenever docking.

 

[bob daily]

Communication with the deck hands prior to getting underway or docking, and letting them know what is expected of them and potential problems (IE:wind, current etc.) Will cut down on a lot of confusion and unnecessary chatter and a more professional looking crew! If that doesn't work try foot signals!
A kick in the rear is considered a step forward on my boat! Bob

 

[bshillam]

Same here Eartecs. We used them on a larger boat, 51' took them with us when we sold and will use them on the RT. Not that we "need" them but once your able to talk to crew like they are standing next to you it's a great option to have.

 

[Wee Venture]

One more vote for Eartec. My wife jokes that it saved our marriage. Previously, in a situation like anchoring or docking, with the engine running and maybe other ambient noise, I would sometimes raise my voice in a critical maneuver to make sure I’m heard. She said it felt like I was yelling at her. I said I was just trying to communicate clearly, but that didn’t fly. Now Eartec has solved all that and we don’t have that tense aftermath anymore. More than worth the investment!

On another topic, an Eartec set consists of a master and a remote. We discovered that inserting the battery into the remote headset actually turns it on. It’s easy to miss but the little blue indicator light starts slowly blinking. You have to then turn it off if you don’t plan on using it right away. The batteries are removed from the headset for charging and then reinserted. We couldn’t figure out why the battery was dead every time we wanted to use the headset, since we had recharged it just before putting it away.

John

 

[Mr. Ed]

A question about the Eartecs. What is the maximum distance you have been able to use them? And do any folks who have them think (or know) that they would work to communicate between cars? And at what distance? Thanks!

 

[SJI Sailor]

We have used Eartecs up to perhaps 100' at fuel docks, etc., with no problem. Have not tested farther. They have 100mW power and are basically the same technology as a recent model cordless phone (DECT 6.0), so I would guess perhaps a max of a couple hundred feet in typical open conditions.

The manufacturer says "up to 1/4 mile" but I would not expect that much range between cars, thanks to the metal cages of the cars.

 

[FlagShip]

An alternative is the Sena SPH-10 headsets. They wrap around behind your head, so you can still wear a hat. Very light, bluetooth so the theoretical range is 900 feet, not that I'd ever get that far away from the boat. But, we've never lost connection on the boat or when one of us is on the boat and one on the dock.